Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
Patients who viewed a simulated CPR procedure were less likely to choose CPR, while those watching the video found it helpful. The study suggests that educational videos can supplement patient-doctor relationships and provide patients with more knowledge to make informed decisions about end-of-life care.
A clinical trial at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that intensified chemotherapy significantly reduces relapse odds for young patients with B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The treatment regimen improved event-free survival rates to 76% five years after complete remission.
A new study finds that a reduced intensity conditioning regimen before marrow transplant significantly boosts disease-free survival rates among older AML patients. With a rate of 39%, this approach outperforms traditional methods in preventing relapse and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that ibrutinib effectively treats CLL with high response rates and durable remissions, particularly in elderly patients. The study also showed manageable toxicities, with only non-severe side effects observed.
The study found that 71% of previously untreated older patients experienced a complete or partial response to ibrutinib treatment. After 22 months of follow-up, the disease had not progressed in 96% of previously untreated patients. Ibrutinib's potential as a highly active, well-tolerated first-line therapy for CLL is promising.
Researchers have developed a new approach to enhance NK cell activity against cancer, leading to significant slowing of tumor growth and improved survival rates. The study found that prior radiation treatment enhances the effectiveness of the therapy.
Researchers have developed a simple breath analysis technique that can screen for colorectal cancer with an accuracy of over 75%. The method analyzes volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath, which are different in patients with cancer.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has released its annual report on the top cancer advances of 2012, showcasing significant developments in precision medicine and targeted treatments. The report highlights seven new FDA approvals for anticancer agents, including therapies for breast and prostate cancers.
Researchers have found that targeting resistant lung cancer 'pockets' with focused radiation can prolong disease control in patients who initially respond to crizotinib or erlotinib. This approach showed significant benefits in patients whose cancers progressed in the brain, where the drugs are less effective.
Researchers found that people with Type 2 diabetes who received diabetes education after a cancer diagnosis had fewer visits to the emergency room and hospital admissions. They also tested their blood sugar levels more often, resulting in lower healthcare costs.
A phase I clinical trial has shown that ponatinib is highly active against patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic lymphoma who have developed resistance to standard treatments. The study's findings suggest that ponatinib will expand the therapeutic armamentarium for these patients.
Several studies presented at the 2012 Quality Care Symposium provide insight into improving quality of cancer care. Researchers found that increasing awareness among physicians and patients can reduce the overuse of diagnostic imaging in young adult cancer survivors, resulting in decreased anxiety and unnecessary radiation exposure.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have created a test that combines blood DNA analysis with genome sequencing to detect cancers. The new approach was successful in identifying cancer-specific chromosome changes in the blood of patients, but may require larger clinical trials to determine its effectiveness.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's Quality Care Symposium reveals important advances in cancer care quality measurement, physician adherence to quality standards, and end-of-life care. The studies also highlight the overuse of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.
Despite the devastating effects of smoking on cancer treatment and survival, many cancer patients struggle to quit due to various obstacles. Nicotine addiction, limited access to support programs, and socioeconomic status are just a few of the hurdles that hinder smoking cessation.
A team of researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center has identified a cancer-promoting protein's pathway into the cell nucleus and discovered how it fuels brain tumor growth. By targeting this pathway, they hope to develop new treatments for glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and lethal form of brain cancer.
Researchers found that natural killer cells in patients quickly eliminate anticancer viruses used to treat brain tumors, reducing their effectiveness. Blocking these immune cells may help improve treatment outcomes for glioblastoma patients.
Regorafenib has shown significant promise in treating bowel cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) after standard treatments fail. Patients receiving regorafenib experienced improved overall survival rates and delayed progression compared to placebo.
A new discovery reveals that chromatin remodeling complexes (CRCs) are intrinsically turned on, requiring specific instructions to turn them off. This finding has significant implications for understanding how CRC mutations contribute to cancer development.
A promising new approach to treating solid tumors with radiation has been developed, which uses an injectable substance that spontaneously assembles into a radioactive seed after injection. This technique shows great efficacy and minimal toxicity in a mouse model of cancer, providing a useful alternative to existing brachytherapy.
A study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers found that high glucose diets increase mutant p53 gene expression in mice, which drives tumor growth. Reducing glucose intake through starvation or low-carb diet slows down cancer growth.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that patients who discussed end-of-life care several months before their death were less likely to receive aggressive therapy and more likely to enter hospice care. These conversations enabled patients to think through their options more carefully, leading to better quality ...
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that earlier end-of-life care discussions are associated with less aggressive care and increased use of hospice care for patients with advanced cancer. Initiating these discussions before the last month of life allows patients to make informed decisions about their care.
A study led by Michigan State University researcher Gwen Wyatt found that reflexology can significantly ease cancer symptoms such as shortness of breath, improve physical functioning, and reduce fatigue. The results suggest that reflexology may be a useful complementary therapy for mainstream care.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center discovered that high levels of interleukin-15 can cause large granular lymphocytic leukemia, a rare and usually fatal form of cancer. The study led to the development of a treatment with no discernible side effects.
A new study by the University of Cambridge reveals substantial inequalities in cancer stage at diagnosis, which can impact survival. The research highlights the importance of awareness campaigns to improve early diagnosis for specific patient groups, including those living in poorer neighborhoods or with different tumour sub-types.
A new study found that black patients with kidney cancer have a survival disadvantage compared to white patients, even when diagnosed at early stages or receiving less aggressive treatment. The study analyzed nearly 40,000 renal cell carcinoma patients and confirmed poorer survival rates for blacks.
PARP inhibitor olaparib traps PARP proteins at DNA damage sites, leading to cell toxicity. Researchers identify genetic mutations that sensitize cells to trapped PARP complexes, suggesting new therapeutic targets.
A new computer program has been developed to improve genetic test results for Lynch syndrome, a hereditary predisposition to colon cancer. The program helps assess the risk of colon cancer development by evaluating missense substitutions in mismatch repair genes.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that low lymphocyte counts are associated with poor survival rates in Merkel cell carcinoma patients. Patients with higher lymphocyte counts tend to live longer after treatment and have better disease-free survival.
A large study published in the Journal of National Cancer Institute has identified a genetic route by which vitamin D may prevent bladder cancer. High levels of 25(OH)D3 in plasma were found to be associated with lower risk of bladder cancer, particularly in patients with more aggressive cancers.
A study by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals that doxorubicin's cardiotoxicity is linked to the Top2b enzyme, which drives DNA damage and affects heart muscle metabolism. The discovery could lead to a simple blood test to predict sensitivity to the drug.
Researchers found that the risk of rectal cancer spreading to lymph nodes increases with age, with younger patients being more likely to have affected nodes. The study suggests that doctors should hunt aggressively for lymph node involvement in younger patients.
A nationwide study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that 69% of advanced lung cancer and 81% of advanced colorectal cancer patients believe chemotherapy can cure their disease. However, skilled clinicians can set realistic expectations without losing hope or trust.
Researchers found that Avastin increases survival in around 10-15% of bowel cancer patients by targeting the growth-promoting VEGF165 protein. Patients with lower levels of VEGF165b benefited from the treatment, while those with higher levels saw no improvement.
A UNM Cancer Center researcher is investigating the link between mitochondrial DNA and ovarian cancer. She hopes to identify genetic markers that could lead to a screening test or therapy, potentially increasing survival rates.
A study on histone modification could lead to targeted drugs for cancer treatment. Dr. Osley's research focuses on how ubiquitin attaches to H2B and its impact on DNA copying, potentially targeting quiescent cancer cells.
A team-based smoking cessation program with financial incentives improved abstinence rates among healthcare workers. The study found that team support created peer pressure and encouragement, leading to higher long-term quit success rates.
Researchers found that green tea extract Polyphenon E inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor, promoting tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion. Women taking the extract had a significant reduction in hepatocyte growth factor levels, but no long-term effects were observed.
Researchers found that elevated hormone levels, except for DHEAS, tracked closely with increased risk for HR-positive breast cancer. Women in the highest 25 percent of SHBG levels had a 30% lower risk for breast cancer compared to those in the lowest 25 percent.
UK scientists have developed a new drug that primes the immune system to fight cancer, with promising early laboratory results showing it can lead to long-term survival in lymphoma patients. The treatment uses a chemical called R848, which signals to certain immune cells to attack cancer.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that low depressive symptoms and longer telomere length are associated with prolonged survival in bladder cancer patients. Patients with short telomeres and high levels of depression have a three-fold risk of mortality.
Patients with depression and short telomeres have a threefold increased risk for bladder cancer mortality, according to researchers. Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, weight loss, and increased physical activity may slow telomere shortening and improve survival.
A study of 284 controls and 142 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia found a higher risk associated with longer formula feeding and later solid food introduction. The risk increased by 16% for every month of formula feeding and 14% for each month the introduction of solid foods was delayed.
African-Americans and those living in high-poverty areas were more likely to present with an emergency diagnosis, indicating missed opportunities for screening. The study highlights the need to address these disparities to reduce mortality from colorectal cancer.
Researchers found that referring cancer patients to higher-volume hospitals did not lead to lower mortality rates, but some hospitals still performed better. Mechanisms should be created to refer patients to these hospitals to achieve better outcomes.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's 2012 Community Health Leaders Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to improving health and healthcare in their communities. The recipients include Kay Branch, Fred Brason, Debbie Chatman Bryant, Beth Farmer, Amy Johnson, and Ifeanyi Anne Nwabukwu, who are addressing i...
A recent study found that nearly 38% of lesbians in the US had not been screened for cervical cancer according to recommended guidelines. Women who disclosed their sexual orientation to healthcare providers were more likely to undergo routine screening, highlighting the importance of effective communication between patients and providers.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a promising treatment approach for metastatic melanoma using chemotherapy and adoptive cell transfer (ACT) with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). The therapy achieved an impressive response rate of 38% in patients. A second-generation ACT TIL trial is currently enrolling patients.
A new study at the University of Southampton aims to develop a method to predict who is at higher risk of getting cancer. The CANcer DIagnosis Decision rules (CANDID) study collects and analyzes data from 20,000 patients with lung or colon cancer.
A research group recommends that patient-reported symptoms and health-related quality of life measures should be assessed in comparative effectiveness studies. This approach is crucial for adequate evaluation of cancer treatments, as patients' experiences directly impact their ability to function and maintain quality of life.
Researchers identified tissue mechanisms that may increase a woman's risk of breast cancer after exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation. Gene expression profiles show women with specific gene expressions are more likely to survive breast cancer, while others are at higher risk.
A common birth control device has been shown to be effective in treating early-stage endometrial cancer, particularly in morbidly obese and high-risk patients. The intrauterine device releases progestin levonorgestrel, successfully used as a contraceptive for the past decade, and successfully reversed abnormal cell growth in all patients.
A study found that enzyme levels in routine blood tests are a better predictor of liver cancer risk than hepatitis infection or other factors. The research used data from over 428,000 people and predicted 91% of liver cancer cases.
Dartmouth College researchers have found that variations in white blood cell patterns can help predict the onset of certain cancers and diagnose them. By analyzing methylation signatures in leukocytes, they discovered correlations between specific cancers and unique patterns of immune cell subsets.
A Mayo Clinic study found that only 21% of urologists and radiation oncologists recommended active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer, while 47% preferred surgery and 32% chose radiation therapy. The study suggests that physicians' recommendations may be influenced by their area of expertise.
Researchers discovered a new function of PARP-1 that regulates both DNA damage repair and androgen receptor activity, suggesting that inhibiting this enzyme could slow prostate cancer growth. This finding provides a new approach to treating advanced prostate cancer, which currently has limited treatment options.
Researchers found that patient navigation services significantly decreased the time to diagnosis for female patients with abnormal breast or cervical cancer screening results. The study supports recent standard recommendations for all cancer care centers to provide patient navigation services.
A multi-center team of scientists will focus on identifying causes of resistance in advanced prostate cancer and tailoring therapy for patients. The goal is to revolutionize treatment through personalized medicine, sparing unnecessary treatment.
TGen's Dr. Daniel Von Hoff delivers his lecture on a molecular pursuit approach to take out pancreatic cancer, honoring the memory of patient Lori Groetken who fought the disease for two years. The award recognizes his significant contributions to genomic research and novel therapy development in pancreatic cancer.