Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
New research findings show that rural colon cancer patients are more likely to receive late-stage diagnosis and inferior treatment, leading to poorer outcomes. Rural residents also have higher odds of dying from colon cancer than urban patients.
New studies report that robotic-assisted bladder procedures and minimally invasive colorectal operations can improve outcomes in older patients. Robotic-assisted bladder surgery, which was previously not offered to patients over 80, showed a seven-day hospital stay and only three complications within 90 days.
A new French study found that anticoagulants significantly reduce the incidence of catheter-related deep vein thrombosis in cancer patients. However, guidelines recommending prophylactic anticoagulant treatment for these patients are still under review.
Researchers have developed a noninvasive method to measure interstitial fluid pressure in tumors, which may help identify aggressive tumors. The technique uses dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI to evaluate the velocity of fluid flow from tumors and has been shown to correlate with tumor aggressiveness.
A new study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that smoking and heavy drinking can lead to an earlier onset of pancreatic cancer. The study analyzed data from 811 patients with pancreatic cancer and found that those who smoked heavily or drank excessively were diagnosed at a younger age than those who did not.
A landmark survey reveals that many countries fail to provide essential opioid medications for cancer pain relief, leaving hundreds of millions of patients suffering. The study's findings highlight the need to reformulate national plans and repeal excessive restrictions on cancer care.
Phase III data show gefitinib improves quality-of-life measures and extends progression-free survival in esophageal cancer. The COG study included 450 patients who had progressed after first line chemotherapy and received either placebo or the EGFR-inhibitor gefitinib.
The first-ever estimate of cancer's economic burden in Europe reveals that cancers cost the European Union €124 billion each year, with lung cancer responsible for the highest overall burden. Caring for cancer patients also takes a toll on caregivers, who experience impairments in physical and mental health.
Researchers tracked tumor evolution in a patient with maxillary sinus carcinoma, identifying genetic changes that contribute to drug resistance. The study provides a roadmap for treating this rare and aggressive cancer.
Scientists focus on RNA processing differences in cancer cells to understand their role in tumor development. Alternative RNA splicing occurs more frequently in cancerous cells, but its biological importance is unknown.
Researchers discovered that MYC protein boosts existing gene expression, rather than turning genes on or off, leading to a universal amplifier effect. This understanding could lead to new therapeutic strategies for cancers, such as targeting MYC activity instead of eliminating it.
Researchers used a new cell technology to treat a patient with a rare type of lung tumor. The treatment, which uses conditionally reprogrammed cells, showed promising results, including some tumor shrinkage and stabilization of tumors after just three months.
A new study published in the journal Head & Neck has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of robotic surgery through the mouth for removing tumors from the throat and voice box. The procedure resulted in minimal blood loss, no surgical complications, and short hospital stays.
A University of Colorado study shows that bladder cancer patients with high CD24 expression have worse prognoses and may benefit from anti-androgen therapies. CD24 expression depends on androgens, and blocking these hormones may diminish the proliferative and metastatic power of bladder cancer cells.
Researchers at Ohio State and the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre are collaborating on the development of silvestrol, a tropical tree-derived compound showing promise in treating acute and chronic leukemia. The team aims to isolate and purify the agent for laboratory and animal studies.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that men with high levels of 'cancer-specific anxiety' after prostate cancer surgery are more likely to experience low sexual satisfaction and depression. Counseling may be beneficial in addressing these concerns and improving quality of life for these patients.
A team of researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center has identified the LIFR protein as a novel suppressor of breast cancer metastasis. The study found that restoring LIFR expression or function could be used to block the spread of breast cancer. Loss of LIFR is associated with poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has awarded 16 new centers with integrated oncology and palliative care accreditation. A new study from Italy highlights the underuse of adjuvant analgesics in cancer pain management, emphasizing close patient follow-up.
A phase II study found denosumab decreased giant cells and increased new bone formation in patients with giant-cell tumor of the bone, offering an alternative to radical surgery. The treatment reduced tumor burden by 90% or greater in all 20 patients, improving outcomes for young patients who previously required joint replacements.
A new study analyzing 82 movies with cancer storylines found that characters' chances of survival were often misrepresented. Researchers suggest that Hollywood films should tackle the realities of cancer diagnosis and treatment to raise awareness among patients and healthcare professionals.
Researchers found that high viral load and cancer-specific viral gene expression are key markers for identifying HPV-driven tumors. These findings suggest that HPV DNA positivity alone is a poor predictor of outcome in head and neck cancers.
A large Taiwanese study of 35,871 patients with newly diagnosed shingles found no increased risk of cancer. The study suggests that enhanced surveillance for cancer after a shingles diagnosis is unnecessary, according to the authors.
Professor Ming Su at UCF's NanoScience Technology Center has been awarded a $2 million NIH New Innovator Award to use nanoparticles to improve radiation therapy. The goal is to reduce damage to surrounding healthy cells while killing cancerous tumors.
A new study found that smokers with lung cancer have 10 times more genetic mutations than those who have never smoked. The researchers identified over 3,700 mutations across all patients and found at least one mutated gene in each non-smoking patient that can be targeted with existing drugs.
Young adults with advanced cancer experience life disruption and losses, affecting their educational, career, and personal goals. Clinical interventions can help patients cope with grief associated with cancer-related losses and life transition.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that racial disparities impact the likelihood of finding suitable stem cell donors for non-Caucasian patients. The study revealed greater difficulty in matching donors for African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, with limited access to unrelated donor HCT.
The 2012 Breast Cancer Symposium presents four major studies on the treatment of early breast cancer, confirming which patient populations benefit from screening interventions and surgical procedures. The research aims to improve treatment decisions and maximize benefits for patients.
Studies find extended office hours reduce health expenditures and improve breast cancer outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries. Additionally, research on adult cancer survivors reveals the need for primary care engagement in follow-up care, while a team-based model of primary care offers potential solutions to excessive patient panel sizes.
A study of 168 Stage III NSCLC patients found that married women had the best three-year survival rate of 46 percent, while single men had the worst rate of 3 percent. Married patients generally had improved survival rates compared to single patients, with 33 percent vs. 10 percent.
A recent study published in the University of Maryland Medical Center found that married lung cancer patients have a higher survival rate compared to single patients. The researchers believe that social support from spouses is a key factor contributing to improved survival rates for married lung cancer patients.
A study published in Cancer Discovery reveals PARP1 and EZH2 as potential therapeutic targets for small cell lung cancer. The discovery could lead to the development of targeted treatments for this aggressive type of cancer, which currently has limited treatment options.
Researchers identified a specific HIF2α mutation in tumor cells of patients with rare cancers, offering clues about cancer cell metabolism. The finding may lead to new targets for cancer treatment development and improve understanding of the mechanisms behind the Warburg effect.
Stephen Byers, a Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center professor, has been awarded a $2.5 million NCI grant to investigate how certain drugs may prevent cancer. The research aims to understand the mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory drugs that have shown promise in preventing cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers analyzed data from 29,423 adult patients and found no statistically significant increased risk of any type of cancer in those treated with biologic response modifiers. This study provides reassuring information for patients considering these therapies for their disease.
Researchers have found a significant association between sleep apnea and an increased risk of cancer mortality. Severe sleep apnea was linked to double the relative risk of death due to cancer in patients who spent more than 14% of their sleep with low oxygen levels.
A meta-analysis of over 60 randomized controlled trials found no statistically significant increased risk of any type of cancer with biologic response modifiers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study included 29,423 patients and followed them for at least 24 weeks.
A new Johns Hopkins study shows that a triple-threat approach to central line care can reduce life-threatening infections in pediatric cancer patients. By deploying strict device-handling precautions and involving families in oversight, the researchers were able to prevent one in five infections over two years.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found an association between Parkinson disease and an increased risk of prostate cancer and melanoma in patients with PD and their relatives. The research used a Utah genealogic database and a statewide cancer registry to examine the relationship between the two diseases.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered how tamoxifen-resistant breast-cancer cells grow and proliferate. They suggest an experimental agent might offer a novel targeted therapy for these resistant tumors.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that patients with low thymidylate synthase (TS) levels and high fibroblast growth factor stimulator (FPGS) levels respond better to pemetrexed treatment. This combination predicts longer survival durations.
A Mayo Clinic study found that exercise can reduce cancer recurrence by up to 50 percent in breast and colon cancer patients. However, many patients are reluctant to exercise due to lack of awareness about its benefits.
A study published in European Journal of Epidemiology found that cancer survival rates in Germany have aligned significantly since reunification. While there are still slight differences, they have decreased compared to the pre-reunification era.
Pediatric cancer patients who underwent total body irradiation (TBI) before age 3 are at risk of developing endocrine, metabolic, and other complications. The study found that 90% showed abnormally low levels of growth hormone and 71% were under height.
Researchers have identified molecular markers that can predict the progression of low-grade oral premalignant lesions to cancer. These markers, including loss of heterozygosity, help clinicians determine which patients are at high risk for progression and need closer follow-up.
A study found that high mammographic breast density, a strong breast cancer risk factor, does not influence survival rates in breast cancer patients. However, low density was associated with increased risk of death among obese patients or those diagnosed with large tumors.
Researchers have validated a radiosensitivity molecular signature that can predict clinical outcomes in patients treated with radiation therapy for breast cancer. The technology, called RSI, identifies radiosensitivity and radioresistance, opening the door to biologically guided radiation therapy.
A phase III study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that denosumab reduced skeletal-related events by 31% compared to zoledronic acid, while also maintaining health-related quality of life. Treatment with denosumab also showed fewer acute reactions and adverse events.
A blood test detecting high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may guide treatment for advanced kidney cancer, extending survival and improving outcomes for patients. Researchers found that LDH levels can predict the effectiveness of mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus in treating late-stage kidney cancer.
A new study has found that patients taking thiazolidinedione (TZD) diabetes drugs are two to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who took sulfonylurea drugs. The risk is especially high among Type 2 diabetes patients, with 170 expected cases per 100,000 treated with TZDs.
A recent study found that 86% of non-smokers and 57% of smokers supported the ban, with many smokers expressing interest in quitting. Despite high demand for cessation services, only a few employees took advantage of them.
Cancer cells respond differently to therapy based on their microenvironment, with fibroblasts sustaining DNA damage that promotes growth and resistance. The discovery could lead to more effective treatments by targeting the tumor microenvironment.
Researchers from Netherlands will investigate using DNA analysis to guide personalized cancer treatment, focusing on breast and colorectal tumors. The grant aims to improve patient outcomes by matching patients with the most effective treatments.
A study found that stage IV cancer patients on Medicare are more likely to undergo high-cost diagnostic imaging procedures, which may be driven by the increasing number of treatment options available. The use of imaging has steadily increased between 1995 and 2006, with costs rising faster than overall cancer care costs.
Researchers found that breast cancer patients lacking the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene (RB) had a better pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A prospective clinical trial has been initiated at the Kimmel Cancer Center to explore this finding further.
Scientists investigate the use of novel AKT inhibitor MK-2206 in combination with erlotinib as a second-line defense for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have developed resistance to erlotinib. A Phase II trial has shown promising initial results.
Researchers at John Theurer Cancer Center found carfilzomib to be clinically significant in responding heavily-pretreated patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. In the multi-center phase IIb study, ORR was 23.7% with median DOR of 7.8 months.
Researchers at the University of York are launching a major study to improve survival rates for myeloma and lymphoma patients through earlier diagnosis. The study aims to develop an evidence base that could reduce time-to-diagnosis in patients with these cancers, ultimately saving thousands of lives.
A meta-analysis of 10 studies found that cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacologic interventions decrease depressive symptoms in cancer patients. The study also identified effective interventions for different stages of cancer and cultural subpopulations.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that people with physical health problems are three times more likely to seek mental health care. The study highlights the need for better-coordinated care between physical and mental health providers.
New research reveals that adolescents and young adult cancer patients often lack access to the necessary psychological, social support, and information resources. Studies found significant proportions of patients in this age group report unmet needs for mental health services, camp programs, and age-appropriate online resources.