Latest Cancer News
Obama & Clinton Offer Healthcare Solutions
to Provide Health Insurance for Illegal Immigrants & American Households Earning
More than $50,000 per Year (05/17/2008)
Cancer patients, take notice: in this election year,
the healthcare debate thus far between the democratic candidates has focused on
what they have referred to as a “healthcare crises with 47 million Americans
without health insurance.
Physical Activity Early in Life Reduces Risk of Premenopausal Breast Cancer
(05/16/2008)
Physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. These results were recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Anesthetic Helps Relieve Menopausal Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors
(05/15/2008)
A local anesthetic administered into the neck appears to significantly reduce severe menopausal-like side effects among women who have been treated for breast cancer. These results were recently published in the Lancet Oncology.
Screening Ultrasound Improves Breast Cancer Detection in Dense Breasts
(05/13/2008)
The addition of ultrasound for the screening of breast cancer significantly improves detection rates among women who have dense breast tissue. These results were recently reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Smoking and Heavy Alcohol Consumption Reduce Survival in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
(05/13/2008)
Patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who smoke tobacco products and/or drink large quantities of alcohol have a reduced chance of optimal survival. These results were recently published in the International Journal of Cancer.
Mammography Can Measure Growth Rate of Breast Cancer Tumor
(05/12/2008)
New research indicates that screening mammography may provide estimates of breast cancer tumor growth rates. These findings from the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program were recently published in Breast Cancer Research.
Stem Cell Transplant Procedures Vary Throughout the World
(05/09/2008)
Stem cell transplant practices vary substantially among physicians treating adults and children with hematologic malignancies (cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukemias and lymphomas). These findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Genetic Variation Associated with Risk of Neuroblastoma
(05/09/2008)
Individuals with a common genetic variation (change in DNA) on the chromosome band 6p22 have a significantly increased risk of developing neuroblastoma, as well as an increased risk for disease relapse and advanced disease. These results were recently published in an early online article in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Colon Cancer Outcomes Differ Between Men and Women
(05/09/2008)
Variations within the gene responsible for epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) may be predictive of differing outcomes between male and female patients diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. Details of the study have recently been published in the Journal of Cancer Research.
PET Scans Often Impact Physicians’ Treatment Decisions
(05/08/2008)
A recently published study finds that results from positron emission tomography (PET) scans often influence a physician’s intended management plan among elderly patients diagnosed with cancer. Full details of the study were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Nexavar® Shows Promise for the Treatment of Advanced Melanoma
(05/08/2008)
Researchers from the United States have recently reported that, among patients with advanced melanoma, the addition to chemotherapy of the drug Nexavar® (sorafenib) improved progression-free survival. Full details of the study were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Worse Prognosis for “Bulky” Disease Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
(05/08/2008)
Young patients with diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with cancerous masses that are 10.0 centimeters or greater in diameter are considered to have “bulky” disease and have a worse prognosis than those with smaller masses. These findings were published in Lancet Oncology.
Changes in Lifestyle May Improve Quality of Life for Colon Cancer Survivors
(05/07/2008)
A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society reports that although few cancer survivors follow recommendations for lifestyle changes aimed to improve health and well-being, adhering to these guidelines may improve quality of life among colon cancer survivors. Full details of the study were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Costs of Cancer to Medicare Evaluated
(05/06/2008)
The five-year net cost to Medicare for patients diagnosed with cancer in 2004 is over 21 billion dollars. These results were recently reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Specific Gene Mutations May Affect Response to Tamoxifen in Breast Cancer
(05/06/2008)
Mutations within the CYP2D6 gene may affect the way in which a patient with hormone-positive breast cancer responds to tamoxifen (Nolvadex®). These results were recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Updates in the Management of Prostate and Kidney Cancers
(05/07/2008)
A report from the 2008 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium
Specific Gene Expression Predicts Risk for Prostate Cancer
(05/05/2008)
Expression of the PTOV1 gene helps predict the likelihood of the development of prostate cancer among men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-PIN). These results were recently published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research.
Treanda® Included in NCCN Guidelines for CLL and NHL
(05/05/2008)
The chemotherapy agent Treanda® (bendamustine) has been added to the treatment guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) as an accepted treatment option for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
New Treatment Combination for Bile Duct Cancer May Improve Survival
(05/06/2008)
A recent study indicates that the combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatiography (ERCP) may improve survival for patients with bile duct cancer. These findings were published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Changes in Lifestyle May Improve Quality of Life for Prostate Cancer Survivors
(05/05/2008)
A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society reports that although few cancer survivors follow recommendations for lifestyle changes aimed to improve health and well-being, adhering to these guidelines may improve quality of life among prostate cancer survivors. Full details of the study were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Changes in Lifestlye May Improve Quality of Life for Breast Cancer Survivors
(05/02/2008)
A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society reports that although few cancer survivors are following recommendations for lifestyle changes aimed to improve health and well-being, adhering to these guidelines may improve quality of life among breast cancer survivors. Full details of the study were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Genetic Differences Associated with Outcomes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
(05/01/2008)
It appears that different genetic mutations (alterations) affect outcomes among patients with acute myeloid leukemia. These results were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
No Benefit with Addition of Platinol® to Treatment for Anal Cancer
(05/01/2008)
Addition of the drug Platinol® (cisplatin) to 5-FU (5-flourouracil), mitomycin, and radiation may not improve outcomes for patients with anal cancer. These findings were recently published by the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Changes in Lifestyle May Improve Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors
(05/01/2008)
A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society reports that few cancer survivors are following recommendations for lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and smoking cessation. Full details of the study were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Regular Aspirin Use May Reduce Risk of Hormone-positive Breast Cancer
(04/30/2008)
Regular use of aspirin may modestly reduce the risk of developing hormone-positive breast cancer. These results were recently published online by Breast Cancer Research.
Avastin® plus Chemotherapy Shows Promise for Treatment of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
(04/30/2008)
The combination of Avastin® (bevacizumab), Gemzar® (gemcitabine), and Platinol® (cisplatin) prolonged progression-free survival when compared with chemotherapy alone among patients with non-small cell lung cancer. These results were recently reported by the pharmaceutical company Genentech.
Physicians with More Training Perform More Effective Colonoscopies
(05/07/2008)
A recent trial conducted at 15 different medical centers in Korea indicates that a physician must perform at least 150 colonoscopies to be considered competent at the procedure. Details of the study were recently published in the journal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Relistor™ Approved for Opioid-induced Constipation
(04/30/2008)
The pharmaceutical company Wyeth recently announced that their drug Relistor™ (methylnaltrexone bromide) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of constipation related to the use of opioid pain relievers.
Elderly Women Benefit from Screening Mammography
(04/30/2008)
Regular mammograms among women 80 years of age and older may detect earlier stages of breast cancer. These findings were released in an early online publication of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Gleevec® May Be Effective for Some Patients with Metastatic Melanoma
(04/29/2008)
The targeted agent Gleevec® (imatinib) may be a promising therapy for some patients with metastatic melanoma. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Patients Undergoing Organ Transplant at Increased Risk for Skin Cancer
(04/30/2008)
Patients who receive an organ transplant are at an increased risk for developing various types of cancer, including skin cancers. It recommended that these patients receive extensive education about risks of skin cancer as well as screening measures. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Tanning Beds Pose Skin Cancer Risks
(04/28/2008)
Despite marketing efforts by the tanning bed industry that use of tanning beds can provide the healthful benefit of increasing vitamin D levels, researchers claim that “there is absolutely no justification for indoor tanning,” citing the associated risk of skin cancer and the availability of vitamin D from sources other than UV exposure. These results were presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Skin Examinations Remain Standard of Care for Early Diagnosis of Melanoma
(04/28/2008)
Regular skin examinations remain the standard of care for the early detection and prevention of melanoma. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting.
Rates of Melanoma Continue to Increase
(04/28/2008)
The rate of melanoma in the United States continues to rise. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
May Is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month
(04/28/2008)
As the month of May brings skin cancer into focus, it’s a great time to increase public understanding of the disease, including its prevalence, approaches to screening and prevention, treatment options, and resources that offer updated skin cancer information throughout the year.
Certain Foods May Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer
(04/25/2008)
Further evidence has emerged that certain dietary patterns may help prevent breast cancer among both women with a genetic risk for the disease and those with no genetic risk. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Cancer Detection and Prevention.
FDA Approves Treanda® for Initial Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
(04/25/2008)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently approved the drug Treanda® (bendamustine) for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The approval is based on data indicating that, for patients with CLL, Treanda improved overall response and complete response rates as well as progression-free survival rates compared with the commonly used agent chlorambucil.
Women Share Breast and Ovarian Cancer Testing Results with Family Members
(04/25/2008)
Women who undergo testing for genetic breast cancer are more likely to share the results with other female family members, including children and their siblings, if they are aware of their relative’s opinion of genetic testing. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Family Psychology.
Surgery Effective in Elderly Patients with Lung Cancer
(04/21/2008)
Surgery for the treatment of lung cancer in patients 80 years and older is a safe and effective treatment approach for those who are eligible. These results were recently presented at the American Association for Cancer Research 2008 Annual Meeting.
Higher Chemotherapy Dose Intensity Does Not Improve Survival for Small Cell Lung Cancer
(04/21/2008)
Increasing the dose intensity of chemotherapy does not appear to improve survival in small cell lung cancer. These results were recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
GVAX® Promising for Recurrent Prostate Cancer
(04/21/2008)
The immunotherapeutic vaccine GVAX® provides promising activity in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Multiple Myeloma Treatment Does Not Affect the Outcome of Stem Cell Transplant
(04/18/2008)
A recently published study indicates that the type of initial chemotherapy for multiple myeloma has no impact on the outcome of patients who later undergo autologous stem cell transplant. These findings appeared in an early online publication of Bone Marrow Transplantation.
Vaccine E75 May Improve Survival for Some HER2 Breast Cancer Patients
(04/18/2008)
The investigative vaccine E75 may have survival benefits for patients with breast cancer that has low expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Weekly Taxol® Improves Survival in Early Breast Cancer
(04/17/2008)
The chemotherapy schedule that includes once-weekly administration of Taxol® (paclitaxel) in combination with Adriamycin® (doxorubicin) and Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide) appears most effective in early breast cancer. These results were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Celebrex® Reduces Colon Adenomas
(04/17/2008)
The COX2-inhibitor Celebrex® (celecoxib) reduces the rate of colon adenomas at five years and appears safe, even among patients with cardiovascular disease. These results were recently presented as a late-breaking abstract at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Abraxane®/Gemzar® Promising in Pancreatic Cancer
(04/17/2008)
The chemotherapy combination consisting of Abraxane® (paclitaxel) and Gemzar® (gemcitabine) appears promising for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Trans Fats Linked to Breast Cancer Risk
(04/17/2008)
According to a study conducted in France, high levels of trans fats in the blood contributed to an increased risk of invasive breast cancer. Full details of the study were recently published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Invasive Measures May Improve Outcome for Patients with Liver Cancer
(04/16/2008)
A recent study reveals that a combination of chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation is more effective than either treatment alone for patients with larger liver tumors. These findings were published in Journal of the American Medical Association.
Sutent® Active in Liver Cancer
(04/16/2008)
Sutent® (sunitinib) reduces the risk of cancer spread and the rate of cancer growth among patients with a form of liver cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma. These results were presented as a late-breaking abstract at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Soy Products May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
(04/16/2008)
A recent study conducted in Japan reveals that soy products such as tofu may significantly reduce a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer. Details of the study were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption May Increase Breast Cancer Risk
(04/16/2008)
Consuming just one alcoholic drink per day may increase the risk of hormone-sensitive breast cancer. These results were presented as a late-breaking abstract at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research.