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''.

Stat5 protein could serve as biomarker to help guide prostate cancer treatment

Men who had high levels of the activated Stat5 protein in their prostate cancer after a radical prostatectomy were more likely to have a recurrence or die from the disease compared to men who had little to no presence of the growth protein, according to a recent study published in Human Pathology by Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center researchers.

17 Oct 2012

High nurse workloads may affect postsurgical outcomes of older minorities

Older black patients are three times more likely than older white patients to suffer poorer outcomes after surgery, including death, when cared for by nurses with higher workloads, reports research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

17 Oct 2012

Saint Mary's, Mercy Health and VAI sign agreements to expand biorepository

Van Andel Institute (VAI) and two West Michigan hospitals within the national Trinity Health system and members of Mercy Health - Saint Mary's Health Care and Mercy Health Partners - have signed agreements paving the way for the expansion of a world-class biorepository utilizing the infrastructure of the VAI Program for Biospecimen Science.

17 Oct 2012

Patient-reported outcomes should be assessed in comparative effectiveness of cancer treatments

Patient-reported outcomes should be a standard part of evaluating the comparative effectiveness of cancer treatments, according to recommendations put forward by a multi-institution research group.

17 Oct 2012

Adults with HIV can benefit from cognitive training exercises

As more effective antiretroviral therapy has evolved over the past 30 years, HIV/AIDS has shifted from an acute to a chronic condition. But as patients live longer, research indicates that they are experiencing cognitive impairments at a higher rate than people without the disease.

17 Oct 2012

Transvaginal ultrasound effective in treating early-stage endometrial cancer

A common birth control device is effective in treating early-stage endometrial cancer in morbidly obese and high-risk surgery patients, said Georgia Health Sciences University Cancer Center researchers, and could lead to a cost-effective treatment for all women with this cancer type.

17 Oct 2012

Antipsychotic drug exposure may have neurologic consequences

French researchers report an increased risk for Parkinson’s disease in elderly people who have past exposure to neuroleptic drugs.

16 Oct 2012

First analysis of IASLC malignant pleural mesothelioma database

The International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) staging system has been widely used, however, widespread concerns exist about the validity of the current malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) staging system.

16 Oct 2012

New radiation therapy can reduce risk of neurocognitive adverse effects in children

Children who undergo brain radiation therapy run a significant risk of suffering from permanent neurocognitive adverse effects. These adverse effects are due to the fact that the radiation often encounters healthy tissue. This reduces the formation of new cells, particularly in the hippocampus - the part of the brain involved in memory and learning.

16 Oct 2012

Radioactive gold nanoparticle treatment safe and effective in dogs with prostate cancer

Currently, large doses of chemotherapy are required when treating certain forms of cancer, resulting in toxic side effects. The chemicals enter the body and work to destroy or shrink the tumor, but also harm vital organs and drastically affect bodily functions. Now, scientists at the University of Missouri have proven that a new form of prostate cancer treatment that uses radioactive gold nanoparticles, and was developed at MU, is safe to use in dogs.

16 Oct 2012

Researcher uncovers mechanisms involved in prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia

When patients suffering from Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) express high levels of the gene, MN1, an already aggressive leukemia is accelerated and shortens survival time. While that's a known fact, the mechanisms involved aren't well understood which is why a Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center researcher decided to take a closer look.

16 Oct 2012

VeriStrat identifies NSCLC patients likely to respond to erlotinib

A study, published in the November 2012 issue of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer's (IASLC) Journal of Thoracic Oncology, showed the plasma test VeriStrat can predict response but not survival benefit from erlotinib. The study was conducted on a subset of patients enrolled in the NCIC Clinical Trials Group, BR.21 phase III trial of erlotinib versus placebo in previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.

16 Oct 2012

Fit elderly NSCLC patients should be considered for salvage targeted therapy

Until there are more validated biomarkers to direct treatment decisions, many physicians use patient age to decide what therapy to give their patients. Literature data report that older patients often go undertreated because of concerns for limited tolerance to toxic therapies.

16 Oct 2012

Rapamycin may delay onset of Parkinson's or AD

Rapamycin, a drug used to prevent rejection in transplants, could delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

16 Oct 2012

FTC votes to approve Watson's acquisition of Actavis

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has voted to approve Watson's acquisition of the Actavis group of companies.

16 Oct 2012

Wise Foundation announces name change

The Wise Foundation has announced the transition to its new name, the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) Foundation. The new name better emphasizes the organization's bond with its parent organization, the Association for Vascular Access.

16 Oct 2012

Breast cancer… do you know who diagnoses you?

Australian women have a 1 in 9 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and 1 in every 100 breast cancers occurs in men. In 2012, it is estimated that 14,610 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the most common cancer affecting women in Australia. However, despite this, few people realise that pathologists arguably play the most important role in the detection and treatment of breast cancer.

16 Oct 2012

Healthy geriatrics do better when managed as outpatients

The burden of morbidity is significantly reduced in otherwise healthy geriatric individuals when they are part of an outpatient geriatric evaluation and management model of care, shows Taiwanese research.

15 Oct 2012

AXA PPP healthcare introduces new Facebook app for cancer patients

AXA PPP healthcare has launched a new Facebook application - little big things - for people affected by cancer to share inspirational tips and practical information on coping with the disease and its treatment.

15 Oct 2012

Loyola employees to be part of Pink Glove Dance contest

Loyola University Health System nurses and staff recently set aside time from their busy schedules to showcase their dancing talent in a Pink Glove Dance video. This video is part of the Pink Glove Dance phenomenon that is sweeping the nation in support of breast cancer research.

15 Oct 2012