Alcohol Linked with Lobular Breast Cancer 09-02-2010
Although alcohol is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer, it may be more strongly linked with lobular breast cancer than with ductal breast cancer. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Research suggests that each 10 gram (slightly less than one drink) increase in daily ...

Rectal Cancer Increasing in People Under 40 09-01-2010
Although still relatively uncommon in young people, the incidence of rectal cancer appears to be increasing in this population. These results were published in the journal Cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The colon is the first 4 to 5 feet of ...

Early Palliative Care Linked with Longer Lung Cancer Survival 08-31-2010
Palliative care is care that is focused on symptom management, psychosocial issues, decision-making, and quality of life. Among patients with newly diagnosed, metastatic, non-small cell lung cancer, the addition of early palliative care to standard cancer treatment resulted in better quality of life and mood and longer survival than standard ...

Istodax Active against Refractory Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma 08-30-2010
Final results from a Phase II clinical trial provide additional evidence that Istodax® (romidepsin) is active against refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that begins in the skin. The most common type ...

Estrogen Alone Does Not Increase Lung Cancer Incidence or Mortality in Postmenopausal Women 08-29-2010
Among postmenopausal women, hormone therapy with estrogen alone does not appear to increase the risk of getting or dying from lung cancer. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. As women reach menopause and beyond, more than 80% will experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night ...

Reduced-intensity Treatment May be Effective for Early Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 08-26-2010
Among patients with early-stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a favorable prognosis, it may be possible to reduce the number of chemotherapy cycles and the dose of radiation therapy without adversely affecting outcome. The results of this study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of ...

Death from Other Causes Among Men with Early-stage Prostate Cancer 08-25-2010
Among men with early-stage prostate cancer, assessment of other health problems may help guide prostate cancer treatment decisions; men who are likely to die of causes other than prostate cancer may not benefit from aggressive prostate cancer treatment. These findings were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Men with early-stage ...

Vectibix Does Not Improve Head and Neck Cancer Survival 08-25-2010
Among patients with recurrent and/or metastatic, squamous cell head and neck cancer, the addition of the targeted therapy Vectibix® (panitumumab) to chemotherapy does not result in significantly better survival than chemotherapy alone. The results of this Phase III clinical trial were made available in a press release from Amgen and ...

Pathological Complete Response Predicts Better Outcomes in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients 08-24-2010
Among patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, a complete disappearance of detectable cancer (pathological complete response) after preoperative chemoradiation therapy is linked with better long-term outcomes. These findings were recently published in the journal The Lancet Oncology.[1] Rectal cancer is a disease in which malignant cells arise from the cells ...

Additional Research on Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer 08-23-2010
A recent study of menopausal hormone therapy and risk of breast cancer reported that risk may vary by body weight and the type of hormone therapy. These results were published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention. As women reach menopause and beyond, more than 80% will experience symptoms such as hot ...

Reassuring Findings Regarding Oral Bisphosphonates and Esophageal Cancer 08-22-2010
Oral bisphosphonates—drugs commonly used to prevent or treat osteoporosis—do not appear to increase the risk of esophageal cancer. These results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Osteoporosis—a condition characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone structure—affects an estimated 10 million Americans over the age of ...

Obesity on the Rise in United States 08-18-2010
Rates of obesity are rising among the U.S. population, according to statistics recently released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Obesity is a significant public health concern that can raise the risk of several serious health conditions, reduce quality of life, and increase medical expenses. Health risks associated ...

Study Evaluates Physician Use of Finasteride for Prostate Cancer Prevention 08-17-2010
Recent research indicates that 64% of urologists and 80% of primary care physicians surveyed do not prescribe finasteride for prevention of prostate cancer in high-risk men. These findings were recently published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.[1] Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men in the United ...

Hepatitis B Virus Linked with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 08-16-2010
Individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may have an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), according to findings recently published in The Lancet Oncology. Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It is spread through contact with body fluids and can be transmitted through ...

Mediterranean Diet May Lower Breast Cancer Risk 08-15-2010
Postmenopausal women who consume a traditional Mediterranean diet may have a lower risk for breast cancer, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. A traditional Mediterranean diet—one that is rich in fish, olive oil, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes and lower in red meat and ...

Study Evaluates Impact of Lymph Node Removal in Early-stage Breast Cancer 08-12-2010
Early-stage breast cancer patients without evidence of cancer in their sentinel lymph node who did not have additional lymph nodes removed report fewer side effects to the arm and breast than patients who undergo additional lymph node removal. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] For ...

Antibiotic Sponge Ineffective at Preventing Surgical Infection 08-11-2010
Patients undergoing colorectal surgery are reported to experience an increased incidence of surgical-site infection with the addition of a gentamicin-collagen sponge enclosed at the surgery site. These findings were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.[1] Colon cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United ...

Provenge® for Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer 08-10-2010
Among men with metastatic, hormone-refractory prostate cancer, the immunotherapy agent Provenge® (sipuleucel-T) improves survival by roughly four months. The findings from this Phase III study were recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine.[1] The prostate is a male sex gland responsible for producing fluid that forms semen. It ...

Study Evaluates Impact of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) on Cancer Risk in HIV-infected Men 08-09-2010
Researchers reported that men infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are still at an increased risk of lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), and anal cancer despite the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). These findings were recently published in the journal Cancer.[1] Survival among individuals diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ...

Components of Processed Meat May Increase Risk of Bladder Cancer 08-09-2010
People who consume a large amount of nitrite and nitrate from processed meat may be at an increased risk for developing bladder cancer, according to a study published in Cancer. Bladder cancer is diagnosed in as many as 60,000 individuals annually in the United States. It is much more common in ...

Continued Chemotherapy in Advanced Ovarian Cancer 08-08-2010
Continuing chemotherapy following initial treatment of advanced ovarian cancer may improve survival, according to a study published in Cancer. Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all gynecologic cancers. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women, with an estimated 21,550 new cases and 14,600 deaths ...

Study Evaluates Incidence of Lymphedema Resulting from Cancer Treatment 08-08-2010
A systematic review of 47 studies evaluating treatment for melanoma, head and neck cancer, genitourinary cancers, gynecologic cancers, and sarcoma indicates that lymphedema is a common side effect of treatment for these diseases. These findings were recently published in the journal Cancer.[1] Lymphedema is the buildup of lymph fluid in ...

Stronger Social Ties Linked to Longevity 08-05-2010
Social relationships play an important role in health and longevity, according to findings published in PloS Medicine. An active social life—one wherein an individual is involved with family, friends, coworkers, and community—may not only contribute to emotional well-being but may favorably impact physical health and longevity. Researchers reviewed almost 150 studies ...

Long-term Cardiac Risks Among Childhood Cancer Survivors 08-04-2010
Twenty-seven percent of survivors of childhood cancers may have long-term heart complications, according to findings reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The survival rate for childhood cancer is high, with 80% of children and adolescents surviving five or more years. Prior studies have demonstrated that during the first 20 years ...

Breast Density and Hormone Therapy Add to Breast Cancer Risk 08-03-2010
Postmenopausal women with high breast density are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] This risk increases with the use of hormone therapy. Breast density refers to the extent of glandular and connective tissue in ...

Study Evaluates Safety of Avastin and Chemotherapy in Non–Squamous Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer 08-02-2010
A large Phase IV study confirms that the safety and efficacy reported in Phase III trials of Avastin® (bevacizumab) plus standard chemotherapy for patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer translate into the clinical practice setting. These findings were recently published in the journal The Lancet Oncology.[1] Lung cancer ...

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer Associated with Better Quality of Life 08-02-2010
Laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer that is confined to the uterus is associated with less pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and better quality of life when compared with total abdominal hysterectomy, according to the results of two studies published in The Lancet Oncology.[1][2] Endometrial cancer is cancer of ...

Study Evaluates Long-term Side Effects of Pelvic Radiation to Treat Childhood Cancer 08-01-2010
The offspring of women who underwent pelvic radiation before puberty for the treatment of childhood cancer are at increased risk of stillbirth and neonatal death. These findings were recently published in the journal The Lancet.[1] The survival rate for childhood cancer is high, with 80% of children and adolescents surviving ...

Time Spent Sitting Linked with Risk of Death 08-01-2010
Physical activity alone may not be enough to improve health and longevity—according to a recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the amount of time an individual spends sitting may increase risk of death, even among active people. These results were reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Research ...

HPV Vaccine Protects Against Genital Warts and Precancerous Growths 07-29-2010
Results from a recent international study indicate that the vaccine Gardasil® (quadrivalent human papillomavirus [types 6, 11, 16, 18] recombinant vaccine) protects against genital warts and low-grade precancerous changes to the cervix, vulva, and vagina. These findings were published in the journal BMJ. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) consist of more than 100 ...

Study Explores Prostate Cancer Among Men with Low PSA Levels 07-29-2010
In a large U.S. cancer database, 14% of prostate cancer diagnoses occurred among men with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 4.0 ng/mL or lower. More than half of these men had cancer that was considered “low-risk,” but roughly three-quarters were treated aggressively with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. These ...

Painters May Have Higher Risk of Bladder Cancer 07-28-2010
Occupational exposures appear to increase bladder cancer risk in painters, according to a study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Workers in certain occupations may face an increased risk of cancer due to exposures that they encounter on the job. Exposure to radiation, potentially hazardous chemicals, or second-hand smoke may all ...

FDA Advisory Committee Recommends that Avastin No Longer Be Approved for Breast Cancer 07-28-2010
CC Archive: Breast Cancer Metastatic, FDA news The Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has voted 12 to one that Avastin® (bevacizumab) in combination with paclitaxel should no longer be approved for initial therapy for metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer refers to ...

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Regimen Promising for Metastatic Penile Cancer 07-27-2010
A neoadjuvant (before surgery) combination of Taxol® (paclitaxel), Ifex® (ifosfamide), and Platinol® (cisplatin) produced clinically significant responses in patients with bulky regional lymph node metastases from penile cancer, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis is relatively ...

Newly Diagnosed Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients May Benefit from Sprycel/Chemotherapy Combination 07-27-2010
The initial report of a Phase II study evaluating Sprycel® (dasatinib) combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) indicates that 94% of patients achieve a complete remission. These findings were recently published in the journal Blood.[1] Adult ALL is a malignant disease or ...

Childhood Cancer Survivors Experience Elevated Risk of Premature Death Years after Diagnosis 07-26-2010
Childhood cancer survivors may experience a persistently higher risk of premature death due to disease compared with the general population. These findings were recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.[1] The survival rate for childhood cancer is high, with 80% of children and adolescents surviving five or ...

Study Evaluates Melanoma Trends in High-risk Region of United States 07-26-2010
Melanoma incidence in Hispanic men and African-American women residing in Florida may be higher than in other regions of the United States. These findings were recently published in the journal Archives of Dermatology.[1] Many cases of melanoma are thought to be related to sun exposure. Preventative measures include avoidance of ...

Mixed Findings on Combination Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer 07-25-2010
Results of a Phase III trial indicate that treating nasopharyngeal cancer with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy can significantly reduce disease progression but that the combination may also increase the rate of death from other causes. These findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The nasopharynx ...

Twenty Possible Causes of Cancer 07-25-2010
The American Cancer Society along with three federal agencies have identified 20 potential causes of cancer that warrant further investigation, according to the results of a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives.[1] Many chemicals and environmental contaminants are thought to pose a risk for cancer, but information about risk to ...

Higher Cancer Rates Among Children Conceived with IVF 07-22-2010
Children conceived using in vitro fertilization (IVF) may have a higher risk of cancer compared with children born without IVF, according to a study published in Pediatrics. In vitro fertilization is a type of assisted reproductive technology that is used when parents cannot conceive a child on their own. In IVF, ...

Afinitor Promising in Treatment of Advanced Gastric Cancer 07-22-2010
Afinitor® (everolimus) may be a promising treatment option for patients with metastatic gastric cancer who have undergone previous treatment, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Afinitor is an oral targeted therapy that works by inhibiting a protein known as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The ...

Telecare Management May Improve Pain and Depression for Cancer Patients 07-21-2010
A centralized, telephone-based system for symptom management appears to significantly reduce pain and depression among cancer patients who receive care in rural or geographically dispersed urban settings, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.[1] Pain and depression are two of the ...

New Vitamin D Recommendations for Older Men and Women 07-21-2010
In light of growing evidence of widespread vitamin D deficiency, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has released a new position statement with increased vitamin D recommendations for older men and women. The statement was published in Osteoporosis International.[1] Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes from dietary supplements, foods ...

Updated Guidelines Address Hormonal Therapy for Breast Cancer 07-20-2010
Among postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, use of an aromatase inhibitor at some point in the course of adjuvant (post-surgery) treatment results in a lower risk of cancer recurrence than use of tamoxifen only. Based on these results, updated guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommend ...

Exercise May Help Preserve Mental Health in Women 07-19-2010
Active women have a lower risk of cognitive impairment later in life, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.[1] Exercise is considered an important component of a healthy lifestyle and is critical for keeping illness and obesity at bay. Now new ...

Olaparib Active Against Advanced Ovarian Cancer and Breast Cancer with BRCA Mutations 07-19-2010
Previously treated advanced breast and ovarian cancer patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation may benefit from treatment with the oral investigational drug olaparib. These findings were recently published in the journal The Lancet.[1],[2] Although most ovarian cancer patients initially respond to platinum-based chemotherapy, most will eventually experience a ...

Chemoradiotherapy plus Surgery Improves Esophageal Cancer Survival 07-18-2010
Among patients with cancer of the esophagus or esophagogastric junction, treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy prior to surgery resulted in better overall survival than surgery alone. The results of this Phase III clinical trial were presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The esophagus ...

Complementary Therapy for Children Undergoing Stem Cell Transplant 07-18-2010
Complementary therapies such as massage and humor therapy may not help children cope with the potential emotional distress associated with stem cell transplantation, according to findings recently reported in Cancer. Stem cell transplantation involves the use of high doses of therapy to kill more cancer cells than standard doses. This approach ...

Vandetanib Delays Progression of Advanced Medullary Thyroid Cancer 07-15-2010
Results of a Phase III clinical trial indicate that the investigational drug vandetanib delays the progression of locally advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer. These results were presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Medullary thyroid cancers account for approximately 2-3% of all thyroid cancers. ...

Clinical Trial for Advanced Gastric Cancer Now Enrolling Patients 07-15-2010
Gastric cancer forms in the tissues and lining of the stomach. Current treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The current standard of care for metastatic gastric cancer is systemic therapy. Research is ongoing to determine which therapy or combination of therapies produces the best outcome while still being tolerable ...