Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
A new study identifies cancer-specific gene signatures for breast, lung, prostate, and ovarian cancers using surprisal analysis, a thermodynamics-based approach. This method allows researchers to understand how cellular energy is expended in cancer cells and identify potential biomarkers for early detection and therapy.
The Cancer Genome Atlas has characterized the genomic abnormalities driving glioblastoma multiforme, identifying 61 new mutated genes. Detailed clinical information is available for most cases, providing a resource for researchers to develop targeted therapies.
A new study published in JAMA found that over 95% of advanced prostate cancer patients receive multiple radiation treatments for pain control, despite the equivalent effectiveness of single treatments. The study reveals substantial cost savings with single-fraction treatment, with mean radiotherapy-related expenditures 62% lower for pa...
Researchers have identified a protein called Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) that may predict which patients with thyroid cancer are most likely to experience recurrence. High levels of PD-L1 were associated with a higher likelihood of cancer spreading and recurrence.
A new study by the University of North Carolina School of Medicine has identified low preoperative albumin levels as an independent risk factor for surgical-related health problems after radical cystectomy. Patients with a low albumin level before surgery are 2.1 times more likely to experience complications within 30 days.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute are testing a novel targeted treatment for Ewing sarcoma, which has spread by the time it's diagnosed. The goal is to disrupt cancer growth and spread using LSD1 inhibitors, with preclinical trials underway.
A phase III study published in The Lancet found that ramucirumab inhibits tumour growth and improves median survival, offering new treatment options for patients with advanced gastric cancer. The study's results suggest a potential benefit for patients with limited treatment options.
Scientists identified four genes with altered expression in head and neck cancer, linked to specific DNA methylation marks. These epigenetic markers could enable non-invasive tests for early pre-cancer screening using saliva or blood serum.
A pilot study reveals large variations in patient survival rates after surgery for oesophageal and gastric cancers across European countries. The new European Upper GI Cancer Audit aims to identify key factors contributing to these differences.
Researchers conducted a 15-year follow-up study of the GAZEL cohort to investigate the link between depression and cancer. The results found no significant association between experiencing symptoms of depression and contracting specific types of cancer, including prostate, breast, colon, and leukemia.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute will study the role of the c-KIT gene in melanoma, a devastating skin cancer that often develops resistance to treatment. The new funding will support studies using a novel melanoma mouse model to test whether active c-KIT can initiate melanoma.
A CU Cancer Center study found that young patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have a higher risk of treatment failure and worse survival rates compared to middle-aged patients. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 patients and showed a significant increase in disease progression and death among those under 40.
A new report from ECCO highlights the growing burden of cancer worldwide, with India, China, and Nigeria expected to see dramatic increases in cases due to population growth and lifestyle changes. The report calls for a major public-private partnership to improve cancer care and outcomes globally.
Researchers have identified molecular profiles of tumors with unknown primary sites, allowing for more effective treatment and improved survival rates. The study found that the biology of the tumor is more important than its primary site in determining treatment effectiveness.
A large-scale analysis of 20,034 patients found that young age is associated with worse overall survival and progression-free survival in those with metastatic colorectal cancer. The study suggests that these patients have a poorer prognosis if their disease has metastasized.
A study of 4846 patients treated with ipilimumab reveals that some can survive for up to 10 years, with a plateau in overall survival starting around three years. This finding provides valuable insight into the long-term efficacy of the treatment and its potential as a benchmark for future medicines.
Researchers at Cardiff University have teamed up with Peking University in China to test traditional Chinese medicine's health benefits and explore its potential when combined with chemotherapy. The study found that a traditional Chinese formula can block the spread of cancer cells and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a new approach for cancer therapy development using tumor genomic signatures. The study confirms two major hypotheses, showing that a limited number of genetic events cause most tumor subtypes and that oncogenic signatures are largely independent of tissue origin.
Researchers at MD Anderson found that intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) reduces the use of feeding tubes by 50% compared to standard treatment. IMPT also lowers toxicity levels and preserves quality of life outcomes in patients with head and neck cancers.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found stereotactic body radiotherapy to be a viable option for elderly patients with localized pancreatic cancer, offering a six-to-seven-month increase in lifespan and minimal side effects. The study also showed that two patients lived nearly two years after treatment.
A study of Stage T1aN0 breast cancer patients found no significant increase in deaths from cardiac disease or secondary malignancies among those receiving external beam radiation therapy (XRT). Women who received XRT had better survival rates and fewer deaths from all causes compared to non-XRT groups.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that high levels of microRNA-31 in primary tumor cells predict lymph node metastasis and poor survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Low expression levels were associated with excellent survival.
A simple two-question survey was found to be as accurate as a nine-question screening test in detecting major depression among cancer patients. The survey, based on the Patient Health Questionnaire, assesses a patient's interest in activities and feelings of hopelessness over the past two weeks.
A large study found that married cancer patients live markedly longer and are more likely to receive appropriate therapy compared to unmarried patients. Social support from spouses plays a critical role in improving outcomes for these patients.
A new study published in CANCER journal found that many newly diagnosed older breast cancer patients experience difficulty with daily tasks. The research suggests that therapy to improve physical function could benefit these patients, particularly African-American women who are four times more likely to have functional disability.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that married patients with cancer live longer than unmarried patients, with cancers diagnosed at an earlier stage. Social support from spouses is thought to be driving this improvement in survival rates.
Researchers found that reducing radiation dose to stem-cell niches surrounding hippocampus preserves memory without increased risk of relapse. This technique, if validated, will help maintain quality of life for brain cancer patients.
A two-item questionnaire, including PHQ-9 and PHQ-2, effectively screened for depression in radiation therapy patients. The study found that these questions were as useful as the entire PHQ-9 in identifying depression, with an area under the curve of approximately 0.83.
Researchers at USC have discovered a novel regulatory factor, UVRAG, that coordinates trafficking of proteins between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus and autophagy. This finding offers a new avenue to investigate anti-cancer agents targeting UVRAG and/or the ER-Golgi pathway.
The ESMO Designated Centres programme has seen a significant increase in new applications, with 37 successful new entrants in 2013. The programme aims to promote integrated oncology and palliative care services for cancer patients and has been highly successful, with over 160 centres recognized globally.
Cancer biologists use a new approach to study human tumors by transplanting them into mice with crippled immune systems. The results show high genomic fidelity between the original tumors and transplanted cancer cells in mice, providing insights into drug resistance. This approach may lead to more precise treatment choices and faster d...
Sherri Graves Smith, a cancer survivor and volunteer, will receive the 2013 Survivor Circle Award from ASTRO. She has dedicated her time and energy to helping others in her community, providing financial assistance and support to cancer patients struggling with daily living essentials.
The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia and the South Georgia Medical Center, Pearlman Cancer Center will each receive $8,000 to provide direct support for their organization's work supporting cancer patients. The grants also aim to raise awareness about the financial challenges faced by cancer patients.
A new marker called isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) has been identified as a non-invasive diagnostic marker for lung cancer, with high sensitivity and specificity in detecting non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). IDH1 levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with lung cancer compared to healthy controls.
A new study found that microRNA-486 (miR-486) is a potent tumor-suppressor molecule in lung cancer. It regulates the proliferation and migration of lung-cancer cells and induces programmed cell death.
Researchers propose a new approach called network-based stratification to identify cancer subtypes based on shared genetic networks. This method has immediate clinical value and can help clinicians better match treatment to individual patients, leading to more effective therapies.
Pr. Françoise Meunier has been recognized with the ECCO Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to improving cancer survival rates through international multidisciplinary clinical research. Her contributions include promoting EORTC as a major European organization in cancer research and treatment.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that current ALK-positive lung cancer criteria may miss patients who could benefit from crizotinib. The researchers suggest that doctors should re-evaluate borderline or atypical cases, potentially expanding treatment eligibility.
Researchers are identifying genetic biomarkers in patient blood samples to predict aggressive breast cancer progression. Large oncosomes, tumor-derived vesicles, may serve as valuable insights into disease progression.
Researchers identified seven potential candidate genes as targets for melanoma immunotherapy, including cancer-testis genes and melanoma-related genes. The NCI is currently conducting clinical trials using this technology to treat various cancers.
Scientists have developed a new way to analyze archived biopsy samples for exposure to carcinogenic substances, providing insights into the role of environment in cancer risk. The breakthrough enables broader use of stored tissue samples to study human exposure and DNA damage.
A new method uses a combination of techniques to detect genetic variations that initiate colon cancer. The technique achieved high sensitivity and was able to detect APC variations in 41 out of 80 samples, including previously unknown variations.
Dermatomyositis patients with antibodies against NXP-2 and TIF-1γ have a high risk of cancer, according to new tests developed by researchers. The assays detect these specific proteins in patient blood samples, helping clinicians identify those at highest cancer risk.
A study found wait times for colorectal cancer operations at VA hospitals rose to 32 days, but researchers believe longer waits may be due to improved care and outcomes. The study suggests that more careful care is worth the wait, even if it means delayed treatment.
A study of healthy women found that describing preinvasive breast cancer as a high-risk condition rather than cancer leads to more women opting for nonsurgical treatments. The study's results suggest that the terminology used to describe DCIS can significantly impact patients' perceptions of treatment alternatives.
A Penn Medicine study reveals that survivorship care plans, such as the online LIVESTRONG Care Plan, fill a knowledge gap for cancer patients and improve health outcomes. The plans provide essential information on follow-up screenings, late effects of treatment, and lifestyle changes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that patients with glioblastoma who died in 2010, after the FDA approved bevacizumab, lived significantly longer than those who died in 2008. The treatment strategy involving bevacizumab prolonged survival at a population level.
A large study found increasing rates of preventable adverse events after major cancer surgery, such as blood clots and infections, but decreasing overall mortality rates in the US. Despite improvements in managing these events, experts emphasize the need for better prevention strategies to reduce complications.
A phase I clinical trial shows that diffuse, large B-cell lymphomas resistant to chemotherapy can be reprogrammed to respond using the drug azacitidine. Patients whose tumors do not respond to standard therapies are being treated with a combination of approaches, including high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.
Researchers found four biomarkers in microRNAs that accurately determine malignancy and predict patient outcomes in urinary bladder cancer. Two miRNAs correlated with overall survival time, providing potential prognostic capabilities.
Melanoma patients with a BRAF gene mutation may be at risk of developing secondary cancers due to activated tumor growth pathways. Researchers suggest combining BRAF-inhibitor therapy with other inhibitors to prevent paradoxical activation and emergence of secondary malignancies.
A study found that prostate cancer aggressiveness is established at tumor formation and does not change over time. The proportion of patients diagnosed with advanced-stage cancers decreased by more than six-fold after widespread PSA screening, while high Gleason grade cancers remained stable.
The NIH awards $17 million for research projects exploring the emerging field of extracellular RNA communication. Scientists will investigate exRNA's role in diseases, develop biomarkers, and create new treatments. The goal is to unlock exRNA's potential for diagnostics and therapeutics.
A study published in Current Oncology has confirmed an epidemic of HPV-related tonsillar cancer in Canada, with a significant increase in cases over the past few decades. The research found that young non-smokers are most commonly affected, and treatment has evolved to include concurrent chemotherapy and radiation.
A new analysis reveals carbon ion radiotherapy controls cancer growth and prolongs survival in patients with spinal tumors, offering a promising alternative to surgery. The treatment has minimal impact on healthy tissues and potential to preserve quality of life.
Metabolic fingerprinting looks at metabolite levels in blood, urine, or tissue to analyze tumor development and growth. This technique can improve diagnosis accuracy alongside existing imaging methods.
Researchers created a stratified risk score to predict patient prognosis, finding that age, race, and stage of cancer significantly impact survival rates. The score separates patients into groups with varying 5-year relative survival rates, aiding doctors and researchers in designing treatment strategies.
A new set of guidelines aims to reduce radical surgery and extend survival time for men with penile cancer, providing better quality of life. The guidelines offer various treatment options, including non-radical surgeries, laser therapy, radiation therapy, and radiochemotherapy.
Researchers found that a specific pattern in tumor pathology is strongly associated with cancer recurrence. Patients with this pattern are more likely to benefit from lobectomy and have a 75% lower risk of recurrence. The study may lead to new technology to precisely identify tumors with this pattern before surgery.
Aristolochic acid, a plant compound in herbal remedies, causes upper urinary tract cancers through a distinct DNA mutational signature. The Johns Hopkins and Stony Brook study used whole-exome sequencing to identify this signature, which was found in 19 Taiwanese cancer patients exposed to the toxin.