Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
A leading epidemiologist attacks a Swedish research report on cancer drug access, citing flawed methods, incorrect conclusions, and potential industry influence. The Karolinska report aimed to link national cancer survival rates with access to cancer drugs, but its methodology has been disputed.
A study of 13,001 RA patients reveals that biologic treatment increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, but not other types of cancer. The research suggests that current biologic therapy may be safe for RA patients, providing reassurance for those considering treatment.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina analyzed data from nine studies and found that patients with a specific gene variation had a greater risk of side effects when taking medium or high doses of irinotecan. The study suggests that the FDA should modify its guidelines to reflect this finding.
Researchers find that HSP 90 inhibitors can degrade proteins perpetuating inflammation, restoring lung function and reducing blood vessel leakage in ICU patients. The study suggests a potential new treatment for sepsis using these cancer-fighting compounds.
Patients with Medicaid and those lacking insurance have a higher risk of being diagnosed with advanced-stage laryngeal cancer at diagnosis. This association holds true across various demographic groups, emphasizing the importance of access to healthcare for cancer screening and treatment.
Researchers found that dense breasts and high hormone levels increase breast cancer risk by 400% and 200%, respectively. The study also showed additive effects, where women with both dense breasts and excess hormones face a 600% increased risk.
Researchers identified an unusually high rate of severe allergic reactions to cetuximab among patients living in the middle South, with a 22% rate compared to 2% nationwide. The strongest predictor of a reaction was a history of other hypersensitivities.
Researchers identified a new strategy that KSHV uses to replicate its viral genome, allowing it to evade the immune system. By eliminating viral protein production, they found that KSHV DNA can autonomously recruit cellular replication machinery proteins.
Prophylactic cranial irradiation reduces the risk of symptomatic brain metastases and prolongs survival in small-cell lung cancer patients with extensive disease. The EORTC trial results show a significant increase in one-year survival, from 13.3% to 27.1%, after receiving prophylactic cranial irradiation.
Researchers discovered B7-H3, an immune molecule that predicts prostate cancer progression and recurrence after surgery. The biomarker can help individualize treatment plans for patients.
A study found that patients with a diet high in meat, fat and refined grains had an increased risk of cancer recurrence and death compared to those with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The researchers identified two dietary patterns: prudent and Western, and found that the Western pattern was associated with a significant increas...
Researchers found that metformin slows tumor growth in mice with colon cancer lacking the regulatory gene p53. The study's findings may lead to new therapies for aggressive and resistant human cancers.
A recent study reveals radiologists can diagnose clinically unseen venous thromboembolic disease in cancer patients earlier by closely examining CT scans of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. The study identified 23 unsuspected iliofemoral DVTs and four common iliac vein involvements among 736 patients.
A recent study published in Immunity reveals that the presence of pro-death proteins Bax and Bak is necessary for healthy immune function, specifically in T-cell cells. The absence of these proteins disrupts calcium signaling pathways, leading to reduced energy production and impaired cell division.
Researchers at Duke University found that high-intensity focused ultrasound can activate the immune system to attack cancer cells, including those that have spread through the bloodstream. The treatment uses mechanical vibration to break apart tumor cells, releasing toxic substances that alert the immune system to cancer threats.
Researchers found that taking vitamins and minerals did not reduce liver cancer death rates in a study conducted by the National Cancer Institute. However, some vitamin-mineral combinations reduced risk in subgroups defined by age, sex, and alcohol consumption. In contrast, gene expression patterns identified 11 genes in noncancerous l...
Researchers found that nimesulide, a COX-2 inhibitor, delayed the development of precancerous pancreatic lesions in mice by 90%, potentially offering a new approach to preventing pancreatic cancer in high-risk populations. The study suggests that inhibiting COX-2 may help slow or prevent the progression of pancreatic cancer.
A study of long-term female cancer survivors found that they valued sexuality but were not adequately prepared for the sexual issues introduced by their cancer or treatment. Discussing sexual consequences with physicians matters greatly to these patients, yet infrequent conversations occur.
Testicular cancer patients with metastatic disease can be cured with high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, as shown in an Indiana University School of Medicine report. The treatment, which involves carboplatin chemotherapy at five times the standard dosage, has a success rate of over 90%.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that prostate cancer patients treated by experienced surgeons have a lower risk of recurrence five years after surgery. The study analyzed data from over 7,700 patients and found that surgeons with more experience had better outcomes, with nearly 70% fewer recu...
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that experienced surgeons perform more successful prostate cancer surgeries, with a steeper learning curve. As surgeons gain experience, patient outcomes improve, but beyond 250 operations, additional experience has little influence on cancer recurrence rates.
A new study published by the American College of Cardiology found an association between low cholesterol levels and increased cancer risk. The research suggests that patients with high doses of statins may be at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer.
A Stanford University School of Medicine researcher led by David Spiegel showed that support groups improved quality of life for participants with metastatic breast cancer, but didn't extend overall survival. However, a subgroup of patients with an aggressive form of breast cancer did experience a survival benefit from the therapy.
Researchers found adult leukemia survivors are less active than the general population, with those who received cranial radiotherapy showing the lowest levels of physical activity. This decreased physical activity increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mortality in these patients.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can match any tumor cells with the most effective anti-cancer treatments, predicting clinical responses and identifying new compounds. This 'coexpression extrapolation (COXEN) system' has been successfully tested on bladder cancer cell lines and shows promise for other types of cancer.
A recent study by McMaster University shows that sperm banking can preserve fertility in adolescents and young adult males with cancer. The study found a 36% success rate using intrauterine insemination and a 50% success rate using in vitro fertilization.
A retrospective study published in The Lancet found no excess risk of cancer among individuals who received blood products from donors with previously diagnosed cancers. The study included over 12,000 exposed individuals and 342,082 unexposed individuals, concluding that long-term cancer survivors might be a safe donor group.
A study estimates that radiation exposure from cardiac CT scans increases the lifetime risk of cancer, with higher risks for women and younger individuals. The study suggests using alternative diagnostic modalities for young individuals and weighing the risks and benefits of each test.
Researchers suggest taking oral targeted cancer therapies like lapatinib with food to increase absorption and reduce dosage, resulting in significant cost savings. This approach could cut the needed dose of lapatinib by at least 60% and lower its monthly cost from $2,900 to $1,740.
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center has received a $25.5 million award from the National Cancer Institute, representing a 10% increase in funding. The center, one of only 40 nationwide to receive an increase, will allocate $5.1 million annually for five years.
A recent study found that nodal status is the strongest determinant of outcome after neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer. Patients with complete pathological responses had better survival rates, but only if they also had no nodal involvement.
Researchers at Biodesign Institute have received nearly $9 million in grants to develop a preventive vaccine against breast cancer. The team aims to identify common signatures across various breast tumors using genomics, proteomics, and immunology.
A review of published literature found that delays in childhood cancer diagnosis are short but the impact on prognosis remains unclear. The study suggests that delays can be attributed to gatekeeper-type healthcare systems, clinical presentation, stage of disease, and parent/patient factors.
Pawel Walewski, a health editor with Poland's biggest selling weekly magazine Polityka, has been awarded the European School of Oncology's Best Cancer Reporter Award for 2007. The award recognizes his outstanding cancer reporting and aims to promote better quality media coverage of cancer.
A landmark study finds that HIV/AIDS patients are 11 times more likely to develop Hodgkin's lymphoma, while transplant recipients face a similar increased risk for several types of cancer. Immune deficiency is the common factor driving these higher cancer rates in both groups.
Researchers identified promising biomarkers in urine samples, including one linked to liver and ovarian cancer. The goal is to create a simple, fast, and noninvasive test for early detection, potentially avoiding painful procedures.
Cancer is a major cause of disease and mortality worldwide, requiring a strong political signal for alliance and concerted actions. The Round Table on Health Strategies in the European Union will focus on creating capacity building for effective policies and programs to address cancer.
Dr. Insoo Bae receives $2 million Komen Award to develop novel prevention strategies for women with BRCA1 mutations. His research focuses on identifying environmental carcinogens that increase the risk of breast cancer in genetically predisposed individuals.
The Netherlands Cancer Institute received the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award for its outstanding contributions to translational research in breast cancer. The team's discovery of a gene-signature has led to improved prognostic testing and reduced adjuvant chemotherapy in pre-menopausal patients.
Patients treated with Tarceva who develop a moderate to severe rash experience longer survival without disease progression compared to those with mild rashes or none. The analysis found that more severe rashes were associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Scientists successfully extracted and froze eggs from ovarian tissue of girls as young as 5 years old, a breakthrough in preserving fertility in young cancer patients. The study found an average of 8.5 eggs per patient, with a 32% success rate in maturing the eggs in vitro.
Researchers have developed a new tool that uses patient characteristics such as age, gender, race, and tumor site to estimate conditional survival. This will enable personalized predictions of prognosis for head and neck cancer patients.
Scientists, oncologists, and critics explore the use of ESAs, which can boost oxygen-carrying red blood cells and improve quality of life, but may be overprescribed due to cost and drug company influence. The debate highlights the need for fair and balanced review of data to ensure patients' needs are met.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found a new molecular mechanism that may cause spontaneous liver cancer, but also identified a potential cure. By reintroducing the ELF gene to cancer cells, proteins driving cell division and growth can be kept in check, suggesting an effective new therapy.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has renewed its investment in young clinical cancer investigators, providing $2.25 million to support the development of their cancer research programs. Five new awardees will receive funding to investigate various types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and esophageal cancer.
The National Cancer Institute has launched a three-year pilot program to enhance cancer care in community hospitals across the US. The program aims to improve patient outcomes by facilitating collaboration between private-practice oncologists and NCI research, as well as exploring ways to share medical information electronically.
Patients with advanced-stage cancer struggle with maintaining both sleep and waking states, experiencing reduced nocturnal sleep quantity and quality. Demographic factors, such as age, education level, and marital status, may play a role in poor sleep outcomes among this population.
BRCA2 mutation carriers have a higher risk of developing aggressive and lethal prostate cancer, with younger onset and advanced-stage disease, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The study suggests that studying gene expression patterns in prostate cancers may help predict progression.
A 12-year review of skin cancer data in Northern Ireland found that wealthy individuals and older adults are disproportionately affected. The study also shows a significant increase in skin cancer rates, with malignant melanoma being the most common serious form of skin cancer.
A special publication from the University of Rochester Medical Center aims to improve understanding and management of cancer-related fatigue. Studies show that exercise and support groups are effective in helping people cope with this challenging side effect.
Two research teams developed models to predict NSCLC patient outcomes based on protein patterns. The new models, validated in independent groups, could help physicians decide treatment options for patients with NSCLC. Researchers identified a 25-signature proteomic signature associated with increased survival among NSCLC patients.
A review of nine randomized trials shows that patients treated with cisplatin lived slightly longer than those treated with carboplatin, with a median survival of 9.1 months compared to 8.4 months. However, the difference in survival was not statistically significant for all patient groups.
Four-year data from two large clinical trials found that trastuzumab significantly improves disease-free survival and overall survival rates in women with HER2-positive breast cancer. The study showed a 52% decrease in the risk of disease recurrence and a 35% reduction in mortality rates compared to chemotherapy alone.
Researchers have confirmed that arsenic trioxide significantly improves patient survival in newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients. Nearly 600 patients participated in a six-year phase III study, showing improved disease-free rates and longer survival compared to standard chemotherapy alone.
Women with early-stage breast cancer who reported hot flashes while on tamoxifen therapy had a lower risk of recurrent breast cancer than those without hot flashes. Hot flashes were a stronger predictor of outcome than age or hormone receptor status.
A recent study found that antidepressant sertraline does not improve symptoms or survival in advanced cancer patients without major depression. The researchers concluded that the overmedicalisation of these patients should be avoided, and treatment with sertraline should be reserved for cases with a proven indication.
The OHSU Cancer Institute study found that sipuleucel-T vaccine slowed the rate of rise of serum PSA in exploratory analyses, but did not significantly delay cancer progression. The treatment also showed a favorable safety profile with common side effects like fatigue and chills.
A multicenter Phase II study of enzastaurin as a second- or third-line treatment for NSCLC found a median progression-free survival of 1.9 months and an overall survival rate of 46.3% at 12 months. The most common toxicity was fatigue.
A pilot study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that high-dose American ginseng improves fatigue and vitality in cancer patients. Patients receiving the highest dose showed significant improvements in overall energy levels, mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
A new study published by Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center found that patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease are no more likely to receive an early cancer diagnosis due to frequent healthcare interactions. Screening is still crucial regardless of medical management.