Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
A new study reveals a reliable method for identifying proximal colorectal cancers through faecal DNA analysis. The test, which detected mutations in the BAT26 gene, showed zero false positives and high specificity.
A new study finds that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is clinically unreliable for diagnosing prostate cancer, with low levels not meaningfully related to the disease. Prostate cancer is being over-diagnosed and over-treated due to a misconception about PSA's role in the disease.
A study published by the Mayo Clinic found that megestrol acetate was more effective than dronabinol in improving appetite and weight loss in patients with advanced cancer. The study, which evaluated 469 patients, showed that 75% of those taking megestrol acetate reported appetite improvement, compared to 49% of those taking dronabinol.
Researchers found that genetic imbalances on chromosomes 8 and 18 were better predictors of colorectal cancer prognosis than conventional assessments. The study used a new approach to investigate chromosome imbalances in early-stage cancers, with patients experiencing varying disease-free survival rates based on their tumour balance.
A strong patient-physician relationship is crucial to obtaining needed health services, the study found. Primary care systems that prioritize accessibility, coordination, and comprehensive care can lead to stronger relationships between patients and physicians, ultimately improving health outcomes.
A new treatment combining CPT-11 and cisplatin has shown superior results in prolonging survival for patients with small-cell lung cancer. Patients receiving this treatment had a 55% improvement in one-year survival and were four times more likely to be alive at two years.
A two-step approach combining high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell rescue with mini-transplantation from a sibling significantly reduces transplant-related complications and increases survival rates for patients with advanced-stage multiple myeloma. The procedure results in mild to moderate treatment-related toxicities and a...
A study by UCSF found that cancer patients often prefer to experience pain over the side effects of opioid analgesics. Effective pain management requires repeated assessment and adjustments in dosage, according to experts.
A new UCSF study found that many cancer patients are not taking around-the-clock and as-needed pain medicines as prescribed by their physicians. This results in inadequate pain relief, with only 29.2% of patients receiving both long-acting and short-acting opioids.
A new study found that 71% of adult cancer patients knew they might not benefit directly from participating in clinical trials, while less than 40% recognized potential risks or discomfort. Despite this, patients were highly satisfied with the informed consent process and reported no pressure from physicians.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have identified cyclin B1 as a promising new tumor antigen for cancer vaccine development. The study found that cyclin B1 is over-expressed in breast and lung cancer cells, making it an attractive target for immunotherapy.
The study found that PET scans changed treatment for 63% of patients with recurrent lung cancer, with a significant impact on patient care and well-being. For newly diagnosed patients, PET results led to changes in staging and treatment planning, impacting 42% of cases.
Researchers at UNC will follow 1,000 newly diagnosed colon cancer patients for five years to study the impact of health literacy on patient outcomes. The study aims to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with colon and lung cancers.
A recent survey conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that nearly three-quarters of pediatric cancer patients in western Washington use alternative therapies. The most common types of alternative medicine used were herbal and high-dose vitamin supplements, which were reported to have substantial improvements in ...
Introgen's gene drug demonstrates tumor growth control by targeting the mda-7 gene, a key tumor suppressor. The study shows that replacing the mda-7 function in cancer cells can stop tumor growth and is promising for treating advanced melanoma.
Cancer patients' dietary needs vary according to disease stage, with underweight patients benefiting from fatty foods and those well-recovering advised on traditional healthy diets. The study found that nearly two-thirds of patients changed their eating habits since diagnosis, with most taking nutritional supplements.
A new computer tool forecasts individualized treatment outcomes and risk assessments for patients with breast cancer. The program provides easy-to-read reviews of different treatment options, helping patients make informed decisions about their care.
A pioneering combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy has shown promising results in treating common cancers, including cervical, testicular, ovarian, bladder, and small cell lung cancer. Survival rates have increased by up to 18% with combined treatment, outperforming traditional radiotherapy alone.
A new approach reduces lymph node removal in breast cancer patients, reducing surgical trauma and complications. The technique uses a radioactive tracer to locate the sentinel node, allowing for targeted biopsy and minimizing false negatives.
A systematic overview of 22 trials found that preoperative radiotherapy reduces local recurrences by half compared to surgery alone, with a third reduction in postoperative radiotherapy. Fewer patients who received preoperative radiotherapy died from rectal cancer, but early deaths increased.
A study published in General Hospital Psychiatry found that guided imagery relaxation with body relaxation reduced psychological distress in cancer patients. The benefit was most pronounced in those with higher levels of distress before the intervention.
A study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that FDG PET detected recurrent thyroid cancer 50% more often than conventional imaging, leading to changes in clinical management for almost 80% of patients. The PET scan identified additional tumor sites and distant metastases, improving patient outcomes.
A study found that patients with severe psoriasis who use ciclosporin are at a significantly higher risk of developing squamous cell cancer. The risk is particularly high for those using the medication long-term or for extended periods, highlighting the need for careful assessment of its safety.
A computerized tool called Prostogram offers about 66% accuracy in predicting five-year prognosis following brachytherapy treatment for early-stage prostate cancer. The nomogram is based on individual factors such as PSA levels, Gleason score, and disease stage.
Despite physical and emotional struggles, many cancer patients report good quality of life -- often comparable to the general public or physicians. The study found that quality of life had improved or remained the same for most participants, with radiation therapy being associated with a negative effect.
A large population-based study in Nordic countries found no increased cancer risk for siblings of children with common non-inheritable cancers. Siblings younger than 10 years were at higher risk, but this decreased with age. The study suggests that childhood cancer is not a predictor of increased cancer risk in siblings.
A recent UCSF study found that fine needle biopsy (FNAB) accuracy can be significantly improved with formally trained physicians. The researchers analyzed 927 women's medical histories and tissue samples, finding that less-well-trained practitioners were more likely to miss cancers due to errors in sampling.
Research studies found that low MBL concentrations are associated with prolonged fever and infection in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. MBL infusions may represent a new therapeutic approach to reduce illness and death for these patients.
A Swedish study published in The Lancet found no association between antihypertensive drug treatments and an increased risk of cancer. The study analyzed 6600 patients with hypertension, randomly assigning them to three treatment strategies, and found no significant difference in cancer incidence between groups.
PS-341, a proteasome inhibitor, has shown promising results in treating multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The Phase I clinical trial found one complete response and several partial responses among patients, indicating the drug's potential as a treatment option.
The new imaging device provides a larger bore diameter, allowing patients with large or obese bodies to receive scans in treatment position. This enables oncologists to obtain more accurate views of the patient's body dimensions and calculate radiation doses for cancer treatment.
The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute has received a $12 million grant to examine innovative detection and treatment strategies for patients with early- to late-stage lung cancer. The grant will focus on improving survival outcomes and quality of life through the use of newest diagnostic tools and latest treatments.
A new study published in Psycho-Oncology found that people with advanced cancer are more willing to consider toxic chemotherapy regimens, even if they offer only minimal benefits. Cancer patients generally accepted both milder and riskier treatments, unlike healthy individuals and healthcare professionals.
A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found that once-a-day injections of the blood thinner enoxaparin sodium are just as safe and effective as twice-daily treatments in treating blood clots. This finding has significant implications for medical cost savings.
A new partial voice box resection procedure shows excellent local control and significant improvement in quality of life for patients with intermediate to advanced stage larynx cancers. This approach can provide a less drastic treatment option, reducing hardship on patients.
A Phase I study found that a dendritic cell vaccine extended median survival for patients with GBM by 455 days, compared to 257 days in the control group. The treatment elicited systemic immune responses and directed T-cells to the tumor site.
Researchers found that women who exercised on their own had better aerobic results than those in supervised groups. Exercise improved physical functioning by 5.7 points, with significant weight loss among tamoxifen users.
The article highlights the need to shift from aggressive treatment to palliative care in hospitals and healthcare facilities, improving quality of life for dying patients. Strategies can be implemented to reduce suffering by involving a multidimensional approach to care.
A study found that PET scans are more accurate than traditional diagnostic techniques in determining how far lung cancer has spread. PET scans revealed cancer in 27 patients that had spread farther than thought, sparing them from futile attempts at aggressive therapy.
Researchers are applying their radar technology to detect missiles to a FDA-approved Phase II clinical trial for treating breast cancer. The treatment involves heated microwave radiation that kills cancer cells without burning the skin.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that less radical surgery for kidney cancer is equally effective to radical alternative and less likely to cause failure in the second kidney. Long-term survival rates between the two procedures were identical, but patients undergoing less radical surgery had a lower risk of developing renal failure.
A study by Dr. William S. Breitbart found that clinical depression and hopelessness are key factors contributing to a patient's desire to die, even more important than physical pain. The study suggests that addressing psychological needs is crucial in minimizing the desire for death.
A cost-effectiveness study finds radiofrequency ablation effective in treating supraventricular tachycardia, improving quality of life and reducing hospital visits. However, the online availability of hydrazine sulfate, touted as a cancer treatment with few side effects, has raised safety concerns after a fatal case report.
Phase II studies indicate that Mylovenge causes regression or stabilization in over 30% of patients with multiple myeloma and amyloidosis, with some benefits lasting up to 18 months. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers shows that watching a videotape explaining colon cancer procedures can increase screening rates by at least 15%. This could lead to significant reductions in deaths from colorectal cancer, with over 47,000 Americans dying annually.
Thalidomide demonstrates potential activity in multiple myeloma, primary amyloidosis, metastatic colorectal cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia, with notable improvements in patient survival rates and side effects observed.
University of Florida surgeons have improved a bladder removal technique, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes for those with severe bladder problems. The new method minimizes blood loss and is well-tolerated by patients, making it an ideal approach for those too ill to undergo standard surgery.
MARstem demonstrates potential as a multilineage hematopoietic therapy to treat or prevent pancytopenia following chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. The study's results show excellent safety and preliminary efficacy, suggesting MARstem may improve debilitating side effects of cancer treatment.
Early results from 19 patients treated in the Boston clinical trial show that Endostatin is safe and well-tolerated in high doses without any evidence of toxicity. Extended periods of stable disease and minor responses have been demonstrated, but further study is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness.
Researchers developed a new FISH-based method for detecting recurring bladder cancer, showing improved accuracy compared to urine cytology. The test detected high-grade cancers with over 95% accuracy and recurrence up to three months earlier than traditional methods.
A new radiation treatment technique targets head and neck tumors while sparing salivary glands, enabling patients to function more normally. Patients who received intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) experienced improved saliva flow and quality of life compared to conventional radiation therapies.
A definitive study led by John Kirkwood at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that high-dose interferon alfa 2b extends both overall survival and relapse-free survival in surgically treated high-risk melanoma patients. This regimen significantly outperforms a comparison vaccine, GMK, in terms of survival impact.
Phase I clinical trials show CCI-779's potential as a cancer treatment, inhibiting tumor growth with minimal side effects. The drug targets the mTOR pathway, which may selectively arrest the development of certain cancer cells.
A study by Texas A&M University researcher Dr. Jeff Guidry reveals that non-treatment problems hinder successful cancer treatment and cure for patients in rural areas. The study shows that barriers to overcoming cancer include lack of transportation, proper information, access to treatment, and a support system.
Researchers at UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center are testing an immunotherapy treatment that involves collecting stem cells from a patient's sibling to attack the cancer. The trial aims to confirm previous NIH study results and explore its potential in treating solid cancers, including prostate and melanoma.
A new nomogram developed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center predicts outcomes based on disease factors such as stage, PSA level, and radiation dosage. The tool demonstrates improved accuracy in estimating treatment efficacy compared to existing models.
A recent study conducted at Indiana University Medical Center found that high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem-cell transplantation can achieve a durable remission in approximately 50% of patients with recurrent testicular cancer. The overall cure rate for these patients is now estimated to be around 85 percent.
A novel liposuction treatment has been developed to treat chronic lymphoedema in breast cancer patients, reducing arm swelling by up to 98% and improving mobility and pain levels. The treatment involves removing fatty tissue and accumulated lymph via small incisions along the arm.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a new combination therapy of irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin that nearly doubled the tumor response rate and improved overall survival for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The study showed significant benefits with no increased incidence of serious side...
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition resulting from breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy, characterized by swelling, pain, and disability. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help alleviate symptoms, but increased awareness and education for healthcare professionals are crucial to prevent disastrous consequences.