Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
The ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress 2020 discussed the latest developments in cancer treatment, including adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments, tumour microenvironments, and novel therapeutics. The event also examined the impact of COVID-19 on immunotherapy in cancer patients.
Researchers found that concurrent dexamethasone administration with an immune checkpoint inhibitor reduced survival in both immunosensitive and immunoresistant mouse models. In human patients, those taking dexamethasone at baseline had significantly worse overall survival compared to non-users.
A new therapeutic PD-1 cancer vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in an animal study, activating both B- and T-cell functions to promote tumor clearance. The vaccine is targeted to block signaling pathways crucial for tumor growth and maintenance, offering a promising approach to immunotherapy.
Scientists have developed a novel approach to reprogram T cells into long-lived, highly active 'super immune cells' that can fight multiple types of cancer. This breakthrough could lead to more effective and durable anti-cancer responses with existing treatments.
African American cancer survivors in Detroit reported common social needs, including food insecurity and housing instability, which were associated with lower health-related quality of life. The study highlights the need for a social safety net to address these disparities.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute discovered that chromatin remodeling machines have a motor-like component that drives the machine along DNA, disrupting nucleosome beads. The team found cancer-causing mutations in an area of the hub regulating motor activity, leading to improper gene expression and cancer.
A study of patients with cancer who had exceptional responses to therapy has identified molecular changes in their tumors that contribute to these unexpected and long-lasting responses. The researchers used genomic characterizations to uncover genetic alterations that may help understand the mechanisms behind these rare responses.
The EA2176 study aims to enroll 205 patients in the US with inoperable advanced squamous cell anal cancer, comparing standard chemotherapy with or without nivolumab. The trial seeks to determine if adding immunotherapy will prolong progression-free survival and reduce symptoms.
Researchers found a vaccine created to prevent melanoma recurrence is about twice as effective when patients receive two immune-boosting components, Flt3L and poly-ICLC. This combination nearly doubled the vaccine's efficacy in promoting antibodies and T cells that can later fight melanoma.
A SWOG Cancer Research Network study found that the ipilimumab and nivolumab combination shrinks rare angiosarcoma tumors in 25% of patients, with a 60% response rate for those with facial or scalp lesions, offering new hope for treatment
A recent survey by the American Cancer Society found that nearly 1 in 5 cancer patients are less likely to enroll in clinical trials during the pandemic. The top reason cited is fear of COVID-19 exposure. This could lead to reduced enrollment in trials already struggling to find patients.
Recent studies have revealed that cardiovascular adverse events, such as heart failures and arrhythmias, are common in cancer patients treated with CDK 4/6 inhibitors. These agents have significantly improved survival rates for breast cancer patients but come with a risk of cardiac damage.
A clinical trial combining a personalized cancer vaccine with Pembrolizumab has reported a 50% response rate for patients with head and neck cancer, significantly higher than previous trials without the vaccine. The preliminary data, presented by Dr. Julie Bauman, is promising and suggests the treatment is safe and tolerable.
A study by UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that young survivors of AML are at risk of developing late effects, including cardiovascular, endocrine, and respiratory diseases. Non-white patients and those living in deprived neighborhoods were disproportionately affected.
Researchers found that Medicaid expansion is associated with earlier stage of diagnosis, leading to decreased mortality rates for patients with newly diagnosed breast, lung, or colorectal cancer. In states with expanded Medicaid programs, mortality rates were significantly lower than in non-expansion states.
A Mayo Clinic study found that 13.5% of cancer patients had inherited genetic mutations associated with their cancer development. The discovery could lead to targeted cancer therapies and improved survival rates for patients with these high-risk mutations.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that patients with acute interstitial nephritis, an autoimmune reaction, respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs. This finding may have broad implications for patients being treated with ICIs.
Researchers have developed a new approach to generate T-cells faster, using polarized Th17 cells that can effectively eradicate tumors in just four days. This breakthrough has immediate clinical implications, offering a potentially long-lived and effective therapy for patients with advanced solid tumors.
Researchers have developed a new treatment that induces an integrated immune response in tumors of patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancers, which are resistant to immunotherapy. The treatment, plerixafor, works by interrupting an immunosuppressive pathway, allowing critical immune cells to infiltrate the tumors.
A national multi-institutional study found that cancer patients and their medical teams benefited from sharing symptoms in real time using web- or telephone-based reporting systems. The system improved patient satisfaction, quality of life, physical function, reduced emergency room visits, and lengthened survival.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that patients treated by highly skilled surgeons have better long-term survival after surgery for colon cancer. The study showed a 70% lower risk of dying over five years compared to patients with less skilled surgeons.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that patients with significant decision conflict prior to cancer surgery are less active after surgery. The researchers used a smartphone app and sensor data to measure physical activity levels at 30, 60, and 90 days after surgery.
Researchers at VCUarts and Massey Cancer Center developed a digital life review therapy, 'VoicingHan,' which improved symptoms and spiritual well-being in patients. The project was recognized for its innovative approach to palliative care.
A survey of 1038 healthcare professionals reveals that 69% believe patients' access to standard care treatment has been compromised during the pandemic. The study also found that 42% felt at risk of poor wellbeing and 34% showed signs of burnout, but most staff reported being able to work well despite challenges.
Researchers used AI to analyze MRI brain scans of patients with glioblastoma, identifying a significant predictor of overall and progression-free survival: the amount of muscle in the temporalis muscle. Patients with higher muscle mass had improved survival rates, highlighting a potential tool for personalized treatment planning.
A new study examined recent data on African American patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and found that while Black patients are now more likely to receive effective treatments, disparities persist. The use of surgery remained a significant disparity across racial groups, despite increasing utilization over time.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that low muscle mass and quality are linked to greater post-operative complications, hospitalization, and mortality in patients with colon cancer following colon resection surgery. The researchers followed 1,630 patients and used preoperative CT scans to analyze body composition.
A study published in Communications Biology found that inflammation from high IL-6 levels leads to psoriasis-like dermatitis. Researchers propose targeting IL-6 as a potential approach to preventing the condition.
A new study creates a detailed portrait of the immune response in pancreatic cancer, highlighting individual differences and pointing to the need for tailored treatments. The research identifies a potential biomarker, TIGIT, that may be targeted by future therapies.
A study by American College of Surgeons found that watch-and-wait strategy is an option for select patients with stages I to III rectal cancer. The approach, which skips operation, shows similar results in terms of local regrowth and disease-specific survival rates compared to surgical treatment.
A phase II trial shows similar safety and efficacy with single- and multiple-fraction treatment for patients with limited oligometastases. The study found comparable survival rates, local control rates, and disease-free survival rates between the two treatment groups.
Scientists identified an antibody that blocks a signaling molecule in vascular system, causing tumor lymph vessels to die and preventing metastasis. This approach may lead to new ways to block the spread of tumor cells.
A study analyzing US cancer data reveals patients from rural regions and lower-income households often have advanced liver cancer at diagnosis and face higher mortality rates. This highlights the need for targeted quality improvement interventions to address healthcare disparities affecting these populations.
A new 'next generation' BRAF inhibitor, PLX8394, has shown promising results in an early patient trial for treating various types of cancer. The treatment, taken with cobicistat, resulted in a partial response in 22% of patients, including those with glioma and bowel cancer.
A Winship Cancer Institute study shows that advanced molecular imaging with fluciclovine improves disease-free survival rates for patients with recurring prostate cancer after prostatectomy. The trial found a 12% better cancer control rate at three years, persisting at four years.
A new study found that a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is almost 100% accurate at ruling out bowel cancer in patients with suspicious symptoms. FIT has been shown to be as sensitive as colonoscopy, the current gold standard for detection of colorectal cancer.
A UCSF-CHOP study found that patients under 25 with pediatric cancer were more likely to remain on private insurance for longer durations compared to their older peers. Brief disruptions in insurance have been associated with harmful health consequences, highlighting the importance of the ACA's dependent coverage provision.
A new staging system called STAR-CAP has been developed to predict outcomes and inform treatment decisions for men with non-metastatic prostate cancer. The system, which uses patient, tumor, and outcome data from nearly 20,000 patients, has been validated and shows strong prognostic power.
Researchers call for increased palliative care in China to address non-malignant disease management and family involvement. A systematic review highlights the need for better pain control, truth-telling, and emotional support.
Researchers found that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), commonly used for high blood pressure and heart failure, may increase the likelihood of responding to anti-PD(L)1 therapy. Patients taking ARBs showed a statistically significant improvement in objective response rate and complete response rate compared to those not taking them.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a novel microfluidic approach to purify CAR-T cells, reducing dead cells by over 70% and increasing cell viability by 20%. This method could significantly benefit patients by lowering manufacturing costs and side effects associated with CAR T cell therapy.
Researchers at UC have identified metabolic fingerprints that distinguish cancers from nonsmokers compared to smokers, providing important steps toward new and better therapeutic strategies for kidney cancers in both smoking and nonsmoking populations. The study reveals a separate metabolic subtype of kidney cancer with different weakn...
Researchers at UArizona Health Sciences have identified a biomarker, MiR130b, that appears in patients before stomach cancer develops. The biomarker can be detected through a simple blood test, potentially saving time and lowering costs compared to current diagnostic procedures.
Non-invasive ventilation use increased nine-fold between 2000 and 2017, but data on its effectiveness for cancer and dementia patients is lacking. The therapy may prolong suffering for patients near the end of life.
A novel combination of immunotherapy targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 led to a rapid and complete response in a 19-year-old patient with stage 4 epithelioid sarcoma. The patient achieved complete remission within two weeks, resuming normal activities and physical examination.
Baseline ctDNA levels predicted responses to first-line immune checkpoint inhibition in patients with melanoma, but not second-line treatment. Low ctDNA levels associated with longer progression-free survival in both discovery and validation cohorts.
A Penn-developed machine learning tool helps sustain end-of-life care discussions with cancer patients, tripling the rate of those discussions. The study shows that clinicians engage more in conversations when prompted by an algorithm and a behavioral nudge.
The NCI-MATCH trial, the largest precision medicine cancer trial to date, has made significant contributions to the use of tumor gene testing in selecting treatment for patients. The study found that nearly 40% of patients have matching tumor gene defects for targeted treatments.
A new study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that frequent phone counseling significantly improves quit rates among cancer patients who smoke. The intensive program resulted in a 34.5% abstinence rate, compared to 21.5% for those receiving less frequent counseling.
Research shows that intensive smoking cessation counseling for newly diagnosed cancer patients improves quality of life, reduces complications and increases survival. The study found that providing six months of inexpensive tobacco cessation support at diagnosis can result in significant cost savings and improved health outcomes.
A Phase I trial found neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy with tremelimumab and durvalumab showed early signs of activity in patients with high-risk disease, with a pathologic complete response rate of 37.5%.
A new urine-based liquid biopsy test, UroCAD, has been developed to detect bladder cancer with higher sensitivity and similar specificity compared to traditional urine cytology. The test analyzes DNA copy number variants in urine exfoliated cells and shows promise for reducing the frequency of cystoscopy examinations.
MUSC researchers have identified a new biomarker that may predict which patients are at risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. High levels of plasmacytoid dendritic cells expressing ICOS ligand are associated with increased severity of GVHD and lower survival rates.
A Yale professor has received a $500,000 grant to develop a versatile and highly scalable strategy for treating pancreatic cancer. The technology, called MAEGI, targets multiple differences in cancer cells and activates multiple immune system responses.
Researchers found that 91% of patients with limited stage DLBCL who received no radiation were alive five years after treatment. A PET scan after three cycles of R-CHOP can determine if patients need additional chemotherapy or radiation. This approach may improve patient outcomes and reduce toxicity.
The study reveals that while COVID-19 complicates cancer care, it also spurs innovative solutions to clinical challenges. Researchers found that patients with cancer are at heightened risk of severe illness due to weakened immune systems, but also highlighted the benefits of telemedicine and creative approaches to treatment.
Preliminary results from two large clinical trials investigating a new PD-1-based immune therapy for metastatic cervical cancer suggest improved response rates and potential new treatment options. The trials involved over 150 patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer and tested the combination of balstilimab and zalifrelimab.
The SWOG Cancer Research Network will share innovative approaches to cancer care, including telemedicine and quality improvements, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The network's trials have led to significant advancements in cancer treatment and patient outcomes.
Pediatric brain cancer researcher Jezabel R. Blanco will receive a $300,000 grant to explore medulloblastoma, a subtype of brain tumor that tends to be particularly deadly in children under three. Her research aims to target the stem cell reservoir of these tumors and develop new treatments.
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center developed a set of metrics to evaluate care provided for brain metastases, aiming to enhance treatment decisions and coordination. The findings, published in JCO Oncology Practice, will help hospitals improve their interdisciplinary treatment programs.