Pembrolizumab shows real promise against head and neck cancer
Immunotherapy with pembrolizumab was effective in 24.8% of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, resulting in significant tumor shrinkage and improved outcomes.
Head and Neck Cancer
Articles tagged with Head and Neck Cancer
Pactamycin analogs offer new, gentler approach to cancer treatment
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed pactamycin analogs that can cause rapid cell aging and induce premature senescence in cancer cells, slowing or stopping tumor growth. The findings show promise for a new approach to cancer treatment with reduced toxicity and debilitating side effects.
U-Michigan scientists observe deadly dance between nerves and cancer cells
Researchers observe complex biochemical interactions between nerves and cancer cells, challenging conventional wisdom on perineural invasion. This dance-like movement allows cancer cells to invade nerves, leading to poor patient survival and severe complications.
Broccoli sprout extract promising for head and neck cancer prevention
Researchers have found that broccoli sprout extract can protect against oral cancer in mice and has shown protective changes in the lining of the mouths of healthy human volunteers. A human clinical trial is underway to explore its potential in preventing head and neck cancer recurrence.
HPV vaccine highly effective against multiple cancer-causing strains
The HPV vaccine was highly effective against common cancer-causing human papillomaviruses beyond types 16 and 18. Young women vaccinated before sexual debut showed substantial protection against cervical abnormalities and precancerous cell transformations.
NIH-funded study uncovers molecular alterations in head and neck cancers
The study found genomic similarities between head and neck cancer genomes and other cancers, including squamous cell lung and cervical cancer. Researchers also identified potential new drug targets and biomarkers for treating HPV-related head and neck cancers.
UNC researcher co-leads effort to map genomic changes in head and neck cancer
A study led by a UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researcher identified genomic changes in head and neck cancers linked to the sexually transmitted disease HPV. The findings, published in Nature, may help lead to new therapies and identify markers for patients likely to respond to treatment.
Large study catalogs genetic culprits in head and neck cancers
A comprehensive catalog of genetic mutations has been published for 279 head and neck cancers, revealing distinct genetic profiles for HPV-positive and -negative patients. This finding may lead to the development of targeted therapies and improved outcomes for these cancer types.
Phase 1 clinical trial of CUDC-101 'throws kitchen sink' at head and neck cancer
The CUDC-101 clinical trial, conducted at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, demonstrated activity against key drivers of head and neck cancer. In the study, patients with medium- to high-risk head and neck cancer showed significant results after treatment with CUDC-101 combined with radiation and chemotherapy.
Coupling head and neck cancer screening and lung cancer scans could improve survival
A multidisciplinary team found that adding head and neck cancer screenings to recommended lung cancer screenings could improve early detection and survival. The study suggests that people at risk for lung cancer are also at higher risk for head and neck cancer, with the five-year survival rate being over 83% when caught early.
Experience counts with radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, study shows
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that patients treated at highly-experienced radiation oncology centers had better survival rates and fewer cancer recurrences compared to those treated at less experienced centers. The study analyzed data from 470 patients treated with radiation therapy between 2002-2005.
Antacids linked to better survival in head and neck cancer
A study of 596 patients found that those taking antacid medications had significantly better overall survival rates than non-users. The results suggest that proton pump inhibitors and histamine 2 blockers may have a favorable impact on patient outcomes.
Smoking associated with elevated risk of developing a second smoking-related cancer
A pooled analysis of five cohort studies found that smoking before first cancer diagnosis increases risk of developing a second smoking-related cancer. Smoking survivors have up to a 5-fold higher risk of developing a second primary smoking-associated cancer compared to non-smokers.
Many throat cancer patients can skip neck surgery
A new study shows that patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer respond better to treatment, making lingering neck bumps likely benign. This suggests skipping neck surgery for these patients could be a viable option.
Tumor suppressor mutations alone don't explain deadly cancer
Researchers have found a link between tumor suppressor mutations and missing segments of genetic material in squamous cell head and neck cancers. The study suggests that treating tumors with both markers may intensify treatment, while those with only one marker may benefit from de-intensified treatment.
U-M researchers find protein that fuels repair of treatment-resistant cancer cells
University of Michigan researchers identified a protein called TRIP13 that enables cancer cells to repair themselves and survive despite chemotherapy. The team found an existing chemical compound that can block this process, potentially increasing the effectiveness of cancer treatment and improving patient survival rates.
Why we should vaccinate boys against HPV as well as girls
The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection affects both men and women, leading to genital warts and various types of cancer. Vaccinating boys against HPV can prevent these health issues and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
Increased risk for head, neck cancers in patients with diabetes
Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing head and neck cancers, which account for about 6% of all cancer cases globally. A study found that the incidence of HNC was 1.47 times higher in diabetic patients compared to those without diabetes.
Researchers home in on way to predict aggressiveness of oral cancer
Researchers have found a consistent pattern of gene expression associated with tumor spreading in mice, which was also found in human oral cancer samples. A transcriptional signature predicting metastatic disease was identified with about 93% accuracy.
CWRU Dental School and UH Case Medical Center test possible oral cancer detection tool
A pilot study at CWRU Dental School and UH Case Medical Center investigates the use of human beta-defensin-3 (hBD-3) to detect oral cancers. High levels of hBD-3 have been found in precancerous tissues and some oral cancers, suggesting its potential as an early diagnosis tool.
Race could be a factor in head and neck cancer survival rates, MU researchers find
Despite progress in treating head and neck cancer, MU researchers found that prognosis for African-Americans has not improved over the last 40 years. The study analyzed data from 1973 to 2010, showing a significantly decreased five-year overall survival rate of 41.8 percent for African-Americans compared to 60.8 percent for Caucasians.
Two breath compounds could be associated with larynx cancer
A study published in Chromatographia found that certain volatile organic compounds, including ethanol and 2-butanone, are higher in individuals with larynx cancer. These compounds may serve as potential markers for the disease, offering an alternative to traditional biomarkers.
Study examines biomarkers in HPV negative squamous-cell carcinomas of the head and neck
Researchers identified correlations between protein expression levels and improved survival rates in HPV-negative head-and-neck cancer patients. Survivin expression may serve as a marker for better patient outcomes, particularly those treated with surgery plus radiation.
SU2C, Farrah Fawcett Foundation announce new HPV translational research team grant
A research team led by Ellis L. Reinherz and Robert I. Haddad will focus on developing new vaccines and immunotherapeutic approaches to improve outcomes for patients with HPV-driven cancers who have relapsed after initial therapy. The grant aims to provide a novel approach to treating this population.
New Stand Up To Cancer -- The Farrah Fawcett Foundation HPV Translational Research Team
The Farrah Fawcett Foundation is supporting a new $1.2 million research team to develop vaccines and immunotherapies for HPV-driven cancers, which currently have few therapeutic options. The team aims to identify tumor targets, activate specific immune cells, and deploy them at the tumor site for selective destruction of cancer.
Prognosis of tumors positive for human papilloma virus in head and neck cancers varies according to the site
Patients with HPV+ throat cancer have good prognosis, but tumors elsewhere in the head and neck have no prognostic effect of being HPV+, researchers found. HPV status has significant impact on tumour control, survival, and death from any cause for oropharyngeal cancers.
Recurrent head and neck tumors have gene mutations that could be vulnerable to cancer drug
Researchers found that recurrent cancers have unique gene mutations sensitive to dasatinib, a promising new treatment option for recurrent head and neck cancers.
Team identifies novel biomarker for head and neck cancer, non-small cell lung cancer
A new study published in the journal Cancer has identified a novel biomarker, CCTα, associated with improved survival rates in patients with head and neck cancers and non-small cell lung cancer. The findings suggest that CCTα may be a more important predictor of patient outcomes than previously established ERCC1.
Researchers: Biomarkers predict effectiveness of radiation treatments for cancer
A team of researchers identified two biomarkers that accurately predict a patient's response to radiation therapy, offering new hope for personalized treatment. The study published in the European Journal of Cancer found these markers can help avoid unnecessary side effects and reduce morbidity.
Use of mood-stabilizing drug linked with reduced risk of developing head and neck cancer
A study of 439,628 veterans found that taking Valproic acid for at least one year lowered the risk of developing head and neck cancer by 34%. Higher doses and longer durations of use provided additional benefits with up to 16,000 new cases potentially prevented annually in the US.
Feasible, safe to limit radiation to major salivary glands in head and neck cancer patients
Researchers found that sparing the contralateral submandibular gland during radiation therapy is possible with advanced stage cancers. The study involved 71 patients who received treatment to the bilateral neck, with no recurrences in the spared gland at a median follow-up of 27.3 months.
MATH, HPV status in HNSCC patients effective markers of improved patient outcome
Research using next-generation sequencing data and clinical records from HNSCC patients found that combining MATH with HPV status is an effective marker of improved patient outcome. High tumor MATH at surgery is associated with poor outcomes, while HPV-positive patients have lower average MATH values than HPV-negative patients.
Reducing RT dose to bilateral IB lymph nodes results in better patient-reported salivary function
A study found that sparing bilateral level IB lymph nodes during radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancer significantly improved patient-reported xerostomia scores. This reduction also led to lower radiation doses to nearby salivary organs, causing less damage to post-treatment salivary function.
HPV-positive OPSCC patients nearly twice as likely to survive as HPV-negative patients
A retrospective analysis found that HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients had a higher overall survival rate than HPV-negative patients after disease progression, with median survival being nearly twice as long. The study also showed improved outcomes for patients who underwent surgery after cancer recurrence.
Patients with oropharyngeal cancer report quality of voice and speech affected post-treatment
A study of oropharyngeal cancer patients reveals that radiation therapy can cause significant voice and speech problems. Limiting the radiation dose to the glottic larynx reduces these issues, suggesting a potential strategy for improving post-treatment quality of life.
Humidification of the mouth, throat during RT for head and neck cancer reduces mucositis, hospital stay
A study found that daily humidification of the mouth and throat region during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer reduced mucositis and hospital stays by nearly 50%. Patients who used humidification spent significantly fewer days in the hospital to manage side effects compared to those who did not.
HPV-positive SCCOP patients' recurrence differs from HPV-negative patients
A study of 285 stage III-IV SCCOP patients found that HPV-positive patients developed distant metastases later, in more subsites, and atypical sites compared to HPV-negative patients. The most common sites were lung and bone for both groups.
Recurrent mouth and throat cancers less deadly when caused by virus, study shows
People with late-stage cancer at the back of the mouth or throat that recurs after chemotherapy and radiation treatment are twice as likely to be alive two years later if their cancer is caused by HPV. The longer survival pattern holds even if the cancer returns.
Unilateral radiation therapy for advanced stage tonsil cancer results in favorable outcomes
The study found that primary tumor location dictates the risk of disease in the opposite side of the neck, rather than lymph node involvement. No local or regional recurrences were reported, but distant metastasis occurred in 9% of patients.
Study: Oropharyngeal cancer on the rise in young adults
A new study reveals a significant increase in oropharyngeal cancers among young adults, with human papillomavirus (HPV) identified as a possible cause. The five-year survival rate for this age group is 54%, with African Americans facing poorer outcomes compared to other races.
Study finds more targeted form of radiation improves survival in patients with head and neck cancers
Patients with head and neck cancers who received IMRT experienced improved outcomes, including a statistically significant improvement in cause-specific survival compared to those treated with conventional therapy. The study found that IMRT reduced treatment-related side effects while delivering effective cancer treatment.
Advanced radiation therapy for head and neck cancer may be better than traditional radiation at preventing side effects and cancer recurrence
Patients treated with IMRT experience fewer side effects and lower cancer-related deaths compared to traditional radiation therapy. The study found that IMRT is a safe and beneficial treatment option for patients with head and neck cancer, with improved survival rates and reduced life-threatening recurrences.
Nano-capsules show potential for more potent chemoprevention
Researchers have discovered a new drug delivery system that uses nanotechnology to effectively inhibit the growth of lung and head and neck cancer cells. The study found that nano-luteolin, a water-soluble polymer encapsulated form of the antioxidant luteolin, is highly effective in chemoprevention.
No 'brakes' -- Study finds mechanism for increased activity of oncogene in certain cancers
Researchers found that mutations in phosphatases lead to dysfunction of regulatory proteins that keep the oncogene in check, causing it to stay activated and promote cancer growth. This discovery suggests a new target for drugs to treat head and neck tumors and other cancers.
Certain genetic alterations may explain head and neck cancer survival disparities
A study found that genetic alterations in the PAX gene family may explain head and neck cancer survival disparities between African-American and non-Latino white men. The research identified differential genomic and epigenomic alterations in PAX, NOTCH, and TP53 pathways between the two groups.
Genetic mutations and molecular alterations may explain racial differences in head and neck cancers
A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified genetic mutations and molecular alterations linked to higher head and neck cancer death rates in African-Americans, revealing potential targets for improved risk assessment, early detection, and targeted therapy.
EORTC head & neck cancer trial shows assessing HRQOL is valuable to both patients and their doctors
A recent EORTC trial found that assessing HRQOL (health-related quality of life) is crucial for both patients with head and neck cancers and their doctors. The study showed that patients in the sequential treatment arm experienced less swallowing and speech problems compared to those in the alternating chemoradiotherapy arm.
Bitter melon extract may have potential to fight head and neck cancer
Saint Louis University researcher Ratna Ray found that bitter melon extract reduces head and neck cancer cell growth in an animal model. The extract regulated several pathways to help reduce tumor growth, with significant results after four weeks of treatment.
HPV can damage genes and chromosomes directly, whole-genome sequencing study shows
A recent study led by Ohio State University researchers reveals that the virus that causes cervical cancer can directly damage host DNA and contribute to cancer development. The study used whole-genome sequencing to investigate the relationship between HPV and human genomes in cancers.
Free head, neck cancer screenings have positive impact in urban areas
A study from Henry Ford Hospital found that free head and neck cancer screenings in urban areas had a positive impact on African American communities and current smokers. The screenings also increased knowledge of risk factors such as smoking and alcohol use.
Genetic markings could spot cancer before it develops
Scientists identified four genes with altered expression in head and neck cancer, linked to specific DNA methylation marks. These epigenetic markers could enable non-invasive tests for early pre-cancer screening using saliva or blood serum.
Hyperfractionated radiotherapy improves survival in head and neck cancer patients
A meta-analysis of over 11,000 patients showed that hyperfractionated radiotherapy (AFRT) reduces the risk of death by 8% compared to standard fractionation radiotherapy (SFRT). AFRT also improves locoregional control, with a significant increase in five-year survival rates.
Penn Medicine study: Proton therapy cuts side effects for pediatric head and neck cancer patients
A new Penn Medicine study shows that proton therapy significantly reduces side effects in pediatric head and neck cancer patients. The results, which followed 25 patients aged 1-21, found no evidence of disease in 76% after 13 months, with only mild side effects such as fatigue and dermatitis.
HPV linked to growing number of young adults with oropharyngeal cancer
A recent study found a significant increase in young adults with oropharyngeal cancer, attributed to the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly among Caucasians. In contrast, African Americans face poorer survival rates despite lower incidence rates. The study's findings highlight the need for increased awareness and screening for HP...
Study shows how the Nanog protein promotes growth of head and neck cancer
A recent study published in Oncogene identified a biochemical pathway in cancer stem cells that is essential for promoting head and neck cancer. The study shows that the Nanog protein, normally active in embryonic stem cells, promotes the growth of cancer stem cells in head and neck cancer.
Researchers narrow the search for biomarkers of drug resistance in head and neck cancer patients
Researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center have identified two potential biomarkers that may help identify patients with head and neck cancer whose tumors are unlikely to respond to treatment by the targeted therapy cetuximab. These biomarkers, PTEN loss and PIK3CA mutation, were found in a subset of tumor samples and showed promise in i...
Genital wart rate in young women plummets thanks to HPV vaccine, claim researchers
Researchers analyzed data from eight sexual health services across Australia, finding a significant decline in genital warts diagnoses among vaccinated young women and men. The HPV vaccination has been shown to protect against the types of HPV that cause 90% of genital warts and cancer-causing HPV types.
AACR news: Rigosertib Phase 1 results lead to disease-focused Phase 2 development
A phase 1 clinical trial of Rigosertib, a dual kinase inhibitor, demonstrated the drug's effectiveness in patients with head and neck cancer who have failed platinum-based therapies. The results led to an 80-patient multi-institutional Phase II trial to explore biomarkers for accurate patient matching.
Fox Chase researchers show that a promising drug can help prevent head and neck cancers
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have identified a naturally occurring agent that targets a gene important for the growth of leukoplakia cells, which can lead to head and neck cancer. Pharmacological inhibition of this gene reduced cell movement and proliferation in leukoplakia cells.
Researchers design drug to restore cell suicide in HPV-related head and neck cancer
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which the human papilloma virus (HPV) causes head and neck cancer and designed a drug that blocks this mechanism. The findings could lead to a safer, more effective therapy for HPV-caused cancer, potentially reducing the need for high-dose chemotherapy.