Cancer Currents: An NCI Cancer Research Blog

Ned Sharpless, dressed in a suite and tie, stands speaking at a podium. His expression is neutral and his hands are raised to chest level. The podium is wooden and has text reading “National Institutes of Health” carved into it. The podium also has two microphones. In the background, an American flag and a curtain can be seen.

Plans for NCI’s Fiscal Year 2019 Budget

By Norman E. Sharpless, M.D.
December 18, 2018

NCI Director Dr. Ned Sharpless describes important decisions NCI leaders have recently made with respect to the institute’s fiscal year 2019 budget, including those related to the Cancer Moonshot and early-stage investigators.

Fluorescent microscope image showing cellular mitochondria in red surrounding blue-stained cell nuclei, demonstrating where cellular metabolism occurs within the cell structure.

Drug Combination May Target the Unique Metabolism of Leukemia Stem Cells

By NCI Staff
December 14, 2018

Two new studies show how the drugs venetoclax (Venclexta) and azacitidine (Vidaza) team up to block the unique metabolism of leukemia stem cells and may explain why the drug combination is effective against acute myeloid leukemia.

Close-up of hands holding a yellow pill against a white background.

Vitamin D Supplements Don’t Reduce Cancer Incidence, Trial Shows

By NCI Staff
December 13, 2018

In the largest-ever randomized trial testing vitamin D for cancer prevention, the supplement did not lower the risk of developing cancer. The Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL) includes a nationally representative sample of nearly 26,000 participants.

A dual illustration of the gastrointestinal system and the gallbladder with surrounding organs. The gastrointestinal diagram is smaller and labels the bile ducts, pancreas, small intestine, gallbladder, and liver. The label gallbladder then points to the larger illustration, which labels the gallbladder, liver, common hepatic duct, pancreas, common bile duct, cystic duct and small intestine.

Targeted Treatment for Rare Digestive Tract Cancers May Extend Survival

By NCI Staff
December 7, 2018

In an early-phase trial, dabrafenib plus trametinib shrank tumors in patients with biliary tract cancer and adenocarcinoma of the small intestine whose tumors had a specific mutation in the BRAF gene.

Can Topical Drugs Help Prevent Breast Cancer?

By NCI Staff
December 4, 2018

Researchers are testing a topical-gel form of the drug tamoxifen to see if it can help prevent breast cancer as effectively as the oral form of the drug but with fewer side effects.

Genomic Test Helps Identify Thyroid Nodules That Don’t Require Surgery

By NCI Staff
November 30, 2018

The test measures genomic changes in thyroid biopsy samples and generates a score based on how strongly each change is associated with thyroid cancer. A study showed the test accurately identified samples that, after surgery, were found to be benign.

An image comparing whole brain radiation therapy that avoids the hippocampus with standard whole brain radiation therapy.

Tailored Radiation to Treat Brain Metastases Reduces Impact on Cognitive Function

By NCI Staff
November 26, 2018

Results from a clinical trial suggest that, in patients with brain metastases, an advanced radiotherapy technique limits harm to patients’ cognitive function without affecting the treatment’s effect on tumors.

Diagram showing how PARP inhibitors block DNA repair in BRCA-mutated cells, leading to cell death.

Olaparib after Initial Treatment Delays Ovarian Cancer Progression

By NCI Staff
November 20, 2018

In a recent trial, the PARP inhibitor olaparib substantially delayed ovarian cancer from coming back after the first line of chemotherapy. Could the findings change the standard of care for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer with a BRCA mutation?

A female research technician holds up a small instrument in front of a large machine at the Advanced Technology Research Facility at NCI's Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. The technician is wearing a white lab coat and blue gloves and has shoulder length brown hair with highlights. The large machine has a screen and lights on it; the instrument being held fits in to a smaller device that is below the screen.

The Cancer Moonshot: Moving from Planning to Research

By Dinah Singer, Ph.D.
November 19, 2018

Dr. Dinah Singer, co-chair of the Cancer Moonshot Blue Ribbon Panel, provides an update to the cancer community on the science being supported under the Moonshot initiative.

This factoid states that the NCI-MATCH clinical trial is enrolling patients in nearly 40 treatment arms at 1,100 cancer centers and community hospitals

NCI-MATCH Update: More Labs, New Arms, and Initial Findings

By Lyndsay Harris, M.D.
November 15, 2018

NCI’s Dr. Lyndsay Harris provides an update on the NCI-MATCH trial, including the opening of new trial treatment arms and the addition of new laboratories to perform testing on tumor samples of prospective trial participants.