A new study published today in The Lancet showed a significant survival benefit for patients with oropharyngeal cancers who were treated with proton therapy (IMPT) compared to those treated with traditional radiation therapy (IMRT). The study, led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, is the first to demonstrate a survival benefit for proton therapy.  

Cleveland Clinic researchers are presenting final Phase 1 data from their novel study of a vaccine aimed at preventing triple-negative breast cancer, the most aggressive and lethal form of the disease.

 

The study team found that the investigational vaccine produced an immune response in the majority (74%) of all participants and was safe and well tolerated. They determined the maximum tolerated dose and described that side effects primarily consisted of mild skin inflammation at the injection site. The findings, which will inform the subsequent Phase 2 study, are being presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

An ECOG-ACRIN imaging study solves a long-standing gap in metastatic breast cancer research and care: accurately measuring treatment response in patients with bone metastases. This prospective, multicenter cancer clinical trial, called FEATURE (EA1183) validated FDG-PET/CT as an improved method for predicting treatment benefits in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer that has spread primarily or exclusively to the bones. These patients make up a large portion of individuals who are living with advanced breast cancer—yet are routinely excluded from clinical trials that rely on standard imaging-based assessments (i.e., RECIST 1.1). The study demonstrated that metabolic changes assessed by FDG-PET/CT accurately predicted progression-free survival as early as 12 weeks after treatment initiation. This trial represents a major advance in cancer imaging.

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have identified a type of enzyme with a complicated name — cell migration inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein, or CEMIP — is associated with disorders ranging from multiple sclerosis to stroke to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

UC San Diego scientists have identified the enzyme that shatters cancer genomes and helps them evolve to resist treatment, solving a longstanding mystery in the molecular biology of cancer.

New research delivers a timely reminder this holiday season: even moderate drinking can raise your risk for several cancers. A review of 62 studies of up to 100 million adults, found that both how often and how much you drink matter – especially for breast, colorectal, liver and digestive cancers. What you drink also matters – beer and white wine were linked to higher risks in some cases. Added dangers rose for certain racial and socioeconomic groups and from smoking, low activity, infections and poor diet.