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Histologic classification impacts SBRT treatment in early-stage lung cancer patients

A study analyzing 740 early-stage NSCLC patients treated with SBRT found that Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SqCC) has a significantly higher rate of local failure compared to other histological subtypes. SqCCs are more resistant to SBRT, which may require treatment optimization based on histological subtype.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateDec 22, 2016

Molecular tinkering doubles cancer drug's efficacy

Researchers at Duke University have successfully packaged a widely used cancer drug into nanoparticles, more than doubling its effectiveness in mice. The new approach delivers the drug directly to tumors while reducing side effects and improving targeting, showing transformative results for patients.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2015

Identified the mechanism that controls localization of protein Rac1 in the cell nucleus

Researchers at CNIC identified the molecular mechanism regulating transport of Rac1 between nucleus and cytoplasm. Sustained presence of Rac1 in nucleus promotes nuclear deformation to facilitate cell migration through confined spaces. The study provides potential targets for future therapies.

Testosterone promotes prostate cancer in rats

A new study published in Endocrinology found that testosterone treatment increased the incidence of prostate carcinomas in rats. The research suggests that testosterone alone is a weak carcinogen in male rats and creates a hospitable environment for tumors to develop when combined with cancer-causing chemicals.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateOct 7, 2014

Going viral to target tumors

Researchers found that injecting a virus directly into one melanoma tumor can induce a potent anti-tumor immune response, destroying both infected and non-infected tumors. This combination therapy overcomes the limitations of oncolytic virotherapy and checkpoint blockade.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 5, 2014

Genetic mutation may play key role in risk of lethal prostate cancer in overweight patients

A new study found that men with a specific genetic mutation are more than 50% likely to die from prostate cancer if they're overweight or obese. The researchers analyzed data on 1,243 participants and discovered that obesity was linked to higher levels of insulin and growth factor receptors in tumors containing the mutation.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 2, 2013

Gene-expression signature may signify risk for recurrence, metastasis in prostate cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified a genetic signature associated with the risk of tumor recurrence or spread in men surgically treated for prostate cancer. The 32-gene index proved to be the most accurate method, predicting actual incidence of tumor recurrence (47%) and metastasis (14%) among high-risk patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2013

Tumor boards linked to little association with effects on cancer care

A recent study found that tumor boards have a modest association with the types of treatments patients receive for certain cancers. For example, lung cancer and prostate cancer patients were more likely to receive higher-quality care when treated at hospitals with tumor boards. However, other types of cancer care remained unaffected by...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 28, 2012

Targeted prostate biopsy has potential to improve diagnosis of prostate cancer

A new targeted prostate biopsy technique using magnetic resonance ultrasound fusion has been shown to improve diagnosis of prostate cancer and aid in selecting patients for active surveillance. The study found that the biopsies identified 90 out of 171 men with prostate cancer, highlighting its potential as a more accurate and efficien...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateDec 10, 2012