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Oncology
New genetic variants found in breast cancer
A worldwide study of the DNA of 100,000 women has discovered two new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Device delivers cancer drugs more efficiently
A new device that delivers cancer drugs directly into tumours without relying on perfusion via the bloodstream, could increase life expectancy for patients with pancreatic, breast and other solid cancers, say researchers from the University of North Carolina.
Coffee keeps endometrial cancer at bay
An Imperial College London study on 1,303 women has found that drinking three to four cups of coffee a day could reduce the risk of endometrial cancer by almost a fifth.
Eight signs of impending cancer death
US and Brazilian researchers have identified eight highly specific physical and cognitive signs associated with imminent death in cancer patients. The findings could guide both the medical team and caregivers on complex decision making, such as discontinuation of tests and therapy, plans for hospital discharge and hospice referral.
Genetic variation marker in paediatric cancer
Genetic variation rather than the presence of individual mutations might be a better way to identify the most malignant tumours in childhood cancers, Swedish researchers have found
Some breast cancer patients can avoid radiotherapy
A Edinburgh University study shows that older women with early breast cancer who are given breast-conserving surgery and hormone therapy gain very modest benefit from radiotherapy and could avoid it without damaging their chances of survival.
Gene associated with lung cancer discovered
Researchers of the Genetic Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Consortium, have identified the PARK2 gene mutation as being associated with lung cancer, implicating it as a genetic susceptibility factor for the disease.
Liver tumours affected by hepatitis
Using whole genomic sequencing, scientists from RIKEN in Japan have for the first time demonstrated the profound effect that chronic hepatitis infection and inflammation can have on the genetic mutations found in tumours of the liver.
Pancreatic cancer cells sidestep chemo
Pancreatic cancer cells have found a way to sidestep chemotherapy by hijacking the vitamin D receptor, normally associated with bone health, and repurposing it to repair the damage caused by chemotherapy, according to a Fox Chase Cancer Centre study.
Autophagy link with aggressive breast cancer
University of Texas scientists have, based on a large analysis, identified a strong link between the most aggressive type of breast cancer and a gene that regulates autophagy, the body’s natural cellular recycling process.
Smoking complicates prostate cancer treatment
According to a Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre study, prostate cancer patients who were current smokers had a 40% relative increase of relapse and were twice as susceptible to disease spread and death due to the disease compared with non-smoking counterparts.
Enzymes don't promote but suppress tumours
Upending decades-old dogma, University of California scientists say enzymes long categorised as promoting cancer are, in fact, tumour suppressors and that current clinical efforts to develop inhibitor-based drugs should instead focus on restoring the enzymes' activities.
Technique improves breast cancer detection
A new breast imaging technique pioneered at Mayo Clinic nearly quadruples detection rates of invasive breast cancers in women with dense breast tissue, according to a recent major study.
Genetic mutations linked to testicular cancer
A British study has uncovered several new genetic mutations that could drive testicular cancer and identified a gene which may contribute to tumours becoming resistant.
Experimental sputum test for lung cancer
The University of Maryland has developed an experimental test that checks sputum for chemical signals of lung cancer. Although not yet accurate enough for diagnosis, it was able to distinguish early stage lung cancer with 83% accuracy.
Gene promotes pancreatic cancer growth
University of Michigan researchers found the ATDC gene promotes cancer growth and spread, helping to explain why pancreatic cancer is so lethal, with fewer than a third of patients surviving even early stage disease.
Insulin levels may predict breast cancer risk
After menopause, unhealthy insulin levels may predict breast cancer risk even more than excess weight, according to research at Imperial College London.
Higher stroke risk in new cancer patients
New cancer patients face a heightened risk of stroke in the months immediately following their diagnoses, with that risk escalating with the aggressiveness of their disease, according to a study from Weill Cornell Medical College.
No link between biopsies and cancer spread
Mayo Clinic research bolsters earlier findings that cancer biopsies do not cause cancer to spread.
Random mutations responsible for most cancers
Johns Hopkins researchers have created a statistical model that concludes two-thirds of adult cancer risk can be explained primarily by 'bad luck', when random mutations occur in genes that can drive cancer growth. Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK says a new study indicates four out of 10 cancer cases of could have been avoided by lifestyle changes.
UK trials new skin cancer drug
A drug that scientists believe could revolutionise treatment for advanced skin cancer is to be trialled in the UK.
Breast cancer gene identified
A study by researchers at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute has identified a gene that is especially active in aggressive sub-types of breast cancer. The research suggests that an overactive BCL11A gene drives triple-negative breast cancer development and progression.
Osteoporosis drugs beat off endometrial cancer
Women using bisphosphonates – used to treat osteoporosis and other bone conditions – have about half the risk of developing endometrial cancer as women who do not use the drugs. The finding supports earlier research showing an anti-cancer effect to this type of medication.
Limiting heart exposure to radiation
Women with breast cancer in their left side have higher heart disease because it is difficult to adequately shielding the heart from radiation treatment. Research shows a woman who holds her breath during radiation pulses can greatly reduce radiation exposure to the heart.
Standalone HPV test for cervical cancer
New interim US guidelines recommend use the HPV test alone as the primary screen for cervical cancer. Thee Pap smear would still be used for follow-up tests and for primary screening of women under age 25.
Statins could help prevent breast cancer
Lowering cholesterol with statin drugs could help prevent breast cancer, a study of more than 600,000 British women has found. The Guardian reports that...
Aspirin slows down cancer gene ageing, smoking accelerates it
A study shows that while regular use of aspirin reduces the ageing of cancer genes, smoking can accelerate them, reports ANI News. Scientists discovered...
Chinese herbal extract could help kill of pancreatic cancer cells
Researchers have discovered that pancreatic cancer cells may be killed off by a Chinese herbal extract, according to a Daily Digest report. A protein...
Simple blood test could be key to detecting cancer
UK researchers have developed a simple blood test that could provide the key to detecting all forms of cancer. Scientists from the University of...
Findings a ‘giant step’ towards blocking metastasis
Managing to block metastasis, the strategy adopted by tumour cells to transform into an aggressive form of cancer, or even better, prevent their formation,...
Novel approach to preventing cervical cancer described
A study has described a novel approach to preventing cervical cancer, based on findings showing successful reduction in the risk of cervical cancer after...
Blood test to give breast cancer early warning
A simple blood test could offer many women an early warning of breast cancer even if they did not inherit genes linked to the...
Cancer identification improved by 3-D mammography technique
Combining digital mammography with a 3-D technique may improve doctors’ ability to identify breast cancers and decrease the need for additional testing. ‘We’re detecting...
No sun exposure may be bad for your health
A large new study shows that women who avoid sunbathing during the summer are twice as likely to die than those who sunbathe every...
Lifestyle cancers on the rise in the UK – ONS study
A study by the UK’s Office for National Statistics study shows the number of people diagnosed with liver cancer has risen sharply – the...
New ovarian cancer treatment can improve response rates
Doctors at the University of Arizona Cancer Centre at St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Centre have reported that a new treatment for ovarian cancer...
Gene mutation has links to type of breast cancer
Women with a specific gene mutation have a higher risk of dying from a type of breast cancer, a study has found, which has...
Vaccine could help cancers respond to immunotherapy
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) do not typically respond to immunotherapy, which limits treatment options for this cancer. But, reports Health-Canal a study has found...
Potential delivery vehicle for brain cancer chemotherapy drugs found
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have demonstrated in a mouse model that their recently developed synthetic peptide carrier is a potential delivery vehicle for brain...
New drug has potential to help melanoma sufferers
A pioneering new drug appears to have cured a British man with advanced skin cancer who had been given just months to live. The...