Articles tagged with Oncology
Researchers found that a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir greater than 0.5 ng/mL following radiation and androgen deprivation therapy identifies men prior to PSA failure who are at high risk for dying early. This marker can help identify men in need of more aggressive treatment, potentially making it curable.
A new study found a significant association between asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma in Eastern China. The research also highlights a notable difference in the male-to-female ratio of patients with mesothelioma, with more females affected than males.
A new analysis of 1981 patients with lower gastrointestinal symptoms found that the new criteria would miss nearly 20% of colorectal cancers. The study suggests that alarm features indicative of colorectal cancer are common among the general population, limiting their accuracy in predicting a diagnosis.
A special issue of Future Oncology examines the latest breakthroughs in prostate cancer imaging, including multiparametric MRI and PET imaging. The issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the field's current state and future directions.
A Phase III trial found ribociclib improved PFS of post-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer by 44 percent compared to hormone therapy alone. The study also showed a higher ORR in patients receiving ribociclib, with serious adverse events occurring less than five percent overall.
The phase III KEYNOTE-024 trial found pembrolizumab significantly improved progression-free survival by approximately four months compared to chemotherapy, with 80% of patients alive at six months on pembrolizumab. The treatment was also associated with a higher overall response rate and lower adverse events.
Sumitra Thongprasert has been awarded the second ESMO Women for Oncology award for her role as a role model for women in oncology. The award acknowledges her advocacy across Asia for female participation in the oncology workforce and promotion of women in leadership positions.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that 86% of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline authors had at least one reported financial conflict of interest. The study revealed significant payments to guideline authors, with an average of $10,011 for general payments and $236,066 for industry research payments.
Rates of early prostate cancer have continued to drop since the USPSTF recommendation, with localized/regional-stage incidence rates declining by 6-19% from 2011 to 2013. The decrease is attributed to changes in PSA testing rates and potentially unknown risk factors.
The first study assessing the clinical impact of ESMO-MCBS in a real-life context shows that the scale works reliably and reproducibly in advanced or metastatic disease. The study encourages its use in daily routine for novel treatments like immunotherapy.
The ESMO consensus guidelines reflect a personalized treatment approach to managing metastatic colorectal cancer, incorporating molecular markers and patient selection. The guidelines aim to improve outcomes by providing evidence-based recommendations for treatment options.
A large proportion of US cancer deaths might be prevented through adopting healthy lifestyles, including quitting smoking and exercising regularly. The study found that individuals who met specific criteria for a healthy lifestyle pattern had a significantly lower risk of developing cancer.
Suresh Senan, a renowned expert in radiation oncology, has been awarded the Heine H. Hansen Award for his pioneering work in lung cancer therapy and research. The award recognizes his significant contributions to the field of lung cancer on an international basis.
A multicenter study found that the HOSPITAL score accurately predicted patients at high risk of a 30-day potentially avoidable readmission. Patients identified as high risk were four times more likely to be readmitted within 30 days, and the score showed an excellent ability to identify these patients.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has updated its pathology residency curriculum recommendations, focusing on 10 major molecular pathology topics. The new report aims to equip pathologists with the latest scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations in molecular pathology.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology challenges the widely-held belief that low-dose radiation from medical imaging procedures can cause cancer. The authors argue that the linear no-threshold model, used to estimate cancer risks, has never been conclusively demonstrated by empirical evidence.
Dr. Norman Wolmark will present the William L. McGuire Memorial Lecture on the NSABP Clinical Trials' impact on early breast cancer management. Established in 1992, the McGuire Lectureship commemorates Dr. William McGuire's contributions to oncology.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has appointed Elsevier as the new publisher of its official journal, Journal of Thoracic Oncology. This partnership aims to enhance the journal's reputation and influence while expanding its global communities of contributors and readers.
The ESMO Women for Oncology Task Force aims to address inequalities among women oncologists, and the new award will be presented to Enriqueta Felip, who kick-started awareness of the lack of women oncologists in leadership roles. The award recognizes contributors who support the development of women in oncology.
BMJ has partnered with the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) to publish a new open access cancer journal called ESMO Open. The journal will cover various aspects of cancer treatment and include study protocols and phase I clinical trials. It aims to provide rapid access to high-quality research on cancer care worldwide.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has launched a new open-access journal, Advances in Radiation Oncology, with Founding Editor Robert C. Miller, M.D. The journal will publish original research on novel retrospectives and hypothesis-generating series, with a focus on practice transformation.
A large analysis suggests frequent citrus fruit and juice consumption may increase melanoma risk by 36% in people who eat them daily. The association is strongest for grapefruit, but not processed juices.
The newly redesigned Oncology Central is now live, featuring a dedicated Pipelines and Trials section, webinars, and exclusive multimedia content. The platform offers easy navigation and access to peer-reviewed journal articles, regular cancer news updates, and exciting features.
Women with luminal A subtype breast cancer who are older than 60 and taking hormone therapy may not need radiation treatment, according to a new study. The research found that local breast radiation did not add benefit to their outcome, saving the healthcare system up to $3 million annually in Ontario.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has issued a new guideline on definitive and adjuvant radiotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, citing 35 years of data to guide current treatment and future research. The guideline recommends RT as the ideal treatment for patients with locally advanced NSCLC.
A survey of French people aged 40-75 found that many incorrectly believed low cigarette consumption was risk-free for lung cancer. Only half of current smokers considered themselves at higher risk than the average population.
An interactive online education tool has been developed to help practicing oncologists with therapeutic decision-making for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by providing feedback from an expert panel. The tool integrates clinical, histological, and molecular features into treatment plans, leading to a change in treatment cho...
The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer recently published an article discussing the management of locally advanced inoperable breast cancer. The review, led by Dr. Konstantinos Tryfonidis, examines current treatment options and future directions for improving outcomes.
A 2013 survey of radiation oncologists found that peer review is a common practice in medicine, but there is wide variation in its performance. Seventy-eight percent of respondents reported being involved in peer review, and 74% expressed interest in formal guidelines to improve the process.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nearly a quarter of patients who underwent initial breast conservation surgery had a subsequent surgical intervention. The study, which included over 316,000 patients, identified patient and tumor factors associated with repeat surgeries.
Charlie Ma, Ph.D., a Professor and Director of Medical Physics at Fox Chase Cancer Center, has been selected as an ASTRO Fellow. He is recognized for his contributions to the field of radiation oncology, including research, education, and patient care.
Research presented at ASTRO's 56th Annual Meeting found no association between radiation therapy and increased risk of lymphedema in women with clinically node-negative breast cancer. The study results provide reassurance for breast cancer patients regarding the impact of radiation therapy on lymphedema risk.
A shorter course of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been found to improve the quality of life for high-risk prostate cancer patients, with faster recovery times and better outcomes compared to a longer 36-month ADT regimen. The study analyzed data from 561 patients who received radiation therapy and long-term ADT.
A two-step decision tree analysis was used to evaluate and distill existing quality standards, guidelines, and recommendations in radiation therapy. The study identified duplicate standards and gaps, achieving substantial agreement among evaluators.
Researchers Jonathan Powell, G. William Wong, and Elias Zambidis will explore novel treatments for diabetes using protein design, hormone discovery, and stem cell therapy.
The ASTRO white paper recommends specific guidance for high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy to improve patient safety and quality. The manuscript highlights the need for a quality management program, including checklists and forms, as well as multidisciplinary treatment team coordination.
A West Virginia outpatient oncology clinic experienced a rare outbreak of Tsukamurella bloodstream infections in 2011-2012, attributed to improper handling of intravenous saline. The outbreak led to changes in infection control practices, including the use of pre-packaged manufactured saline flushes.
Radiation oncologists face higher workloads and decreased confidence when treating unfamiliar cases, as shown in a UNC study. The researchers used NASA-TLX to measure perceived workload and found that performance decreased with longer completion times.
A study of 582 patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) found SBRT to be safe and effective, with a three-year freedom from local progression rate of 79.6%. The biological effective dosage was the most significant factor influencing outcomes.
A retrospective study found that placing a stent within the aorta facilitated tumor removal and eliminated heart-lung bypass needs. Patients with non-small cell lung carcinomas and sarcomas benefited from this minimally invasive approach.
The ASTRO white paper emphasizes the vital role of patient-specific peer review in improving patient safety and quality of care. The report details suggested targets for peer review throughout various areas within radiation therapy, prioritizing those most likely to impact patient outcomes.
A Swedish study found significant heterogeneity in continence rates among patients after radical prostatectomy, suggesting that some receive suboptimal care. The research used multivariate models to evaluate surgeon variation and identified a negative correlation between potency and continence rates.
A large observational study conducted by a group of researchers in Sweden and the Netherlands suggests that surgery offers better survival benefits than radiotherapy for men with localized prostate cancer, especially in younger age groups and those with fewer comorbidities. The study found that radical treatment, preferably surgery, is...
A study published in the Journal of Urology analyzed 25 years of data after radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients and found that follow-up evaluations are necessary for 15 years after treatment. The study also confirmed using radiation therapy results in comparable disease-free survival rates to radical prostatectomy.
A recent study by Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology has led to the redefinition of hormone-sensitive breast tumours, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Gene expression analysis revealed discrepancies between histopathological data and molecular profiles, prompting a new definition that incorporates progesterone receptor levels.
About one in four physicians use social media daily to scan or explore medical information, with oncologists more likely to keep up with innovation. Meanwhile, primary care physicians use social media to get in touch with peers and learn from them.
A new study from Penn researchers shows that implementing a Conditions Reporting System improves perceptions of safety and reduces incidents in multi-site clinical practices. The system, which encourages staff to report errors, has led to positive responses on staff surveys focusing on the culture of safety.
Mark P. Carol, MD, a distinguished leader in IMRT and IGRT, has been recognized as ASTRO's 2012 Honorary Member for his groundbreaking approach to developing these techniques. He will be honored at the ASTRO 54th Annual Meeting on October 30, 2012.
A combination of anastrozole and fulvestrant extended the median survival time of women with Stage 4 hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The treatment option showed a significant overall survival benefit, particularly exciting for patients who have not had a new treatment in over a decade.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded five physicians with research grants to promote the advancement of radiation therapy. The Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award and Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award support young researchers in radiation oncology, biology, physics, ...
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named its 2012 class of Fellows, recognizing their significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology. The new Fellows include renowned experts in research, patient care, education, and leadership.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has selected J. Robert Cassady, George T.Y. Chen, and Mark W. Dewhirst as the Society's 2012 Gold Medal recipients for their groundbreaking research, clinical care, teaching, and service in radiation oncology.
Breast cancer patients treated with IMRT had lower incidence of acute and chronic toxicities compared to standard WBI. Larger breasted women also benefited from reduced toxicities with IMRT.
A new, cost-effective method for detecting ALK rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer patients has been developed. This approach is comparable to the established gold standard, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and could enable more patients to access potentially life-saving crizotinib therapy.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded five physicians with research grants to support their career development and research in radiation oncology. This year's winners include Abhijit Patel, MD, PhD, and David Kozono, MD, PhD, who will receive a $100,000 award over two years.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named 21 esteemed members as its 2011 Fellows, acknowledging their significant contributions to radiation oncology. These distinguished professionals have demonstrated excellence in research, patient care, education, and leadership, making them highly respected in the field.
A new procedure called InterStim Therapy uses electrical impulses to stimulate the sacral nerve and improve muscle function, reducing or eliminating bowel incontinence in 80% of patients. This minimally invasive treatment offers a long-term solution for patients seeking relief from the debilitating symptoms of fecal incontinence.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has published a white paper to improve the safe use of IMRT, which requires more time and resources from cancer clinics. The report provides practical guidance to strengthen IMRT programs, reducing errors and improving treatment outcomes.
Survival rates for wealthier patients with glioblastoma have improved since 2000, while those in poorer areas and older than 70 have remained stagnant. The addition of temozolomide to post-operative radiation therapy has been shown to improve overall survival in younger patients.
The journal Brachytherapy will now publish six times a year, with a meeting abstracts supplement annually. This expansion reflects the American Brachytherapy Society's commitment to providing radiation oncologists and other healthcare professionals with state-of-the-science treatments.