For non–small cell lung cancer that has metastasized to the lymph nodes, a higher dose of radiation (74 Gy) does not increase overall survival compared to the standard radiation dose (60 Gy), according to an interim analysis of a randomized study presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).
It may become easier for cancer patients to understand and feel comfortable enrolling in cancer clinical trials thanks to a newly created Internet-based multimedia informed consent tool, according to a recent study. The resource has the potential to increase the low percentage of adult cancer patients who participate in clinical trials (2%-4% nationwide), says the research group from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania who conducted the survey.
Recent study findings defy the perception that older cancer patients do not have access to or are not comfortable using Web-based technology. When given the choice, cancer patients are significantly more likely to use Web-based technology, compared to a paper survey, when answering questions about their quality of life 6 months after treatment, according to a study presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).
The majority of recently surveyed cancer care physicians initiate communication with the bereaved family and caregivers of their patients who have died. However, over two-thirds feel they did not receive adequate bereavement training during their residency or fellowship, according to a study presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).
Inadequate levels of vitamin D (25-hydroxy-vitamin D) are found in more than three-quarters of cancer patients, and the lowest levels are linked to advanced cancers, according to a study presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).
A new Web site promises to assist patients with cancer when searching for the peers, resources, and information they need.
WhatNext uses unique technology to match individuals with similar diagnosis, treatment, and other factors. The site provides an online location where users can share details of their cancer experience, and it allows them to ask and answer questions. WhatNext also points users not only to American Cancer Society cancer information but also to local resources evaluated by the Society.
Older cancer myths still affect public perceptions about the disease, and many current lifestyle messages are not being recognized, according to a recent study published online in the journal Clinical Oncology.
Men have a higher incidence of advanced colon tumors compared to women in all age groups examined in an analysis of more than 40,000 colonoscopy screening results. Thus, the results suggest that the age at which individuals receive an initial screening colonoscopy should be sex specific, according to a study published in the September 28 issue of JAMA.
A platinum-based anticancer drug, oxaliplatin, has made great strides in recent years against colorectal cancer. Yet, it now appears that the drug causes possible permanent nerve damage that has the potential to worsen even months after treatment ends. The chemotherapy side effect was discovered by Johns Hopkins researchers in what may be the first attempt to trace oxaliplatin-based nerve damage through relatively inexpensive and simple punch skin biopsies, according to an article published in the September issue of Neurology.
Treating postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer resistant to hormonal therapy with a combination of 2 existing cancer drugs significantly improves outcome, according to results from a phase 3 clinical trial. Researchers reported at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress* that women had a progression-free survival of nearly 7 months when treated with a combination of everolimus and exemestane compared to women who received only exemestane.
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