Articles tagged with Oncology
The American Society for Radiation Oncology's new journal, Practical Radiation Oncology (PRO), has published its inaugural issue. PRO will provide a forum for radiation oncologists to share information on current practices and advancements in the field. The journal aims to improve the quality of radiation oncology practice through disc...
A study published in CMAJ found that showing clinical empathy to patients can improve their satisfaction of care and motivate them to stick to their treatment plans. Empathy is a distinct ability to understand another's experience and act in a helpful manner, which can be acquired and taught in medical school.
Researchers found significant exposure to erionite in North Dakota roads, comparable to affected Turkish villages. The mineral poses health risks through inhalation, prompting cautionary measures and potential preventive programs.
Researchers compared treatment outcomes of elderly patients with early-stage lung cancer treated with either surgery or stereotactic radiation therapy. The study found that both treatments had similar long-term survival rates, but surgery had a higher risk of mortality in the first 30 days.
Researchers found that adding ipilimumab to paclitaxel/carboplatin improved progression-free survival rates for stage IIIb/IV non-small cell lung cancer patients. The study suggests that ipilimumab may be a valuable addition to standard treatments, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
A study presented at the ESMO Congress found that a patient's overall survival time is linked to the time to treatment failure for each line of chemotherapy. Analyzing data from 980 women with metastatic breast cancer, researchers identified this key factor as the most significant determinant of overall survival.
N. Reed Dunnick is being recognized for his dedication to bridging the gap between diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology. As an accomplished leader in the field of radiology, Dr. Dunnick has been involved with numerous professional societies throughout his career.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected five physicians as recipients of two grants, the Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award and the Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award. The awards support junior physician faculty and residents/fellows in radiation oncology research.
The EAU Congress ended its 25th anniversary meeting in Barcelona with awards for outstanding research in urology. Despite volcanic eruptions disrupting travel plans, the congress proceeded and recognized excellence in cancer and non-cancer research.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Press has released an updated edition of 'Patient Care in Vascular and Interventional Radiology,' a 448-page resource covering major aspects of patient care. The new edition is complemented by a study guide, presenting questions and detailed answers for continuing medical education.
A study found that prostate cancer treatment options differ based on the type of specialist consulted. Men who see a radiation oncologist are more likely to receive radiation therapy, while those who consult with a urologist with or without a medical oncologist are treated more frequently with hormone therapy, watchful waiting, or radi...
Over a two and half year period, the FDA approved 53 new oncology and hematology drugs, including 39 receiving regular approval and nine accelerated approval. Most approvals were based on single-arm, non-randomized controlled trials.
The new T classification is based on tumor size and has been validated as appropriate for pathologic findings. The study found significant differences in survival rates among revised T subsets, highlighting the importance of the revised TMN classification for lung cancer treatment planning.
Research analyzed over 100,000 patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer and found a modest but statistically significant improvement in one-year and two-year overall survival rates from 13.2% to 19.4% and 4.5% to 7.8%, respectively.
A recent study found that 95% of radiation oncologists utilize advanced imaging modalities like FDG-PET and MRI for target delineation. The most common technologies used were FDG-PET and MRI, with nearly 75% of respondents using one or both.
Pediatric physicians tend to pragmatically consider religion and spirituality in family decision-making and end-of-life situations, but view them as barriers when they conflict with medical decisions. The study found that pediatricians often welcome patients' religious beliefs when medicine has failed or all options are exhausted.
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) has developed new guidelines for radiation dose delivery and reporting in brachytherapy procedures. The task force aims to provide consistent and reproducible dosimetric information, improving treatment accuracy and patient outcomes.
Stereotactic radiosurgery is an effective and safe method for eliminating tremors caused by Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Long-term results show that SRS favorsably compares to deep brain stimulation and radiofrequency treatments in terms of tremor relief and complications.
A recent study found that lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone is associated with better short-term overall survival and lower toxicity than traditional high-dose therapy in newly diagnosed myeloma patients. The treatment regimen shows acceptable toxicity and low early mortality, making it a viable option for these patients.
A national RTOG study found that prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) significantly decreased the incidence of brain metastases during the first year post-treatment. Patients who received PCI were two and one-half times less likely to develop brain metastasis than those who did not.
Veterinary oncologists at MU's Scott Endowed Program in Veterinary Oncology participated in COTC's first trial, investigating a novel method to deliver the TNF-α gene to tumor blood vessels. The study showed a dramatic decrease in tumor size and provided insight into safe dosage for both human and canine patients.
Eight projects across eight countries will receive funding and expert guidance to improve treatment capacity for childhood cancer. The initiatives aim to narrow the 80/20 divide, where 80% of childhood cancers occur in resource-limited countries.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved erlotinib as an alternative to docetaxel for NSCLC patients, with the manufacturer Roche offering a discounted price. This approval is part of a collaboration between NICE and manufacturers to reduce drug costs within the NHS.
A study led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has found that acetylated resveratrol can protect cells from radiation damage in mouse models. The researchers hope to develop a small molecule radioprotector that can be easily administered in emergency situations.
A new type of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) called balloon brachytherapy is as effective in keeping breast cancer from coming back as standard external beam radiation. This shorter treatment option makes radiation therapy more convenient for patients, potentially increasing the rate of breast conservation.
A substudy of the IBIS II trial found no significant differences in cognitive assessments between postmenopausal women receiving anastrozole and placebo, but noted more endocrine symptoms such as hot flushes in the anastrozole group.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has named 30 individuals as its 2008 Fellows, honoring their significant contributions to radiation oncology. The recipients have demonstrated excellence in research, patient care, education, and leadership, making them outstanding professionals in the field.
ASTRO awarded several scholarships to young researchers in radiation oncology, including the Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award to Christopher D. Willey and Erik P. Sulman. The Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award also supported projects by Randall Joel Kimple and Shig-Hsin Eddy Yang.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected Christopher Rose, M.D., and Joel Tepper, M.D., as the recipients of the 2008 Gold Medal. The award recognizes their outstanding contributions to radiation oncology and leadership in the field.
Seven IARC candidate names are publicly disclosed for the first time, sparking concerns over lack of transparency in the election process. The absence of a Search Committee and Scientific Council raises questions about bias and credibility.
A tracking system helped improve rates of medical oncology consultation and reduce disparities in breast cancer treatment by notifying surgeons when their patients visited an oncologist. The new system also eliminated racial disparity in treatment, as minority women were less likely to receive underuse of adjuvant therapy.
A study of 61 patients with follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma found that radioimmunotherapy with yttrium-90 ibritumombab tiuxetan was well-tolerated and effective, achieving complete response in 55 patients. The treatment also showed improved progression-free survival and overall survival rates.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that stereotactic radiation is an effective alternative to surgery for benign brain tumors called non-acoustic schwannomas. The study showed excellent local tumor control with minimal side effects, making it a promising treatment option.
A large retrospective study found that radiation seed implants (brachytherapy) are equally effective in curing localized prostate cancer in men aged 60 and younger. The study results suggest that younger men should be presented with all viable treatment options, including brachytherapy, regardless of age.
New chemotherapy regimens such as irinotecan and oxaliplatin-based treatments have been shown to prolong the survival of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The meta-analysis found that these regimens can provide an estimated absolute survival benefit of 8-4.7 months for certain patient groups.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that parents' intellectual and emotional awareness time of their child's impending death is strongly associated with future health outcomes. Healthcare providers can play a crucial role in reducing long-term depression, employment issues, and psychological problems by providing adequate in...
Researchers found that radium-223 significantly reduced levels of bone alkaline phosphatase, a marker for HRPC progression, by 66% and prolonged median survival time by 41 weeks. However, treatment had no significant effect on skeletal-related events.
Researchers developed a new screening process using chemiluminescent light and toluidine blue dye to improve diagnosis accuracy for early-stage oral cancer. The study found that this approach can reduce unnecessary biopsies and false negatives, leading to better patient outcomes.
A new study found that adding Cetuximab to radiation therapy does not increase the rate or duration of mucositis or dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients. The median follow-up time was 54 months, with fewer than 10% experiencing prolonged toxicities.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has awarded $240,000 in grants to four young cancer researchers. The recipients, Andy J. Minn, Roberto Diaz, Max Diehn, and Aaron C. Spalding, will use the funding to conduct research in radiation oncology, biology, physics, or outcomes research.
Three cancer researchers, Asif R. Harsolia, Sandeep S. Hunjan, and Ping Zhang, have won the ASTRO Poster Recognition Award for their exceptional contributions to radiation oncology. Their work demonstrated top-notch science presented at ASTRO's Annual Meeting.
Experts argue over the UK's Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill, with Baroness Ilora Finlay citing failures in safeguards and Dr Margaret A Branthwaite advocating for patient choice. Meanwhile, Dr David Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of palliative care and warns against legislation at this time.
A new trial combining thalidomide and topotecan shows a 47% overall response rate, compared to 21% for topotecan alone. Women treated with the combination had improved disease-free survival and trended towards increased overall survival.
A New England Journal of Medicine study found that women who received intraperitoneal chemotherapy had a median survival time 16 months longer than those receiving IV chemotherapy alone. The importance of referral to physicians with expertise in surgical management of ovarian cancer is highlighted.
A seven-year study of over 400 patients found that delivering chemotherapy directly into the abdomen via a catheter increases survival and relapse-free survival rates compared to intravenous chemotherapy alone. However, side effects are significantly worse for the abdominal group.
A new initiative launched by UICC's World Cancer Campaign will provide funding for 14 projects aimed at improving childhood cancer care in the developing world. The initiatives focus on early diagnosis, access to care, and support for children with cancer and their families.
A survey of UK hospital consultants found a significant increase in poor mental health and burnout, attributed to increased job stress and workload. The prevalence of psychiatric illness rose from 27% in 1994 to 32% in 2002, with clinical oncologists facing the greatest increases.
A new report by the European Society for Medical Oncology reveals that female lung cancer death rates in Europe are still rising, despite a 16% increase between 1990-2001. However, trends in some countries and among younger women show a decline, suggesting future hope for reducing this epidemic.
A study of 60 male and 4,181 female breast cancer patients found that men were almost six times more likely to receive radiotherapy than women with similar disease stages. The researchers concluded that men should be treated using the same guidelines as women for radiotherapy treatment.
A study found that 76% of women would be willing to accept a cervical cancer vaccine for themselves, while 67% of mothers with daughters would consent to have their child vaccinated. The main reasons for non-acceptance were unknown side effects and the belief that minors are not sexually active.
A new imaging technology developed by GE Medical Systems precisely tracks lung tumor motion, enabling more accurate radiation therapy. Tumors in the lower lobes and attached to the posterior side of the lungs tend to move more than others.
The American Association for Cancer Research is accepting nominations for the 2005 Landon-AACR prizes, which recognize seminal basic and translational cancer research discoveries. The recipient of each prize will receive a $200,000 unrestricted cash award and present a lecture at the 96th AACR Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif.
Dr. Bruner, a renowned radiation oncology nurse, has been recognized by the Oncology Nursing Society for her groundbreaking work in cancer research and patient care. Her research focuses on enhancing participation of minorities in clinical studies and improving treatment outcomes.
A survey of Swedish breast cancer patients found that women prefer follow-up visits at breast centers rather than with their GP, but want more time for discussion. The study suggests that nurse-led follow-ups could increase patient satisfaction and reduce healthcare costs.
A recent report shows a significant decline in stomach cancer rates across Europe, with falls seen in younger and middle-aged populations. The downward trend is attributed to improved diet, better food preservation, reduced Helicobacter pylori infection, and lower smoking rates.
A Phase II trial of Herceptin combined with chemotherapy found no significant difference in survival times between the treatment and control arms. However, a small subgroup of patients with extremely high levels of HER2 over-expression showed improved response rates and longer disease progression-free periods.
The Lancet editorial highlights the need for improved patient and family support in hospitals, citing a tragic case of a chronically ill child's experience. The authors propose increasing liaison staff to at least two per ward to provide emotional wellbeing support and reduce stories like Michaela's in the medical community.
A study by cancer nurse Kerry Guile found that even oncologists and cancer nurses with high knowledge of sun protection were not acting on it. The sample size was 340 people, including medical students and non-oncology nurses, who scored highly on sun protective behavior.
Researchers have found an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer among childhood cancer survivors, with the University of Minnesota presenting their findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting. The study's lead author notes that further research is needed to determine why this association exists.
A new study suggests that CT readings at oncology centers differ from those at general hospitals, affecting relative value unit assessments (RVUs). The average length of CT reports and character counts were significantly higher at oncology centers, with prior scans being directly compared more often.