Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
Leading oncology experts emphasize the need for additional research among elderly cancer patients with co-morbid conditions and those taking multiple medications. They advocate for equal access to treatment options as younger patients, highlighting a lack of focus on this critical patient population.
Researchers examine the mechanisms underlying inactivation of BRCA1 and its impact on patient management. The study assesses the potential usefulness of BRCA1 as a prognostic tool and predictive marker for response to different classes of drugs.
A new experimental technique called adoptive transfer has shown significant promise in treating metastatic melanoma by replacing immune cells with those specifically designed to destroy tumors. The treatment resulted in at least 50% tumor shrinkage in six patients, with no growth or appearance of new tumors.
A new clinical trial is investigating the combination of high-dose calcitriol and docetaxel in treating advanced prostate cancer, with the goal of reducing PSA levels by 50% or more. The study builds on promising preliminary results from a previous Oregon Health & Science University trial.
Researchers conducted a Phase I clinical trial of endostatin, showing that it decreases blood flow to tumors and promotes the death of cancer cells. The study also found minor anti-tumor activity in two patients, but no long-term responses were seen.
A study of 270 patients found that bladder cancer recurrence rates increased with each episode, with the average time to second and third recurrences decreasing by 15 and 13 months respectively. Patients whose original tumors tested positive for the Ki-67 marker were at higher risk for first recurrence.
A study found that nearly all patients with cancer reported improved well-being from using alternative therapies, but used these therapies primarily for general health, not as a substitute for conventional medicine. Cancer patients who were female, college-educated, or younger were more likely to use alternative treatments.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that cancer patients with a history of mood disorders are most at risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study suggests that doctors should screen all cancer patients for depressive and anxiety symptoms, particularly those with past mood disorders.
A phase III trial found that darbepoetin alfa reduced blood transfusions by half and increased hemoglobin levels, while decreasing fatigue. The treatment also showed similar adverse events to those in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
A study found that St. John's wort significantly lowers blood levels of irinotecan's active metabolite SN-38 by 42%, decreasing detoxification and reducing overall antitumor activity. Patients receiving chemotherapeutic treatments with St. John's wort may need to increase drug dosage.
A major NCI study reveals that long-term survivors of Hodgkin's disease are twice as likely to develop a solid tumor compared to the general population. The study found that certain treatments for Hodgkin's disease increase the risk of second cancers, but effective therapies have a significant survival benefit.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that morphine activates the MAPK signaling pathway in human endothelial cells, promoting angiogenesis and tumor growth. The findings could lead to new treatments for managing cancer pain while minimizing tumor growth.
Researchers found physicians and patients were equally likely to use sun protection when going outside for an hour or more. However, the specific forms of sun protection used differed, with physicians using sunscreen more frequently but less often staying in the shade or wearing protective clothing.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are conducting a study on Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (MBAT) to reduce psychological stress and medical symptoms in cancer patients. The therapy combines creative expression, meditation, and art-making to improve overall quality of life.
A panel of experts calls for improved symptom management for cancer patients, citing undertreatment of pain, depression, and fatigue. The panel emphasizes the need for evidence-based treatments and routine assessment tools to ensure optimal symptom control.
The Prostate Interactive Educational System (PIES) is an interactive, computer-based program designed to provide comprehensive information tailored to the patient's preferences. The program will present disease and treatment information, a virtual support group, and allow patients to jot down notes in a virtual notebook.
A new assessment method using a patient questionnaire and computer-generated risk score has been developed to identify people at high risk of colorectal cancer. The system was tested on 2268 patients with adverse colorectal symptoms, detecting nearly all cancers (99%) by investigating just over half (57%) of the patients referred.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that self-taught stress management techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery, can significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These techniques were more effective than traditional methods when learned independen...
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a tri-modality approach to combat invasive bladder cancer, combining surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The treatment strategy showed comparable ten-year survival rates to radical bladder removal, with 90% of patients surviving without bladder removal.
The World Health Organization predicts 15 million new cancer cases annually by 2039, with 70% occurring in developing countries. Anti-cancer factions are pooling knowledge and resources to establish a system to better equip healthcare organizations for the growing challenge.
Researchers have developed a cancer vaccine that targets telomerase, a protein responsible for cancer cells' unlimited division. The vaccine has shown promise in encouraging an immune response in patients with pancreatic cancer, leading to longer survival rates.
A Cardiff-based team investigates the impact of genetic testing on insurance costs and behavior in the UK. They gather data on families affected by inherited diseases to determine the potential for adverse selection and its effect on insurance claims and premiums.
A new radium isotope, radium223, has shown promise in treating skeletal metastases with less damage to bone marrow compared to traditional treatments. The isotope is incorporated into skeletal tissue via osteoclasts and emits radiation that kills cancer cells, providing pain relief and potentially improving quality of life.
Kytril was found to be significantly more effective than dolasetron in controlling acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The study, led by Dr. Marianne Tan, showed that 69.2% of patients treated with Kytril experienced total control of nausea and vomiting, compared to 23.1% for dolasetron.
A new clinical trial, led by Scott Waldman, aims to determine if a test for the protein guanylyl cyclase C can accurately diagnose colorectal cancer spread. The test may improve diagnoses and treatment outcomes by detecting tiny amounts of cancer in lymph nodes.
University of Pittsburgh researchers found combined PET/CT scans to be a valuable tool for staging and re-staging patients with difficult-to-track cancers. The technology identified additional cancerous lesions in 80% of ovarian carcinoma patients and 45% of cervical carcinoma patients, leading to changes in treatment plans.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an intensification therapy regimen that combines chemotherapy and radiation to treat advanced head and neck cancers. The treatment has shown promising results, with a significant increase in survival rates and minimal patient non-compliance.
The study found significant variations in cancer prevalence across European countries, with high rates in Sweden, Switzerland, and Germany, and low rates in Poland, Estonia, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The research team suggests that cancer prevalence is closely linked to economic development and survival rates.
Breast cancer researchers found that registry data accuracy is higher for hospital-based services than ambulatory services, suggesting registries can improve cancer care quality. Additionally, a study suggests blocking growth factor receptors may suppress regional metastases but not distant lung metastases.
Researchers found that implantable pain pumps improved cancer patients' quality of life by increasing survival rates, reducing pain and side effects. Patients treated with the pump had significantly less fatigue, constipation, and nausea compared to those on medical management.
In a Phase I trial, patients receiving recombinant Angiostatin with radiation showed significant tumor regression and minimal toxicity. The findings support the safety of Angiostatin when combined with radiation therapy, paving the way for future trials of combination therapy.
The study demonstrated that gemcitabine was well-tolerated in patients with superficial bladder cancer, with no or very low levels of the drug found in plasma samples. The results suggest that gemcitabine may be a suitable alternative to current standard treatments, which often cause toxic side effects.
A new study by UC Davis Cancer Center found that patients need practical information about how to participate in clinical trials. Informed patients are more likely to have autonomy, be satisfied with their treatment, and stick with a clinical trial through its completion.
A study by Philip Breitfeld shows that initial hospital treatment costs can top $75,000 per child, but the average cost per year of life saved is just $2,700. Insurers lack access to data to justify spending on curative cancer therapies, leading to denied payments for high-priced procedures.
Research found that chronic alcohol consumption led to a decrease in survival of melanoma-bearing mice due to body fat loss, suggesting potential risks for human cancer patients. The study also highlights the role of leptin in modulating immune function and cancer progression.
Researchers suggest that drugs blocking the ICAM1 gene could reduce lung scarring caused by radiation therapy, potentially improving patients' breathing and exercise abilities. In a study, mice lacking this gene showed improved pulmonary function tests and reduced fibrosis, indicating inflammation's role in lung scarring.
A randomized study of 143 patients found that Zevalin, a new radioimmunotherapy drug, significantly improved tumor shrinkage and complete remission rates compared to standard chemotherapy. The study results demonstrate the effectiveness of Zevalin in treating B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center investigated the impact of taste and smell deficits on cancer patients' weight loss and nutritional status. Adding flavor-enhancing powders derived from foods like cheese, bacon, garlic, and fruits showed promise in improving appetite and immune function.
Researchers found a 16% increased risk of death for blacks compared to whites with comparable treatment, which narrowed to 7% after adjusting for other causes. The disparity was eliminated in most cancers, except for breast and two rare types.
The study found that older patients fared better at high-volume hospitals for certain high-risk surgeries, including cancer and heart valve replacements. Higher volume hospitals had lower death rates compared to lower volume hospitals, particularly for patients over 65.
Researchers are developing a new method to improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer by using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The study aims to identify areas in the prostate with more blood vessels, allowing for targeted biopsies and potentially reducing the number of unnecessary procedures.
A new study found that PET scans can reduce unnecessary colorectal surgeries by detecting disease earlier than other imaging modalities. The study analyzed 96 patients and found that PET scans led to active treatment for 12% of them, while conventional imaging indicated rising cancer markers in 10 cases.
The NCCN has released new guidelines to address cancer-related fatigue and treatment-related anemia in cancer patients. The guidelines provide a framework for clinicians to assess and treat these conditions, with a focus on symptom management and improving patient outcomes.
The Rush University Medical Center has opened a new tissue and cell lab to develop clinical-grade human cellular components for treating certain cancers. The facility will utilize immunotherapy, using the patient's own cells to target cancerous cells.
A new study found that doctors who received training in communication skills showed significantly more positive attitudes towards psychosocial issues and exhibited patient-centered behavior. The results suggest that a three-day course can make a lasting impact on doctors' communication styles, leading to better patient outcomes.
A new study has validated data on 73 patients with lymph-node negative breast cancer under 55, predicting disease-free survival with 90% certainty. This could lead to a 30-40% reduction in chemotherapy use for these patients, resolving the dilemma of overtreatment.
Researchers found that thrombocytosis correlates with more aggressive ovarian cancer and poorer response to treatment. Patients with thrombocytosis had higher CA-125 levels, advanced stage disease, and greater tendency of cancer spread.
A new study reveals that rats with chronic pain from inflammation were more tolerant of painful heat stimuli and had less swelling when fed a diet based on soy protein. The findings suggest that a soy diet may reduce the need for opioid medications, which are often associated with severe side effects.
A study found that high-volume mammography readers in the US detected fewer cancers than their British counterparts, despite meeting lower annual standards. The research suggests re-engineering US screening programs to improve efficiency and quality without increasing interventions.
Researchers at the University of Sydney found that cancer patients' informational and emotional needs are often not detected or addressed by oncologists. Despite this, patients' satisfaction with consultations and anxiety levels remain unaffected, highlighting the importance of doctors actively encouraging emotional disclosure.
A study of 228 lung cancer patients aged 65+ found that severe symptoms and social functioning are strong predictors of depression. Patients who had not received radiation therapy within 40 days were also more depressed, highlighting the importance of symptom management in older cancer patients.
A study found that relaxation techniques learned prior to cancer treatment reduced anxiety more effectively than those taught during treatment. These techniques also eased symptoms of nausea, pain, and emotional adjustment issues, helping patients feel more in control of their treatment.
Researchers warn that patients with testicular cancer are living long enough to suffer from life-threatening side effects, including cardiovascular disease. Studies found that nearly a third had abnormal heart function, while over 80% had raised cholesterol levels.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center developed a new method using artificial neural networks to differentiate between two types of colon tumors. The study successfully diagnosed 12 out of 12 samples and reduced the number of genes necessary for diagnosis from 8,064 to 97.
Researchers found that cancer patients tend to lower their expectations to match their reality, leading to decreased anxiety and depression. However, spouses of cancer patients experienced increased anxiety and depression due to unchanging life values and care-taking responsibilities.
The Mayo Clinic study found that the risk of progression from MGUS to multiple myeloma or related cancers is approximately one percent per year, with larger M-protein levels increasing the risk. Patients with very small protein levels had a 14% progression rate at 20 years, while those with high levels had a 60% progression rate.
Breakthrough pain in cancer patients incurs $12,000/year in medical services; non-breakthrough patients incur $2,400/year. Study finds link between breakthrough pain and increased need for hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and doctor visits.
A recent study found that social factors can significantly affect the survival rates of lung cancer patients, with African Americans facing higher mortality rates due to poorer physical performance and weight loss. The researchers adjusted for these factors in their analysis, finding no difference in outcomes between ethnic groups.
The innovative procedure uses a 40-second CT scan to identify colon polyps, reducing the risk of puncturing and sedation. Virtual Colonoscopy has been shown to detect polyps as small as 3mm in diameter with high accuracy.
A retrospective analysis of 574 patients with non-small cell lung cancer found that older patients tolerated chemotherapy regimens comparable to younger patients. However, psychological distress and neutropenia were more prevalent in the elderly population. The study suggests that functional status is a key factor in determining treatm...