Research on lung cancer detection and treatment. Covers microbial predictors of immunotherapy, MRI detection, microplastics, and RAS-mutant drugs.
A new study found that poor global QOL scores do not predict worse survival in high-risk lung cancer patients undergoing sublobar resection, contradicting prior studies. Patients with breathing problems at baseline or decline in function after surgery had poorer overall survival.
Researchers used breath analysis to detect lung cancer with a sensitivity comparable to PET scanning and a higher specificity, distinguishing patients with benign disease from those with early-stage cancer. The method shows promise as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, expediting treatment for patients with lung cancer.
A new study using National Cancer Data Base data reveals that major lung resection has become progressively safer over the last few decades. The study found that mortality rates after surgery have decreased, especially at the busiest hospitals with high volumes of surgeries performed.
Researchers have discovered that some lung cancers with EGFR gene mutations are uniformly treated throughout the tumor, while others have variable mutation presence. This finding has significant implications for diagnostic accuracy and precision medicine in lung adenocarcinoma.
The EORTC and SIOG have updated their expert opinion on NSCLC management in elderly patients, highlighting the need for personalized treatment decisions based on life expectancy and biological age. Multidisciplinary geriatric assessments can improve treatment outcomes for this population.
A Michigan State University study highlights the emotional toll of lung cancer stigma, with patients feeling guilt, self-blame, and discomfort around healthcare providers. The research aims to raise awareness among healthcare providers and develop strategies to strengthen coping skills and symptom management for affected individuals.
A new study by Mathew S. Isaac and Aaron R. Brough found that people are more likely to predict outcomes when items are grouped into larger categories. In a series of experiments, participants showed a bias towards wagering more money on winning the lottery if they had blue tickets rather than yellow ones.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key enzyme responsible for lactate production in cancer cells, which they inhibit to halt tumor growth and even cause regression. The study's findings offer promising results for new treatments targeting cancer metabolism.
A study by TGen found that specific growth factor receptors, HGFR/MET and FN14, are elevated in metastatic tumors of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Suppression of these receptors reduces tumor cell invasion. These findings suggest new targets for therapy to prevent or halt the spread of this deadly cancer.
A phase II trial of efatutazone with erlotinib failed to improve efficacy in patients with refractory non-small cell lung cancer, but researchers hope to refine future treatments by identifying the right biomarker for individual patients. The study found that fluid retention was a key factor contributing to the lack of success.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that chemotherapy improved progression-free survival compared to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with wild-type EGFR tumors. However, overall survival did not differ between the two groups.
Researchers found that women who underwent radiotherapy for breast cancer have a small but significantly increased risk of developing a primary lung tumour. The risk increases with the amount of radiation absorbed by the tissue, with an estimated relative risk of 8.5% per delivered Gy to the lung.
Researchers estimate that up to 100% of lung cancer patients experience sexual dysfunction, which can persist after treatment. Experts call for open discussions and specialized help from healthcare professionals to address these issues.
A study found that preoperative PET imaging reduced unnecessary surgeries for non-small cell lung cancer patients by 50%, eliminating approximately half of them. The use of PET increased during the study period, suggesting its potential to change policy and recommendations regarding tumor staging.
Immunotherapy has shown huge potential in treating lung cancer by preventing tumour cells from escaping the immune system. New data on immunocheckpoint regulators such as PD-1 and PD-L1 have resulted in impressive global overall response rates of 20% to 25%.
Researchers developed a new technology called MaMTH to study human proteins, particularly membrane proteins that contribute to disease. The technology identifies a protein, CRKII, that plays a role in non-small cell lung cancer and suggests a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers found a rare hereditary syndrome associated with a 31% risk of disease in never-smokers carrying the germline EGFR T790M mutation. The study highlights the need for increased surveillance and screening for affected carriers, regardless of smoking status.
A new study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that people with an inherited mutated gene have a high chance of getting lung cancer, even without smoking. Women and those who have never smoked are mostly affected, with a one-in-three chance of developing the disease.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that the investigational cancer vaccine tecemotide, when administered with cisplatin, boosted immune response and reduced the number of tumors in mice with lung cancer. The vaccine also increased interferon gamma levels and stimulated production of killer T-lymphocytes.
Lung cancer cells use high levels of TGF-β to suppress NK cell activity, leading to reduced DAP12 expression and impaired cytotoxic pathways. The researchers identified a critical role for miR-183 in this process, providing new insight into the exploitation of immune evasion mechanisms by cancer cells.
The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation has funded two new projects at the University of Liverpool, one aiming to improve survival rates for UK lung cancer patients and the other focusing on developing an early blood test for diagnosis. The foundation has invested $20m in lung cancer research over 23 years.
Researchers at TGen identified the key protein Mcl-1 that enables non-small cell lung cancer tumors to resist radiation and chemotherapy. By inhibiting Mcl-1, researchers believe they can make lung cancer more responsive to standard therapies.
A new protein called Merm1 has been discovered to play a role in controlling cell growth and division in lung tissue. This finding could lead to the development of new drugs targeting lung cancer.
A recent study found that female hormone therapy, particularly estrogen plus progesterone, significantly improved survival among women with non-small cell lung cancer. The combination of hormone therapy and long-term use showed the most notable improvements in median survival time.
Researchers have developed a novel technique for detecting ALK rearrangements in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) using quantitative (q)RT-PCR. The assay overcomes limitations of existing methods, including cost and interpretation challenges, with high sensitivity and ease of use.
A study found significant discrepancies between fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) results for ALK testing, leading to the detection of approximately 25% of ALK-positive cases. The findings support the need for combined testing using both FISH and IHC methods.
A recent study found that EGFR mutations are prevalent among the Asian population, with a frequency of 51.4% in stage IIIB or IV adenocarcinomas of the lung. The mutation was more common among women and never-smokers than previously reported.
The cumulative success rate for new agents in advanced NSCLC is lower than industry estimates, but biomarker- and receptor-targeted therapies substantially increase success rates. Biomarker-targeted therapy shows a 62% cumulative success rate, nearly six times higher than non-biomarker targeted trials.
Researchers at TSRI will explore Notch signaling pathways as therapeutic options for non-small cell lung cancer. The grant aims to improve treatment outcomes for advanced disease, where survival rates remain poor despite falling death rates.
A combination of two drugs has successfully halted the growth of lung adenocarcinomas carrying KRAS mutations, a common genetic subtype of lung cancer. The treatment targets KRAS's accomplices rather than the gene itself, and its potential as a clinical trial is being explored.
The American Cancer Society and Stand Up To Cancer have announced a collaborative research effort focused on lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer mortality in the US. The $20 million Dream Team grant will be awarded to support the development of new therapies for lung cancer.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center have identified shared genetic signatures between lung and bladder cancers, which may refine patient prognoses and treatment choices.
The European Society for Medical Oncology warns that Eastern Europe lacks sufficient data, highlighting the need for a unified system. Despite this, many Western European countries are expected to have enough medical oncologists to meet growing cancer demands by 2020.
Cancer death rates have declined by 20% over the past two decades, with middle-aged black men experiencing a 50% reduction in mortality. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 1,665,540 new cancer cases and 585,720 cancer deaths in 2014.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for high-risk adults between 55 and 80 years old. Heavy smokers or former heavy smokers who have quit within the past 15 years are considered high risk due to increased lung cancer risk. The recommendation is based on comprehensive evi...
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that ALK and ROS1 gene rearrangements, known to drive subsets of lung cancer, are also present in some colorectal cancers. This implies that drugs used to target ALK and ROS1 in lung cancer may have applications in treating a subset of colorectal cancer patients.
Death rates for lung cancer, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers have been declining, driving a reduction in cancer deaths. However, some cancers, including liver and pancreas, saw increased death rates. Comorbid conditions also impact survival, with one-third of patients aged 65+ having multiple medical conditions.
New data from the NLST suggests that low-dose CT screening for lung cancer may overdiagnose up to 22% of non-small cell lung cancers. However, the rate is significantly lower than projected for other cancer screenings, supporting the implementation of lung cancer screening programs.
A recent study found that over 18% of lung cancers detected by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) may be cases of overdiagnosis, where the cancer would not have become clinically apparent without screening. This could lead to unnecessary treatment, anxiety, and increased healthcare costs.
Researchers found that inhibiting antioxidant proteins reduced tumor growth and induced cell death in lung cancer cells. In a mouse model, the inhibitor ATN-224 also reduced tumor sizes when combined with another drug.
A special issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology addresses imaging-based screening and radiology's role in preventive medicine. The issue explores breast density legislation, digital breast tomosynthesis, lung cancer screening, and CT colonography reimbursement, highlighting both benefits and controversies.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that crizotinib treatment reduces kidney function in ALK positive non-small cell lung cancer patients. Kidney function recovered after treatment, but additional tests are recommended if concerns arise.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a new strategy to block the mutated ras protein, which drives three out of ten cancers, including lung and colon cancers. The small molecules efficiently kill ras-driven cancer cells in human lung cancer cell cultures.
Researchers found that inhibiting ion channel TRPC5 limits kidney filtration loss after injury, suggesting a new therapeutic target. The study demonstrates the protective effects of TRPC5 inhibition on kidney function and provides hope for treating kidney failure.
Researchers identified KDM2A as a histone demethylase associated with non-small cell lung cancer. Induced KDM2A expression increased cell proliferation and invasiveness through ERK1/2 signaling pathway activation.
Glen J. Weiss, MD, presents studies on TSR-011, a potent ALK and TRK inhibitor, and Ki67, a measure of cell proliferation, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors collected before chemotherapy and after surgery. These studies show preliminary clinical activity against various tumor types.
A Phase 1B study of MK-3475, an anti-PD-1 immunotherapy drug, showed encouraging results in treating non-small cell lung cancer, with a 24% response rate and median overall survival of 51 weeks. The drug, developed by Merck, allows the immune system to detect and attack cancer cells.
Dr. Avrum Spira has received the Alton Ochsner Award for his seminal research contributions to understanding the biological response of lung tissue to tobacco smoke. His work has led to the development of early detection biomarkers for lung cancer and molecular biomarkers for COPD treatment guidance.
The Cell-CT platform detected lung cancer in patient sputum samples with a sensitivity of over 95% and specificity of 99.8%. The technology creates comprehensive 3D digital images of cells, making it possible to determine the presence or absence of cancer with great accuracy.
Researchers developed a breath-based test to detect lung cancer using a colorimetric sensor array that detects unique chemical signatures. The test accurately distinguished breath samples from people with lung cancer from controls.
A study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a gene fusion that fuels the growth of some lung adenocarcinomas, making targeted therapies effective for patients with specific genetic changes. The finding suggests that drugs targeting NTRK1's protein product could be effective in treating these patients.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a regulatory molecule, miR-4423, that is less abundant in people with lung cancer and inhibits lung cancer cell growth. This molecule may aid in diagnosing lung cancer in earlier stages and treating the disease when at healthy levels.
Researchers at Penn Medicine found that focusing on factors like hope, randomization, and altruism can increase patient willingness to participate in clinical trials for malignant pleural mesothelioma. The study showed a significant increase in participation rates when physicians spent more time discussing these factors with patients.
Researchers found metformin as an effective radiosensitizer for treating stage III non-small cell lung cancer, improving local control and overall survival. The study suggests combining metformin with chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be a promising treatment approach.
As people age, gene mutations and epigenetic changes accumulate, increasing cancer risk. Researchers will examine the role of epigenetics in lung cancer development, seeking new biomarkers to predict cancer risk.
PF-06463922, a new investigational drug, has shown potent activity against the ALK protein kinase and its mutants, including those resistant to crizotinib. This offers a potential treatment option for patients with lung cancer harboring ALK gene abnormalities.
Researchers discovered 127 genes that appear to drive the development of a range of tumors in the body across 12 major cancer types. The study found common links among genes in different cancers, as well as mutations exclusive to particular cancer types.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) awarded five people Advocacy Travel Awards to support their attendance at the 2013 World Conference on Lung Cancer in Sydney. The awards provide conference registration, accommodations, a free IASLC Membership, and a travel stipend.
A study suggests that Indi's blood test can accurately distinguish between benign lung nodules and early-stage lung cancer by detecting a specific combination of proteins in the blood. The test, powered by advanced protein detection technology, has a 90% accuracy rate and could complement current clinical risk factors.
PET scans can identify patients with more aggressive tumors, enabling intensified treatment for locally advanced lung cancer. The study found a strong correlation between radiation dose intensity and local control of the cancer.