Oncology News and Research

RSS

Oncology, meaning bulk, mass, or tumor, and the suffix ''-logy'', meaning "study of") is a branch of medicine that deals with tumors (cancer). A medical professional who practices oncology is an ''oncologist''.

Gleevec decreases cancer recurrence for GIST

Preliminary results from a large, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial for patients with primary gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a type of tumor usually found in the stomach or small intestine, showed that patients who received imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) after complete removal of their tumor were significantly less likely to have a recurrence of their cancer compared to those who did not receive imatinib.

15 Apr 2007

Hospital-based performance measures for quality of care for breast and colorectal cancer

In a move more than two years in the making, a National Quality Forum (NQF) endorsement became effective today of the first nationally recognized hospital-based performance measures for quality of care for breast and colorectal cancer.

15 Apr 2007

Shutting down microglia

Developing brain tumors can coax assistance from nearby cells known as microglia, according to a new study from scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The researchers have identified one protein made by microglia that helps accelerate tumor growth and are looking for others.

15 Apr 2007

Margaret Foti receives inaugural AACR award for cancer research

The Board of Directors of the American Association for Cancer Research is pleased to honor Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.) with the first annual AACR Award for Leadership and Extraordinary Achievements in Cancer Research.

12 Apr 2007

Developing brain tumors coax assistance from nearby cells

Developing brain tumors can coax assistance from nearby cells known as microglia, according to a new study from scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

12 Apr 2007

Three proteins could be new targets for treating stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries

Some mature brain cells can grow new extensions when the amount of three particular proteins on their surface increases, a new study shows.

12 Apr 2007

Cancer patients relying more on friends, family for treatment advice

More cancer patients and their loved ones are making decisions on what treatments to undergo based on the advice of their friends and family, according to a study commissioned by the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO).

12 Apr 2007

Massive gene screening points way to more effective chemotherapy

Using a technology that can quickly screen all 20,000-plus human genes for biological activity, scientists have isolated 87 genes that seem to affect how sensitive human cancer cells are to certain chemotherapy drugs.

12 Apr 2007

Roche and Transgene S.A. partner on HPV vaccine program

Roche and Transgene S.A. have announced that they have entered into an exclusive worldwide collaboration agreement to develop and commercialize products from Transgene's therapeutic vaccine program against Human Papilloma Virus-mediated diseases.

11 Apr 2007

Male births on the decline in the U.S. and Japan

A study published in this week's online edition of Environmental Health Perspectives reports that during the past thirty years, the number of male births has decreased each year in the U.S. and Japan.

10 Apr 2007

Scientists identify protein key to breast cancer spread

(PHILADELPHIA) Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson have identified a protein that they say is key to helping a quarter of all breast cancers spread.

10 Apr 2007

FASgen awarded grant for refinement of its serum fatty acid synthase

FASgen has announced that it has been awarded an SBIR grant from National Cancer Institute for refinement of its serum FAS (fatty acid synthase) ELISA cancer diagnostic test, FAS- Detect ELISA.

10 Apr 2007

Physical, emotional burden of breast cancer lingers for older survivors

Surviving breast cancer is both a physical and an emotional ordeal, but the consensus among researchers is that life generally returns to normal for most women within two years of completing treatment.

7 Apr 2007

Montefiore Medical Center launches human papilloma virus clinic

The only HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Vaccine Clinic of its kind has been launched at Montefiore Medical Center.

7 Apr 2007

Lower doses of dexamethasone for multiple myeloma recommended

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) - supporting research and providing education, advocacy and support for myeloma patients, families, researchers and physicians - today said physicians should consider lowering the dose of the steroid dexamethasone when treating patients with multiple myeloma.

5 Apr 2007

Pharmacyclics undergoes 'file over protest' for Xcytrin NDA

Pharmacyclics, Inc. has announced its request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that its New Drug Application (NDA) for Xcytrin (motexafin gadolinium) Injection be filed over protest.

5 Apr 2007

Method for making new molecules based on flavonoids - implications for cancer therapeutics

You've heard of them -- the good-for-your-health compounds found in plants that we enjoy in red wine, dark chocolate, green tea and citrus fruits.

5 Apr 2007

Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals launches in the U.S.

Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. today announced its official U.S. launch. The new company incorporates the former Berlex Inc.into Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, as part of Bayer's acquisition of Schering AG, Germany, Berlex's former parent company.

5 Apr 2007

Multiple myeloma trial has shows significant improvement in survival

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center has announced that a multiple myeloma clinical trial has shown a significant improvement in survival with lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone therapy compared to lenalidomide plus high-dose dexamethasone.

5 Apr 2007