Articles tagged with Lung Cancer
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Four risk prediction models have been shown to be most accurate for selecting the highest risk ever-smokers for lung cancer screening, suggesting that these findings can inform future lung cancer screening guidelines. The models picked similar numbers of ever-smokers and showed the best agreement on which ever-smokers to select.
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.
Cancer remains a significant concern as the HIV-infected population ages. By 2030, prostate and lung cancers are projected to be the most common cancers among individuals with HIV, due to their weakened immune systems.
A study by Yale researchers found significant disparities in lung cancer care and survival between the US and England. In the US, 25% of patients were diagnosed at stage 1, compared to 15% in England, while 45% of US patients were diagnosed late-stage, versus 52% in England.
Early intervention after completed clinical staging leads to increased survival rates in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Surgery within eight weeks from diagnosis significantly improves overall survival.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found poziotinib to be up to 100 times more potent against cells with exon 20 mutations than other drugs. In mouse models, poziotinib reduced disease burden by 80% in EGFR mice and 60% in HER2 mice, with durable responses at 12 weeks.
Researchers have found associations between esophageal cancer and lead-rich soils, lung cancer and copper-rich terrains, brain tumors and arsenic-rich areas. The study's findings suggest that the geochemical composition of soil could influence cancer distribution patterns in Spain.
Using UT Southwestern's largest lung cancer cell library, researchers identified 170 chemicals that could be developed into treatments for non-small cell lung cancer. The team also found biomarkers to predict patient responses and therapeutic targets, paving the way for personalized cancer care.
A simple handgrip strength test is a good indicator of short- and long-term survival in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients. Patients with weak handgrips were 1.5 times more likely to die within five years, compared to those with strong handgrips.
Researchers have identified human-specific cancers that differ from animal counterparts, suggesting potential evolutionary origins. The study reveals cancer patterns in humans vary significantly from those of other species, highlighting the need for further investigation into the evolutionary underpinnings of cancer.
A $15.5 million NCI grant creates a center at five health systems to improve lung cancer screening and address disparities in early diagnosis, treatment, and mortality. The center will develop a shared model data for research on optimizing precision lung cancer screening.
A new drug treatment has shown major tumor responses in early stage lung cancer patients before surgery, resulting in fewer relapses. The study found that providing the anti-PD-1 drug nivolumab before surgery increased anti-tumor T-cells that remained after the tumor was removed.
Combination therapy of pembrolizumab and chemotherapy significantly improves overall survival and reduces progression risk in patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. The study found a 51% reduced risk of death compared to chemotherapy alone.
The POPLAR trial found that atezolizumab significantly improved overall survival compared to docetaxel in previously treated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients. Long-term overall survival benefits were observed across histology and PD-L1 expression levels.
A study found that patients with a treating pivot nurse had higher patient satisfaction scores and better quality-of-life outcomes compared to those without such support. The coordinated care improved patients' understanding of their disease, treatment side-effects, and overall strength in fighting cancer.
The phase III ALEX trial showed that alectinib improved progression-free survival and prolonged time to CNS progression compared to crizotinib. Patients treated with alectinib also experienced longer symptom improvement in terms of health-related quality of life and lung cancer-related symptoms.
Researchers identified various resistance mechanisms in ALK+ and ROS1+ lung cancers, including kinase mutations and non-genetic changes. A second study demonstrates the ability to detect these changes in patient blood samples using ctDNA tests, potentially easing early detection of treatment failure.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that deliver microRNA-29b to lung tumors, potentially improving treatment outcomes. The technology overcomes limitations of traditional delivery methods and demonstrates promising results in mouse models.
A clinical trial has shown that a combination of checkpoint inhibitors and an immune stimulation drug can control the progression of non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment was administered in an outpatient setting and demonstrated significant prolonged survival in patients.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology updates its clinical guideline to recommend concurrent chemotherapy for certain patients with incurable stage III non-small cell lung cancer, improving quality of life and alleviating symptoms. The new guideline also provides recommendations for delivery and dosing of radiation therapy.
A combination of EGFR and TNF inhibitors effectively blocks cancer's escape route, making it sensitive to treatment. The two-drug strategy has the potential to work for all non-small cell lung cancers, offering a new hope for patients.
Researchers successfully treat KRAS-driven lung cancer by targeting insulin and IGF-1 signaling, identifying metabolic vulnerabilities. The study shows that completely blocking the pathway can slow tumor growth, but a second step is needed to fully suppress it.
Researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have made a groundbreaking discovery about colon cancer, revealing that certain hidden polyps may be responsible for up to 30-40% of cases. The study also found that these polyps are caused by a mutation in the BRAF gene and could potentially be detected through fecal samples.
The 2018 Canada Gairdner Award laureates made significant discoveries in genomic imprinting and optogenetics, impacting human development and disease. Their work has led to a deeper understanding of gene expression, developmental biology, and neurological disorders.
Fabrice Barresi has been awarded the Heine H. Hansen Award by European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). This award is presented annually at the European Lung Cancer Congress to a lung cancer investigator who has made a special contribution to this field.
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a promising new drug that targets the c-Myc gene, which is linked to obesity and various cancers. The drug, I-BET-762, delays the development of existing cancers by inhibiting critical proteins involved in cancer cell growth.
A study published in The BMJ found little evidence that national cancer policy initiatives since 2000 have improved short-term cancer survival in England. Despite steady improvements in overall cancer survival, socioeconomic inequalities in survival remain a major public health problem.
Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified a unique molecular signature in the blood that could detect aggressive lung cancer and predict response to immunotherapy, offering new hope for patients with limited treatment options.
Researchers found that thirdhand smoke exposure increases lung cancer risk in mice, with toxic residues damaging DNA and leading to mutations. Early exposure is associated with increased incidence and severity of lung cancer.
A new PET scan-compatible imaging agent can detect specific mutations in lung cancer tumors, predicting treatment success. Over 80% of patients with detected mutations showed positive response to targeted drug, while those without signals saw limited benefits.
Research reveals geographical differences in lung cancer treatment rates in England significantly impact patient survival. If optimal treatment levels were achieved, approximately 800 additional years of life could be gained annually for patients.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed an RNA-based therapy that has been shown to cure lung tumors in mice by 40-50 percent. The therapy targets specific long non-coding RNA molecules involved in uncontrolled cell division, which are a key driver of cancer growth.
Researchers estimate that beehive coke oven emissions are responsible for more than 9,000 lung cancer cases in China. The study suggests that banning BCOs led to a significant decrease in cancer cases, with an estimated 1,500 fewer cases if the ban had been implemented immediately.
A new computerized tissue-imaging program could identify lung cancer patients at higher risk of recurrence, allowing for targeted chemotherapy to be administered. The program, supported by a $3.16 million National Cancer Institute grant, uses digital images of tissue biopsies to analyze the shape and texture of cancer cells.
A new clinical trial using a tailored intervention may minimize lung cancer occurrence and mortality rates for those at higher risk. The study will compare the effectiveness of counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and gain-framed text messaging in supporting high-risk smokers who want to quit.
Researchers developed a novel approach to studying cancer, grouping 32 types of cancer into 10 classes based on molecular pathways. This understanding can lead to new diagnosis and treatment methods, including identifying neuroendocrine tumors that may be missed with current markers.
Exercising regularly before surgery for lung cancer halves the complication rate afterwards, with a 48% reduction in postoperative complications. Exercise also reduces the length of hospital stay by almost three days, according to a pooled analysis of 13 clinical trials involving 806 participants.
Researchers discover that low levels of microRNA miR-125a-5p correlate with high levels of protein TIMP-1 in human lung cancer cells. Increasing miR-125a-5p levels reduces cancer spread and increases cell death. TIMP-1's role is also explored, revealing its dual function in promoting or inhibiting tumor growth.
The new guidelines update the 2013 recommendations to include genetic alterations driving lung cancer and new drugs to target these alterations. Testing for ROS1 in all cases of lung adenocarcinoma is now recommended, as well as using circulating tumor DNA and cytology specimens when tissue is unavailable.
The CONCORD-3 study reveals global improvement in cancer survival, with some countries experiencing significant gains, while others lag behind. However, disparities in childhood cancers and incomplete data in Africa limit the accuracy of these findings.
Researchers are testing new palliative radiation techniques to spare esophageal effects and improve swallowing function in lung cancer patients. The PROACTIVE trial aims to reduce negative symptoms like heartburn and difficulty swallowing.
International organizations IASLC and BTOG are partnering to spread awareness of revised lung cancer staging criteria. The new system takes effect this month and aims to provide better care for patients. Key findings highlight improved prognostic factors, tumor size measurements, and coding systems for lung cancers with multiple lesions.
A panel of experts has issued new guidelines for molecular diagnostic testing and treatment decisions in lung cancer. The updates reflect recent advancements and decades of work to identify the genetic underpinnings of lung cancer, helping oncologists match patients with effective therapies.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found low post-treatment mortality rates for both surgery and targeted radiation in early-stage lung cancer patients. Patients over 80 years old showed significantly higher mortality rates with surgery compared to targeted radiation.
A new Michigan State University study finds that mice can mimic human breast cancer tissue and genes, as well as other cancers including lung, oral, and esophagus. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments by identifying similarities between tumors.
A large study has found a significant link between severe gum disease and an increased risk of cancer, particularly lung and colorectal cancer. The study, which used data from over 7,400 participants, found that those with advanced gum disease were 24% more likely to develop cancer than those without.
RAS molecules act in pairs, known as dimers, to cause cancer and transmit signals that tell a cell to grow and divide. The study provides a foundation for further studies on RAS biology and could potentially pave the way to develop new cancer drugs.
Elderly patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) showed improved overall survival when treated with chemoradiation compared to definitive radiation alone. Treatment with concurrent or sequential CRT was associated with a 33% reduction in the risk of death.
A research team at Rush University Medical Center is working on a simple blood test to detect non-small cell lung cancer with 90% accuracy. The goal is to identify biomarkers that can detect the disease earlier and reduce late-stage diagnoses, improving treatment outcomes.
A new study reveals significant healthcare disparities among patients aged 80 and older with advanced lung cancer. African Americans and those from lower-income areas are more likely to not receive standard care therapy, leading to poorer outcomes. In contrast, patients receiving standard treatment live longer.
The US cancer death rate has dropped 26% since its peak in 1991, resulting in nearly 2.4 million fewer cancer deaths. This decline is mainly due to reductions in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment.
Individualized risk-based lung cancer screening using calculators that account for demographic and clinical characteristics may save more lives than current USPSTF recommendations. Researchers estimate that this approach could have prevented over 5,000 more deaths in 2015 compared to the current guidelines.