Articles tagged with Oncology
A single-center cohort study identified substantial overall survival disparity among racial and ethnic groups, with socioeconomic status contributing less than a third of the disparity. Tumor molecular features also played a significant role in the disparities found in colorectal cancer survival.
Researchers found 76.5% of phase III cancer trials excluded patients with normal neutrophil counts due to Duffy-null phenotype. The trials recommended reduced doses for these patients, despite survival rates being lower in such cases.
A recent study published in JAMA found that telehealth delivery of early palliative care is equivalent to in-person care in terms of quality of life outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This finding highlights the potential benefits of expanding access to this evidence-based care model through telehealth.
A recent study in Sweden found a significant decline in both melanoma incidence and mortality among individuals aged 30-49. The causes of this downward trend are unclear but may be attributed to increased UV protection, public health campaigns, demographic changes, or advancements in melanoma treatment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in cancer diagnosis rates in the US, according to a new study. Despite improved trends in 2021, the rates remain lower than expected, exacerbating the existing deficit of diagnosed cases from 2020.
A study published in The EMBO Journal reveals that PQBP3 plays a crucial role in stabilizing the nuclear membrane, which is destabilized in senescent cells and contributes to neurodegenerative disorders. PQBP3's dysfunction may lead to the degradation of Lamin B1, a protein essential for maintaining the nuclear membrane.
A recent study reveals racial disparities in cancer stage at diagnosis and survival for adolescents and young adults, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to achieve cancer care equity. The findings support health policy and funding implications, emphasizing the importance of addressing these disparities.
Researchers explore emerging role of Graph Filtration Learning (GFL) in revolutionizing HCC imaging analysis. GFL captures complex topological features inaccessible to traditional pixel-based methods.
Researchers have found that natural killer cells instinctively recognize and attack the XPO1 protein, which drives cancer growth. By targeting this protein, scientists may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy cancer cells. The study suggests that this approach could lead to personalized cancer treatment with less side effects.
Researchers explore AI's role in addressing challenges in immunotherapy, developing new biomarkers for precise disease characterization and predicting treatment response. A comprehensive review applied AI/radiomics to cross-sectional imaging, showcasing the current landscape in IO treatment.
Researchers found that targeting and silencing ERBB2 gene expression significantly increases chances of stopping tumor growth in mice with a PTEN mutation. This breakthrough may lead to alternative treatment options for endometrial cancer patients, reducing the risk of fertility issues associated with standard treatments.
A new study published in Nature Medicine shows that precision therapy can improve survival for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The treatment, which involves analyzing the genetic profile of the tumor, has been shown to be more effective than chemotherapy in patients whose tumors have specific mutations.
Researchers report a case of undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma with primary insensitivity to standard chemotherapy, but a pronounced response to BRAF/MEK inhibitors at recurrence. The tumor was found to be BRAF exon 15 double-mutated: c.1799T>A p.V600E and c.1819T>A p.S607T.
Researchers discuss diverse BRAF alterations found in human cancers and strategies to inhibit them. Class I BRAF inhibitors represent a landmark achievement in precision oncology, with FDA-approved dabrafenib/trametinib for metastatic BRAF p.V600E-mutant solid tumors.
A cohort study found an association between cannabis-related disorder and the development of head and neck cancer. The study highlights the need for further research on the mechanism of this association and dose response to support evidence of cannabis use as a risk factor.
A cohort study found that aspirin use was associated with a greater absolute reduction in risk of colorectal cancer among individuals with less healthy lifestyles. Lifestyle risk factors may help identify those with a more favorable risk-benefit profile for cancer prevention with aspirin.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that abnormal routine blood test results can predict cancer risk in patients with abdominal symptoms. The researchers analyzed data from over 470,000 patients and identified specific blood abnormalities linked to increased cancer risk across different age groups and sex.
Women with bilateral mastectomy have a greatly diminished risk of contralateral breast cancer, yet experience similar mortality rates as patients treated with lumpectomy or unilateral mastectomy. The study highlights the importance of considering long-term risks and benefits in breast cancer treatment decisions.
A study of nearly half a million women found that endometriosis was associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. The risk was particularly elevated among women with ovarian endometriomas or deep infiltrating endometriosis, with a 19-fold increased risk for certain types of ovarian cancer.
A new study found that an electronic health record (EHR)-based nudge intervention significantly decreased low-value axillary surgery in older women with clinically node-negative, HR+/HER2− breast cancer. The user-friendly intervention could be beneficial for other practice settings or patient populations.
A retrospective cohort study found hormone-modulating therapy protected against Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The protective effect varied by age and race, with greater benefit for Black women under 75.
Researchers discuss HER2 in breast cancer, highlighting the prognostic and predictive factors. They found an independent positive prognostic effect of HER2-low compared to HER2-zero in early breast cancer, challenging the long-held view that HER2-negative tumors do not benefit from trastuzumab-based therapy.
A new surgical method developed in Leipzig offers significant benefits over conventional treatment for cervical cancer, with a 9.4% lower recurrence rate after five years. This innovative approach also leads to a 58% lower risk of mortality from the disease.
A cross-sectional study found that men from disadvantaged neighborhoods had higher stress-related gene expression in their prostate tumors. This association suggests a potential link between neighborhood factors and aggressive prostate cancer.
Researchers found GLP-1 receptor agonists lower risks of certain obesity-associated cancers in patients with type 2 diabetes, suggesting potential benefits for cancer prevention in high-risk populations. The study provides preliminary evidence supporting further preclinical and clinical studies to prevent specific obesity-linked cancers.
A new genomic test has improved clinical care for some children with cancer in England by informing individual patient care. The study found that the test provided additional insights that improved care for 20 children and reduced the number of tests required.
A phase 2 study found fluorine-18 PSMA-1007 PET/computed tomography to be superior to multiparametric MRI for locoregional staging of prostate cancer. The technology supports its use in the preoperative workflow for intermediate-risk and high-risk tumors.
Researchers found that a live biotherapeutic product CBM588, when taken orally, can improve health outcomes in people with metastatic kidney cancer. The study, published in Nature Medicine, suggests that the agent may enhance effectiveness of FDA-approved cancer immunotherapies by adjusting the gut microbiome.
The article reviews recent advances in applying artificial intelligence to oncology, showcasing promising improvements in cancer care. The authors emphasize the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, rigorous validation, and ethical principles to harness AI's potential.
Rural residents with head and neck cancer experience higher mortality rates due to factors like alcohol use, tobacco consumption, and lower HPV vaccination rates. This disparity widens the rural-urban mortality gap.
Scientists are conducting a clinical trial to explore the use of anti-retroviral medications Ritonavir and Lopinavir as a potential treatment for brain tumors in patients with Neurofibromatosis 2. The study aims to determine if these drugs can help reduce tumor growth and survival in NF2 patients.
Past-year Papanicolaou testing rates dropped in 2022 compared to 2019, highlighting the need to increase access to screenings. Rural-vs-urban differences indicate a focus on rural females requires attention.
Families with germline CDH1 P/LP variants show a cumulative risk of gastric cancer between 7-10% and breast cancer in female carriers at 37%
A cohort study found that neighborhood deprivation is associated with increased breast cancer mortality in non-Hispanic white women, but not in non-Hispanic Black women. Factors beyond those explored may contribute to the disparity in breast cancer mortality among Black women.
A cohort study found that decentralization through telemedicine and local care can substantially reduce cancer care's environmental impact. The study also showed small reductions in human mortality as a result of these changes.
A quality improvement analysis found that many US residents live within 30 miles of a clinical trial site, highlighting disparities in access. The study highlights concerns about equity and fairness in healthcare resource distribution, particularly for marginalized communities.
A stepped-care model integrating palliative care at key points in patients' cancer trajectories shows reduced palliative care visits without compromising quality of life. The approach enables more efficient delivery of early palliative care, enhancing patient-reported outcomes.
This study found that lowering the fecal immunochemical test positivity threshold can achieve comparable sensitivity and specificity to the multitarget stool RNA test without additional testing. The findings are similar to previous observations with multitarget stool DNA testing, suggesting a potentially simpler screening method.
Ivonescimab plus chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival (7.1 vs 4.8 months) compared to chemotherapy alone in TKI-treated non-small cell lung cancer patients. This treatment may offer a new option for patients with EGFR variant and limited treatment options.
Active surveillance for favorable-risk prostate cancer demonstrated to be a safe and effective management strategy, with less than 2% developing metastatic disease. The study found no significant association between delayed treatment during surveillance and worse outcomes.
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University has engineered a short sequence of artificial DNA to target the mutant protein p53-R175H, linked to lung, colorectal, and breast cancers. The new molecule, dp53m, inhibits cancer cell growth and increases sensitivity to chemotherapy agent cisplatin.
A study presented at ASCO highlights biases reported by female cancer physicians, including racial and ethnic discrimination. The researchers emphasize the importance of representation and diversity in overcoming these issues.
Researchers found no significant 'participation effect' in cancer trials, contrary to common belief among patients and healthcare providers. The study's results provide reassurance that not enrolling in a trial doesn't disadvantage a patient's survival outcomes.
A cross-sectional study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in treatment delays and discontinuations among patients with SARS-CoV-2, leading to increased cancer mortality among minoritized adults. The disproportionate burden varied across SARS-CoV-2 waves.
Adult carriers of BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome show a high incidence of onychopapillomas, a benign nail tumor. This finding suggests using these skin abnormalities to identify family members and patients with cancers associated with the syndrome.
A new study led by UT Health San Antonio found that long-term ketogenic diets can induce senescence, or aged cells, in normal tissues, affecting heart and kidney function. However, an intermittent ketogenic diet regimen eliminated these pro-inflammatory effects.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that AI chatbots can generate empathetic and readable responses to cancer patient questions, comparable to those from physicians. The research also highlights the need for further investigation into the scope, process integration, and patient outcomes of chatbot-facilitated interactions.
Researchers used AI to detect localized versus advanced cancer stages in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients. The study suggests improved patient care and clinical decision-making through AI-assisted health record extraction.
A recent analysis of WHI findings indicates that MetS and obesity each have different associations with breast cancer subtypes and mortality risk. Women with higher MetS scores are at a higher risk of poor-prognosis, estrogen receptor-positive, progesterone receptor-negative breast cancers.
A cross-sectional study found racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer treatment declination and overall survival. The study suggests that patient education on treatment benefits and improved communication between patients and clinicians can help reduce disparities and improve patient outcomes.
Substantial geographic disparities in cancer clinical trials availability exist in the US, with socially vulnerable counties facing significant limitations. The disparity has worsened over time, with these counties often having fewer trial options available.
Young survivors of childhood cancer experience prevalent symptoms years after diagnosis. Interventions to reduce caregiver anxiety and neighborhood adversity may alleviate symptom burden.
Text messaging and bulk ordering can significantly increase mammogram completion rates for breast cancer screening outreach. The study found that these interventions are effective in improving adherence to recommended screening guidelines.
A cohort study found that individuals with a first colonoscopy with negative findings for colorectal cancer may benefit from longer screening intervals, potentially up to 15 years. This could lead to fewer unnecessary invasive examinations and improved patient outcomes.
A plant-based diet after prostate cancer diagnosis was associated with lower cancer progression risk. Higher intake of plant foods was linked to reduced disease progression in men with prostate cancer.
The USPSTF updates its breast cancer screening recommendation to biennial mammography for women ages 40-74. However, the balance of benefits and harms is unclear for women over 75 or those with dense breasts. Breast cancer is a common cause of death among US women.
A randomized clinical trial of 3,020 patients with high-risk nonmetastatic breast cancer found daily aspirin therapy had no effect on breast cancer recurrence or survival in early follow-up. Aspirin should not be recommended as an adjuvant breast cancer treatment despite its potential benefits and wide availability
Researchers at TUM have uncovered a mechanism by which tumor cells prevent the formation of immune responses, including cytotoxic T cells. This discovery provides rationales for new cancer immunotherapies and could enhance existing treatments.
Women with germline BRCA pathogenic variants face increased risk of mortality from postpartum breast cancer, particularly those diagnosed under 10 years after giving birth. The study highlights the importance of genetic counseling and tailored prevention strategies for these high-risk individuals.
A national cohort study found that neighborhood disadvantage was independently associated with shorter breast cancer–specific survival. The study suggests potential unaccounted-for mechanisms, including both nonbiologic and biologic factors, and highlights the need for further research.