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ThyroSeq test helps patients avoid unnecessary diagnostic thyroid surgery, study shows

A genetic test called ThyroSeq has been shown to reliably distinguish between benign and cancerous thyroid nodules using a small sample of cells. The test correctly identified cancerous nodules as positive 94% of the time and detected benign nodules as negative 82% of the time, preventing unnecessary diagnostic surgeries.

Droplet Digital PCR enables precise detection and quantification of a promoter mutation prevalent in many cancer types

A recent study published online demonstrated that Droplet Digital PCR technology can detect and quantify rare mutations in the TERT promoter region with high sensitivity. The assays detected the mutation in 78% of samples and yielded no false positives, showing its potential as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring patients.

SourceCG Life·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateOct 30, 2018

US flight attendants at elevated risk of several forms of cancer

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that US flight attendants have a higher prevalence of several cancers, including breast and cervical cancer, compared to the general public. The study suggests that minimizing radiation exposure and circadian rhythm disruption may help reduce the risk of cancer among cabi...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJun 25, 2018

Largest-ever study of thyroid cancer genetics finds new mutations, suggests immunotherapy

A large-scale study of thyroid cancer genetics has identified specific genes driving the disease and found that certain cancers can benefit from immunotherapy. The research also found amplifications of key receptor tyrosine kinases in anaplastic thyroid cancers, suggesting a potential target for treatment with lenvatinib.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 26, 2018

Are wealthier people more likely to receive a diagnosis of cancer?

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that wealthier individuals are more likely to receive cancer diagnoses due to increased testing. However, mortality rates from these cancers have been decreasing, largely due to improved treatments. The authors suggest alternative payment models and reduced financial confli...

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 7, 2017

Complications from thyroid cancer surgery more common than believed, study finds

A large population-based study found that 6.5% of thyroid cancer patients experienced general post-operative complications, while 12% had complications specific to thyroid surgery within a year after their operation. Patients over 65 and those with more advanced thyroid cancer were at higher risk for these complications.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 16, 2017

Pancreatic cancer patients may live longer by traveling to academic hospital for operation

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that pancreatic cancer patients who travel to academic medical centers for surgery have longer overall survival rates and better quality care. For thyroid cancer patients, traveling also results in more adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 1, 2017

Pitt study finds potential marker of drug response in many cancer types

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a novel genetic mechanism and marker that may predict response to a class of drugs in many cancer types. Elevated levels of IGF2BP3 protein were found in both thyroid and other common cancers, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for treatment response.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2017