Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
A meta-analysis of 12,294 patients found bevacizumab significantly increases the risk of gastrointestinal perforation, especially in those with advanced colorectal and renal cell cancers. The study also showed a dose-dependent relationship between bevacizumab dose and GI perforation risk.
A study at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center found that nearly 20% of patients with recent breast cancer diagnoses had additional malignant tumors detected only by Breast MRI. The detection of these 'unsuspected' cancers is critical for patient health and survival.
Researchers have pinpointed a new class of gene mutations that identify cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a high risk of relapse and death. The discovery suggests specific drugs could treat this subtype, building on previous studies hinting at kinases' role in the disease.
Overall median survival improved from 3.5 months in period A to 12 months in period C, despite stage of disease at presentation affecting survival. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment, but many patients present with advanced-stage disease.
A Stanford University study found that disrupting the interferon pathway, a critical immune signaling mechanism, can lead to cancer progression and impaired immune response. This defect was detected in patients with breast, melanoma, and gastrointestinal cancers, suggesting a possible explanation for treatment failures.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati analyzed lung, colon, breast, prostate, bladder, kidney and skin cancer data in transplant recipients compared to the general population, finding worse disease-specific survival rates for each type of cancer. Immunosuppressive therapies may play a role in the poorer outcomes.
The Pathfinder program, which focuses on body, mind, and spirit, has been found to improve distress and despair in women with metastatic breast cancer. The program provides patient navigation, counseling, and coping skills training, resulting in a higher quality of life for participants.
A study led by Duke University Medical Center found that wireless computers used by cancer patients to log symptoms improved care and furthered cancer research. Patients reported symptoms more honestly, remembered all symptoms since their last appointment, and benefited from personalized educational content.
A study found that 45% of older women with early-stage breast cancer choose chemotherapy, higher than the national average. The researchers suggest that these women are weighing risks and benefits more thoroughly, making informed decisions about their treatment.
A study by Fox Chase Cancer Center found that targeted educational initiatives improved the number of lymph nodes retrieved during colorectal cancer surgery. The interventions increased the percentage of operations with at least 12 nodes removed over four years, leading to more accurate staging and improved survival for patients.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center report early promise in animal studies for a novel antiparasitic drug as a potential treatment for metastatic melanoma. Additionally, the study found associations between specific microRNAs and patient survival in metastatic melanoma and early-stage lung cancer.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that pazopanib stops new blood vessel growth, slowing aggressive differentiated thyroid cancer. The treatment showed promising results in about two-thirds of patients with fast-growing cancers that had spread to lungs and other organs.
A phase III study found that adding an antibody-based therapy improved the survival rate of children with high-risk neuroblastoma by 66%, increasing their chances of living disease-free for at least two years. The therapy targets a specific glycan on cancer cells, enabling immune cells to attack and kill them.
A novel therapy using the anti-viral drug ribavirin has shown promising results in treating 30% of cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. The study demonstrated that ribavirin suppresses the eIF4E gene, which is dysregulated in 30% of cancers.
A physicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory has developed a compact and cost-effective gantry design for delivering tumor-killing particle beams, reducing weight and size by up to 100 times. This new design could make precision particle therapy available to more cancer patients worldwide.
A home-based program aimed at improving exercise and diet can lead to significant improvements in physical function among older long-term cancer survivors. The study found that the intervention group had higher levels of physical function compared to the control arm, with declines in functional decline of almost five points versus slig...
A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found that radical prostatectomy significantly increases long-term survival for men under 50 with prostate cancer. The procedure improved cancer-specific and overall survival rates compared to radiotherapy or watchful waiting, making it the recommended treatment option for younger patients.
A study found that half of patients with multiple CT scans within a year accrued additional radiation-induced cancer risks above baseline greater than 1 in 110. Researchers advise reviewing patient's CT imaging history and cumulative radiation dose before performing another CT exam.
A systematic review found that hospital volume is associated with short-term mortality rates for certain cancer types, but individual studies often fail to show this association. The review concludes that case volume may be an imperfect proxy for healthcare quality and highlights the need for more direct quality measures.
A new study found that drugs to combat anemia in cancer patients may actually increase the risk of death and serious blood clots. The use of these agents should not be routine therapy unless proven safe and clinically beneficial.
A meta-analysis of 53 cancer trials found that erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) increased mortality in all patients with cancer by 17%. The treatment's benefits must be weighed against the increased risks of death and thromboembolic events.
The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is evaluating the effectiveness of the Calypso system in delivering precise radiation therapy to head and neck cancer patients. The system uses electromagnetic transponders implanted in a customized mouth guard to monitor patient movement and improve treatment accuracy.
Research found that women with tumors carrying TOP2A gene alterations had better outcomes when treated with anthracycline-based regimens, similar to those seen in HER2-positive tumors. The study suggests that TOP2A gene alteration is associated with increased benefit from anthracycline therapy.
A new diagnostic technique using blue light and a special study drug has been shown to detect more bladder tumors, reducing the rate of recurrence by 22% in patients with papillary bladder tumors. The study found that this method detected an additional tumor in 16.9% of patients compared to traditional white-light detection.
A study by Fox Chase Cancer Center found that patients with Medicare are less likely to undergo kidney-sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma compared to those with private insurance. This disparity affects the quality of care and has implications for healthcare reform.
The American Cancer Society has awarded 143 national research and training grants totaling over $51 million to investigators at 83 institutions nationwide. The grants support groundbreaking research into the molecular genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology of cancer.
Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a drug, AZ23, that reduces AML cell burden by 50% in mice with no immune system. The study also found 60% of treated mice had long-term survival without leukemia cells.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a new drug combination that significantly hinders neuroblastoma tumor growth in pre-clinical tests. The combination of vandetanib and 13-cis-retinoic acid reduced tumors by 86 percent, offering new hope for children with this childhood cancer.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a new drug that inhibits neuroblastoma blood supply, reducing tumor growth by 75%. The drug, AMD3100, blocks interaction between SDF-1a and its receptor CXCR4, preventing tumors from growing rapidly by disrupting their blood supply.
A study at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center found certain ultrasound features indicative of cancer, allowing for non-invasive management. Microcalcifications, taller-than-wide shape, and hypoechogenicity were identified as high-risk features.
A new cancer drug, 3-BrOP, has been found to reduce neuroblastoma growth by 75 percent in pre-clinical studies. The drug works by blocking the main energy source, glucose, thereby starving cancer cells and disrupting their ability to grow.
A survey found that thinner melanomas are more likely to be detected by physicians, while thicker tumors are often self-detected. Physician skin examination and improved public awareness are key targets for new interventions to promote earlier detection.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center report that acupuncture treatments can significantly improve symptoms of xerostomia, a debilitating condition caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The treatment showed highly statistically significant improvements in saliva flow and quality-of-life scores.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered that phenethyl isothiocyante (PEITC) can selectively deplete mutant p53 in tumor cells. This restoration of wild-type function increases the sensitivity of mutant p53-expressing tumor cells to PEITC-induced cytotoxicity.
A genetic analysis revealed that variants in the iNOS gene may predict the risk of recurrence among patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer treated with Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy. Patients with the variant allele had a significantly longer survival time, up to 96.7 months, compared to those without the variant.
A phase II study led by Ohio State University researchers has found a targeted agent to be effective in treating advanced biliary cancer. The study showed that the agent, AZD6244, achieved an average progression-free survival of 5.4 months and stable disease in many patients.
A nationwide study by TGen and Scottsdale Healthcare shows that molecular profiling can identify specific treatments for individuals, helping keep their cancer in check for significantly longer periods. The study included 66 patients who experienced significant periods of time when their tumors did not progress.
Researchers have confirmed six gene variants linked to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common adult leukemia in the US. The study found that patients with CLL are more likely to have these genetic changes, increasing their risk of developing the disease.
A large US-based study found that nearly 26% of women with breast cancer have p53 gene mutations, leading to poorer outcomes. Postmenopausal women with higher body mass index (BMI) were more likely to develop these high-grade tumors.
Researchers have made significant advancements in cancer treatment, with studies on combined PI3K and MEK inhibition showing anti-tumor activity. Another study found that combining a histone deacetylase inhibitor with an mTOR inhibitor may provide a new therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer.
The online tool provides a roadmap for managing health after treatment, addressing late effects of cancer therapies and promoting informed discussions with healthcare teams. Researchers surveyed 3,343 individuals who created OncoLife plans, reporting high user satisfaction and encouragement to share their plans with providers.
A new study led by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center compares traditional 'open' surgery to laparoscopic gastrectomy, a minimally invasive procedure. The findings demonstrate that laparoscopic surgeries yielded shorter hospital stays and fewer complications after surgery while maintaining similar rates of recurrence-free survival.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that sleep problems lead to increased ratings of pain and fatigue in cancer patients. The research indicates that addressing sleep issues may improve pain management for this patient population.
A study found that black patients with non-small cell lung cancer are 37% less likely to receive recommended surgery and 42% less likely to receive recommended chemotherapy than white patients. The disparity remains despite efforts to address inequalities in medical treatment.
Researchers discovered a receptor in the colon that has cancer-killing potential and is silenced by cancer. Activating this receptor with butyrate or a related compound may provide a new treatment for colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
Patients given an omega-3 enriched supplement maintained all aspects of their body composition after surgery, while those without it suffered clinically severe weight loss. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of post-surgical complications by suppressing inflammation.
UT Southwestern University Hospital has received the Commission on Cancer Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing its commitment to providing high-quality cancer care. The award is based on rigorous evaluations of the hospital's cancer program standards, including leadership, data management, and clinical services.
A retrospective analysis of 20,713 patients with early bladder cancer found that more intensive treatment was not associated with improved overall survival. In fact, those who received more intense care were more likely to require major medical interventions later on.
A retrospective analysis found that multiple lung tumors in patients often arise from a single cancer cell, suggesting multifocal lung cancers should be classified as advanced-stage cancers. The study analyzed 70 tumor samples and concluded that 77% of patients had multiple tumors originating from a single clone.
Researchers found no correlation between aggressive treatment and improved survival rates for early stage bladder cancer patients. Aggressively treated patients were more likely to undergo major surgery, resulting in higher treatment costs.
Researchers at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance found Avastin to be effective in delaying brain tumor progression and improving quality of life for patients with recurrent Grade 3 brain tumors. The treatment improved survival time while reducing the impact of steroids on patients, who experienced a marked improvement in their condition.
Researchers found that brief behavioral interventions prior to and after surgery improved short- and long-term outcomes, including lower mood disturbance and better quality of life. The study's findings suggest that pre-surgical stress management can have a lasting impact on patients' well-being.
Compassion fatigue is a syndrome experienced by healthcare providers caring for individuals facing dire consequences, leading to symptoms such as chronic tiredness, irritability, and lack of joy. The study highlights the need for better training and supportive work environments to prevent compassion fatigue.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that health choices at diagnosis play a major role in head and neck cancer survival. Patients with better habits such as not smoking, exercising regularly, eating enough fruits, and limiting alcohol use had longer survival times.
A Virginia Tech and Wake Forest University study found that altering taste and smell can negatively impact cancer patients' survival chances. Researchers identified management strategies to improve taste and odor abnormalities in cancer patients.
A study published in Radiology found that patients who undergo numerous CT scans over their lifetime may be at increased risk for cancer due to cumulative radiation exposure. The study estimated lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of cancer for each patient, based on their CT exposures.
Researchers found that phosphatase regenerating liver 3 (PRL-3) is a new independent prognostic indicator for gastric cancer, predicting tumor recurrence and survival rates. Positive PRL-3 expression was associated with advanced TNM stages, lymph node metastasis, and poorer overall survival rates.
A randomized controlled trial found that a 3-drug chemotherapy combination of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) increased organ preservation rates in patients with locally advanced larynx cancer. Compared to the single-agent TPF, the addition of docetaxel improved larynx function and overall response rates.
A new surgical technique, lymphaticovenular bypass, shows promise in reducing lymphedema fluid by up to 39% in breast cancer patients. The minimally invasive procedure is a viable option for managing the condition, which affects up to 30% of women after surgery and radiation therapy.
A recent study by ECCO-the European CanCer Organisation analyzed data from the EUROCARE-4 Working Group, revealing a steady rise in cancer survival rates across Europe. The proportion of patients cured of lung, stomach, and colorectal cancers increased significantly between 1988-1990 and 1997-1999.