Cancer News: Generic
Scientists fingerprint single cancer cells to map cancer’s family tree
A new method to take the DNA fingerprint of individual cancer cells is uncovering the true extent of cancer’s genetic diversity, new research reveals.
Reducing copper intake via food and water can slow down tumor growth
Scientists at EPFL have found that copper in drinking water - given at the maximum levels permitted in public water supplies - accelerated the growth of tumors in mice. On the other hand, reducing copper levels reduced tumor growth. The study strongly suggests that copper is an essential factor for the growth of tumors in humans as well.
ESMO spearheads international collaboration to assure patient access to safe and effective cancer medicines
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has stamped its authority on the international stage by boosting its collaboration with international health and regulatory bodies.
Chronic diseases hinder good cancer survival rates
For bowel cancer patients with several other diseases, the one-year survival rate is 46 percent. For those without other diseases it is 80 percent. The same disparity characterizes other major types of cancer, shows new research based on figures from the Central Denmark Region.
New technique improves accuracy & ease of cancer diagnosis
A team of researchers from UCLA and Harvard University have demonstrated a technique that, by measuring the physical properties of individual cells in body fluids, can diagnose cancer with a high degree of accuracy.
Cancer patients at increased risk for severe flu complications
One expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham says people with weakened immune systems due to diseases like cancer are also at an increased risk of severe complications from the virus.
Supporting others brings healing to cancer survivors
A new study finds that survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplant, an aggressive treatment for blood cancers, benefited from a two-part peer support process the authors call expressive helping.
Cancer increasing as babyboomers age
As 10,000 baby boomers reach 65 each day, the incidence of cancer is increasing, estimated to increase by 67% between 2010 and 2030, bringing attention to the nation's response to cancer care. Cancer is diagnosed at a higher rate, accounts for more survivors, and results in more deaths than in younger patients.
Aging cells could be to blame for late-life cancers
Not all cancers are due to genetic damage, say researchers in the UK. Some forms of the disease may be caused by older cells circumventing the switch that directs them to stop growing, which suggests cancers later in life may be due to the way our cells age.
Large differences in cancer survival between European countries still remain
Cancer survival still varies widely between European countries despite major improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment during the first decade of the 21st century. This is according to the latest reports covering over 50% of the adult and 77% of the childhood population of Europe.
Insulin sensitizers reduce risk of cancer
A new study showed that a specific type of diabetes drug can decrease cancer risk by up to 32% in female patients with type 2 diabetes.
Caffeine and alcohol can change a part of DNA linked to aging and cancer
Researchers discovered that cancer and the aging process may be affected by coffee and alcohol, although dietary recommendations changes will depend on more research.
1% of all cancers may be affected by a gene
Over 1% of all cancers may be driven by a single gene, according to researchers focusing on tumor growth.
Hair loss from chemotherapy may be better prevented with new cooling cap
Hair loss due to chemotherapy can be one of the most emotionally distressing side effects. An "improved" cooling cap may prevent patients undergoing cancer treatment from losing their hair.
Smoking changes our genes
New research findings from Uppsala University and Uppsala Clinical Research Center show that smoking actually alters several genes. These alterations can be associated with health problems for smokers, such as increased risk for cancer and diabetes.
Cancer death risk increases with chronic kidney disease
In a new study, chronic kidney disease has been found to increase risk of dying of cancer.
Gene therapy targeting tumor blood vessels being developed
Gene therapy, via a deactivated virus carrying a gene of interest that can be injected into the bloodstream and target the right cells, is reportedly under development.
Cancer strongly tied to smoking & meat consumption
An international study confirms a strong link between cancer rates, and smoking as well as eating diets high in animal products.
Targeting separate parts of cancer cells with different drugs may become possible
A new technique that delivers two different drugs to separate parts of the cancer cell has been developed by researchers.
Cancer risk in women reduced through diet and exercise
The risk of dying from cancer was found 20% lower among postmenopausal women who followed guidance on diet, weight, physical activity, and alcohol intake.
Cancer treatment resistance study identifies tumor suppressor
Cancer treatments face resistance for various reasons, and researchers are focusing on a suppressor protein that may kill cancer cells.
Cancer patients may overcome sleep problems with behavioral interventions
Cancer patients may have sleep problems or even insomnia due to pain or side effects, and two behavioral interventions may help them overcome them.
Cancer and nutrition may be genetically linked
Diet and nutrition may affect genes driving cancer cell growth, and researchers are exploring impact on prevention and treatment.
Multiple sclerosis patients may have increased cancer risk
Multiple sclerosis patients were shown to have increased risk of developing cancer, especially breast cancer. This contradicts earlier studies and requires additional research.
Radiation therapy research could reduce impact on healthy tissue
Progress in radiation therapy technology can reduce its impact on tissue surrounding the tumor, and also lower the total radiation dose.
Hereditary cancer prediction due to Lynch syndrome refined
Lynch syndrome is an inherited disease that increases the risk of various tumors. Researchers refined the prediction methods of colon and endometrial cancers, among others.
Etoposide combinations may improve survival and quality of life
Researchers studying etoposide (used in lung & testicular cancer, leukemias and brain tumors) showed that combining it with other compounds can improve outcomes.
Drug repurposing for gastrointestinal stromal tumors found possible
37 out of 89 drugs previously approved tested were promising as treatment options against gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Further tests are necessary to validate these initial outcomes.
Chemotherapy side effects: could metal implants help?
Chemotherapy side effects (like hair loss, nausea & fatigue) may be more manageable through specific metal implants, promising relief with future targeted drugs.
Recommendation against taking beta carotene and vitamin E
Although multivitamins or single or paired nutrients have not been proven to prevent cancer, the recommendation is against taking beta-carotene & vitamin E.