Articles tagged with Head and Neck Cancer
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.