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New ASTRO clinical practice statement updates treatment standard for rectal cancer

The American Society for Radiation Oncology has updated its treatment standard for rectal cancer, recommending a more customized approach that may reduce treatment side effects. The new guideline suggests alternatives to the traditional tri-modal approach, including short-course radiation therapy and non-operative management.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateJul 21, 2016

Safeguarding against chlamydia

A new vaccine has been developed that generates double protection against chlamydia by teaching the immune system to recognize and remember the bacteria as a threat. The vaccine uses charge-switching synthetic adjuvant nanoparticles to bind to the bacteria, targeting mucosal surfaces and inducing an immune response.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2015

The rocky road to a better flu vaccine

Researchers found that a new adjuvant improved flu vaccine effectiveness in mice and showed promise for the elderly. The study also highlighted the importance of characterizing immune responses following intra-nasal vaccinations, particularly with novel adjuvants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 23, 2014

Mount Sinai finds value and limitations of patient assistance programs for women with breast cancer

A study by researchers from the Mount Sinai Hospital found that nearly 80% of women who contacted a patient assistance program had their needs met, compared to just 35% of those who did not. Most patients utilized programs for information about adjuvant therapies, psychosocial support, and overcoming practical/financial obstacles.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateOct 22, 2013

Study showed oxaliplatin improved colon cancer patient survival

A recent study found that adding oxaliplatin to adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer patients in the general population improved overall survival rates. The research also showed that this combination therapy was effective across various practice settings, including older and minority patients with comorbid conditions.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 20, 2012

New predictive tool identifies gastrointestinal cancer patients most likely to benefit from additional treatment and could reduce overtreatment

A new predictive tool has been developed to assess the risk of recurrence in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) following surgery. The tool provides more accurate prognosis for individual GIST patients compared to conventional models, helping to identify those most likely to benefit from additional treatment.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 6, 2011

Radiation after prostate removal is cost-effective, but less likely to be recommended by urologists

A new study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers finds that receiving radiation therapy immediately after a radical prostatectomy is a cost-effective treatment for prostate cancer patients. Urologists were less likely than radiation oncologists to recommend adjuvant radiation therapy or believe it improves overall survival.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateJun 9, 2011

BUSM study shows chemoradiotherapy prior to surgery improves survival

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that patients with invasive T3 and T4 non-small lung cancer who received chemotherapy before surgery had a significantly improved survival rate. The study, published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, showed that median survival was greatest for those who rec...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateFeb 28, 2011