Cancer News

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.

Risk of most common breast cancer type increased by smoking

Young women smoking a pack a day for 10 years or more have 60% higher risk of developing the most common type of breast cancer, according to the latest study.

Pancreatic cancer diagnosis could be faster with new tiny device

A small, low-cost device can help pathologists diagnose pancreatic cancer earlier and faster, as it relies on new technologies for tissue processing. It is still under development.

Double mastectomy "better" for early breast cancer patients with BRCA gene mutation

According to a study, early stage breast cancer patients with the BRCA gene mutation had better prognosis with a double mastectomy (compared to single mastectomy).

Melanoma staging by biopsy leads to better long-term survival

Intermediate & thick melanomas staged by biopsy were associated with better 10-year disease and metastasis-free survival, compared to wide excision and nodal observation. This was shown in the final results of a randomized trial.

Leukemia drug Imbruvica (ibrutinib) approved for CLL

The US FDA approved the targeted drug ibrutinib (Imbruvica) as 2nd-line treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Inaccurate rare cancer diagnosis remains a major obstacle for treatment

An accurate cancer diagnosis is particularly important for rare cancers, which present additional challenges, and inaccurate diagnoses present major obstacles.

Novel prostate cancer treatment for metastasis to the bones

A US hospital has began treatments to prostate cancer patients whose tumor has spread to the bones, using a recently approved radioactive agent called Xofigo.

Prostate cancer genetics discovery could improve treatment options

A possible explanation for relapse after hormone therapy for prostate cancer was provided by genes. This may lead to more tailored treatment for some patients.

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.

Breast cancer survival possibly predicted by gene testing

A panel of 55 genes may predict if breast cancer will become invasive. The gene panel represents tumor suppressor & genetic alterations, and will require further testing before it could be used.

Do mammograms reduce breast cancer mortality? The debate continues

In a 25-year follow-up report from a Canadian screening program, annual mammography did not reduce breast cancer mortality in women ages 40-59. This sparked further an ongoing debate on the common practice and its effects.

Potential cholangiocarcinoma treatment via genetics being validated

Personalized treatments for bile duct cancer through genomic sequencing that could help by targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) are studied.

Bladder & breast cancer subtypes found genetically similar

A new discovery showed that invasive bladder cancer and some breast cancers have genetic similarities. This could lead to new therapies and diagnostic aids.

Proton therapy boosts prostate cancer survival and quality of life

99% of men after receiving proton therapy for early- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer have no evidence of disease and enjoy excellent quality of life. 76% with high-risk enjoy the same benefits.

HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer treatment approved

The US FDA has approved trastuzumab emtansine (or T-DM1) for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer treatment following trastuzumab and taxanes chemotherapy.

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.

HPV virus responsible for cervical cancer killed by HIV drug in trials

In a localized trial, a large portion of women with HPV-positive early stage cervical cancer returned to normal after being treated with the HIV drug lopinavir.

Potential targeted treatment in triple-negative breast cancer found

Researchers identified a protein that can be targeted for treating triple-negative breast cancer, the most aggressive form of the disease. More testing is necessary before trying this assumption in a clinical trial.

Scanning for childhood cancer may become radiation-free

An MRI-based method may allow tumor detection without exposing young patients to radiation. This would reduce secondary cancer risk later in their lives.

Genetic analysis for ovarian cancer treatment selection

Matching advanced ovarian cancer patients with one of the most common drugs (paclitaxel, cyclophosphamide, and topotecan) is now possible via gene analysis.

Experimental lung cancer drug improves survival in late-stage trial

The non-small cell lung cancer trial compared ramucirumab (designed to treat multiple tumors) combined with docetaxel, with a placebo combined with docetaxel.

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.

Preventive ovarian surgery for BRCA1 carriers must be done early

Women with BRCA1 mutations should have preventive ovarian surgery (“prophylactic oophorectomy”) before they turn 35. Otherwise, their risk for cancer increases. This is the outcome of a large international study.

New melanoma diagnosis and prognosis method patented

Researchers have developed a method for the diagnosis and prognosis of cutaneous melanoma, the type of skin cancer with the highest mortality rate.

Multiple myeloma & myeloid leukemia treatment improved by experimental drug

An experimental drug known as dinaciclib could improve the effectiveness of certain multiple myeloma and myeloid leukemia therapies, according to a study.

Glioblastoma survival not improved by adding bevacizumab to treatment

A study of 621 adults showed that adding bevacizumab to the standard of care for glioblastoma (GBM) did not improve overall survival.

Screening for advanced prostate cancer possible by genetics

Gene mutations in men with family history of prostate cancer can identify those at high risk. This discovery can lead to active monitoring for early detection.

Genetic screening can identify advanced prostate cancer risk

Genetic screening of men with a family history of prostate cancer can identify those at high risk of aggressive forms of the disease, and suggest monitoring.

Survival with advanced cervical cancer prolonged by bevacizumab

Combining chemotherapy with bevacizumab (also known as Avastin) extended survival in patients with advanced cervical cancer who participated in a phase 3 trial.

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