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Even at best hospitals, low-income older cancer patients struggle after surgery

A new study found that dual-eligible patients for Medicare and Medicaid have poorer outcomes and higher costs after cancer surgery, even in high-quality hospitals. These patients are more likely to experience complications, longer hospital stays, and lower chances of going home instead of a nursing facility.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2022

Research roundup: E-cigs aren’t safe

A recent review of e-cigarette research highlights the significant health risks associated with vaping, including lung inflammation and injury. The study found that e-cigarettes can cause negative effects in multiple organs, from the brain to the bladder, and may even increase the risk of lung cancer.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalAnnual Review of Physiology·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 17, 2022

Embryonic development and cancer cell growth

Researchers from the University of Barcelona discovered that embryonic development signals can also control cancer cell growth, inhibiting proliferation and inducing differentiation in lung cancer cells. The study's findings have implications for developing new therapeutic strategies to fight lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Follow-up costs can add up if a free cancer screening shows a potential problem

New studies from Michigan Medicine researchers aim to remove financial barriers for patients who receive abnormal test results, enabling them to complete the diagnostic process. The findings suggest that removing cost barriers could save lives by increasing screening uptake, particularly among women and underserved populations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Intervention reduces disparities in timing of lung cancer surgery between Black and white patients

A multi-faceted intervention resulted in timelier lung cancer surgery for Black patients, with median times of 23 days compared to 43 days for historical groups. The ACCURE trial improved treatment rates and reduced treatment delays, demonstrating the effectiveness of addressing racial inequities in care.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Early-stage lung cancer may be detected from a drop of blood

A predictive model based on magnetic resonance spectroscopy can detect lung cancer from alterations in blood metabolites, allowing for early-stage screening and potentially improving survival rates. The study screened tens of thousands of blood specimens and found accurate predictions using values from prior-to-diagnosis blood samples.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2021

A new approach to close the gap in lung cancer care

Researchers found offering surgery to current smokers can lead to more equitable care, reducing disparities in lung cancer outcomes. A new study published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery shows that risk of complications and death following surgery is similar between current and former smokers.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2021

New lung cancer screening guidelines increases the eligibility for African American women by 50 percent

The updated guidelines lower the age eligibility from 55 to 50 years and reduce pack-years of smoking from 30 to 20. This shift increases the proportion of Black women eligible for screening, from 22.7 percent under previous guidelines to 33.9 percent, with some former smokers now also eligible.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2021

Ancient Aboriginal bush medicine could improve modern day cancer treatment

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a natural substance, a flavonoid, that can inhibit cancer cells' ability to defend themselves against chemotherapy by targeting efflux pumps. This could lead to more effective treatment and potentially even combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalBiomolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine effective in patients with lung cancer results from a French study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology

A new study found that SARS-CoV2 vaccines are safe and effective in patients with thoracic cancer, with an 88% immunization rate after a third dose. The study also showed that older age, chemotherapy, and corticosteroid treatment were associated with lower immunization rates.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·TypeCase study·DateNov 15, 2021

Penn study finds solid-tumor cancer patients ineligible for clinical trials receive immunotherapy at greater rates despite lack of benefits

A nationwide study published in JAMA Oncology found that immunotherapy use among trial-ineligible solid-tumor cancer patients increased significantly between 2014 and 2019, yet no survival benefit was observed. Researchers emphasize cautious use of immunotherapies for this population due to potential early harm.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 9, 2021

Surge in deaths from smoking-related cancers expected in China

Deaths from smoking-related cancers in China are projected to rise by nearly 50% over the next two decades, with an estimated 8.6 million excess deaths anticipated. If current trends continue, the goal of reducing smoking rates to 20% by 2030 may not be met, leaving a significant impact on the country's ageing population.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2021

Differences in T cells’ functional state determine resistance to cancer therapy

Researchers found that certain T cells stop working before entering the tumor due to changes in gene expression, making ICB therapies less effective. Combining ICB with other forms of immunotherapy targeting different aspects of T cell function may improve response rates for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Fibroblasts could serve as new key to enhancing personalized treatment for lung cancer patients

A new study identifies three functional subtypes of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in lung cancer, which correspond to patients' treatment responses. These subtypes have distinct biological functions and therapeutic implications, suggesting that CAFs could serve as a key to enhancing personalized treatment for lung cancer patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Compact biosensor microscope built for point of care diagnostics

Researchers developed a compact photonic resonator absorption microscope for point-of-care diagnostics, using photonic crystal biosensors to detect proteins or other biomarkers linked to gold nanoparticles. The portable instrument costs $7,000 and has potential applications in detecting various cancers.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Worsening depression cuts survival in lung cancer patients

A new study has found that worsening depression after diagnosis significantly reduces the survival of lung cancer patients. The trajectory of depressive symptoms was found to be a key factor in understanding how depression relates to premature death. Patients with worsening depression had shorter lifespans, even when receiving advanced...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2021

Expanded lung screening rules provide more equitable care

A Kaiser Permanente study found that the 2021 USPSTF guidelines will likely increase lung cancer screening of women, racial and ethnic minority groups, and individuals with lower socioeconomic status. This is expected to lead to an estimated 30% increase in lung cancer diagnoses compared to the 2013 recommendations.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 12, 2021

Changes in older adults’ life space during lung cancer treatment

Researchers found that older adults with non-small cell lung cancer have low life-space mobility before treatment, which declines after starting treatment. A lower body mass index prior to treatment is associated with an improvement in life-space mobility during treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 6, 2021

When a free cancer check finds something, could cost keep patients from following up?

New studies show that patients with abnormal screening results may face significant out-of-pocket costs for follow-up tests, potentially delaying care. For women, colposcopy costs rose sharply over 13 years, with some facing bills of nearly $1,000. Lung cancer screening CT scans also led to high costs for invasive procedures.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2021