Radiation Therapy News and Research

RSS

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.

Engineered viruses and gene therapy halt tumor growth and extend survival in mice

This study reveals the potential of engineered phage-IL-12 therapy in melanoma, enhancing immune response and tumor destruction in aggressive cancer models.

2 Jun 2025

Mass General Brigham researchers share cancer research discoveries at ASCO 2025

Researchers from Mass General Brigham will present research discoveries and outcomes from clinical trials in cancer at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held May 30-June 3, in Chicago.

30 May 2025

New plant-derived therapy shows promise for cancer pain relief

RTX is a non-addictive pain therapy derived from a cactus-like plant.

29 May 2025

New blood test detects HPV-linked head and neck cancer with unmatched accuracy

A new liquid biopsy blood test could help detect cases of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancers with significantly higher accuracy than currently used methods, including before patients develop symptoms, according to new Mass General Brigham research.

20 May 2025

Shorter radiation treatment after surgery found safe for prostate cancer patients

For men who undergo a radical prostatectomy for the treatment of prostate cancer, post-surgery radiation therapy can play a vital role in reducing the risk of recurrence.

15 May 2025

Cancer-related fatigue and depression found to limit recreational activities in survivors

Cancer survivors who reported feeling cancer-related fatigue or depression reduced their recreational activities nearly twofold, with females more likely than males to report feeling either cancer-related fatigue or depression, according to a retrospective study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025, held April 25-30.

29 Apr 2025

Predictive model could improve treatment decisions for advanced pancreatic cancer patients

Researchers in Japan have developed a predictive model that could improve treatment decisions for advanced pancreatic cancer patients.

28 Apr 2025

New $224 million proton therapy center coming to Penn Presbyterian

Today, Penn Medicine celebrated the groundbreaking of the Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in University City, which is expected to open for patient care in late 2027.

28 Apr 2025

MD Anderson researchers present promising clinical trial results at AACR 2025

Researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will present promising results from clinical trials in three minisymposia abstracts at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025.

26 Apr 2025

Prostate cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence, study says

Prostate cancer statistics can look scary: 34,250 U.S. deaths in 2024. 1.4 million new cases worldwide in 2022.

24 Apr 2025

Novel technology for in situ irradiation of tumors

Radiation therapy is an established method of cancer treatment. It works by subjecting tumor cells to ionizing radiation, damaging their genetic material and, ideally, eliminating the tumor.

24 Apr 2025

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy brings long-term relief after cancer radiation

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment provides long-term relief for patients suffering from late radiation-induced injuries after treatment of cancer in the lower abdominal area.

23 Apr 2025

Study: Rural cancer patients cross state lines for specialized care

In a federally funded study, researchers from Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (the U) found that 7% of Medicare patients cross state borders for cancer care, and rates were nearly double for those who lived in rural areas.

4 Apr 2025

Triple therapy reduces tumor burden and improves survival in glioblastoma models

A new research paper was published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on March 27, 2025, titled "Imipridones ONC201/ONC206 + RT/TMZ triple (IRT) therapy reduces intracranial tumor burden, prolongs survival in orthotopic IDH-WT GBM mouse model, and suppresses MGMT."

4 Apr 2025

New state-of-the-art cancer treatment center opens in Newport Beach

USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Keck Medicine of USC, has opened Keck Medicine of USC – Newport Beach Radiation Oncology and Imaging, a state-of-the-art radiation oncology and imaging center, at 4590 MacArthur Blvd. in Newport Beach.

3 Apr 2025

Study reveals progressive breast shrinkage after breast-conserving therapy

For women with early-stage breast cancer, breast-conserving therapy (BCT) including radiation therapy (RT) leads to progressive reduction in breast size over time, reports a study in the April issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

27 Mar 2025

Researchers unlock key process for regenerating intestinal cells after injury

Researchers from the University of Colorado Cancer Center have solved a cellular mystery that may lead to better therapies for colorectal and other types of cancer.

25 Mar 2025

New trial aims to make rectal cancer more responsive to radiation

City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. with its National Medical Center named top 5 in the nation for cancer by U.S. News & World Report, has opened a phase 1 trial seeking to one day transform rectal cancer from a mostly radiation-resistant disease to one that can be cured using radiation and chemotherapy.

25 Mar 2025

Breast cancer survivors face accelerated aging tied to tumors and treatment

Accelerated aging in breast cancer survivors is linked to treatments and tumor characteristics, with implications for long-term care and quality of life.

20 Mar 2025

Breast cancer treatments contribute to aging acceleration in survivors

A new research paper was published by Aging (Aging-US) on March 7, 2025, titled "Accelerated aging associated with cancer characteristics and treatments among breast cancer survivors."

18 Mar 2025