Articles tagged with Oncology
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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%
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
Only 4% of cancer survivors met all four American Cancer Society guidelines, with a mean of 2.0 guidelines met. This study aims to improve understanding of guideline adherence and inform recommendations for patients who have completed cancer treatments.
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.