Research on the care and experience of people living with cancer. Covers survivorship, supportive care, diagnosis in low-resource settings, immunotherapy trials, and quality of life.
The UVA Weber Symposium will discuss the latest research and advancements in metastasis, a complex area of cancer research and care. The event will bring together top scientists and physicians to present findings on cancer metastasis, genetics, and treatment considerations.
A randomized trial found that five-treatment stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) provided excellent long-term cancer control and better urinary continence and sexual function compared to surgery. SBRT offered clear advantages for urinary continence and sexual function, with 91% of patients remaining free from biochemical or clin...
Patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases lived 17.4 months with radiosurgery, compared to 8.6 months with whole brain treatment. Radiosurgery was associated with a 40% lower risk of death. The study challenges the long-standing reliance on whole brain treatment for SCLC brain metastases.
A randomized phase 2 trial found that five treatments of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) better preserved physical function and reduced fatigue compared to 28 treatments of conventional radiation therapy with chemotherapy. Rates of cancer remaining in lymph nodes did not differ significantly between the groups.
A phase 3 trial found that delivering focused radiation therapy over three to five sessions after surgery for a large brain metastasis reduced cancer recurrence and improved survival. Patients who received multi-session treatment lived nine months longer than those treated in a single session without significantly increasing side effects.
A large Medicare analysis found that depression is associated with higher cancer mortality, while psychotherapy soon after diagnosis reduces cancer risk. Patients with depression had a 21% lower risk of cancer-specific mortality after receiving psychotherapy within four weeks of their diagnosis.
A multi-institutional trial found that ultra-low-dose radiation therapy relieved painful bone lesions from multiple myeloma for most patients, with 81% achieving pain control without additional radiation. Treatment side effects were limited to low-grade fatigue.
A large U.S. insurance claims analysis found that fewer than 30% of patients with hormone receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer remained adherent to endocrine therapy for five years after lumpectomy. Younger age and radiation therapy omission were associated with lower adherence rates.
Studies on hypofractionated postmastectomy radiotherapy, proton therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, and stereotactic body radiation therapy for Ewing sarcoma showcase improved patient outcomes. The findings also suggest potential benefits for short-course radiation therapy access and patient navigation in cancer centers.
A new, incisionless liver cancer treatment called histotripsy was associated with low rates of laboratory toxicity and procedural complications in a real-world review of 972 patients. However, the study found that 11% of patients died within 30 days, suggesting that advanced cancer and overall disease burden may be contributing factors.
The PATHFINDER 2 study found that adding a blood test to standard screening increased cancer detection 6.5-fold, identifying cancers with no routine screening options. The test demonstrated a high specificity and low false-positive rate, making it a powerful complement to standard screening.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is hosting a public webinar highlighting key findings from Alliance and Alliance Foundation Trials studies presented at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting. The webinar will feature treatment advances for breast, lung, and prostate cancers, and will include patient representatives to provide insigh...
A new study reveals that childhood chemotherapy can cause DNA damage in healthy tissues, including the liver, leading to increased health risks later in life. The research, published in Science, found that platinum-based chemotherapy drugs can 'age' children's healthy cells, causing DNA changes similar to those seen in adult tissues.
A Drexel University study analyzing 26 songs written by cancer survivors during music therapy sessions found that music therapy helped reduce anxiety and identified themes such as prioritizing self-care and redefining identity. The study also highlighted the importance of music-based strategies for managing mental health and well-being.
Dr. Amoako's evidence-driven services improve early diagnosis, expand access to treatment, and advance locally led research in Ghana. Her work aims to strengthen childhood cancer care across the country.
A new blood test, ADLiB, combines genetic clues with machine learning to identify patients most likely to have lymphoma. The platform analyzes cell-free DNA and prioritizes patients who need a tissue biopsy, helping clinicians diagnose the disease more quickly.
The Alliance QUANTUM trial is testing whether post-transplant consolidation therapy with teclistamab improves survival in patients with primary plasma cell leukemia. Plasma cell leukemia is a rare but aggressive blood cancer with poor long-term survival rates.
Circulating circRNAs show high cell-type and tissue specificity, making them ideal for non-invasive cancer management. They can be detected in multiple body fluids and reflect treatment response, positioning them as functional drivers of therapy resistance.
A comprehensive, sustained approach to treating tobacco dependence in patients undergoing cancer treatment has been shown to double quit rates compared to referral to a Quitline alone. The study found that 81% of participants who received virtual sustained treatment attended counseling sessions and had higher medication use rates.
Researchers found that a new treatment regimen can slow cancer progression in patients with functional high-risk (FHR) multiple myeloma. The study defines FHR multiple myeloma as progressing within 36 months of starting treatment, indicating a survival prognosis of less than 2 years after progression.
A new study found that simple weekly electronic symptom check-ins with care teams significantly improves the quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. The benefits were notable among patient groups that historically faced barriers to care, including Black patients and those with less formal education.
A new study found that over 50 million Americans live in counties without a radiation oncology clinic, highlighting vulnerabilities in the nation's cancer care infrastructure. Radiation oncology practices have closed disproportionately in rural areas and freestanding settings, raising concerns about patients' access to cancer care.
Researchers estimate that relabeling Grade Group 1 prostate cancer as a precancerous condition could reduce unnecessary treatment and prevent nearly 2,400 prostate cancer deaths annually. This change may encourage more men to get screened, potentially leading to fewer deaths from aggressive prostate cancer.
A study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found nearly one in five caregivers reported experiencing food insecurity during their child's hospital stay. Children whose caregivers faced food insecurity stayed in the hospital about a third longer on average, with higher rates of readmission within 30 days.
Researchers developed a two-pronged approach to encourage important conversations between patients with cancer and their oncologists about goals and preferences for care. The study found that combining reminders for both patients and providers at the right moment significantly increased serious illness conversations.
A new study found that HPV-DeepSeek, an ultrasensitive blood test, can identify patients with HPV-associated head and neck cancer who may benefit from additional treatments. The test detected circulating tumor DNA in 98.1% of patients at diagnosis, significantly improving detection rates compared to existing methods.
Researchers have developed a new method that can detect cancer with low levels of DNA in the blood, providing more detailed information about tumour composition. This could lead to better care for cancer patients, enabling closer monitoring of treatment progress and more informed decision-making.
A recent study found that melanoma disproportionately affects Florida's senior population, with older men experiencing twice as many skin cancer-related deaths as women. The study highlights gaps in prevention and early detection, particularly among men and non-Hispanic populations.
A pilot study of the Participant Engagement Portal (PEP) tool shows that 84% of participants had a positive experience, with high usability and satisfaction rates. PEP facilitates two-way communication between patients and clinicians, allowing for self-reporting of social risk factors and future research opportunities.
A comprehensive review of breast cancer risk models in women with a family history found that none are highly accurate at identifying which women will develop the disease. The BOADICEA model showed balanced performance, while others had significant limitations, emphasizing the need for continued improvement.
A multicenter clinical trial found that implanting collagen tiles during brain surgery improved tumor control and lowered the risk of recurrence by 12.1% compared to current standard of care. Patients treated with tile-based radiation therapy (TBRT) had a median overall survival of 42.5 months, more than double the 17.6 months seen wit...
The American Cancer Society has endorsed two new types of stool tests and recommends limiting the use of blood tests for colorectal cancer screening. The guidelines aim to encourage people to get screened while improving detection rates.
Dr. Michele Carbone received the 2026 Szent-Görgyi Prize for his groundbreaking discovery that mesothelioma can be transmitted through families in a Mendelian fashion, driven by inherited mutations in the BAP1 gene. His research has transformed how the disease is understood, diagnosed, treated and prevented worldwide.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that HPV self-collection increased cervical cancer screening completion by 2.2% among over 95,000 members, with higher gains in diverse populations. The program also reduced clinician-performed pelvic exams and improved follow-up for high-risk HPV results.
The Alliance A082402 study evaluates the effectiveness of involved-station I²-PORT in reducing NSCLC recurrence without long-term side effects. Participants will undergo randomized treatment with or without targeted radiation therapy after surgery.
Paediatric Brain and Solid Tumour Awareness (PBSTA) Day brings together patients, families, clinicians, and volunteers for a day of respite and connection. The event aims to raise awareness of paediatric brain tumours and their impact on families.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of nine randomized clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of methylphenidate-type psychostimulants in reducing cancer-related fatigue. The study found significant improvements in fatigue scores, with benefits increasing over time.
The ASTRO Annual Meeting will take place in Boston from September 26-30, featuring research presentations, keynote addresses, and panel discussions on critical cancer care issues. The meeting aims to foster meaningful conversations about radiation therapy's value in advancing patient care.
Screening with a PSA blood test reduces prostate cancer deaths by approximately 2 for every 1,000 men screened. The review found that 500 men would need to be invited to screening to prevent one prostate cancer death.
A recent study found that ivermectin-benzimidazole prescribing increased rapidly following a celebrity endorsement in January 2025. This trend was particularly concerning among patients with cancer who may delay conventional treatments for unproven therapies, potentially worsening their disease progression.
A new national clinical trial investigates whether fewer invasive bladder exams can safely reduce discomfort and improve quality of life for patients with bladder cancer. Led by Dartmouth Cancer Center, the study aims to show that fewer procedures are just as effective at keeping patients healthy.
The ERASur clinical trial is investigating whether total ablative therapy can improve overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed, limited metastatic colorectal cancer. The study has reached one-third patient accrual milestone, signaling strong momentum.
The ASPIRE trial aims to enroll 1,200 participants with advanced prostate cancer and assess the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival and disease progression. Genetic profiling is included to identify patients who benefit most from intensified treatment.
The review highlights how retrieval-augmented generation can improve the accuracy, transparency, and clinical reliability of AI tools in cancer care. RAG-enhanced systems produced more accurate results than standard AI models across multiple studies.
The new NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Prostate Cancer Screening provide a comprehensive guide to evidence-based recommendations for age-specific screening. The guidelines aim to balance the benefits of early detection with the risks of unnecessary procedures, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and monitoring.
A new review found that lifestyle behaviors like physical activity and diet can positively modulate the gut microbiome of cancer patients, but these effects are often influenced by non-modifiable variables. The study also highlighted the role of intrinsic patient characteristics in shaping microbial composition.
A first-in-human clinical trial found that setidegrasib, a targeted therapy drug, demonstrated early antitumor activity in advanced lung and pancreatic cancers. The therapy shrank tumors and delayed disease progression in some patients, providing a potential new treatment approach for KRAS G12D-driven cancers.
Researchers found that a newer stool-based screening test, FIT-DNA, increased completion rates among participants from community health centers. However, follow-up colonoscopy tests remained low, highlighting the need for continued support and access to diagnostic services.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology has several active trials specifically designed to help people with head and neck cancers. Trials include testing high-dose prophylactic gabapentin to prevent opioid use during treatment, as well as immunotherapy with nivolumab and cabozantinib for mucosal melanoma and nasopharyngeal carcino...
A clinical trial aims to evaluate whether laser therapy reduces vaginal dryness caused by breast cancer treatment. The study, REVITALIZE, plans to enroll approximately 250 women with a history of breast cancer who experience moderate to severe vaginal dryness.
UCLA investigators present new research on targeted drug delivery for colorectal cancer, COVID-19's impact on breast cancer outcomes, and AI in cancer diagnosis. These studies offer insights into overcoming drug resistance, enhancing immune responses, and improving outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
The NCCN Advocacy Academy connects oncology professionals with policymakers to drive evidence-based cancer policy. The program aims to cultivate policy leadership skills among emerging scientists and care providers.
A new article in JMIR Publications showcases precision oncology's success, where individualized multi-drug regimens improve treatment responses and survival rates for patients with advanced cancers. The study found that closely matching drug therapies to tumor mutations leads to better outcomes, while also offering a safer profile.
A recent report found that only two out of 23 identified priorities for childhood cancer research received dedicated UK funding. Five key areas, including improving hospital experiences and addressing emotional wellbeing, were overlooked entirely. The study highlights a significant gap between patient needs and research funding.
The European project CGI-Clinics brings AI-powered Cancer Genome Interpreter (CGI) closer to clinical applications, enabling reliable and scalable tumour genome interpretation in precision oncology. The platform leverages machine learning to transform complex genomic data into actionable insights.
A study found that cancer patients during the last phase of life experienced more bleeding events than thromboembolic events. Most patients continued their antithrombotic therapy despite increased bleeding risk, with over 28% experiencing at least one bleeding episode.
A new clinical trial will investigate whether adding the oral medication vorasidenib to standard chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for people with newly-diagnosed, grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. The study aims to recruit 400 individuals with this type of brain cancer and evaluate the safety and side-effect profile of the...
A recent study found that women have a 21% lower risk of death compared to men, but a 12% higher risk of severe side effects from cancer treatment. The research, conducted in partnership with international collaborators, analyzed data from over 20,000 cancer patients and identified sex-based differences in survival and treatment toxicity.
A new study found that bilingual consent forms significantly improve cancer treatment understanding among people with limited English, with understanding rising from 35% to 60%. The study, published in Supportive Care in Cancer, examined the impact of different translation approaches on cancer treatment understanding among Bengali- and...
Researchers found that patients who followed an exercise prescription while receiving chemotherapy reported fewer problems with thinking and memory and felt less mentally tired. The study suggests that exercise may help people with cancer stay mentally sharp and better able to handle daily tasks.