Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
A study published in the journal Cancer found that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) significantly reduced pain from bone metastases in patients. RFA is a minimally invasive cancer treatment that uses heat to kill tumor cells, eliminating the need for strong narcotic pain management.
Researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center report a significant advance in personalized medicine using a new chip that examines hundreds of genetic mutations. The chip, called DMET, could replace highly-specialized and labor-intensive genotyping tools, accelerating cancer research and treatment.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that urinary tract cancer is associated with the use of Chinese herbal products containing aristolochic acid. The risk increased with higher doses and was independent of arsenic exposure. The authors recommend continued surveillance and monitoring of patients who h...
Researchers used DNA sequencing technology to analyze genetic mutations in small-cell lung cancer cells and compared them to normal DNA. They found over 23,000 mutations and identified a new gene, CHD7, involved in lung cancer.
A comprehensive infection control program at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance successfully suppressed H1N1 cases among immunocompromised cancer patients, despite a high-risk environment. The program's rigorous screening measures, isolation protocols, and staff vaccination policies significantly minimized transmission and acquisition.
Research teams analyzed cancer genomes, uncovering over 30,000 mutations in lung cancer and 33,000 in melanoma, which carried records of when and how they occurred. The studies revealed the impact of environmental mutagens, such as cigarette smoke and sunlight, on DNA.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that support of patients' spiritual needs by medical teams is associated with greater use of hospice care, less aggressive treatment, and better quality of life near death. Patients whose spiritual needs were largely or completely supported had scores on average 28% higher in well-being.
A new study reveals significant variation in radiation doses for CT procedures, with some patients receiving up to 13-fold more exposure than others. The research highlights the need for standardization to reduce the risk of cancer associated with CT scans.
A new study found that cancer patients with dementia have a lower survival rate than those without dementia, even after controlling for age, tumor type, and stage. Patients with mild cognitive impairment can still live independently for nearly four and a half years, while those with moderate to severe dementia have an average survival ...
Studies quantify radiation doses and cancer risks from CT scans, revealing wide variations in doses and estimated lifetime cancer risks. The studies estimate that tens of thousands of future cancer cases may be related to CT scans performed annually.
Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center identified an association between mucinous carcinoma and multiple undetected tumors, contrary to its long-considered favorable prognosis. The study suggests that these patients may need more treatment and additional screening.
A new review emphasizes the need for cardio-oncology to address cardiovascular side effects of cancer treatments. The authors suggest identifying high-risk patients with biomarkers and imaging techniques to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Researchers found that genetic variations in the Sonic Hedgehog pathway increase the likelihood of bladder cancer recurrence, reduce survival time, and limit response to immunotherapy. Patients with certain variations had a significantly shorter recurrence-free survival time compared to those without.
A new study found that cancer patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) have a high prevalence of skin and nail infections. The researchers discovered that 38% of patients developed these infections, including bacterial infections resistant to common antibiotics.
A study found that people living in poorer neighborhoods are at a higher risk for death and have worse health outcomes, regardless of their dietary and lifestyle habits. The research controlled for various risk factors but still showed a significant association between neighborhood deprivation and increased mortality.
Researchers identified 18 single-point genetic variations linked to recurrence and secondary cancer in early-stage head and neck cancer patients. Genetic variations in miRNA biogenesis genes and binding sites were associated with an increased risk of recurrence or secondary primary tumors.
Researchers found that vitamin D levels in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were strongly associated with cancer progression and overall survival. Patients with deficient vitamin D levels had a 1.5-fold greater risk of disease progression.
A new three-drug combination has shown a highly effective regimen in treating newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma, with partial responses or better seen in all 66 patients. The treatment also resulted in encouraging complete or near-complete responses at 54 percent.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that late recurrence is a risk for some pediatric cancers, particularly Ewing sarcomas and tumors of the central nervous system. The study analyzed data from over 12,000 childhood cancer survivors and found varying rates of late recurrence depending on the type...
A three-year study of 1,286 Mexican-American adolescents found that those exposed to up to 600 smoking scenes in R-rated movies were nearly 30% more likely to experiment with smoking. For youths born in Mexico, the effect was even stronger, with fewer than 10% of experimenters among those with little or no exposure.
Researchers found that patients who watched a video illustrating options for end-of-life care were significantly more likely to prefer comfort measures only and decline CPR compared to those in the control group. The study showed that videos can help surmount communication barriers and reinforce patient/doctor discussions.
Researchers found a way to turn ineffective cancer drugs into effective fighters using their patented chemical compound, SHetA2. The compound tricks cancer cells into responding to new treatments and undergoing cell suicide without harming normal cells.
A study at Washington University School of Medicine identified mesothelin as a marker for pancreatic tumors, suggesting its potential use in immune therapy against the disease. Mesothelin levels in the blood were found to be significantly higher in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared to healthy individuals.
Researchers found a statistically significant survival benefit from tamoxifen among premenopausal breast cancer patients with high ER-alpha S118-P expression. High ER-alpha S118-P levels were associated with improved recurrence-free survival compared to low expression levels.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered a new treatment for pachyonychia congenita, a rare genetic skin condition, using siRNA. The treatment involves preventing the mutated gene from being expressed while allowing healthy keratin genes to function normally.
A new Indiana University School of Medicine study found that involving family members in medical rounds improves care and communication. Families reported increased feelings of inclusion, respect, and a better understanding of their child's care. Participation is voluntary, and family members can ask questions and offer input.
A University of Rochester study found that three quarters of cancer patients with chemotherapy suffer from insomnia or sleep disorders, affecting their ability to fully recover. Younger patients and those with lung and breast cancers were particularly affected.
A phase 2 trial investigates the effectiveness of a combined chemotherapy regimen of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX-B) plus bevacizumab in treating advanced biliary-tract cancers, showing an overall response rate of 40% and stable disease in 29%. Whole-body PET scans show promising results for monitoring treatment response.
Researchers at UCLA have created a device that captures cancer cells in the blood using nano-sized features, allowing for early detection and diagnosis of metastasis. The new method may be faster and cheaper than existing technologies, capturing up to 65% of cancer cells.
A Norwegian study found that folic acid and vitamin B12 treatment was associated with a 21% increased risk of cancer diagnosis and a 38% increased risk of cancer-related death in patients with ischemic heart disease. The treatment also showed an increased risk of lung cancer incidence.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that patient-reported symptoms were more highly associated with day-to-day health status, while clinician reports were more predictive of death and hospitalization. The study suggests that both perspectives are valuable for a comprehensive understanding of trea...
A new study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that clinicians' and patients' reports of treatment side effects differ significantly, but together provide a more complete picture. Patients generally reported adverse symptoms earlier, more frequently, and with greater severity than their clinicians.
A study found that simple touch and massage techniques can significantly reduce cancer patient symptoms, with caregivers showing gains in confidence and comfort. The study suggests that family members can achieve similar results as professional practitioners by receiving brief home-based instruction.
The Tulane Cancer Center is conducting a phase III randomized clinical trial for Alpharadin, an injectable treatment targeting radioactive substance Radium-223. Early trials suggest it may prolong survival for men with bone metastases from prostate cancer.
Research from the CISNET network finds that biennial screening reduces breast cancer mortality by 16.5% and false-positive rates by half, while minimizing unnecessary biopsies and anxiety.
A new study linked erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to a higher risk of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients. The analysis, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that ESAs may not be worth the increased risk of blood clots.
A study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that women with cancer diagnoses are six times more likely to separate or divorce than their male counterparts. Longer marriages also remain more stable, with age being a factor in the likelihood of divorce or separation.
A new study by American Cancer Society researchers reveals that women with high breast density are at increased risk of cancer recurrence, up to 40% higher in those without radiation. Women with low breast density may not need additional therapies following surgery.
A new study suggests that green tea extract can reduce the risk of oral cancer, with patients who presented with mild to moderate dysplasia having a longer time to develop oral cancer if they took green tea extract. However, more research is needed to confirm its long-term prevention effects.
A Phase II dose-finding study found that green tea extract improved histology and trended towards a reduction in biomarkers associated with cancer development in patients with oral leukoplakia. The extract was well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.
Men with prostate cancer who experience PSA rise within 18 months of radiotherapy are at higher risk of developing spread and dying from their disease. The time between treatment and PSA recurrence has been shown to be a significant predictor of cancer-specific mortality.
Researchers at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute have found a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy given before prostate removal to be safe and potentially reduce cancer recurrence rates. The treatment regimen resulted in improved outcomes, with clean cancer margins and undetectable PSA levels in patients.
A study found that cancer patients value honesty from their oncologists about treatment outcomes, with prostate cancer patients showing a stronger preference for candor. The study also reveals that patients prefer casual clothing and informal communication styles, such as being called by their first names.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute successfully treated pain in patients with advanced cancer using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The study found that SRS was a safe and effective treatment for patients with bone metastases, offering faster onset of pain relief and longer survival rates compared to conventi...
A new treatment option has been discovered for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who are not candidates for surgery. Radical stereotactic radiosurgery performed with CyberKnife leads to a 100% overall survival rate in patients with good lung function, according to a recent study.
Researchers at PMH found that HPV16-positive patients had better survival rates and could be treated with radiation alone. This discovery has implications for personalized medicine, enabling successful treatment without chemotherapy.
A large study found that early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer patients with tumors one centimeter or smaller are at a significant risk of recurrence. This shift in assessment may lead to the consideration of additional therapy, such as Herceptin-based treatment.
Researchers found that nearly 98% of patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who are unable to undergo surgery experienced no growth of the disease after three years. Additionally, over half of these patients lived for three years after diagnosis, while fewer than 20% experienced a serious decline in health status.
A national clinical trial shows that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is effective in treating early-stage lung cancer in patients with unrelated medical comorbidities. The primary lung cancer did not recur 98 percent of the time, and more than half of patients were alive three years after diagnosis.
The study found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) stopped the growth of lung cancer at its original site for nearly 98% of patients with early non-small cell lung cancer. Researchers also discovered that less than 20% of frail patients experienced a serious decline in health status after treatment.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $67.4 million in EUREKA grants to support highly innovative research projects that promise significant scientific breakthroughs. These grants will fund research in various fields, including gene therapy for neurological diseases and the study of circadian clocks.
A review of 66 clinical studies on biofield therapies like Reiki and therapeutic touch found moderate to strong evidence for reducing pain and agitated behaviors in patients, but inconclusive effects on fatigue and quality of life.
Researchers investigated gastric mucosal changes prior to gastric cancer in Indonesian and Japanese patients with H. pylori infection. They found significant differences in the grade and activity of mucosal changes, suggesting a different host response between the two populations.
Philanthropists Irwin and Joan Jacobs are donating $6.5 million to UCSF for head and neck cancer research, the largest private U.S. gift for this disease. The gift will establish two professorships in otolaryngology and radiation oncology, aiming to uncover molecular underpinnings of these tumors.
A Dartmouth study has found that patients taking immunosuppressive drugs such as glucocorticoids may be at higher risk of developing bladder cancer. The research examined the long-term use of glucocorticoids in 786 bladder-cancer patients and 1,083 control subjects, revealing a potential link between the two.
A Henry Ford Hospital study suggests that patients with diverticulosis may not require aggressive screening for colonic polyps, as they tend to have fewer and less advanced polyps. The study analyzed data from 1,668 patients and found a lower incidence of polyps in those with diverticulosis.
Cancer survivors often struggle with sexual dysfunction due to side effects from treatment. Internists rarely discuss these issues with patients, leaving them without proper care and support. Training is needed to prepare primary care physicians to address these concerns effectively.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing new imaging agents to detect cancers earlier, exploiting enzyme overexpression in tumors to improve cancer surgery accuracy, and creating a system to control prosthetic arms with thought. The grants will support new researchers, equipment, and technology development.
Current screening programs have not significantly decreased deaths from breast and prostate cancers, despite high costs and increased treatment. Experts recommend focusing on identifying patients at risk for aggressive cancers and developing new tools to improve screening.
A recent study published by Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers reveals that nearly a quarter of cancer survivors who still smoke have not been advised to quit by their health care providers in the last year. Health care providers are missing an opportunity to make a significant difference in the quality of life of their patients by no...