Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
A study found that 50 years of tobacco control efforts have added nearly 20 years to the life of eight million Americans. The researchers attributed this reduction to the 1964 Surgeon General's report and subsequent tobacco control activities.
Researchers found that targeting molecular profiles of non-small-cell lung cancer with mutated cancer-causing protein KRas is the most effective treatment strategy. The study suggests that combination therapy using approved inhibitors might improve outcomes for patients with wild-type KRas tumors.
Researchers from Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center analyzed cancer patients' statistics, finding higher costs associated with complications. The study found that even small increases in hospitalization costs could be substantial, with respiratory failure resulting in a cost increase of over 50% for all cancer resections.
A new cell mechanism has been discovered that drives the spread of breast cancer to other parts of the body. Researchers found that a protein called RON kinase signals tumor cells to become active, reprogramming genes responsible for metastasis. Inhibiting RON turns off this entire program, making it a promising target for therapy.
Researchers have identified two novel BRAF fusions in melanomas previously considered to be negative for molecular targets, suggesting that these tumors may be sensitive to MEK inhibitors. The findings could provide a new treatment option for patients with hard-to-treat melanomas.
A study published in Health Expectations identified key markers of compassion in doctor-patient conversations, including recognition of suffering, emotional resonance, and movement towards addressing suffering. The researchers aim to create a behavioral taxonomy that will guide medical training and education.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that surgery significantly improves survival rates and functional outcomes for patients with advanced oral cavity cancer. In contrast, those who received chemotherapy after initial treatment had poorer results.
Younger women with aggressive tumors and higher recurrence risks are less likely to receive radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery, according to a nationwide database analysis. Factors affecting non-compliance among younger women include family structures and region of residence.
A new analysis found that both real and sham acupuncture may help alleviate breast cancer drug side effects. Patients who received real acupuncture experienced less joint/muscle discomfort and menopausal symptoms compared to those receiving sham acupuncture.
A new analysis found that both real and sham acupuncture treatments alleviate side effects of breast cancer drugs, including hot flashes and joint/muscle pain. Women who received real acupuncture had a greater reduction in symptoms if they were African American.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that leading National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers do not consistently identify and inform patients about their fertility risks or refer them to specialists. Fertility navigators are crucial in bridging the gap between oncology and fertility, but only a third of thes...
Researchers at Ohio State University confirm that ibrutinib targets Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a critical molecule in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell growth and proliferation. Inhibiting BTK delayed CLL development and improved overall survival in mouse models.
Researchers found that K-Ras mutations allow cancer cells to survive and invade tissues without normal survival signals. The study suggests that these mutations promote invasion by subverting the mechanism of normal cell death.
A new research study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is investigating the predictors, mechanisms for development, and persistence of post-treatment fatigue in breast cancer patients. The study will examine biological, behavioral, and social risk factors to identify women at high risk for fatigue.
A recent study published in BJU International found that radiation therapy used to treat uterine cancer may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Patients treated with pelvic radiation therapy had a twice-higher incidence and nearly three times higher death rate from bladder cancer compared to those without radiation.
A Mayo Clinic-led study found that pain drugs used in prostate gland removal may be linked to cancer outcomes, as they can suppress the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. The research suggests that a specific technique using opioids may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality.
Death rates for lung cancer, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers have been declining, driving a reduction in cancer deaths. However, some cancers, including liver and pancreas, saw increased death rates. Comorbid conditions also impact survival, with one-third of patients aged 65+ having multiple medical conditions.
A study of over 4,400 physicians found that those who would personally enroll in hospice care are more likely to discuss it with patients, but delays remain. Despite personal preferences, many physicians do not have timely discussions about end-of-life care with terminally ill cancer patients.
Researchers have identified a clearance system that recognizes and breaks down the oncogenic KRas protein, leading to its degradation. This discovery provides a new avenue for developing targeted therapies for cancer types with KRas mutations.
Researchers found a significant reduction in Medicare spending of $721 annually per patient, with no adverse consequences for survival, through the use of accountable care organizations (ACOs). ACOs led to better management of acute care, resulting in fewer hospital admissions among beneficiaries with prevalent cancer.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) releases a position paper on the role of medical oncologists in cancer care, emphasizing the importance of their specialist training. The paper aims to guarantee access to optimal treatment for Europe's growing number of cancer patients.
Research finds rural cancer patients are 66% more likely to retire early after a diagnosis compared to urban counterparts. Additionally, these patients are less likely to receive paid disability while receiving treatment.
Researchers found that childhood cancer survivors reported lower physical and mental quality of life as symptoms increased over time. The study suggests that managing symptoms can improve daily functional status and quality of life for these patients.
Lynch syndrome increases the risk of colon and endometrial cancers. Screening all endometrial cancers for this genetic mutation can lead to early detection and improved patient outcomes for women at high risk.
Research advances demonstrate progress in cancer fight, but also stress need for increased funding to translate research into effective treatments. The report highlights three areas of progress: genomics, treatment-resistant cancers, and targeted immunotherapy.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have discovered a 10-gene biomarker panel that can identify the aggressiveness of ovarian cancer, predict survival outcomes, and inform novel therapeutic strategies. The study suggests that this biomarker panel may have predictive value and biological relevance for treating patients with ovarian cancer.
A study of 1,344 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and 2011 found that those with interruptions in health insurance coverage or low income levels were significantly more likely to receive non-concordant treatment. Women with lower incomes had a higher likelihood of nonconcordance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network...
Researchers identified CUX1 as a driver of tumour growth in over 3,000 cancer patients worldwide. Inactivating CUX1 leads to increased tumour progression and activation of PIK3IP1, mobilising phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) for cell growth.
Researchers have identified a potential biological factor contributing to racial disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) accumulate in African-American men with prostate cancer, promoting inflammation and cancer progression. AGE levels correlated with receptor for AGE (RAGE), sugge...
A recent study from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who were as old as 74 fared as well with stem cell transplantation as did younger patients. The study analyzed the records of 67 patients and showed no statistically significant differences in overall survival at four years between...
A new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that men who continued to smoke after a cancer diagnosis had a 59% increased risk of death compared to those who quit. Quitting smoking can also significantly reduce the risk of death for specific types of cancer, such as bladder, lung, and colorectal cancers.
A computer model found that genetic screening for breast cancer risk in conjunction with MRI can reduce cancer deaths and identify a population at an intermediate risk. The study compared two tests to categorize patients by lifetime risk, finding the 7SNP test was most cost-effective for those with an intermediate risk.
Researchers identified a biomarker for prostate cancer recurrence, revealing that patients with CD151free protein have cancer recur earlier than those without. This discovery may aid in determining patient care and predicting disease progression.
Researchers found that a cancer trigger may be the cause of autoimmune disease scleroderma, which causes skin thickening and widespread organ damage. The study suggests that dampening down the immune response in scleroderma could instead be replaced by targeting the underlying cancer.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology found that cancer survival rates still differ significantly between European countries, with Nordic countries having the best survival rates for most cancers. However, there is evidence of narrowing gaps between east and west, particularly for breast and prostate cancers.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have gained a better understanding of how to increase the window of opportunity to detect potentially dangerous cancers before they're hard to treat. By studying genetic changes in Barrett's esophagus, scientists found that cancer arises suddenly after cells undergo large, drastic mutations.
A study found that ICOS+ Treg populations expand after HD IL-2 treatment, predicting better clinical outcomes for patients. The distinct Treg population identified may help determine which patients benefit from high-dose IL-2 therapy.
A global survey by the European Society for Medical Oncology found that over half of the world's population lives in countries with regulations limiting access to opioid medicines for managing cancer pain. The study highlights the need for regulatory reform and education to improve access to these medicines.
A new study found that esophageal cancer patients who experience certain symptom clusters after surgery have a higher risk of dying from their disease. The research identified three distinct symptom clusters, including fatigue and pain, reflux and cough, and eating difficulties, which are associated with increased mortality risk.
A randomized controlled trial found that patients with nurse navigators reported feeling better supported emotionally and more involved in their care. Nurse navigators helped patients develop the confidence and skills to manage their illness and treatment more effectively.
The EORTC task force evaluated physiological reserves and biomarkers of aging in elderly patients with cancer. They identified potential biomarkers that may indicate functional biological age, such as inflammatory markers, telomere length, and genetic predisposition for longevity. The study provides a guideline for integrating these bi...
A new study published by SU2C researcher Roger S. Lo suggests that combinatory therapy may be effective in suppressing drug resistance in the treatment of melanoma. The research found that targeting both the MAPK and PI3K-PTEN-AKT pathways can suppress early and late resistance to BRAF inhibitors.
A recent EORTC trial found that assessing HRQOL (health-related quality of life) is crucial for both patients with head and neck cancers and their doctors. The study showed that patients in the sequential treatment arm experienced less swallowing and speech problems compared to those in the alternating chemoradiotherapy arm.
Survivors with a history of smoking have poorer survival rates and are more likely to experience disease progression, relapse, or spread. Heavier pack-years smoked correlate with increased risk of death.
AUC San Diego study reveals racial inequality in cancer treatment access, resulting in 15% higher mortality for African-American patients. Despite receiving similar treatments, black patients are less likely to receive primary tumor surgery and chemotherapy.
Research suggests that elevated Vitamin B12 levels may signal a heightened cancer risk, particularly in the first year after measurement. Studies found an association between high Cbl levels and increased incidence of various cancers, including hematological and alcohol/smoking-related types.
A new multicenter study emphasizes the importance of a standardized treatment plan for patients with advanced bladder cancer. The research, involving eight Italian centers, found that response rates and outcomes for salvage therapies are dismal, with no clearly established second-line therapy.
Studies reveal that comorbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular disease decrease one- and five-year survival rates for breast cancer patients. This indicates the need to reevaluate treatment approaches and optimize care for patients with concurrent diseases.
A molecule that helps cells stick together is over-produced in rheumatoid arthritis and various cancers, including breast and brain tumors. The discovery of cadherin-11 has led to the development of candidate drugs to inhibit its expression, with one already in a clinical trial.
A new clinical trial found that low-intensity chemotherapy regimens are highly effective in treating adult patients with Burkitt lymphoma, resulting in excellent long-term survival rates of over 90%. The treatment reduces toxicity compared to standard high-dose chemotherapy, leading to improved outcomes for adults.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a method to isolate and expand antitumor T cells from human tumor tissue. These T cells recognize specific proteins on cancer cells, making them potential candidates for targeted immunotherapy.
A TGen-led study reveals TWEAK-Fn14 as a key drug target for preventing cancer spread, particularly brain cancer. Four compounds inhibit the binding of TWEAK to Fn14, including L524-0366, which suppressed glioma cell migration without cytotoxic effects.
Researchers identified KDM2A as a histone demethylase associated with non-small cell lung cancer. Induced KDM2A expression increased cell proliferation and invasiveness through ERK1/2 signaling pathway activation.
Dr. Walter Quan from Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) presents two new treatment options for previously-treated advanced cancer patients, showing major benefits with minimal side effects. The first treatment involves combination chemoimmunotherapy, while the second utilizes dose-dense outpatient intravenous Interleukin-2.
A recent study led by Ohio State University researchers reveals that the virus that causes cervical cancer can directly damage host DNA and contribute to cancer development. The study used whole-genome sequencing to investigate the relationship between HPV and human genomes in cancers.
A new drug combination therapy developed at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center effectively killed various types of cancer cells while having little effect on noncancerous cells. The results lay the foundation for a future phase 1 clinical trial to test the safety of the therapy in patients.
A team of Singapore scientists has made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis of bile duct cancer by mapping human genes disrupted in cholangiocarcinoma. The study identified several genes that were repeatedly disrupted in CCA development, suggesting new potential avenues for treatment.
A pilot study by TGen and the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center used next-generation sequencing to analyze genetic variations in nine patients with advanced cancer. The study found that this technology can reveal multiple genomic changes and identify potential therapeutic targets, which could improve treatment outcomes for these patients.
A pilot study shows that older patients who practiced Qigong experienced significant declines in fatigue and distress. The mind-body activity, which combines slow movements with deep breathing and meditation, was found to be an effective nonpharmacological intervention for managing prostate cancer-related fatigue.
A pilot initiative at Mount Sinai Hospital shows that establishing standardized criteria for calling a palliative care consultation improves the quality of care for patients hospitalized with advanced cancer. This led to increased use of hospice services, lower in-hospital mortality and hospital readmission rates.