Radiation Therapy News and Research

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Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy, x-ray therapy, or irradiation) is the use of a certain type of energy (called ionizing radiation) to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy injures or destroys cells in the area being treated (the “target tissue”) by damaging their genetic material, making it impossible for these cells to continue to grow and divide. Although radiation damages both cancer cells and normal cells, most normal cells can recover from the effects of radiation and function properly. The goal of radiation therapy is to damage as many cancer cells as possible, while limiting harm to nearby healthy tissue.

RaySearch signs research collaboration agreement with NIRS/QST for advancement of ion beam therapy

RaySearch has signed a research collaboration and licensing agreement with the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, a pioneer of ion beam technology based in Chiba, Japan. QST was established in 2016 when the National Institute of Radiological Sciences was merged with certain functions of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency.

31 May 2018

FDA-approved drug for lymphoma and leukemia may help treat common type of brain tumor

New Cleveland Clinic research shows for the first time that ibrutinib, an FDA-approved drug for lymphoma and leukemia, may also help treat the most common – and deadliest – type of brain tumor.

30 May 2018

Study: Breast cancer survivors do not receive recommended level of screening after surgery

Breast cancer survivors are not getting the recommended level of screening, post-surgery, according to a newly-published study in JNCCN – Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

24 May 2018

Novel drug prevents memory impairment in mice exposed to simulated deep space radiation

Planning a trip to Mars? You'll want to remember your anti-radiation pills. NASA and private space companies like SpaceX plan to send humans to the red planet within the next 15 years--but among the major challenges facing future crewed space missions is how to protect astronauts from the dangerous cosmic radiation of deep space.

22 May 2018

Thyroid tumors may be more susceptible to precisely targeted radiation treatment, suggests study

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is almost uniformly fatal, with an average lifespan of about 5 months after diagnosis.

22 May 2018

Researchers use MR spectroscopy to investigate mechanisms behind targeted treatment for gliomas

Using a novel imaging method, a Massachusetts General Hospital research team is investigating the mechanisms behind a potential targeted treatment for a subtype of the deadly brains tumors called gliomas.

21 May 2018

Rutgers Cancer Institute nurses research various topics to enhance patient experience

From peer and patient education to addressing treatment side effects and other patient care needs, nurses at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey researched a number of topics with an aim of enhancing the patient experience.

18 May 2018

Smart technology helps improve outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer

A federally funded, randomized clinical trial of 357 people receiving radiation for head and neck cancer, using mobile and sensor technology to remotely monitor patient symptoms, resulted in less severe symptoms related to both the cancer and its treatment (both general and cancer-related).

17 May 2018

Researchers discover medulloblastoma subtype that responds to less aggressive therapy

The youngest patients with the brain tumor medulloblastoma are among the most challenging because their rapidly developing brains limit treatment options.

17 May 2018

Cleveland Clinic researcher wins NCI grant to delve into cancer genetics and radiation effectiveness

Can the genetic makeup of their cancers predict how patients with lung cancer will respond to radiation therapy? And can this information be used to advance a genetically guided strategy for patients with these tumors? Cleveland Clinic researcher and radiation oncologist Mohamed Abazeed, M.D., Ph.D., has been awarded a $2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to delve into those and other related questions.

15 May 2018

UTA bioengineering professor successfully patents new cancer trap

The University of Texas at Arlington has successfully patented in Europe an implantable medical device that attracts and kills circulating cancer cells that was invented by a faculty member. This cancer trap can be used for early diagnosis and treatment of metastasized cancer.

14 May 2018

Study uncovers promising new line of attack against aggressive prostate cancer

UC San Francisco researchers have discovered a promising new line of attack against lethal, treatment-resistant prostate cancer. Analysis of hundreds of human prostate tumors revealed that the most aggressive cancers depend on a built-in cellular stress response to put a brake on their own hot-wired physiology.

14 May 2018

New survey shows 80% of oncologists have discussed medical marijuana use with patients

Data from a new survey show that as many as 80% of oncologists have discussed medical marijuana use with their patients.

11 May 2018

Aravive Biologics demonstrates proof-of-mechanism for AVB-S6-500 in ongoing phase 1 study

Aravive Biologics, Inc. announced today that the company has demonstrated clinical proof-of-mechanism for AVB-S6-500 in neutralizing GAS6, based on analysis of the single ascending dose portion of the ongoing Phase 1 study.

10 May 2018

Researchers develop artificial intelligence method to help cancer patients worldwide

Before performing radiation therapy, radiation oncologists first carefully review medical images of a patient to identify the gross tumor volume -- the observable portion of the disease. They then design patient-specific clinical target volumes that include surrounding tissues, since these regions can hide cancerous cells and provide pathways for metastasis.

10 May 2018

Complex medical imaging systems to be installing led in new NHS high energy proton beam therapy center

One of the most complex medical imaging systems ever developed which uses proton beams to create 3D images of the internal anatomy of cancer patients will be installed in one of the UK's only two new NHS high energy proton beam therapy centers, helping to provide better treatment planning and monitoring for difficult to treat cancers.

9 May 2018

Study shows cardiovascular problems are more common in uterine cancer survivors

A new study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicates that survivors of uterine cancer are more likely to experience cardiovascular problems years after treatment.

8 May 2018

Cancer scientists confirm oligometastasis hypothesis

In 1995, two University of Chicago-based cancer specialists suggested there was an intermediate state - somewhere between curable localized cancers and lethal widespread disease - for patients with metastatic cancer.

7 May 2018

Study finds black women more vulnerable to financial toxicity of breast cancer

Having breast cancer placed a significantly greater financial strain on black women than white women, according to study by researchers at the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

3 May 2018

Nearly 50 people present with rare eye cancer - ocular melanoma

At least 50 people have been diagnosed with a rare type of eye cancer called ocular melanoma. They are all residents of two locations - Huntersville, North Carolina, and Auburn, Alabama. The cancer is rare and occurs in only six per 1 million population. The high rate of incidence of this cancer in these two locations has stumped researchers.

2 May 2018