Articles tagged with Head and Neck Cancer
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.
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.
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...
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.
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 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...
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.
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.
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 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.
Patients with advanced head and neck cancers have higher survival rates when treated at high-volume hospitals and dedicated cancer centers. Despite this, the proportion of patients who received multimodality therapy was similar between low- and high-volume hospitals.
Research found that a large majority of head and neck cancers have deregulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, but this doesn't necessarily mean the tumor is dependent on it for survival. The study used tumor explant model to distinguish driver mutations from passenger mutations, which could help stratify patients for response to mTOR inhibitors.
Researchers found that lung and head and neck cancer patients who quit smoking before surgery had significantly lower relapse rates compared to those who smoked during the week prior to surgery. The study also identified factors such as high fears regarding cancer recurrence, depression, and low belief in quitting abilities as predicto...
Cancer death rates in US men and women declined between 2000-2009, while incidence rates increased among children under 14. The report highlights progress in childhood cancer mortality rates since 1975 but notes the need for improved early detection strategies.
Safety-net hospitals provide head and neck cancer surgical care to vulnerable populations without increased short-term mortality, morbidity, or costs. The study found a disproportionate amount of care provided to uninsured or underinsured patients, highlighting the need for healthcare reform to address economic challenges.
A study found that detecting specific HPV biomarkers, such as E6/E7 antibodies, in combination with tumor characteristics can help identify patients with a better prognosis. This approach may lead to more targeted treatment for head and neck cancers.
The AAO-HNSF 2012 new poster presentations cover various topics in otolaryngology, including rhinoplasty, facial trauma, and head and neck cancer. The studies aim to improve treatment outcomes and address common challenges in the field.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine presented data on transoral robotic surgery outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer. The study found significant benefits in progression-free and overall survival rates for both smokers and nonsmokers, suggesting a promising treatment modality.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital discovered that African Americans with throat cancer who are HPV positive have significantly better overall survival rates compared to those without HPV. The study also found that African Americans with late-stage oropharyngeal cancer who are HPV negative face a higher risk of death.
A study found racial disparities in larynx preservation therapy for cancer, with black patients having lower rates of treatment compared to white patients. The use of radiation with chemotherapy as initial treatment has become more widespread, but disparities persist among black patients with stage IV disease.
A new epidemiological study found that over 80% of white patients received radiation treatment combined with chemotherapy to preserve the voice box, while only 74.5% of African American patients received the same treatment. The disparity may be narrowing, but further research is needed to identify root causes.
A study found that patients with oral cavity tumors positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) had significantly higher levels of chronic inflammation in the mouth compared to those without HPV. The authors suggest that preventing or treating sources of oral inflammation may be a simple way to reduce the risk of oral HPV infection.
A Penn study found that many patients with head and neck cancers experience significant late effects, but rarely report these issues to their doctors due to concerns about doctor's response. The researchers emphasize the need for improved survivorship care to encourage patients to seek help.
Researchers discovered that the stem cells essential for regenerating the parotid gland are mainly located in its major ducts, which can be easily avoided during radiotherapy. This technique could reduce complications and improve quality of life for head and neck cancer patients suffering from dry mouth syndrome.
A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery suggests that targeted swallowing exercises can alleviate debilitating side effects in people undergoing chemoradiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Patients who performed five targeted swallowing exercises throughout their CRT showed significantly better scores...
A study at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that patients with a specific variant of the CYP1B1 gene have a longer time-to-recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. This discovery could lead to tailored treatment approaches for affected individuals.
Researchers found that patients with high levels of Aurora-A protein had shorter survival after surgery compared to those with normal levels. This suggests Aurora-A plays a role in head and neck cancer development and could serve as a new treatment target.
Incidence of HPV-associated head and neck cancer increased among middle-aged white men, while Non-Hispanic Blacks experienced a decline. The study suggests incorporating HPV tumor status into treatment decisions to improve prognosis and survival for head and neck cancer patients.
A new study found that transplant patients with head and neck cancer are more likely to be non-smokers and non-drinkers, and less likely to survive past one year of diagnosis. The risk for developing head and neck cancer is small, but the study highlights the need for regular screenings and aggressive treatment.
Researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center are studying whether high-risk HPV-positive patients with head and neck cancer should receive more or less chemotherapy. Their research suggests intensifying therapy could increase cure rates, but additional studies are needed.
A Danish health care fast track program has reduced the waiting time between a patient's initial meeting with a healthcare provider and their first treatment for head and neck cancer from 69 days in 2002 to 41 days in 2010. The program, implemented in 2008, prioritized cancer patients and implemented various reforms to curb wait times.
A study found that intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) improves quality of life among long-term survivors of head and neck cancer. Patients treated with IMRT reported better health-related quality of life compared to those receiving other forms of radiation therapy.
Researchers found that standard radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy is less effective for HIV-positive head and neck cancer patients, with high recurrence rates of 69% and overall survival of 55%. This highlights the need for more research to develop tailored treatments that can improve outcomes for these patients.
PET/CT scans have been shown to detect local head and neck cancer recurrences before they become clinically apparent, leading to improved treatment outcomes. The study found that 53% of abnormal scans identified malignancies, while false positives accounted for 46% of cases.
A recent study found that 7% of the US population between ages 14 and 69 has an oral HPV infection, with men being three times more likely to have it than women. The study also revealed that patients infected with oral HPV type 16 have a 14 times greater risk of developing head and neck cancer.
Researchers found that slight oral temperature increases can predict severe mucositis, a common side effect of chemoradiotherapy. Early intervention using thermal imaging technology may help prevent or alleviate severe complications from treatment.
A new study presents evidence that erlotinib is an effective first-line treatment for head and neck cancer when the dose is adjusted according to a patient's smoking status. The research showed that both smokers and nonsmokers tolerated the drug well without serious adverse effects.
Researchers have discovered a biomarker, miR-375, that can predict the life-threatening nature of head and neck cancer tumors. The study found that patients with lower levels of miR-375 are more likely to experience aggressive disease progression.
Researchers found that patients with 'matted' lymph nodes had a 69% survival rate over three years, compared to 94% for those without matted nodes. The study's results may help doctors identify patients at higher risk and reduce standard treatment side effects.
A Phase 2 trial found that combining bevacizumab with chemoradiation therapy can reduce the spread of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and improve survival rates. The study showed over 90% of patients survived two years without distant metastases.
Early-stage laryngeal cancer patients receiving primary surgery have a higher four-year survival rate compared to those treated with radiation. Meanwhile, chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy has seen increased use in advanced-stage patients, improving their survival rates.
Researchers found that non-English speaking patients had significantly worse treatment outcomes compared to those who spoke English, despite similar racial backgrounds. The study highlights the importance of interpreter services in cancer care for linguistically diverse patients.
Research finds racial differences in head and neck cancer disparities can be traced to access to care barriers, including insurance and socioeconomic factors. African Americans are more likely to receive radiation therapy and have worse five-year survival rates than Caucasians.
A Henry Ford Hospital study has identified 23 microRNAs specific to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, a form of head and neck cancer. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of what causes certain cells to grow and become cancerous tumors.
A pilot study using human saliva found that curcumin inhibited a critical cell signaling pathway and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with head and neck cancers. The study suggests curcumin could be combined with other treatments to treat head and neck cancer, and may be given to high-risk patients as an adjuvant treatment.
The 2011 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO featured over 386 scientific research sessions and presentations on various topics including facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, otolaryngology, and head and neck surgery. Studies highlighted the importance of population assessment in evaluating nose aesthetics and identified recurrent...
Researchers found that smokers who light up within 30 minutes of waking have a higher risk of developing lung and head and neck cancers. This increased risk is independent of smoking frequency and duration, suggesting that nicotine dependence may play a role in cancer development.
Smokers who light up within 30 minutes of waking are 1.79 times more likely to develop lung cancer and 1.59 times more likely to develop head and neck cancer compared to those who delay smoking for over an hour. Targeted smoking cessation programs may help reduce tobacco's negative health effects.
Researchers have identified unexpected genetic mutations in head and neck squamous cell cancer, including defects in the p53 tumor suppressor gene and alterations in the NOTCH family of genes. These findings shed new light on the complex biology of this understudied disease.
A new study has identified predictors that can help guide treatment decisions for head and neck cancer patients who require a second round of treatment. Certain characteristics, such as cancer-free period and radiation dose, can determine which patients are most likely to benefit from this potentially toxic treatment.
A U-M study found that a curcumin-based compound, FLLL32, can improve the effectiveness of head and neck cancer treatment by sensitizing resistant cells to chemotherapy. The compound decreases activation levels of STAT3, making tumor cells more susceptible to cisplatin.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that adding low-dose sorafenib to chemotherapy and radiation can improve treatment efficacy while reducing harsh side effects. The triple combination was well-tolerated in an animal model.
Researchers found that combining CT and FDG-PET images resulted in a change in tumor delineation in one out of three patients, leading to adjusted treatments in 10% of cases. This improvement was particularly notable in patients with dental inlays, where the primary tumor was not visible on CT scans alone.
Researchers found that higher levels of perceived stress and depressive symptoms are associated with greater VEGF expression in tumor tissue, leading to shorter disease-free survival. The study suggests psychosocial interventions may have limited impact on patients with advanced cancer.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have developed a protein-based inhibitor that blocks HPV protein expression in cell culture, paving the way for a topical treatment. The inhibitor, E2R, prevents viral gene transcription and has shown promise against various strains of HPV, including high-risk and low-risk types.
A study found that nearly half of head and neck cancer patients who received prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes never used them. The study suggests that PEG placement prior to therapy may not be necessary and could impact cost-effectiveness and quality of life.
Researchers at Emory and Georgia Tech developed nanoparticles to detect circulating tumor cells in blood samples from 19 head and neck cancer patients, achieving a positive signal for 17 patients. The 'one-tube' SERS technology could be faster and lower in costs than other detection methods.
Cancer researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital discovered targeting the enzyme UROD can sensitize diseased tissue to radiation and chemotherapy, reducing side effects. Lower UROD levels before treatment are associated with improved clinical outcomes.
The PARSPORT trial found that intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) spares the major salivary glands, reducing xerostomia and improving quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. IMRT significantly reduces the incidence of dry mouth and leads to recovery of saliva secretion.
A new three-drug regimen including docetaxel has been shown to significantly improve the long-term survival of patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. The addition of docetaxel to a standard two-drug chemotherapy regimen reduced the likelihood of death by 26% over six years, according to results from the TAX 324 trial.