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Ethnic diversity and disparities in access to genetic testing impact prostate cancer development and treatment, research shows

Research emphasizes the importance of ethnically diverse prostate cancer genomics data and accessible genetic testing. Variations in genomic landscape of prostate cancer were observed in Chinese men compared to Western cohorts, with lower mutation rates in driver genes such as TP53 and PTEN.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateNov 28, 2022

Study shows promising safety, patient outcomes data for MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy to treat pancreatic cancer

A recent study found that MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy, also known as SMART, has shown promising safety and patient outcomes data for treating locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The study, led by Henry Ford Health, reported no incidence of acute grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal toxicity, with preli...

Ultrasound-guided surgery is quicker, less painful and more effective for treating early form of breast cancer

Researchers at Clinica Universidad de Navarra found that ultrasound-guided surgery (IOUS) is more effective and quicker than traditional wire-localisation methods for treating ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This technique reduces the risk of positive margins, a common cause of second operations.

Possible biological explanation for increased cancer risk in dense breasts

Research at Linköping University suggests that dense breasts have unique biological characteristics that promote cancer growth, leading to a fivefold increased risk. The study used MRI and microdialysis techniques to measure proteins in breast tissue, finding elevated levels of inflammatory markers and growth factors.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Targeted lung cancer drug shows promise in phase I/II clinical trial

The TRIDENT-1 trial suggests that repotrectinib could be effective for treating ROS1 positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients who have received other targeted treatments and those who have not. The drug showed promising results, with an objective response rate of 79% in patients not previously treated with a ROS TKI.

Fighting tumors with magnetic bacteria

Researchers controlled magnetic bacteria to cross blood vessel walls and infiltrate tumor tissue, delivering liposomes with fluorescent dye to demonstrate their ability to carry therapeutic agents. This approach may revolutionize bacterial cancer therapy by increasing efficacy and reducing side effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Cancer patients treated with immunotherapy can safely receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, according to JNCCN study

Researchers analyzed 408 patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and found no increased risk of side effects from receiving both immunotherapy and the vaccine. The study supports NCCN's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer, citing strong protection against severe COVID-19 for all variants.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateOct 17, 2022

STTR Award to LSU Health New Orleans spin-out company to develop new class of anticancer drugs for glioblastoma

WayPath Pharma has been awarded a $225,000 Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award to develop new metabolic drugs targeting tumor stem cells and crossing the blood-brain barrier. The funding aims to advance treatment options for glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer with limited treatment options.

New study in JNCCN suggests way to predict outcomes with high accuracy prior to surgery for pancreatic cancer patients

Researchers at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center found that metabolic imaging, combined with traditional treatment response assessment methods, can provide critical information to guide therapy for pancreatic cancer patients. The use of positron emission tomography (PET) with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) tracer adds significant pr...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateSep 8, 2022

CT-derived body composition with deep learning predicts cardiovascular events

A large retrospective study found that visceral fat area from fully automated and normalized abdominal CT analysis predicts subsequent myocardial infarction or stroke in Black and White patients. The study suggests that body composition analysis using machine learning could be widely adopted to add prognostic utility to clinical practice.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 31, 2022

Coaching patients to advocate for themselves can offset the effects of doctors’ racial bias

A University of Michigan-led analysis found that training patients to voice their concerns and advocate for themselves can reduce the impact of physicians' racial biases on care. The study showed that 'patient activation' creates more equitable interactions between patients and physicians.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2022

Chemotherapy drugs from “rogue” online pharmacies could endanger leukemia patients, suggests research in JNCCN

A study found that a majority of online pharmacies selling imatinib, a chronic myeloid leukemia therapy, are uncertified and operate unsafely. Patients may face risks of nonadherence, treatment failures, and adverse events if they use these pharmacies.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 28, 2022

Critical oncology trial data remains hidden

A multi-national study found that over half of clinical trials leading to FDA-approved anticancer medicines are not available for independent scrutiny. The lack of transparency hinders the use of data for further research into the safety and efficacy of medicines.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2022

Hormone replacement therapy doesn't lead to breast cancer reoccurrence

A large cohort study found that hormone replacement therapy for breast cancer survivors is not associated with an increased risk of recurrence. The study included over 8,400 Danish postmenopausal women and found no link between vaginal estrogen or menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer reoccurrence.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

New paper from University Hospitals examines transfusion utilization and appropriateness: Thinking differently at a tertiary academic medical center

Researchers from University Hospitals developed a transfusion appropriateness algorithm to analyze blood transfusions for adult patients. The algorithm led to a decrease in transfusions and an increase in appropriate use, resulting in cost savings of $2.5 million over 12 months.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalPhysician Leadership Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

JNCCN: Mismatch in breast cancer trial results and real-world outcomes based on treatment discontinuation

A population-based study found that patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who experienced hot flashes while on adjuvant hormone therapy had worse outcomes and a higher risk of early treatment discontinuation. The study suggests that managing side effects may not be enough to prevent treatment discontinuation, highlight...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2022

Oncotarget | A novel group of genes that cause endocrine resistance in breast cancer identified by dynamic gene expression analysis

A recent study identified 34 novel genes that contribute to endocrine resistance in breast cancer using dynamic gene expression analysis. The researchers found that these genes are differentially expressed in both estrogen receptor-positive and triple-negative breast cancers, suggesting shared genetic mechanisms underlying resistance d...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 8, 2022

COVID-19 vaccine impact on chest CT of pneumonia in symptomatic patients

A single-center study found lower pneumonia frequency and severity in fully vaccinated patients compared to unvaccinated patients. The study included 467 patients who underwent chest CT during hospitalization for symptomatic COVID-19, with significant reductions in pneumonia frequency and severity observed in those fully vaccinated.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 31, 2022

Meta-analysis shows targeted radiation therapy may be as effective as standard care for small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases

A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that targeted radiation therapy, which spares healthy brain tissue, is equitable to whole brain radiation therapy for patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. This approach may improve their care experience with fewer negative cognitive consequences.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

Aging-US: Hallmarks of cancer and hallmarks of aging

The article proposes a new framework for understanding the hallmarks of cancer and aging, highlighting their shared underlying principles. Dr. Blagosklonny's hyperfunction theory arranges these hallmarks in a hierarchical structure, revealing common signaling pathways involved in both aging and cancer.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 18, 2022

If you take several medications, ‘polypharmacy’ is a word to know

A recent study found that 70% of adults with stage 3 or 4 cancer were at risk of drug-drug interactions, highlighting the importance of deprescribing medications to avoid harm. The study's results emphasize the need for education and problem-solving to address polypharmacy in older adults with cancer.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalThe Oncologist·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 17, 2022

New research in JNCCN encourages harnessing health technology to help cancer patients quit smoking

A new study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN) found that incorporating the Electronic Health Record-Enabled Evidence-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment (ELEVATE) program into electronic health records can significantly improve smoking cessation rates among cancer patients. The research demonst...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022