Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
Researchers found that clinicians missed about half of symptoms reported by patients, and patients also missed about half of the symptoms recorded by physicians. The study suggests that new patient reporting tools should be developed for use in chemotherapy clinical trials to improve accuracy.
A prospective study of 89 caregivers found that as breast cancer patients progressed to the last stages of their illness, caregivers experienced increased depression and burden. The authors emphasize the need to address family caregiver needs during patient care, given hospital bed shortages for palliative and hospice care.
A Phase II trial has shown SU11248 benefits more than half of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that have developed resistance to Gleevec, a widely used drug in treating the disease. The drug was found to be effective in shrinking tumors and stabilizing disease for extended periods.
A new study demonstrates that Xeloda reduces the risk of colon cancer recurrence (relapse-free survival) by 14% compared to i.v. 5-FU/LV after surgery. The global trial, X-ACT, met its primary endpoint and offers new hope for patients with early stage colon cancer.
The CAMPTOSAR plus cisplatin regimen demonstrated improved one-year survival rates (59.2%) and response rates (31%) compared to current standard treatments. Patient toxicities were also significantly reduced, with fewer grade 3-4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia cases.
A study of 494 cancer patients found that specific genetic variants are associated with increased fatigue and distress, suggesting a possible link between genetics and quality of life in cancer patients. The research aims to develop personalized treatments tailored to an individual's genetic profile to improve their quality of life.
Researchers found that women with breast tumors retaining the Stat5 protein biomarker have a highly favorable prognosis and may be cured by surgery alone. The study suggests that detection of this marker could lead to improved individualized therapy, including more careful follow-up and aggressive treatment for high-risk patients.
Researchers found that collecting comorbidity information from cancer registrars improves prognostic accuracy for various cancer types. Comorbidity data complements tumor stage in predicting patient outcomes.
Fox Chase Cancer Center and Wilex partner to accelerate development of anti-cancer drug for breast cancer treatment. The open-label Phase I study will evaluate safety and biological activity of WX-UK1 in combination with chemotherapy agent capecitabine.
Researchers found that comorbidities are strongly correlated with cancer survival rates, with severe comorbidities reducing overall survival by 33% after five years. Comorbidity data is most useful in treatable types of tumors, like prostate and breast cancer.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has launched a new charitable foundation with the goal of making the best treatment available to every cancer patient. The ESMO Foundation will provide much-needed funds for education, research, and patient care.
Researchers from Michigan Medicine have discovered a protein biomarker and cell-signaling pathway that may aid in the detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer. The study found that a specific protein called CEACAM 1 is elevated in the blood of pancreatic cancer patients, allowing for better differentiation from normal tissue.
Researchers found a synergistic effect between Herceptin and chemotherapy agents, increasing tumor shrinkage in 79% of patients. The combination also showed unusually long times to progression, providing hope for improved breast cancer treatment options.
A nationwide study found that patients undergoing kidney cancer surgery at high-volume hospitals have a 32% lower risk of dying compared to those at medium- and low-volume hospitals. High-volume hospitals also performed more partial nephrectomies, a procedure with equally effective cancer control.
A seven-year international study involving 872 patients with colon cancer has resolved concerns about laparoscopic surgery, finding it to be as safe and effective as standard surgery. The study found similar rates of complications, cancer recurrence, and overall survival between the two groups.
A recent study has found that minimally invasive laparoscopically assisted colectomy is an acceptable alternative for treating colon cancer when performed by experienced surgeons. The procedure's success depends on stringent surgical standards being followed.
A multicentre, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study is underway to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tectin in moderate to severe inadequately controlled cancer-related pain. The trial has shown promising results, with almost three-quarters of patients experiencing a clinically meaningful analgesic response.
Researchers found that taxanes significantly improved immune function in breast cancer patients, with a 37% increase in T cell growth and a 39% boost in NK cell activity. The study's findings suggest that taxanes may improve patient outcomes or quality of life by enhancing the body's ability to respond to infection or cancer recurrence.
The study found that combination PET/CT correctly identified 94% of malignant lesions, but only 36% of benign nodules. It also showed that the technique accurately determined the stage of cancer in 61 patients, but may overstage or understage tumors.
Researchers found a high correlation between EGFR mutations and sensitivity to gefitinib therapy in lung cancer patients, particularly in women and non-smokers. The study also revealed significant differences in response rates between Japanese and American patients, suggesting genetic variation plays a crucial role in drug effectiveness.
A study of 32 patients with suspected paraneoplastic neurological disorders found that PET imaging successfully identified relevant lesions undetectable by alternative methods. The results suggest that PET is an appropriate and promising tool for patients with undiagnosed paraneoplastic neurological disorders.
The article highlights the complexities of managing cancer pain in patients with a history of addiction, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary care teams. The Pain Management Center at Fox Chase Cancer Center offers innovative strategies, including patient contracts and collaboration between nurses and physicians.
A new analysis from Duke University Medical Center uses breast cancer data to develop personalized risk predictions and prognoses for individual patients. The study integrated traditional clinical variables with genomic information, including genetic fingerprints of a patient's tumor, to improve accuracy.
The study found that CellCept significantly reduced the risk of malignancy in patients following heart transplantation, with a 27% lower relative risk compared to azathioprine (AZA). The use of CellCept was also associated with a reduced risk of certain rare cancers, particularly skin cancer.
A randomized, controlled trial among 2163 adult smokers at eight primary care clinics found that clinicians following the AHRQ Guideline offered more assistance to those who wished to quit. This led to improved rates of smoking cessation, with test site patients reporting abstinence from smoking at higher rates than control site patients.
Researchers identified 24 genes that can be used to single out patients for alternate therapies or lower radiation doses. The test could make treatment decisions easier and allow for personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients' needs.
Researchers used SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry to analyze proteins in CSF of patients with known malignancies and non-cancerous conditions. They identified specific protein fingerprints that reliably distinguished between cancerous and non-cancerous disease, offering a promising diagnostic tool.
A study at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that Tibetan yoga improved sleep quality and reduced need for sleep medication in lymphoma patients. Despite no differences in other quality of life measures, the brief 7-week study suggests potential benefits of Tibetan yoga as a stress-reducer in cancer patients.
Researchers have identified two distinct patterns of gene activity that correlate with patient outcomes in intermediate-risk AML. The findings could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for patients with this type of cancer.
A survey of 32 popular English-language websites found that many promoted unproven therapies and some were even dangerous, while others provided valuable and reliable information. The researchers recommend a seal of approval scheme for complementary and alternative websites to minimize harm.
Researchers develop a method to identify biologically significant cancer subtypes using gene expression data and patient clinical history, showing it's a powerful predictor of patient survival. The approach reduces the chances of including unrelated genes, increasing the probability of identifying clinically relevant subsets of genes.
Women are more likely to develop lung cancer, with longer survival rates compared to men. Estrogen signaling and hormonal factors may play a role in these differences.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that extended lymph node dissection does not increase long-term survival among gastric cancer patients, potentially increasing morbidity and hospital mortality. The procedure may only be beneficial if safe and effective alternatives can be developed.
Two new studies found no association between aspirin use and mortality from pancreatic cancer, while elevated insulin production was linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Hyperinsulinemia, a condition associated with type 2 diabetes, also appears to be linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Researchers developed a biomarker to detect HBV mutations that speed up liver cancer development. Studies found HBV mutations predicted major liver disease, including liver cancer, up to eight years before diagnosis.
Breast cancer patients in Europe increasingly use complementary and alternative therapies (CAMs) to improve quality of life. CAMs may complement conventional treatments but can also interact dangerously with drug regimes, requiring careful consideration by doctors and patients.
A new study found that women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who undergo conservation treatment have a similar rate of survival compared to those who undergo mastectomy. Close monitoring and regular screenings are crucial for successful treatment and early detection of recurrence.
A new tumor classification system combines molecular biology and classic pathology to provide a comprehensive and consistent way of typing tumors. The system uses both the type of cells that form a tumor and its molecular characteristics to determine its behavior, offering improved accuracy and insight into treatment options.
The Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) will provide free online access to its archived research, including articles published from January 1999 to the present. This move aims to improve cancer care worldwide by increasing access to essential information.
A study found that gefitinib is effective for patients with non-small cell lung cancer who are female, never smoked, and have a specific type of cancer. The researchers identified two key factors associated with sensitivity to the drug: having adenocarcinoma with bronchioloalveolar features and never having smoked.
A large international study found that patients switched from tamoxifen to AROMASIN after 2-3 years experienced a significant reduction in breast cancer recurrence and longer disease-free survival. The study suggests a potential new treatment option for post-menopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer.
The UK Teenage Cancer Trust is calling for government action to address the poor survival rates and lack of support for young cancer patients. The charity argues that current systems often lead to late diagnosis, inadequate clinical trials, and a lack of specialized care, resulting in poor outcomes.
Cancer specialist Professor Bleyer warns that teenagers and young adults are 'orphaned in the world of cancer care delivery,' citing a 25-year stagnation in survival rates compared to children and older adults. The main reasons include delayed diagnosis due to psychological factors, lack of routine medical care, and underinsured status.
A study found that 71% of Japanese outpatients would like to make treatment decisions in collaboration with their physician. Patients prefer to involve their families in decision-making, but only allow them to support the patient's decision, not provide a third opinion.
New guidelines have been revised to improve the detection of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) by prioritizing MSI testing in patients under 50 and those with family history, reducing risk for cancers associated with specific mutations.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a telomerase peptide-based vaccine against breast cancer. The study aims to stimulate an immune response that can target and kill cancer cells, with the goal of improving patient health.
Researchers found that a combination of surgery and intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) can increase survival rates for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. The procedure, which delivers heated chemotherapy directly to the tumor site, has shown promise in improving quality of life and extending survival.
A recent study found racial disparities in the delivery of care to black and white rectal cancer patients. Black patients were diagnosed at a younger age and had more advanced disease, leading to differences in treatment outcomes. The study suggests that improved access to state-of-the-art surgical care for minority patients with recta...
African-Americans are more likely to have advanced stage cancer by the time it's diagnosed, and less likely to receive radiation therapy after surgery. Rectal cancer patients of any race still don't always receive optimal post-surgery care, highlighting a need for further studies to improve treatment guidelines.
A recent study found a significant link between increased levels of C-reactive protein and colon cancer risk. However, the study's findings do not suggest that C-reactive protein is a definitive marker for colon cancer risk.
Researchers discuss the need for additional research and standardization in partial-breast irradiation and accelerated partial-breast irradiation. A new study also finds that preoperative chemoradiation may benefit some patients with rectal cancer, while a diet high in glycemic load is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
A study found that PET scans revealed significant abnormalities in 53 patients, including 30 cases with malignant or premalignant tumors unrelated to primary cancer. Follow-up was crucial to diagnose incidental findings, which were often asymptomatic.
A review of 26 studies found that cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials did not have significantly better health outcomes compared to those not participating. The studies highlighted the importance of clinical trials in advancing treatment and improving options for patients with cancer.
A review of 26 studies found some evidence that cancer trial participants had better outcomes, with three studies suggesting improved outcomes. However, the limitations of the data made it difficult to establish a definitive link between trial participation and improved outcome.
A meta-analysis of genetic counseling for breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer found improved knowledge of cancer genetics, but no impact on perceived risk. A gene mutation affecting folate metabolism alters the sensitivity of colon and breast cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers have discovered several protein profiles that are present more commonly in patients with HNSCC than in healthy smokers or control patients, enabling accurate diagnosis. The newly developed technology could potentially lead to the development of a reliable screening test for early detection and diagnosis of HNSCC.
Researchers found that digital photographs improved detection of new or changed moles, increasing accuracy by over 10% compared to skin self-examinations alone. Baseline photography may effectively improve diagnostic accuracy in patients performing skin self-examinations.
A study of Medicare-eligible patients with lung, breast, colorectal, and gastrointestinal tumors found a rise in chemotherapy use and emergency room admissions near death. However, an increase in hospice care usage suggests that improved palliative services may reduce aggressive end-of-life treatment.
Researchers found no association between BRCA1/2 mutations and colorectal cancer risk in two studies. No increased risk was observed among Ashkenazi Jewish mutation carriers or those with a family history of breast cancer.
A study found that nearly one-third of online bladder cancer information is outdated and inaccurate, with limited information on treatment options and follow-up care. The researchers recommend using reliable sources such as the National Cancer Institute and MEDLINEplus for accurate information.