Research on lung cancer detection and treatment. Covers microbial predictors of immunotherapy, MRI detection, microplastics, and RAS-mutant drugs.
A recent study published in Cancer Prevention Research reveals that California's long-term tobacco control efforts have led to a 28% decrease in lung cancer deaths compared to the rest of the country. The state's approach has been particularly effective in discouraging young people from starting to smoke, with a 39% lower initiation ra...
Researchers found no clear evidence that statins benefit patients with non-Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) conditions, except for preventing deaths from kidney disease. Statins may also slow cancer progression, but further investigation is needed.
Researchers at UCLA will use a new liquid biopsy tool to test individuals at risk of lung cancer, with the goal of detecting the disease earlier. The technology aims to differentiate between cancerous and benign lung lesions, reducing unnecessary procedures and improving patient outcomes.
A new technology called EFIRM has been developed to detect two cancer-linked mutations in blood or saliva samples from patients with early-stage lung cancer. The platform shows promise in identifying stages 1 and 2 NSCLC when surgical resection is still possible, offering a potential cure.
A study found that despite a well-designed low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening program, only 77.6% of eligible veterans underwent annual repeat scans. This highlights the need for improved adherence to lung cancer screening to maximize mortality benefits and cost-efficacy.
Researchers found that more frequent surveillance imaging was not associated with improved overall survival for NSCLC patients. Annual surveillance is recommended as a standard practice, offering no additional benefits over six-monthly visits.
The report reveals a high burden of prostate and colorectal cancers among Hispanic men in Puerto Rico, contrasting with lower rates among non-Hispanic whites. The study emphasizes the need for culturally tailored strategies to address these disparities and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Scientists at UNIGE discovered that resveratrol, a molecule in grape skin and seeds, can prevent lung cancer in mice treated with a nasal formulation. The study showed a 45% decrease in tumor load and a higher concentration of resveratrol in the lungs after nasal administration.
Moffitt researchers used a new technique to identify a previously unknown mechanism of midostaurin in lung cancer. Combining functional proteomics with deep network analysis led to the discovery of TBK1, PDPK1, and AURKA as protein targets for midostaurin, resulting in a more effective combination therapy.
A new clinical trial has found that durvalumab improved progression-free survival by 17.2 months compared to placebo in patients with stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer. Overall survival rates also increased, with 66.3% of patients surviving at two years, compared to 55.6% on placebo.
The ALTA-1 trial found brigatinib to be a first-line treatment option for advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, with a 51% reduction in progression or death risk compared to crizotinib. Patients treated with brigatinib also showed improved response rates and longer progression-free survival.
Phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials of entrectinib in ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer demonstrated a response rate of 77.4 percent and median duration of response of 24.6 months. Entrectinib also showed competitive results in patients with brain metastases and poor prognosis
A recent SWOG study found that women diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a higher overall survival rate compared to men. The analysis revealed significant differences in survival rates among female and male patients, regardless of their smoking history or other factors.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that patients treated with more-invasive surgical techniques for early-stage lung cancer were more likely to become chronic opioid users. In contrast, those who underwent minimally invasive VATS surgery were less likely to fill opioid prescriptions after surgery and in the long term.
Case Western Reserve University researchers have discovered a way to predict which lung cancer patients will benefit from chemotherapy based on the arrangement of immune cells. This information may aid in decision-making for routine tissue-slide images, potentially sparing patients from invasive treatments.
The ESMO Award 2018 is bestowed on Jean-Charles Soria, a pioneer in developing anti-cancer drugs, while Tony Mok receives the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award for his practice-changing contribution to lung cancer. Pasi Jänne and Margaret Foti also receive awards for their translational research and mentorship efforts, respectively.
A study published in Radiology found that thermal ablation is a safe and effective treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, delivering comparable survival rates to stereotactic radiotherapy. The one-time treatment also offers direct access to the tumor, enabling biopsy samples and potentially lower costs.
A new study analyzed data from two UK and US centers to find that patients with advanced lung cancer often receive multiple medications that may not be beneficial. On average, these patients were prescribed 1.9-2.6 preventative medications at admission and discharge. The authors suggest developing an intervention to reduce inappropriat...
The human microbiome plays a significant role in cancer development and treatment, according to six original review articles in this special issue. The articles discuss the impact of probiotics, chemotherapy, and gut microbiota on cancer, as well as the use of microbial DNA sequencing techniques.
Researchers developed an AI system to detect tiny lung cancer tumors in CT scans, achieving 95% accuracy compared to human eyes at 65%. The system uses a connection-based approach similar to facial recognition software to identify patterns.
A study at Dartmouth has uncovered two significant pathogenic pathways contributing to the development of lung cancer. The research, led by Xuemie Ji, identified interaction pathways in the nervous system and cellular processes involved in nutrient transport and immune response.
A study by researchers from the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that doctor-patient discussions about lung cancer screening are often brief and one-sided, failing to address potential harms. The conversation quality was rated as poor, with only a few minutes spent discussing the issue on average.
Researchers identify MUC5AC gene as a key player in KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancers, which are resistant to current treatments. Inhibiting this gene may lead to new therapeutic strategies against KRAS-driven lung cancer.
A large-scale patient population study reveals that palliative care is associated with a significantly reduced risk of suicide in veterans diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer. The findings show that patients who received at least one palliative care visit had an 81% lower rate of suicidal death.
A CU Cancer Center study found that common laboratory tests used to determine ROS1 status in lung cancer have inherent limitations, leading to false-negative results. The study highlights the need for multiple testing methods and secondary analysis to confirm results, particularly for patients with suspicious symptoms or unusual profiles.
A study found that reducing NOVA1 gene activity inhibits telomerase, leading to shorter telomeres and reduced tumor growth in non-small cell lung cancer. The research provides a new approach to targeting cancer cells and may lead to more effective treatments for this prevalent form of age-related cancer.
The study found that individuals from underrepresented communities are more likely to have positive scans and diagnosed lung cancer cases, highlighting the need for more expansive, risk-based screening guidelines. The researchers suggest considering additional factors such as a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and socio...
The global age-standardized lung cancer mortality rate among women is expected to rise by 43% from 2015 to 2030, while breast cancer mortality rates are projected to decrease by 9%. Lung cancer mortality rates will be highest in Europe and Oceania, with lower rates in America and Asia.
Researchers explored using saliva for early assessment of lung cancer and detection of stress hormones, enzyme levels, and developmental disease biomarkers. Saliva liquid biopsy shows promise in detecting circulating tumor DNA of lung cancer with high performance.
Australian researchers found that follistatin, a naturally occurring hormone, can enhance the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy and prevent kidney damage in lung cancer patients. The 'two birds, one stone' approach has shown promising results in mouse models.
A recent study found that patients who smoke often misunderstand the benefits and limitations of lung cancer screenings. While LDCT scans can lower mortality rates, they do not reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. Quitting smoking remains the most effective way to prevent this disease.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that active surveillance of lung subsolid nodules can reduce unnecessary surgery and overtreatment. Lung cancers arising from these nodules rarely led to death, suggesting they can be a biomarker for cancer risk.
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acid metabolites, called endocannabinoids, can slow tumor growth and inhibit cancer cell migration in mice with osteosarcoma. These molecules were also shown to kill cancer cells, but not as effectively as other chemotherapeutic drugs.
A new biomarker blood test improves lung cancer risk assessment over existing guidelines, capturing risk for people who have ever smoked. The test achieved superior sensitivity and accuracy compared to guidelines for screening approved by the USPSTF for heavy smokers.
The RTOG 0618 trial found Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) to achieve favorable primary tumor control and local control rates in operable early-stage lung cancer patients, with a low rate of toxicity. The results suggest that SBRT may be a viable alternative to surgery for this patient population.
The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has selected recipients for its 2018 William G. Coleman Jr., Ph.D., Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Innovation Award, supporting innovative research in minority health disparities. The awarded projects focus on key determinants of health inequities...
Researchers discovered that FDA-approved kinase inhibitors can curb lung tumor growth in mouse models, offering new therapeutic avenues for a hard-to-treat form of lung cancer. The findings highlight the potential of targeting ERBB receptor tyrosine kinases and EGFR signaling pathways to develop alternative treatment strategies.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has issued a statement paper on liquid biopsy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer, recommending its use for molecular analysis in guiding clinical management. The paper aims to provide general oncologists and clinicians with access to the latest information on liqui...
Scientists are exploring ways to develop innovative therapies for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by understanding the role of deregulated protein kinases, or MAPKs. Elevated levels of these enzymes in NSCLC tissue have been linked to tumor progression and immune evasion.
The multicenter phase II trial assessed the safety and efficacy of lurbinectedin in different solid tumors, with an ORR of 39.3% seen in recurrent small-cell lung cancer patients. The median duration of response was 6.2 months and the median overall survival was 12 months.
Updated phase 1 clinical trial results of crizotinib against MET-amplified non-small cell lung cancer show a 40 percent response rate and 6.7-month median progression-free survival. The study defines new criteria to define 'highly MET-amplified' cancer, suggesting that crizotinib may benefit more patients than previously thought.
The ALEX trial results show alectinib achieving a median progression-free survival of 34.8 months compared to 10.9 months for crizotinib in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer patients. Alectinib also demonstrated an improved overall response rate and fewer side effects than crizotinib.
The study reveals a universal increase in lifestyle-related cancers between 2006 and 2016, with significant disparities persisting between high- and low-Socio-demographic Index countries. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women, while lung cancer tops the list for men, accounting for nearly 20% of global cancer deaths.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a blood test that can detect early-stage lung cancer using genome sequencing. The test, which analyzes free-floating DNA in the blood, has shown promise in detecting lung cancer with a low rate of false positives.
Researchers from Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center presented data on a prospective clinical trial examining non-small cell lung cancer cells' response to immunotherapy. The study showed promising results with progression-free survival, and early data gathered from more than 20 sites has shown encouraging outcomes.
A recent study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that quitting smoking significantly reduces lung cancer risk, with a 39% drop in just five years. Even 25 years after quitting, former heavy smokers' risk remains threefold higher than non-smokers.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released a position paper calling for policies that better support women's health, including paid family and medical leave, reduced domestic violence, and access to reproductive services. A new prediction tool may also help tailor lung cancer screening to patient benefit and preferences.
A new online tool takes into account personalized risks and benefits of lung cancer screening, while also allowing for a range of patient preferences. The tool is designed to help doctors fine-tune their advice to patients, taking into account individual attitudes about looking for problems and dealing with the consequences.
A $12M grant from CIRM will fund a phase 1 clinical trial testing pembrolizumab with dendritic cell injections into lung cancer tumors. The goal is to activate a targeted immune response against lung cancer, addressing the challenge of T cells not reaching tumors.
A new study has demonstrated that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) under local anesthesia can be safely performed on patients with lung cancer who previously would have been deemed inoperable. The procedure showed better patient satisfaction and reduced length of stay compared to traditional surgical methods.
A Norwegian-Greek study found that five traditional risk factors and two new ones can identify people at high risk of developing lung cancer. The research group created a risk calculator that can predict lung cancer with near-90% accuracy, reducing the need for unnecessary CT scans.
A recent study reveals lung cancer incidence is now higher among young women than men, with convergence of rates seen among non-Hispanic blacks and Asians/Pacific Islanders. Differences in smoking behaviors or types of lung cancer may contribute to this shift.
A team of scientists led by University of Montana cell biologist Mark Grimes has identified networks in lung cancer cells that will help understand the disease and develop targeted treatments. The study used large-scale data analysis and mathematical approaches to define signaling pathways in lung cancer cells.
Among 20,900 lung cancer patients, those with at least one palliative care encounter were 82% less likely to die by suicide. Palliative care aims to relieve physical pain and address psychological issues, improving quality of life for patients with life-threatening illnesses.
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing for all known lung cancer-related gene changes at diagnosis is more cost-effective and faster than testing one or a limited number of genes. This approach can save up to $2.1 million for Medicare and $250,000 for commercial insurance providers.
A study of 1,800 lung cancer screening sites found that only 1.9% of eligible heavy smokers were screened in 2016. Despite USPSTF and ASCO guidelines, low screening rates persist, with the South having the lowest rate at 1.6%. The study highlights the need for effective public service campaigns to encourage lung cancer screening.
A meta-analysis of 20 randomised trials found that patients' sex may impact the efficacy of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Women showed a lower survival benefit compared to men, regardless of cancer type and drug administered.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has announced five new Physician-Scientist Training Awards, which will provide $2.3 million in funding for the recipients. The awards aim to address the financial disincentives that often deter physicians from pursuing a research career.
A team of researchers from Mayo Clinic identified a technology to address false positives in CT-based lung cancer screening, analyzing CT images and identifying disease characteristics. The findings show that a set of 57 variables can distinguish benign nodules from cancerous ones, reducing patient anxiety and unnecessary testing.
Researchers at FAU have discovered a special mechanism that regulates tumour growth in lung cancer, opening up new possibilities in the treatment of lung cancer patients. The discovery reveals that lung tumours can reprogram the immune response, leading to the suppression of anti-tumour cells and promoting tumour growth.