Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
Researchers discovered that cancer mutations follow specific patterns, with internal factors leading to enriched mutations in active domains and external factors resulting in mutations in inactive domains. This understanding may lead to new therapeutic targets and treatment options.
A major study of women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) found that surgery followed by radiotherapy offers better protection against invasive cancer. However, the benefit of radiotherapy decreases over time, suggesting a need for personalized treatment decisions.
Researchers found that patients receiving personalized cancer therapy had improved survival rates and longer progression-free periods compared to those with unmatched treatment plans. The use of next-generation sequencing allows for more precise targeting of cancer cells.
Researchers found high variability in DNA changes between individuals, suggesting a wide range of factors influence bladder cancer development. A new mutational signature linked to smoking was also identified, shedding light on why tobacco is the single greatest risk factor for bladder cancer.
A recent study published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians found that little effort has been made to increase older adult participation in cancer clinical trials, despite the disproportionate impact of cancer on this age group. The researchers called for a more inclusive approach, recommending that trials ask targeted questions an...
Catherine Marinac receives Sharp Tank Award to study health disparities in multiple myeloma and tailor interventions for diverse patient populations. The award supports research on early intervention and treatment for precursor multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer disproportionately affecting people of color.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center found that disparities in cancer outcomes for Black patients are largely caused by unequal access to healthcare. The study examined Medicare data for individuals with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, controlling for factors such as stage of diagnosis and treatment receiv...
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center identified multiple obstacles that prevent head and neck cancer patients from receiving timely radiation treatment, leading to worse survival outcomes. The study presents a novel framework for understanding these barriers and aims to improve patient care through an intervention strategy.
A new CDK 4/6 inhibitor, abemaciclib, has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in high-risk patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) early-stage disease by 25%. The monarchE study found that adding abemaciclib to standard hormone therapy significantly improved patient outcomes.
A repeated testing protocol for COVID-19 among patients with cancer was examined in a quality improvement study. The study found that asymptomatic cancer patients can be safely screened for COVID-19 without increasing the risk of infection.
A clinical trial of selpercatinib has shown promising results for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, achieving high response rates and prolonged survival. The drug specifically targets cancers driven by mutations in the gene RET, with minimal side effects.
Genetic testing is cost-effective for newly diagnosed metastatic GIST patients, enabling clinicians to prescribe tumor-specific chemotherapy. This approach avoids ineffective treatment and reduces disease progression rates.
A new app called Close2U has been developed to monitor the physical and mental health of cancer patients using gamification. The app rewards users with advice or songs for answering daily questions about their mood and pain levels, promoting motivation and continuous monitoring.
A new bioinformatics tool called DrBioRight has been developed to enable biomedical researchers to conduct routine analyses of large datasets without specialized expertise in bioinformatics or programming languages. The tool uses a natural-language interface to allow users to ask questions and receive intuitive analysis results.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published a new patient and caregiver resource focused on childhood cancer type, pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The guidelines provide easy-to-understand information on treatment options, including charts and images, to help patients and caregivers make informed decisions.
Research suggests that cancer patients with COVID-19 have a higher mortality rate due to their age and comorbidities, rather than the cancer. The study found that survival at 30 days was worse in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients.
A national survey found that many cancer patients lack nutritional advice and face difficulties such as diarrhoea, appetite loss, and changes in taste and smell. Researchers emphasize the importance of individualized guidance for improved quality of life and overall survival.
In a Phase I clinical trial, sotorasib achieved a confirmed response rate of 32.2% and disease control rate of 88.1% in patients with KRAS G12C-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, with durable clinical benefits and manageable toxicities
A UC study found that patients with cancer who contract COVID-19 have a higher risk of death if treated with certain anti-cancer therapies at specific times. The study analyzed data from over 3,000 patients and found that those treated one to three months prior to diagnosis had the highest mortality rates.
A phase III clinical trial led by Queen Mary University of London shows that immunotherapy drug avelumab significantly improves survival in patients with the most common type of bladder cancer. Avelumab resulted in a 31% reduction in risk of death and extended median survival by over seven months.
A study found that using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) worsened survival rates and disease progression in patients with urothelial cancer treated with atezolizumab. PPI use did not affect overall survival or response to chemotherapy.
A single-center observational study found that PET/MRI improves lesion detectability in select cancers and significantly reduces overall radiation exposure compared to PET/CT. The study, published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, shows that PET/MRI can promote fast, efficient local and whole-body staging in one step.
A team of researchers developed a mathematical model that can determine the impact of the immune system on tumour evolution. The model predicts when cancer cells will activate their cloaking mechanisms against the immune system and informs on whether immunotherapy is likely to be effective.
A clinical trial is underway to test psilocybin therapy for depression in cancer patients. The study aims to investigate the combination of individualized treatment and group administration to provide long-term relief from depression symptoms.
A new study finds that high viral loads are associated with a greater risk of death among patients with both cancer and COVID-19. Patients with hematologic malignancies who had recently been treated for cancer had the highest levels of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Smokers have worse chemotherapy response and higher mortality rates from bladder cancer, with a higher risk of cancer recurrence. Former smokers also fare poorly in these categories.
A new biomarker has been identified that reliably predicts the aggressiveness of biliary tract cancer in patients, which could help doctors make informed decisions about chemotherapy. The biomarker, IL-6, has been shown to provide prognostic information not captured by other inflammatory markers already in use.
The University of Louisville will establish a Center for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy to develop and improve cancer treatments that utilize the immune system. Researchers will focus on advancing strategies to use the immune response to fight cancer, with the goal of saving lives through immunotherapies.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that RNA nanoparticles exhibit elastic and rubbery properties, enabling them to target tumors by slipping through tumor blood vessels. The particles are also excreted from the body quickly via urine, reducing toxicity.
A preclinical study from MD Anderson and BridgeBio's Navire Pharma shows that SHP2 inhibition can overcome osimertinib resistance in lung cancer. The study found that IACS-13909 suppressed tumor cell proliferation and caused tumor regression in various activated kinase-driven models.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a novel technique using nanotechnology to wake up 'cold' tumors, allowing immune cells to locate and neutralize them. The approach aims to improve treatment outcomes for metastatic breast cancer patients by combining nanotechnology with immunotherapy.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a huge backlog of cancer treatments and research, with delays and cancellations reported across 18 countries. Oncology professionals are also facing burnout and wellbeing damage due to the pandemic's impact on their workload and job performance.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute discovered that HIF-1α is linked to aggressive tumors, metastasis, and poor patient survival, while HIF-2α is associated with less aggressive tumors and better outcomes. The study suggests a potential new paradigm for understanding kidney cancer.
A Phase II trial found that a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab generated durable responses in 25% of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The treatment achieved disease control in 46.9% of patients, with median progression-free survival of 5.5 months.
Researchers found that 27% of immune checkpoint inhibitor recipients experienced irAEs, with 5% developing multi-organ irAEs sequentially. Multi-organ irAEs were generally amenable to satisfactory management and associated with better overall survival rates.
A program using mail-in stool samples is shown to be an effective and cost-effective alternative to in-person colonoscopies for detecting colon cancer. The study identified nine best practices for implementing such programs, including patient navigation and high-quality testing kits.
Researchers developed a statistical model using genomic data to predict risk of developing oesophageal cancer in patients with Barrett's oesophagus. The model accurately identified high-risk patients years before diagnosis, allowing for early treatment and reducing unnecessary surveillance.
A five-year grant will follow over 2,000 testicular cancer survivors to examine the role of genetic variants in platinum toxicities and assess the impact on physical, emotional, and social functioning. The study aims to identify high-risk subgroups and provide guidelines to decrease damaging side effects.
A University of Cincinnati researcher is studying how cancer treatments could impact patients who also have COVID-19 and blood clots. The study aims to understand the thrombotic risk posed by certain cancer treatments and hopes to contribute data that could prevent complications for millions of patients.
A retrospective analysis found that Black pediatric patients are less likely to receive proton therapy, which may lead to increased side effects and long-term health disparities. The study calls for addressing barriers to access and promoting equitable distribution of this high-cost treatment.
Researchers developed a prognostic tool that identifies immune cell interactions with tumour cells and reports on immune-checkpoint activation status. The tool predicts which cancer patients are most likely to benefit from checkpoint inhibitor therapy, allowing clinicians to tailor treatments specifically to patients.
The partnership aims to galvanize the global research community to make transformative leaps in cancer research. Researchers will be encouraged to think creatively and act boldly to address major challenges in understanding cancer.
Researchers from Kanazawa University found that IL-17A triggers cellular changes in the peritoneum, leading to stromal fibrosis in gastric cancer patients. The study suggests that suppressing mast cell degranulation may be a promising treatment strategy for patients with peritoneal dissemination.
The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center has been renewed as a designated Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, with a five-year support grant of $26.5 million. The center will continue to provide cutting-edge care and research for cancer patients in the New York City metropolitan area.
Researchers have identified a metabolic vulnerability in cells that may represent a therapeutic target for treating small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT). A new treatment agent has been shown to starve cancer cells by eliminating arginine, an amino acid necessary for protein production.
The Phase I/II LIBRETTO-001 trial found that selpercatinib achieved durable objective responses in the majority of participants with RET gene fusions, including an ORR of 85% in previously untreated patients. The study also showed promising results in patients with brain metastases and thyroid cancers.
Prof. Hans-Joachim Schmoll receives the ESMO Award 2020 for his pioneering work in developing medical oncology as a specialty, while Prof. Nadia Harbeck wins the Lifetime Achievement Award for her global cancer research and education contributions.
A new device developed by Dartmouth engineers has the potential to improve patient outcomes for prostate cancer patients who undergo radical prostatectomy. The device, which uses microendoscopic electrical impedance sensing probe technology, aims to detect positive surgical margins and prevent disease recurrence.
Researchers have developed a novel STAR assay to measure absolute telomere length, enabling rapid diagnosis of cancer and age-related diseases. The method can process up to 48 samples from low DNA amounts, providing critical information for precision therapy.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a cancer vaccine that shows promise in treating gastric, pancreatic, esophageal, and colon cancers. The new vaccine, Ad5.F35, is more effective than the original version due to its ability to evade the immune system's natural defenses.
The European Society for Medical Oncology has issued its first recommendations on the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for patients with metastatic cancers. The guidelines recommend routine NGS use for four specific cancer types, while also allowing patients to order larger gene panels if feasible and cost-effective. The recomme...
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Cancer Research UK will establish the Cancer Grand Challenges program to tackle cancer research challenges. The initiative aims to facilitate global collaboration, foster innovation, and accelerate progress against cancer.
A Cedars-Sinai study found that robotic surgery for oropharyngeal cancer is associated with improved health outcomes, including better long-term survival rates and reduced risks of positive surgical margins. The procedure's increased use since FDA approval in 2009 was linked to these benefits.
A new database of 40 breast cancer cell lines will help speed the development of new gene-targeted therapies by providing genomic and proteomic information. Researchers aim to identify functional genes that drive cancer growth and develop targeted therapies based on unique gene changes in each patient's cancer.
Researchers discovered that removing copper from blood can destroy some deadly cancers resistant to immunotherapy. High levels of copper in cancer cells increase expression of PD-L1, a protein that hides cancer cells from the immune system.
A recent survey of UK professionals found that COVID-19 has caused significant disruptions to psycho-social care for cancer patients, leading to delays in accessing support. The study highlights the need for innovative solutions to address the growing demand for psychological support during the pandemic.
A recent study found that extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is common in human cancer and drives poor patient outcomes. ecDNA is a circular unit of DNA containing functional genes located outside cells' chromosomes, which rapidly replicate within cancer cells causing high numbers of oncogene copies.
A Phase II trial conducted at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found a 51% overall response rate in patients with BRAF-mutated cholangiocarcinoma treated with dabrafenib plus trametinib, providing a much-needed treatment option for patients with treatment-resistant advanced disease.
A new liquid biopsy test has been developed to detect cancer by analyzing protein biomarkers from tumors in the blood. The study found that this approach showed a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting different types of cancer, including breast, colon, and lung cancers.
A study examined the association between radiotherapy timing and overall survival in patients with prostate cancer. The analysis of National Cancer Database data found that delaying radiotherapy relative to androgen deprivation therapy was associated with improved overall survival.