Articles tagged with Lung Cancer
A new study reveals that residents of Appalachia experience a disproportionate increase in cancer incidence, particularly lung, colon, rectum, and cervix cancers. The study found that rural residents had even higher rates of these cancers compared to the general population.
A new blood test detects mesothelioma at an early stage, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. The test uses soluble mesothelin-related proteins (SMR) as a biomarker, which can detect the cancer several years before symptoms appear.
A Phase I study for non-small cell lung cancer used stereotactic radioablation, increasing radiation doses without prohibitive toxicity. 87% of patients showed positive tumor response, with no local recurrence at the highest dose levels.
A recent study found that people who underwent lung cancer screening were motivated to quit smoking. The study suggests that cancer screening may present an opportunity for health-care providers to offer smoking cessation resources.
Gefinitib, a designer drug targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor, has shown efficacy in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer. In a phase II clinical trial, 43% of patients experienced symptom improvement and 12% showed partial radiographic responses.
A new study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers found that low-dose CT screenings can accelerate smoking cessation rates by 14%, significantly higher than the national average. This promising finding suggests it's never too late to treat nicotine dependence, and further research may lead to more effective interventions.
A study by Temple University researchers identifies the molecular mechanisms that may assist the tumor-suppressing gene Rb2/p130 in blocking lung cancer cells. The study reveals nearly 70 genes regulated by Rb2, including previously known and unknown targets involved in lung cancer progression.
Researcher Dr. Mitra has developed an optical tomography method to locate lung tumors using short-pulse lasers. The technique yields physiological information with higher resolution and a safer system than traditional methods.
A study found that nearly 40% of lung cancer patients believe exposure to air during surgery promotes cancer spread, leading some to reject recommended surgery. The study suggests that physicians need to address these misconceptions to improve healthcare outcomes in African Americans, who are disproportionately affected by lung cancer.
The SARS epidemic taught four important lessons: the need for global cooperation, improved public health infrastructure, care for patients despite personal risk, and measures to minimize infectious risks to healthcare workers. The response to SARS demonstrates that a strong public health infrastructure can help contain outbreaks and pr...
A new trial found a significant survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer, increasing patient lifespan by 4.1%. The study suggests that toxicity is still a major concern and calls for better tools to identify patients who will benefit from treatment.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new blood test that can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages using MALDI-TOF MS. The test targets serum amyloid A, a protein elevated in lung cancer patients' blood.
A study by Harvard and Queensland universities found that 4.8 million deaths in 2000 were caused by smoking, affecting both developed and developing countries. The majority of these deaths were among men, especially in less-developed nations.
A study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that 18F-FLT PET scans are more accurate than 18F-FDG PET scans in differentiating between cancerous and non-cancerous lung tumors. However, the researchers noted that 18F-FDG is still a reliable tool for staging tumors.
Measuring DNA repair enzyme OGG activity found a significant association with lung cancer risk. Smokers and nonsmokers with low OGG activity had higher lung cancer risk compared to those with normal activity levels, with smokers being at greater risk due to smoking alone.
A new blood test can detect smokers with low levels of DNA repair enzyme OGG1, which increases their risk of lung cancer by 5-10 times. The test may help inform smoking cessation decisions for high-risk individuals.
Researchers found that a combination of low-dose spiral CT and selective use of PET can effectively detect early-stage lung cancer in high-risk individuals. The study showed that lesions up to 5mm can be safely followed up after 12 months without major risks of progression.
A new study has found that a weekly regimen of paclitaxel and carboplatin is well-tolerated and effective in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment resulted in a response rate of 32% and median survival time of 49 weeks, with fewer side effects compared to standard regimens.
The EU's Europe Against Cancer Programme has shown promising results in reducing cancer deaths across most European countries. However, tobacco use still poses a significant threat to public health, with many countries experiencing declining trends in cancer death rates while others struggle with rising rates.
A study found a strong correlation between genetic polymorphisms in two genes and lung cancer risk in smokers. Mutations in both XPD and cyclin D1 (CCND1) occurred more often in lung cancer patients, increasing the risk of lung cancer among individuals with a smoking history.
Researchers found that the p53 gene plays a crucial role in distinguishing which lung cancer patients are most likely to survive four years or more. The study identified a sub-group of early-stage lung cancer patients without p53 mutations who had a significantly higher survival rate, providing hope for a new treatment approach.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against use of beta-carotene supplements for cancer or cardiovascular disease prevention due to lack of benefit and potential harm. Lawsuits involving human subjects research are increasing, leading to more careful research and increased costs, according to experts.
A study found that PET-CT scans were more accurate than PET scans alone in staging non-small cell lung cancer patients. The combined imaging technique correctly identified lung cancer with chest wall and vascular spread, downgrading tumor severity in 13.3% of cases.
A new study suggests that the area where carcinogens settle may play a key role in developing lung cancer. The research found that cells located at carinal ridges can receive massive doses of toxic particulate matter, potentially leading to impaired mucociliary clearance and increased risk of neoplastic lesions.
The study found that BAC proliferation correlated with HER2 but not EGFR expression, suggesting a potential role for combination therapies. Researchers hope to launch a clinical trial of HER2- and EGFR-blocker combination therapy in the treatment of BAC.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center developed a molecular test that identified a panel of genes correlating with tumor response to gefitinib, a drug approved for shrinking tumors in advanced lung cancer. The study found distinct patterns of gene expression linked to patient responses or lack thereof.
Researchers found that gefitinib can slow lung cancer tumor recurrence when used as maintenance therapy following chemotherapy. The study suggests that gefitinib may keep cancer cells dormant for a period of time.
A combination of bevacizumab and erlotinib has shown a 21 percent response rate in patients with recurrent stage IIIb or IV lung cancer, with five patients experiencing partial responses and tumor stabilization for over a year. The treatment was well-tolerated with mild to moderate toxicity.
A new radiotherapy strategy, hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (HART), has been shown to improve survival rates for lung cancer patients. In a phase III multi-site study, chemotherapy followed by HART resulted in a median survival of 21 months, compared to 12 months with standard radiation therapy.
In a Phase II clinical trial, C225 and docetaxel combination achieved a 25.5% tumor shrinkage rate in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, significantly higher than the median response rate of 5-10%. The results are encouraging and suggest further development of this treatment approach.
A study by Chandra P. Belani and colleagues found that elderly patients with advanced NSCLC can tolerate combination therapy safely and effectively, with median survival rates comparable to those of younger patients. The treatment regimens used in the study were weekly paclitaxel in combination with full doses of carboplatin.
A new randomized study found that beta-carotene supplementation increased cancer risk in smokers and drinkers, while decreasing risk in non-smokers and non-drinkers. The study's findings highlight the complexity of designing safe and effective chemopreventive strategies for any cancer.
Researchers treated 18 patients with lung nodules using radiofrequency ablation, achieving a 97% destruction rate. The treatment was found to be short-lasting and manageable, with most complications resolved within a week.
The Stanford study found that FDG-PET is highly effective for lung nodule diagnosis but most cost-effective when used selectively with CT scans. The researchers recommend relying on CT as the initial test for almost all patients and using FDG-PET in cases where the risk of cancer conflicts with CT results.
A study found a nearly two-fold increased risk of lung cancer among relatives of smokers, but no evidence of an increased risk among relatives of non-smokers. The researcher hopes to identify high-risk subgroups and develop tailored interventions or screening programs.
A Duke team has identified two proteins, MIF and CyP-A, that are elevated in lung cancer cells but not in normal cells. These proteins may be potential targets for new therapies and a simple blood test to diagnose lung cancer without biopsies.
The discovery of KCNK9 reveals a significant role in the development of breast and lung cancers. The study found that overexpression of KCNK9 promotes tumor formation in controlled functional tests.
Research on STI571 and paclitaxel shows potential in controlling prostate cancer metastasis to bone. Lung cancer risk varies widely among smokers, with accurate prediction models helping individuals decide on screening. Non-BRCA mutations may be linked to high breast cancer risk in younger women.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a mathematical model predicting lung cancer risk based on age, sex, and smoking history. The tool helps balance the risks and benefits of screening for high-risk individuals.
The Prostate Cancer Series assesses the epidemiology of prostate cancer, highlighting the impact of genetic and environmental risk factors. Despite progress in understanding diet-related risks, familial clustering, and ethnic variation remain poorly understood, presenting opportunities for further research.
A Phase III randomized trial found that a combination of vinorelbine and gemcitabine did not improve overall and progression-free survival in elderly NSCLC patients. However, the study suggests that certain chemotherapy combinations, particularly cisplatin-based regimens, may be more effective than single-agent therapy. The results als...
According to a study by Fred Pampel, measures of gender equality do not explain the gap between men's and women's lung-cancer death rates. The gap is best explained historically, with women's smoking following men's on the upswing after a typical lag of around three decades.
A new vaccine technique has shown promise in boosting the natural immune response to tumors in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The vaccine was found to be non-toxic and well-tolerated, with some patients remaining disease-free for over three years after vaccination.
Researchers found that a vitamin A derivative, 9-cis retinoic acid, increased RAR-_ gene expression and reduced precancerous lesions in former smokers. While promising, the treatment also showed side effects, and further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness.
A recent study found that annual whole-body CT scanning for lung cancer screening may not be effective in saving lives, as the costs outweigh the benefits. The researchers estimated that only smokers who started quitting at age 55-65 saw significant cost-effectiveness in screening.
Breast cancer patients with HER-2/neu overexpression have lower hormone receptor levels, affecting treatment response. HFE gene mutations increase colon cancer risk in the US population.
Research reveals nicotine activates Akt survival pathway, undermining programmed cell death in lung cancer cells. This finding may lead to re-evaluation of quitting-aids' benefits.
Researchers found that nicotine stimulates lung epithelial cells to activate a molecular pathway promoting cell growth and survival. This activation undermines the body's natural defense mechanism against cancer. The study suggests reconsidering the risk-benefit ratio of nicotine-based quitting aids.
Researchers investigated the association between alcohol consumption and lung cancer risk, finding no statistically significant link. The Journal of National Cancer Institute also published studies on body surface area-based dosing for anticancer drugs and carbohydrate binding protein's potential to inhibit tumor growth.
The CALGB 9741 study found significant improvements in disease-free survival and overall survival for women with axillary node-positive operable breast cancer treated with dose-dense chemotherapy regimens. The study showed a 26% proportional reduction in risk of recurrence and improved quality of life with dose-dense therapy.
A clinical trial led by Dr. Joseph Friedberg at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is exploring the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on non-small cell lung cancer, with patients showing survival times between three and four times the usual six to nine months after surgery.
A study of 156 spouses of people with lung cancer found that those using moderate levels of religious coping had lower depressive symptoms. High levels of religious coping were linked to higher depression scores, suggesting a complex relationship between the two.
Researchers discovered deguelin's ability to selectively block the growth of precancerous and cancerous human bronchial epithelial cells. The study suggests deguelin may inhibit Akt activation, a critical cell survival signal for tumor progression.
Researchers have found that a specific carcinogen in cigarette smoke causes mutations in the K-RAS gene, leading to lung cancer. The study uses a mapping technique pioneered by Dr. Tang to pinpoint the exact site of damage, providing concrete proof that smoking is a cause of lung cancer.
A new phase III multi-national European trial involving 618 patients with advanced non small-cell lung cancer found that cisplatin and paclitaxel improved survival rates compared to carboplatin and paclitaxel. The study suggests that cisplatin-based chemotherapy remains the preferred standard treatment for lung cancer in Europe.
The National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST) is a randomized, controlled study aiming to determine the effectiveness of spiral CT scans versus chest X-rays in reducing deaths from lung cancer. Participants will receive annual screenings for three years and their health will be monitored until 2009.
The National Lung Screening Trial will enroll 50,000 current or former smokers in the US to compare the effectiveness of CT scans and chest X-rays in detecting lung cancer. The trial aims to determine if early detection can lead to a reduction in lung cancer deaths.
A phase III trial found that darbepoetin alfa reduced blood transfusions by half and increased hemoglobin levels, while decreasing fatigue. The treatment also showed similar adverse events to those in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that smokers who knew they were genetically susceptible to smoking-related cancers were no more likely to quit than those who didn't know. However, the study also showed that this knowledge did not undermine motivation to quit, contrary to initial concerns. The research suggests tha...
Sir Richard Peto and Sir Richard Doll have been pioneers in mapping the health hazards caused by smoking, with their study identifying a link between smoking and various causes of death. Their research has led to a huge body of knowledge reinforcing anti-tobacco efforts.