Articles tagged with Head and Neck Cancer
A new phase II trial found a combination of radiation therapy and pembrolizumab to be effective in treating locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly for patients ineligible for cisplatin chemotherapy. The treatment showed encouraging survival outcomes and acceptable toxicity.
Researchers found that oral cancers can reprogram nerves to grow into tumors, changing their function and fuelling growth. The team discovered that adrenergic nerves, involved in stress response, are susceptible to drugs used to treat high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats.
Researchers identified high levels of circularized E7 RNA as a positive prognostic marker in anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). The study suggests that circ E7 may play a role in HPV-driven cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
A machine-learning model has been developed to predict significant weight loss and need for feeding tube placement in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The model showed high accuracy in predicting these two endpoints, allowing clinicians to take preventive measures.
Researchers developed a new classification method using artificial intelligence to identify primary cancerous tissue in head and neck cancers. The method achieved an accuracy of over 99% in distinguishing between primary lung squamous cell carcinomas and head and neck metastases, offering potential benefits for patients.
Researchers are developing optical imaging technologies to monitor treatment response during head and neck cancer therapy, allowing for changes to the treatment plan to more effectively treat patients. The goal is to identify how well the treatment is working during the process, enabling doctors and patients to make informed decisions.
A new study published in Immunity journal reveals six distinct groups of lymphatic vessels in human lymph nodes, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind cancer spread. The research identifies key trafficking and adhesion molecules used by neutrophils to prevent pathogens from spreading.
Researchers studying CD73, an enzyme suppressing the natural immune response, hope to block its production to help treat aggressive head and neck cancers. High levels of CD73 are associated with poor prognosis in these cancers.
Mini-tumors of head and neck cancer can be grown in the lab for long-term study, allowing researchers to test novel and existing therapies. The tumors' response to radiotherapy and targeted therapies will help predict patient outcomes.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that tobacco use creates a field of precancerous cells that fertilize nearby cancer cells, enabling them to grow and resist therapy. The research suggests that these precancerous cells provide fuel through EGFR ligands, allowing cancer cells to bypass PI3K inhibition.
A researcher at the University of Cincinnati is using a $1.4 million VA grant to study radiation resistance in head and neck cancer. The goal is to target molecular pathways to make radiation therapy more effective, reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes for patients.
Regular use of NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, significantly improves overall five-year survival rate from 25% to 78% for patients with head and neck cancer containing the mutated PIK3CA gene. This is the first study to show a strong clinical advantage of regular NSAID use in this specific case.
A Rutgers study found a 40% increase in head and neck cancer diagnoses among WTC first responders between 2009 and 2012. The research highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and treatment of those exposed during the initial response.
Researchers discovered a gene signature associated with treatment response and survival in patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancers. The biomarker distinguishes between two subgroups within HPV-positive patients, one with similar survival rates to HPV-negative cancers.
HIV-infected patients have a higher risk of developing cancer due to the presence of fewer T-cells in their bodies. Researchers found that exosomes play a key role in supporting cancer growth and spread in these patients, who are 500 times more likely to be diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma.
A new immunotherapy called pembrolizumab has shown significant benefits in extending the lives of people with advanced head and neck cancer, with a median survival time of 8.4 months compared to 6.9 months on standard treatment. The drug also caused fewer serious side effects than traditional treatments.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients who receive timely care have better survival rates compared to those with delayed care. MUSC researchers found that African American patients are disproportionately affected by delays in treatment, highlighting the need for coordinated action to address this issue.
Head and neck cancer survivors are at a higher risk of death by suicide, with the rate being two times that of other cancer survivors and four times that of the general population. The study found that approximately one-half of head and neck cancer survivors become functionally disabled after completing treatment.
A phase III study found that immunotherapy with pembrolizumab improves overall survival in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, particularly those expressing PD-L1. The treatment also showed longer response duration and median response duration compared to standard chemotherapy.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute and UC San Diego will develop new immunotherapeutic options and novel precision approaches to treat head and neck cancer using neoantigen-specific T cell responses. The $4.5 million Cancer Moonshot award aims to improve outcomes for patients with this devastatingly deadly disease.
Researchers found that 86% of patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma showed elevated T cell activity after receiving the DNA vaccine. The study also describes a patient who developed metastatic disease but achieved remission after anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
Researchers discovered 137 interactions between HPV proteins and human proteins, revealing common pathways with smoking-related cancers. The study highlights the importance of targeting specific proteins to develop effective treatments for HPV-positive head and neck cancers.
Research suggests that early childhood trauma may be a risk factor for anxiety and depression in adults diagnosed with head/neck cancer. The study found that patients who experienced emotional neglect were more likely to have advanced cancer stages, while physical child abuse was linked to increased anxiety levels.
Researchers identified clusters of circulating tumour cells in blood samples from patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, which had not spread to other organs. The presence or absence of these clusters was associated with the spread of cancer to other organs.
Researchers identified a pair of genes, EphB4 and ephrin-B2, that are silenced in healthy adult tissue but reactivated in tumors resistant to treatment. Adding an experimental inhibitor targeting these genes to existing therapies improved survival rates in mice models.
A new special issue of the Journal of Dental Research brings together leaders in the field to discuss the state-of-the-science in head and neck cancer, presenting new early diagnostic tools and mechanism-based therapies.
A federally funded trial found that using mobile and sensor technology reduced symptom severity in patients with head and neck cancer. The technology, called CYCORE, enabled remote monitoring of patient symptoms, allowing doctors to detect concerning symptoms early and respond more rapidly.
A new study reports that consuming high amounts of carbohydrates and sugar prior to treatment for head and neck cancer may increase patients' risks of cancer recurrence and mortality. However, moderate fat and starchy food consumption after treatment appears to have protective benefits, reducing disease recurrence and death rates.
A research team at Case Western Reserve University is developing an AI-powered tool to analyze computerized images of tissue samples for patterns that can predict the risk of recurrence in oropharyngeal cancers. This could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for patients with these aggressive tumors.
The phase II CONDOR trial demonstrates durvalumab's safety and encouraging anti-tumor activity as second-line treatment for tumors with low or negative PD-L1 expression. Seventeen patients experienced partial responses, with an overall response rate of 9.2% for durvalumab alone.
A clinical trial found that nivolumab can be administered safely with radiation therapy and chemotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed local-regionally advanced head and neck cancers. Most patients completed curative-intent radiation therapy and were able to tolerate continuing immunotherapy for up to a year.
A phase II trial demonstrates the safety and efficacy of de-escalating radiation therapy by 30-35% for patients with HPV-positive disease who respond well to chemotherapy given prior to radiation. Patients experienced excellent survival rates and improved functional outcomes with fewer side effects.
A phase II trial found cabozantinib to be an active agent in treating metastatic, radioactive iodine-resistant differentiated thyroid cancer, with 34 of 35 patients experiencing tumor shrinkage. The treatment also showed a high response rate and was well-tolerated despite common side effects.
A new study provides guidelines for assessing the severity of head and neck cancers by counting malignant lymph nodes, which are found to be a key factor in predicting patient survival. The number of positive nodes can categorize patients into distinct groups with varying outcomes.
Research found a steady rise in eyelid squamous cell carcinoma cases in England over the past 15 years, with an annual increase of 2%. The risk doubles for every decade above age 60. Squamous cell cancer is the second most common skin malignancy and can cause disfigurement and functional problems if it spreads.
Researchers found that even mild depressive symptoms were associated with poorer overall survival in patients with head and neck cancer. The study indicates that patients should be screened for depressive symptoms at diagnosis and treated promptly to improve treatment outcomes.
A study published in Pediatric Blood and Cancer found proton therapy to be as effective as photon radiation while improving quality of life for pediatric head and neck cancer patients. The treatment resulted in similar rates of tumor control and lower rates of toxicity, with no severe side effects reported.
A study by the American College of Physicians found that almost 11 million US men have oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with a high prevalence among men with multiple lifetime oral sex partners and those who report having sex with men. HPV causes various cancers, including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, which dispropo...
Researchers at Penn Medicine are using a fluorescent dye to identify cancerous lymph nodes during head and neck cancer procedures, providing real-time guidance for surgeons. The study aims to minimize the risk of damage to healthy tissue while removing potentially suspicious lymph nodes.
A study has identified a new strategy to treat HPV-related cancers, targeting the virus's E6 oncoprotein and its interaction with myc protein. This approach could lead to a more specific and less toxic treatment option.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have developed a drug combination that doubles down on immunotherapy's effectiveness in treating head and neck cancer. The combination of toll-like receptors agonists and other immunotherapies injected directly into tumors suppresses tumor growth throughout the body.
The KEYNOTE-040 trial found that pembrolizumab significantly improved outcomes in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, especially those with high PD-L1 expression. The study also showed a better side-effect profile for pembrolizumab compared to standard treatments.
The Clinical Practice Guideline: Evaluation of the Neck Mass in Adults aims to reduce delays in diagnosis of malignant disease and optimize outcomes. The guideline addresses testing and physical examination of an adult with a neck mass, promoting high-quality and cost-effective care.
A novel peptide mimics the pathway that HPV-positive cancer cells use to respond to treatment, leading to increased cell death in HPV-negative cancer cells. The peptide improves therapeutic intervention in HPV-negative head and neck cancers.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center paper describes a mechanism linking viral infection and cancer caused by APOBEC3 enzymes, which are part of the immune system's response to viruses. The research suggests that targeting these enzymes could prevent or treat certain types of cancer.
A new study shows that immunotherapy nivolumab improves quality of life for patients with advanced head and neck cancer, while traditional chemotherapies cause decline in quality of life from the start of treatment. The drug sparks the immune system into action against cancers, greatly increasing survival rates.
A study of over 450,000 women found that HPV testing led to a 15.8% increase in cervical precancer detection and shorter time to diagnosis, but also resulted in more biopsies and surgical procedures. The benefits of HPV testing outweigh the harms, but caution is needed due to potential overtreatment.
Researchers found that combining pembrolizumab with epacadostat improved pathological complete response rates in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The treatment also showed promising responses in other cancers, such as non-small cell lung cancer and squamous cell head and neck cancer.
The new ASTRO clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for the management of oropharyngeal cancer, including optimal radiation dose and fractionation schedules, chemotherapy integration, and post-operative treatment. The guideline aims to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing long-term side effects.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that people who spend time in jails and prisons are more likely to develop certain types of cancer than the general population in Ontario. The study also revealed that these individuals have a higher mortality rate from cancer, particularly for men.
A new study found that twice-daily radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy reduces head and neck cancer deaths by 20% and slows disease progression. The treatment, known as hyperfractionated radiotherapy, has shown promise in treating advanced stage patients who face lower survival rates.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have made a groundbreaking epigenetic modification that may improve treatment options for 15% of patients with head and neck cancer. The discovery could lead to targeted, more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
A sub-analysis of the KEYNOTE-012 trial found that Asian head and neck cancer patients lived longer with pembrolizumab than the overall population. The fixed dose of pembrolizumab showed better median overall survival and disease control rates in Asians, indicating potential as a first-line treatment.
A specific group of genetic variants in the human leukocyte antigen genomic region is linked to enhanced protection against HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. The study found eight loci associated with susceptibility to oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer, including seven that had not been previously linked to mouth or throat cancer.
A new study suggests that blood-borne HPV antibodies can serve as a reliable biomarker for predicting the outcome of all types of head and neck cancer. The researchers found that patients with an immune response to HPV have a lower risk of dying during the five-year follow-up period, regardless of the exact location of their tumors.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered that defective ion channels in T cells may contribute to the inability of the immune system to fight off head and neck cancers. By targeting these channels, patients with these cancers could have better outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new cancer treatment called photoimmunotherapy that combines the immune system with laser energy to target and destroy cancer cells. This innovative technique delivers precise, lethal payloads with minimal collateral damage.
A study in the UK found that the rise in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma incidence was not solely driven by human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity. The proportion of HPV-positive and -negative cases remained static, suggesting multiple factors contribute to OPSCC, including HPV infection, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
A new immunotherapy drug nivolumab has been shown to significantly increase survival rates and reduce adverse side effects in patients with recurrent head and neck cancer. The trial found that patients on nivolumab survived an average of 7.5 months, compared to 5.1 months for those receiving standard therapy.
The CheckMate 141 trial found that nivolumab maintained or improved function and reduced symptoms in patients with relapsed metastatic head and neck cancer. In contrast, standard chemotherapy resulted in worse scores. Nivolumab's superior clinical activity also suggests fewer side effects, leading to a better quality of life for patients.