Cancer News: Head and neck
Protein identified that may predict thyroid cancer recurrence
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, have taken the first steps to determine if a protein, called Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1), can help to predict which thyroid cancer patients will most likely have a recurrence of the disease. Study findings were presented at the 2013 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons.
Scientists identify genetic errors in 12 major cancer types
Examining 12 major types of cancer, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified 127 repeatedly mutated genes that appear to drive the development and progression of a range of tumors in the body. The discovery sets the stage for devising new diagnostic tools and more personalized cancer treatments.
FDA approves Sorafenib to treat late-stage differentiated thyroid cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today expanded the approved uses of sorafenib (Nexavar) to treat late-stage differentiated thyroid cancer. The new indication is for patients with locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive differentiated thyroid cancer that no longer responds to radioactive iodine treatment.
Quality of life and symptom results in EORTC head & neck cancer trial
In Europe in 2012, there were an estimated 39,900 new cases of laryngeal cancer and 99,600 new cases of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers. These types of cancers can negatively affect the health related quality of life (HRQOL), because they induce symptoms that may interfere with daily life.
Nexavar approved for thyroid cancer by the FDA
The FDA approved an expanded indication for the targeted cancer drug sorafenib (Nexavar) to treat metastatic, differentiated thyroid cancer.
Tongue cancer surgery followed by radiation improves outcomes
A small study has shown that patients with tongue cancer benefit more from surgery followed by radiation therapy, compared to starting treatment with chemotherapy.
Tongue cancer patients benefit more from surgery than chemotherapy
Patients with tongue cancer who started treatment with surgery had better outcomes compared to those who had chemotherapy first, according to researchers.
Thyroid cancers among minorities and poor populations are diagnosed at more advanced stage
Thyroid cancer diagnosed in minorities and people of low socioeconomic status is more likely to be at advanced stage.
Head and neck cancer patients benefit from intensity-modulated radiation therapy
Head and neck cancer patients receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) experience fewer side effects and have better overall survival compared to standard radiotherapy.
Advanced tonsil cancer: radiating one side has good outcomes
Radiation therapy on one side of the neck for advanced stage tonsil cancer resulted in good local cancer control and no recurrence on the untreated side.
Oropharyngeal cancer patients suffer from lasting side effects
Oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with combined chemotherapy & radiation therapy suffer from lower voice & speech quality for up to 1 year after treatment.
Reducing head and neck cancer treatment side effects is possible
Limiting radiation to major salivary glands in head and neck cancer patients to reduce side effects was reported as feasible and safe in a medical conference.
Could a mood-stabilizing drug reduce head & neck cancer risk?
New research suggests that valproic acid, a drug used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder, could help reduce the risk of developing head and neck cancer.
Predicting radiation effectiveness for head and neck cancer
Two biomarkers have been found capable of predicting the effectiveness of radiation treatments for patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.
Mouth cancer linked with oral health and dental checks
Poor oral health and poor dental care both increase the risk of oral cancer. Using mouthwash more than 3 times a day also increased the risk of mouth cancers.