Articles tagged with Oncology
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.
Researchers have developed a new urine-based test that identifies high-grade prostate cancer by analyzing 18 genes linked to the disease. The test, called MyProstateScore2.0, was shown to be nearly 100% correct at ruling out aggressive cancers and helped avoid up to 41% of unnecessary biopsies.
Researchers have identified a novel protein FOXF1 that stabilizes blood vessels inside lung tumors, decreasing intertumoral hypoxia and preventing lung cancer metastases. Increasing levels of FOXF1 or FZD4 shows promise to improve therapeutic outcomes in lung cancer patients.
Young breast cancer survivors without germline pathogenic variants are at lower risk for developing a second primary breast cancer within the first decade after diagnosis. This study informs treatment decision-making and follow-up care considerations in this population.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital designed a combination therapy to effectively treat relapsed or resistant B-cell leukemia by targeting the developmental stages of cancer cells. The findings revealed that a protein called BCL-2 is a hidden vulnerability in asparaginase-resistant tumor cells.
Most cancer drugs granted accelerated approval show no benefit in overall survival or quality of life within five years. Patients should be informed about the limited effectiveness of these drugs.
A systematic review of 41 randomized clinical trials suggests that late-stage cancer incidence can be a suitable alternative end point to cancer-specific mortality in some cancer types, but not others. This finding has implications for multicancer screening tests and may change the way these trials are designed.
A simple blood test every five years is sufficient to screen low-risk men for prostate cancer, according to new research. Researchers found that only 0.13% of men with low PSA levels developed cancer after a decade.
Integrating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in prostate cancer screening pathways is associated with reduced unnecessary biopsies and overdiagnosis. MRI maintains clinically significant prostate cancer detection, reducing harm from overtreatment.
Scott Kopetz recognized for his development of novel therapies for BRAF-mutated colon cancer, while Elizabeth Travis awarded for her research on radiation effects on normal tissues. Their work has defined current practices in medical and radiation oncology.
Researchers uncover how EBV infects host genome, leading to tumor formation and finding novel therapeutic targets. EBV-host interactions reveal epigenomic rewiring, dysregulated gene expression, and potential cancer treatment.
Researchers will characterize initial environmental exposures and collect biospecimens and data from residents potentially impacted by the disaster. Investigators will evaluate biospecimens for early signs of liver dysfunction, detecting known liver carcinogen vinyl chloride.
Researchers identified a small set of proteins governing anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) identity and found that drugs targeting the STAT family of proteins already exist for treatment. The study provides insight into potential vulnerabilities in ALCL cells.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles will develop innovative stem cell approaches to treat children and adolescents with recurrent solid tumors using CAR T-cell therapy. The new approach targets B7H3, an immune marker on cancer cells, to identify and destroy them.
A new study estimates that over 134,000 cancer cases went undiagnosed in the US during the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancer diagnoses were found to be 13% lower than expected during this period, with a 28.6% reduction in March to May 2020.
A study published in JAMA Oncology revealed a significant decline in US cancer incidence during the first 10 months of the pandemic. The research found 134,395 potentially undiagnosed cancer cases between March and December 2020, highlighting an unusual drop in all-site cancer incidence.
A single-center study found that ultrahypofractionated whole breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery had no severe toxicities and did not affect patient-reported outcomes. Most patients (83.9%) were diagnosed with pathological stage I disease, and cosmetic effects showed no obvious differences before and after treatment.
A new study evaluates AI algorithms for autocontouring prior to radiotherapy in head and neck cancer. OpenAI's GPT-4-turbo demonstrated the best performance, while Llama-2 models underperformed. The study highlights the potential of generative AI to revolutionize radiation oncology education and practice.
Researchers mapped changes in tumor-related bacteria to uncover potential strategies to combat the rise of young-onset colorectal cancer. Unique bacterial signatures were found in tumors from younger patients, including Akkermansia and Bacteroides, which are more likely to have left-sided, rectal, and advanced stage tumors.
Researchers have identified mechanisms of resistance to tazemetostat in epithelioid sarcoma and rhabdoid tumors, leading to the development of a combination therapy strategy. The therapy uses an epigenetic treatment approach to target specific mutations that drive cancer growth.
Scientists at City of Hope discovered a new cellular mechanism that plays a key role in cancer cells' ability to cause disease. The study identified integrin αV and β5 as crucial proteins that partner to spur cancer cell growth, offering a promising target for new therapies.
A study found that the 21-gene breast recurrence score test may underestimate chemotherapy benefits for young Black women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The researchers recommend lowering the test's cutoff point to ensure accurate treatment recommendations for all patients regardless of race or ethnicity.
Despite declining overall US cancer mortality rates, substantial racial disparities persisted for many common cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. Structural racism, medical mistrust, and health care access inequities contribute to these disparities.
A study of nearly 15,000 adults with non–small cell lung cancer found that Medicaid expansion decreased postoperative mortality within 30 and 90 days after hospital discharge. This suggests that expanded Medicaid coverage may improve cancer outcomes and access to care for this population.
Adult cancer survivors are at higher risk for substance use disorders (SUD), especially those with certain types of cancer; the study suggests integrated care could benefit these patients. The research highlights the need to address comorbid SUD in cancer populations with high SUD prevalence, prioritizing high-risk cancers.
A systematic analysis of cancer cells identifies 370 candidate priority drug targets across 27 cancer types. Researchers used machine learning methods to find promising targets and linked them to specific biological markers and genetic features.
The study found a decline in localized head and neck cancer incidence during the first year of the pandemic. However, advanced-stage diagnoses may rise in subsequent years, indicating a potential shift in the disease's progression.
A Phase 2B clinical trial, led by City of Hope, found that carvedilol may improve heart health markers and reduce the risk of heart failure in childhood cancer survivors. The study suggests that carvedilol could benefit long-term survivors and those who are highly adherent to the treatment.
A new framework has been established for standardized imaging of diffuse gliomas using amino acid PET, enabling the evaluation of treatment success and improving therapies. The RANO group has developed criteria that enable reliable imaging of tumor activity and extent.
An international team of researchers has developed new criteria for the standardized imaging of gliomas using amino acid PET, allowing for more accurate evaluation of treatment success. These criteria open up possibilities for improved therapies in clinical studies and everyday practice.
A Wayne State University study reports progress in a therapeutic approach that can restore immune surveillance and provide long-term protection against ovarian cancer tumors. The therapy, CARG-2020, has shown promise in animal models and may prove more effective than existing immunotherapies.
Researchers from Japan have discovered a novel targeted molecular therapy using microRNA-451a to suppress the progression of gemcitabine-resistant biliary tract cancers. The study found that miR-451a significantly diminished cell proliferation, induced cell death, and reduced chemoresistance in cancer cells.
A new study finds that structural racism is a significant contributor to unequal lung cancer risk factors, affecting different racial and ethnic groups differently. The research highlights the need for tailored preventive interventions to address these disparities.
A new method has been developed to rapidly identify genes that drive tumor growth in various types of cancers. Organoids were used to test candidate genes, revealing promising targets for precision oncology. The study's findings may lead to the development of targeted therapies for patients with esophageal squamous cancer.
A randomized clinical trial of 31,000 individuals found that direct-mail human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling increased cervical cancer screening by more than 14%. The study suggests that systems implementing HPV self-sampling should prioritize direct-mail outreach for under-screened individuals to increase screening adherence.
A new study by Tulane University has identified a previously unknown molecular pathway that could halt lung cancer growth. The research found that protein RBM10 can suppress lung cancer by targeting the function of c-Myc, a protein that drives cancer cell growth and proliferation.
A study of 103,000 early-stage breast cancer patients reveals a significant racial disparity in chemosensitivity and survival rates. Black patients are more likely to experience residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, leading to a higher mortality risk.
A study found that cancer patients with COVID-19 had significantly higher mortality and hospitalization rates compared to non-cancer patients, highlighting the increased risk of severe illness. COVID-19 vaccination in cancer patients reduced this risk, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in protecting vulnerable populations.
A study of 34,000 patients found that screening-detected colorectal cancer had a lower risk of recurrence. The risk of recurrence decreased over time, and risk-stratified surveillance protocols may be warranted for selected patient groups.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that gene splicing can reduce CD20 protein levels, making immunotherapies ineffective. However, CAR-T cell therapy may still be effective against patients with low CD20 levels, offering a new treatment option for these patients.
A qualitative study by City of Hope highlights the importance of proper patient preparation for unanticipated, inheritable genetic findings prior to tumor sequencing. The research emphasizes the need for scalable educational interventions that facilitate informed consent, such as online tools and applications.
A new AI method combines satellite imaging and ecological analysis techniques to interpret large amounts of data from tumor tissue, providing insights into how cancer works. This approach aims to tailor cancer treatments to individual needs and avoid unnecessary side effects.
A recent analysis of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study data notes a potential correlation between canine sterilization and hemangiosarcoma development. Intact females consistently have lower diagnosis rates, while spayed females show an increasing risk beyond 8 years old.
A new study reveals a reversal in the trend of early-onset lung cancer, now affecting younger women and middle-aged adults. The increased incidence in women is attributed to rising rates among those born in the 1960s, without higher smoking prevalence.
Researchers classify UGDH as a molecular indicator of tumor progression in multiple cancer types, describing its involvement in key canonical cancer signaling pathways. Methods to inhibit UGDH and its downstream products are also identified.
A panel discussion at ASTRO 2023 sheds light on physician burnout, highlighting the prevalence of the issue in radiation oncology. Expert strategies for achieving work-life balance are presented as crucial to preventing burnout among practicing physicians.
A Rice University-led team of researchers has been awarded $45 million to develop a new sense-and-respond implant technology that could improve immunotherapy outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. The technology, called THOR, aims to provide real-time data from the tumor environment to guide more effective therapies.
Veterinary researchers used 3D organoids to investigate lung cancer in dogs, finding that canine primary lung cancer organoids faithfully mirrored tumor tissues. The study identified correlations between organoid cell viability and specific target molecules, paving the way for personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers have successfully developed a robot that can autonomously navigate through living lung tissue, avoiding vital structures such as airways and blood vessels. This innovation enables surgeons to reach previously inaccessible small tumors, improving treatment outcomes for patients with lung cancer.
The September issue of the CHEST journal features research on long COVID, including a review on exercise pathophysiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. Original studies also explore asthma treatment with albuterol-budesonide inhalers and sleep therapy using oronasal masks.
A large national study found that people with breast, ovarian, skin, and uterine cancers have higher levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals like PFAS and phenols. The study suggests a link between these exposures and increased cancer risk in women. Researchers emphasize the need for EPA regulation to reduce PFAS exposure.
CityU and AFCR have signed a MoU to promote cutting-edge cancer-related innovative inventions and commercialization. The partnership aims to foster the development of biomedicine and related innovation, with world-leading scholars from Harvard Medical School attending the inaugural 'Innovation Series in Biomedicine' forum.
A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.
Patients with cancer had disparate COVID-19 mortality rates during the winter Omicron wave compared to the general US population. The study suggests that immune-evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants pose a significant threat, requiring prioritized efforts to prevent transmission.
Researchers found that antioxidants activate a mechanism forming new blood vessels in tumor cells, which can help them grow and spread. The study suggests that dietary supplements containing antioxidants may accelerate tumour growth and metastasis in cancer patients.
Scientists engineer bacteria to target cancer cells, utilizing NIR fluorescence and photothermal conversion to selectively eliminate malignant cells. The study demonstrates effective optical and immunological functions in a mouse model of colon cancer.
A new imaging technique called quantitative photoacoustic tomography (QPAT) has the potential to provide high-quality images of cancerous tissues. By combining ultrasound and optical tomography, QPAT can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses in shorter time frames.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital evaluated ChatGPT's recommendations for cancer treatment aligned with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. They found that approximately one-third of the chatbot's responses were non-concordant, highlighting its limitations in clinical decision-making.
Researchers found AI chatbot responses to top cancer queries are generally accurate but lack actionable information. These limitations suggest relying on chatbots for supplementary purposes rather than primary medical information.
A new US study shows that e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking by reducing cravings and the number of cigarettes smoked. The naturalistic approach used in this study provides evidence that e-cigarettes are a valuable tool for adult smokers who have failed previous attempts to quit.