Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
Researchers found that a drug blocking nitric oxide synthesis significantly reduced tumor blood volume in patients, providing early clinical evidence of its anti-vascular activity. The study's results suggest potential for the use of this agent as a novel vascular targeting agent in cancer treatment.
A new study by Herman Suit and colleagues reveals great heterogeneity in radiation-associated cancer risk between species, strains, and organs. The researchers conclude that dose reductions to less than 2 Gy can lead to substantial gains in reducing secondary cancer risks.
A survey of 54 cancer centers found few organizations have standardized prescribing practices for oral chemotherapy, with variations in prescription generation and required information. The study highlights the importance of forging a consensus on standardized safeguards and practices for prescribing and monitoring oral chemotherapies.
A new study published in CANCER journal reveals that patients with pancreatic cancer are more likely to receive radiotherapy if the treating hospital has it available, while rectal cancer patients have equal access regardless of hospital radiation capacity. The findings suggest adjuvant radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer may be over-ut...
Researchers at MGH Cancer Center identified a novel gene mutation associated with Wilms tumor in 30% of cases. The mutated gene, WTX, is located on the sex-determining X chromosome and plays a key role in embryonic kidney development.
A new study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that breast cancer patients who pray in online support groups experience lower levels of negative emotions and higher self-efficacy. The study analyzed message transcripts from 97 patients and discovered a positive correlation between prayer and improved mental well-being.
A new study estimates the patient time costs associated with cancer care, finding that hospitalizations were the largest component of patient time costs in both initial year after diagnosis and last year of life. The estimated net patient time costs ranged from $271 for melanoma to $7,799 for gastric cancer.
A cost-utility analysis found that long-course palliative radiotherapy improved survival and quality of life in late-stage non-small-cell lung cancer patients. The study showed a $5,326 difference in lifetime societal costs between the two treatment regimens.
A University of Washington-led team has identified a mutated form of the Palladin gene as the cause of familial pancreatic cancer. The discovery reveals that this genetic abnormality causes cancer cells to move abnormally, invading surrounding healthy tissue.
Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center report clinical activity of MK-0457 against T315I BCR-ABL mutation in CML and ALL, and JAK-2 mutation in myeloproliferative disorders. The drug shows minimal side effects and has potential to benefit patients with these rare and aggressive cancers.
A new bile duct stent called Dua Anti-Reflux Valve has been shown to improve the quality of life for patients with pancreatic and bile duct cancers. The stent's anti-reflux valve reduces backflow of intestinal contents, resulting in fewer repeat procedures and better outcomes.
A study presented at the American Society of Hematology Meeting shows Revlimid can provide long-term durable results in MDS patients, helping them achieve blood transfusion independence. After over two years of follow-up, two-thirds of patients were completely freed from the need for blood transfusions.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center found that tipifarnib can stall or reverse disease progression for patients with relapsed aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study showed a partial response in 18% of patients and stable disease in 21%, while also improving quality of life.
A study found that close to half of smokers who underwent early-stage lung cancer surgery resumed smoking within 12 months, with 60% resuming in the first two months. Patients' self-efficacy and perceived pleasure from smoking drove their relapse rates.
A novel regimen of three chemotherapy drugs resulted in a significant clinical response in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The treatment showed promise for high-risk patients, with no age restrictions, and minimal side effects.
A study from Michigan Medicine found that over half of breast cancer patients who sought a second opinion received a change in their recommended treatment plan. Changes were often made based on reinterpreted imaging results or differing diagnoses, leading to new treatment recommendations.
Researchers found significant regions of the brain associated with memory, analysis, and cognitive functions were smaller in breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy compared to those who did not. However, these structural changes were not sustained after three years.
Researchers found that a radical prostatectomy can be a viable option for select octogenarian patients with localized prostate cancer. The 10-year survival rate was similar to that observed in healthy patients 60-79 years old undergoing a radical prostatectomy.
A new study found that hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients face a significant long-term risk of developing a second cancer, with the risk almost doubling within 10 years. The study also identified specific risk factors, including age at transplant and donor cell type.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a new protein called Tribbles associated with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). The study found that Tribbles induces AML by inactivating the C/EBPá protein, providing a potential therapeutic target.
A new procedure at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute uses fine-needle aspiration to collect cancer cells from the living eye and predict high-risk tumors. The test has shown promise in reducing mortality rates among ocular melanoma patients.
Researchers identified 142 candidate indicators of quality care for colorectal cancer surgery, including surgical credentials, preoperative evaluation, and postoperative management. The expert panel rated 92 indicators as valid, suggesting these can be used to measure care quality and create improvement programs.
A new set of quality indicators has been created to evaluate the quality of care received by patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. The guidelines cover aspects of surgical care, including pre-operative evaluation and post-operative management, to provide a valuable tool for improving patient outcomes.
Research reveals that obese patients are one-third more likely to experience cancer recurrence, while underweight patients face a doubled risk of death from non-cancer causes. The study suggests that excess weight can lead to reduced treatment efficacy due to concurrent illnesses.
A new study found that colon cancer patients with a body mass index of 35 kg/m² and higher had a significantly increased risk of cancer recurrence or death from colon cancer. Underweight patients, on the other hand, had a higher risk of death from non-colon cancer causes.
A recent study found that nearly half of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients exhibit clinically significant emotional distress, including symptoms of major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The most common sources of distress were related to the cancer diagnosis, treatment uncertainty, and physical problems.
A study published in CANCER reveals that adolescent and young adult cancer patients value social connections with peers as a high priority, contrary to physician beliefs. Researchers found that meeting other young people who share a common experience helps address concerns such as coping with uncertainty and body changes.
Women cancer carers face unique challenges, including 24/7 caregiving responsibilities, isolation, and lack of emotional support. In contrast, male carers tend to view caring as a competency task with less emotional labor.
Researchers developed a potential vaccine targeting HER-2/neu overexpression in early stage breast cancer, yielding promising results for women at high-risk. The study found that nearly all patients exhibited an immune response and many developed protein antibodies to fight the cells.
A study published in the Society of Integrative Oncology's Third International Conference found that antioxidant therapies do not hinder the effectiveness of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The study, conducted by Cancer Treatment Centers of America, reviewed PSA levels of prostate cancer patients after receiving radiation thera...
A MEK enzyme inhibitor has shown long-lasting stable disease in patients with advanced solid cancers, inhibiting key targets and reducing cell proliferation. Phase II trials have been initiated for melanoma, pancreatic, lung, and colon cancers.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered how KSHV subverts a normal cell process to promote tumor growth. By tricking tumor suppressors VHL and p53 into being destroyed, KSHV allows cancer cells to grow unchecked.
A University of Pittsburgh study demonstrates that intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can be uniformly delivered in a large health care system through centralized planning and treatment. This approach enables patients to receive consistent quality of care despite geographic distances.
A retrospective study found that three-dimensional treatment planning reduced feeding tube dependency in 62% of patients. Higher T stages and two-dimensional treatment planning were independent predictors of feeding tube dependency.
A consensus statement published in Annals of Surgical Oncology calls for heated chemotherapy after colon cancer surgery to optimize patient survival. The treatment, known as HIPEC, has shown promising results with a median survival of greater than 20 months compared to six-month survival with traditional intravenous chemotherapy.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that a specific gene, Dachshund, helps predict breast cancer prognosis. The study showed that higher expression of this gene is associated with better patient outcomes.
The use of videoconferencing in a twinning program between Jordan and Canada improved patient care, compliance, and trust. The program showed positive impacts on treatment changes, second opinions, and introduction of new concepts in pediatric oncology.
Rita Davis-Goldsberry, a breast cancer survivor, received the Survivor Circle Award for her advocacy work with uninsured patients. Barbara Knight-Meyers, Ph.D., was recognized as a Distinguished Honoree for her volunteer work at Insight Seminars. Both women have given back to their community after receiving treatment for cancer.
A study found that women with premenopausal breast cancer and 4+ positive lymph nodes may experience improved 10-year cancer-free survival with aromatase inhibitors. However, patients over 60 years old or those with advanced age, comorbidities, or fewer positive lymph nodes may not benefit from additional therapy.
A new study found that African-American patients with breast cancer have more aggressive tumors and poorer outcomes due to differences in tumor biology. The research controlled for healthcare access biases and found that African-American race was independently associated with poor survival rates.
A Canadian oncologist warned doctors to be aware of the potential risk of suicide among cancer patients. The study found that American cancer patients are more than twice as likely to kill themselves as the general population. The risk varies according to factors such as gender, prognosis, and type of cancer.
The University of Liverpool, Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology are merging to create a cancer research centre, enabling global clinical trials of new therapies. The centre will be funded by Cancer Research UK and will double the number of patients in early phase clinical trials.
A study of childhood cancer survivors found that their children were more likely to be born early or underweight compared to siblings of cancer-free individuals. The risk was highest for children whose mothers received pelvic radiation as treatment.
A study found that elderly women with breast cancer are often under-staged, under-treated, and miss out on life-saving treatments. The researchers analyzed data from a tumor registry database and found that 70% of patients were in early stages of cancer but missed out on lymph node evaluation.
Researchers at the University of Virginia are developing an office-based cancer screening test using biomarkers in urine to detect early signs of cancer. The goal is to improve detection and treatment outcomes, as current tests often rely on invasive procedures or delayed diagnoses.
Researchers discovered a new target for future colon cancer treatments, a molecule involved in 85% of colon cancer cases. CTBP's accumulation in tumor cells with APC mutations leads to low retinoic acid production, causing improper cell development.
A study by McGill University Health Centre researchers finds that sperm banks are unpopular with patients due to lack of accurate information and improved doctor-patient communication. Quebecers are less likely to choose sperm banking than patients of immigrant descent.
A Phase II trial of Revlimid found that over 75% of MDS patients reduced their need for transfusions, with two-thirds completely freed from transfusions. In 45% of cases, no detectable cancer was found after treatment.
Older women with breast cancer often receive inadequate care due to ageism, despite being half of new patients each year. Researchers call for considering overall health and frailty in treatment decisions.
Margaret Foti, AACR CEO, receives the Association of American Cancer Institutes Distinguished Service Award for her leadership and advocacy in advancing cancer research. The AACR has grown to over 24,000 members under her tenure, and she has launched several high-quality journals in the field.
The Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center will focus on two complementary programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, one in Cancer Biology and Genetics, the other in Human Oncology and Pathogenesis. The center aims to translate revolutionary advances in understanding cancer into dramatic progress in controlling it.
A study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that high-dose intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) achieved a 89% disease-free rate for patients with prostate cancer after an average of 8 years. The treatment also showed improved quality of life by reducing side effects and maintaining urinary continence.
A study found that less than one-third of gastric cancer patients had adequate lymph node assessments, leading to compromised survival. Median survival in regions with the highest ALNA rate was 33 months, while in regions with the lowest rate it was only 17 months.
A new study found that black patients with bladder cancer are 35 percent more likely to die of the disease than white patients. Black women in particular had more aggressive tumors and lower survival rates compared to white men and women and black men.
Researchers will develop new methods to evaluate and test tobacco products, providing information to smokers for informed choices. The study aims to determine if these 'safer' alternatives truly reduce health risks and exposure to carcinogens.
Radiation therapy significantly reduces risk of subsequent mastectomy and invasive breast cancer in both low- and high-risk patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Autoimmune conditions are also associated with increased risk of Hodgkin lymphoma, according to two new studies.
Researchers developed a new method to detect oncogene mutations in human cancers, which could be used in real-time to match patients with available targeted therapies. The technique uses high-throughput mass spectrometry-based genotyping and was validated in over 1,000 tumors, representing 15 different cancer types.
A new protocol using the protein tNOX has shown promise in detecting lung cancer early in smokers and nonsmokers. The test involves measuring levels of tNOX in the blood, with low false positive rates, making it a potential screening tool for early detection.
Researchers investigated association between TNF blocker use and cancer risk in RA patients. They found no increased risk of lymphoma or tumors associated with anti-TNF therapy over methotrexate use. The study used a large sample of patients and found an overall difference in estimated cancer risk less than 5 percent.
Finasteride increases PSA testing's ability to detect prostate cancer with higher sensitivity and accuracy, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The study found that men taking finasteride had improved PSA test performance compared to those taking a placebo.