Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
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.
A Swedish study found that teenagers and young adults diagnosed with cancer are at a 60% increased risk of suicide or attempted suicide. The risk is highest during the first year after diagnosis, with suicidal behavior being 1.5-fold higher among cancer patients compared to the general population.
Researchers found that posterior intercostal lymph nodes have predictive power for mesothelioma patients, with patients without cancer in these nodes having significantly longer overall survival rates. The study suggests including these lymph nodes in the mesothelioma staging system.
Researchers identified chromosomal rearrangements that result in fusion oncogenes in post-Chernobyl radiation-induced thyroid cancers. These events promote upregulation of MAPK signaling, a common cancer-associated pathway. The study offers new understanding into how ionizing radiation exposure contributes to cancer development.
A new diagnostic platform can detect BRAF V600 mutations in cancer tissue samples in about 90 minutes, faster and more accurate than the standard method. This could help accelerate diagnosis and treatment for patients with melanoma and other cancers.
A new functional biomarker has been identified to predict responsiveness to BRAF-targeted drugs in patients with BRAF-mutant melanomas. Decreased S6 phosphorylation after treatment correlates with treatment response and improves progression-free survival.
A recent study found that current national screening guidelines for colon cancer may miss up to 10 percent of cases in first-degree relatives. The research examined nearly 127,000 individuals who underwent colonoscopy in Utah between 1995 and 2009.
A phase I clinical trial of the investigational PARP inhibitor BMN 673 has demonstrated high objective and clinical benefit response rates in patients with BRCA-related breast and ovarian cancers. The treatment showed significant efficacy, with 44% of patients experiencing an objective response and 72% having clinical benefit.
The article discusses new recommendations for overcoming issues related to cancer clinical trial accrual. Strategies include involving patient advocates and improving communication with patients, developing evidence-based training initiatives for providers, and promoting accrual through leadership best practices at the site level.
CRLX101 has been shown to inhibit HIF-1alpha and has limited side effects, suggesting it may manage resistance to antiangiogenic and radiation therapies. The compound has also demonstrated target specificity in gastric cancers.
Researchers have identified two drug combinations that can simultaneously block two major signaling pathways downstream of the KRAS protein, which is aberrantly active in most pancreatic cancers. The combinations substantially inhibited tumor growth and reduced metastasis compared to either drug alone.
A survey of 317 U.S. men and women aged 50-69 found that most patients are not being told about the possibility of overdiagnosis and overtreatment due to cancer screenings. Nearly 59% would continue screening despite learning it results in 10 overtreated individuals per life saved from cancer death.
A investigational antibody-drug conjugate, MLN0264, has shown promise in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. The drug selectively targets tumors expressing guanyl cyclase C and has been found to inhibit tumor growth when combined with traditional chemotherapy agent gemcitabine.
The investigational drug AZD9291, a third-generation EGFR inhibitor, has shown substantial tumor shrinkage in mice with lung tumors harboring activating and resistance mutations. It is well-tolerated and its breakdown product, AZ5104, also inhibits both forms of EGFR, providing new treatment options for patients.
PF-06463922, a new investigational drug, has shown potent activity against the ALK protein kinase and its mutants, including those resistant to crizotinib. This offers a potential treatment option for patients with lung cancer harboring ALK gene abnormalities.
A Phase III trial found that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduces the incidence of severe canker sores (grades 3 and 4) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy. LLLT also improves patient quality of life, reducing oral pain and opioid analgesic use.
Novartis' LEE011 has demonstrated robust antitumor activity in preclinical trials, particularly when combined with other targeted therapies. The small-molecule inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4/6 shows promise in treating melanoma and breast cancer resistant to BRAF and PIK3CA inhibitors.
Researchers have discovered small molecules that attach to and disrupt the function of a KRAS-containing protein complex, potentially inhibiting cell growth and survival in cancer cells. These findings offer a new approach to targeting the common cancer protein KRAS.
Researchers found hypermutation of inactive X chromosome is a common event in cancer, especially in rapidly growing tumors. This phenomenon affects only the inactive copy of the X chromosome and contributes to carcinogenesis.
Patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer are at higher risk of complications if they have low albumin levels before surgery. A study found that patients with low preoperative albumin levels had twice the risk of experiencing postoperative complications within 30 days after the operation.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a genetic mutation, STAG2, linked to low-risk bladder cancer. The study found that 36% of low-risk bladder cancers had mutated STAG2, suggesting that testing the gene could help guide clinical care.