Cancer News: Generic
Personalized medicine: “the best way to treat cancer”
Researchers have been focusing on personalized medicine and targeted treatments for cancer. A new study claims that case-by-case strategies are the way forward, compared to basing a patient's cancer treatment on commonly disrupted genes and pathways.
Testing for cancer using urine sample is becoming affordable
A team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a test which produces biomarkers in urine and can be used on a paper strip. This could be an important step to make testing simpler and more available.
Is palliative chemotherapy always achieving its goals?
Palliative chemotherapy, a treatment to prolong survival and ease symptoms for terminal cancer patients, may have potential drawbacks that should be addressed.
Palliative chemotherapy: harms and benefits often misunderstood
Researchers found that the purpose and consequences of palliative chemotherapy may not be understood in the same way among patients and the medical teams.
Low protein intake in middle-aged adults reduces cancer risk
A recent survey confirms that a low protein consumption diet reduces the risk of some diseases, including cancer, especially for middle aged adults.
Cancer risk found lower if protein intake is reduced in middle age
A study found that a high protein diet in ages 50-65 was correlated with 4 times the risk of death from cancer, compared to people with low protein intake.
Does red and processed meat really increase cancer risk?
While recent reports warn about eating red and processed meat and its impact on cancer risk, a new paper authored by 23 scientists indicates uncertainties.
Cancer mortality increased 4 times for diabetics taking insulin
Cancer patients who have been diabetics for 2 years, and were taking insulin at the time of diagnosis, have 4 times higher mortality 1 year after diagnosis.
Third-hand smoke increases cancer risk as well
Third hand smoke (exposure to the toxic compounds of tobacco from surfaces and dust where someone has previously been smoking) may result in cancer.
Targeted radiosurgery: a cancer treatment in 15 minutes?
A new cancer treatment (available in the US & Portugal) based on radiosurgery performs cancer surgery within 15 minutes, without the incision or hospital stay.
Chemotherapy may be more effective with natural plant compounds
Plant compounds present in carrots and parsley may be an important weapon in delivering chemotherapy treatments for cancer more effectively.
Organic food does not reduce risk of cancer in women
A diet based on organic food does not change the risk of cancer in women, according to a new study which tracked over 600,000 middle-aged women for a decade.
PET/CT scans for cancer patients completed in 15-20 minutes
A new PET/CT scanner does combined exams in just 15-20 minutes, and is much more patient-friendly as the patient is never completely enclosed.
Sleep apnea linked to cancer in a study
Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea was linked with 2.5 times higher likelihood of cancer, after adjustment for obesity and many other factors.
Laparoscopic device may raise cancer risk, the FDA warns
The US FDA advises to avoid use of laparoscopic power "morcellation" (surgical division of mass) in hysterectomy & other procedures, as it warns of cancer risk.
Cancer pain reduced by focused ultrasound
A new clinical trial shows that non-invasive magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound treatment that heats the tumor within the bone relieves from pain.
How cancer affects family and may lead to divorce
The risk of divorce increases when the wife (but not the husband) becomes ill with a serious condition, like cancer. In a study, 31% of couples separated.
Chemotherapy timing is key to successful cancer treatment
A research team showed that timing the delivery of chemotherapy to the aggressive tumors dramatically shrinks lung and breast tumors, in a study.
A new substance may make radiation therapy more effective
Scientists have demonstrated the potential of a drug to improve the effectiveness of radiotherapy in stopping tumor growth, in early stage research.
Cancer-related fatigue: new guidelines to help patients
30% of cancer patients endure persistent fatigue for years after treatment, affecting their quality of life, leading to the creation of new clinical guidelines.
Is cancer prognosis associated with vitamin D levels?
Researchers investigated the association of levels of vitamin D with mortality, and paid attention to differences between countries, genders and age groups.
Sitting associated with higher risk of cancer
In a new review of past research covering 69,000 patients, sitting was associated with a higher probability of diagnosis with colon or endometrial cancer.
Physical inactivity increases risk for colon, endometrial & lung cancer
Physical inactivity has been blamed for diseases like diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Now it is also linked to the risk of certain cancers.
After cancer treatment: easing pain and improving quality of life
Researchers are always looking for more ways to deal with pain after cancer treatment. A paper describes some of them, like medication and seeing a specialist.
Receiving treatment for cancer-related depression: an analysis
1 in 2 cancer patients experience depressive symptoms. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed, and researchers analyzed the results from 9 previous trials.
Risk for breast, prostate and colon cancer: dominated by genetics
Researchers studied individuals who had been adopted. They discovered that the risk for breast, prostate and colorectal cancer is highly dependent on genetics.
Sun exposure and low vitamin D levels: a lethal combination?
A study had the controversial outcome that women who avoid sun exposure are twice as likely to die compared to those who do. Could vitamin D levels be the cause?
Advanced cancer patients can benefit from exercise and nutrition
Patients with advanced cancer can benefit from exercise, nutritional counselling & symptom control, according to evidence within a recently published study.
Plant-based products may protect the skin during radiotherapy
Natural product chemicals derived from plants may protect the skin from some harmful effects of radiation during cancer radiation therapy, researchers say.