Cancer Currents: An NCI Cancer Research Blog

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.

An elderly woman sits on a couch holding her glasses in one hand and rubbing her forehead with the other, appearing to be in discomfort.

Gene Tied to Alzheimer’s May Be Associated with Cancer-Related Cognitive Problems

By NCI Staff
November 9, 2018

Findings from a clinical study and a mouse study may shed light on genetic risk factors for developing cancer-related cognitive problems in older breast cancer survivors. The results suggest a gene associated with Alzheimer’s disease may play a role.

Food bank workers sorting through donated groceries, with a close-up view of potatoes and milk containers in cardboard boxes, while volunteers work in the background.

Eight Factors May Link Disparities in Cancer Death Rates and Income

By NCI Staff
November 8, 2018

Eight factors may explain more than 80% of the relationship between poverty and disparities in cancer death rates at the county level, according to a new study. The largest mediator was a surprise to the researchers.

Blood Test Shows Promise for Detecting Genetic Changes in Brain Tumors

By NCI Staff
November 5, 2018

A liquid biopsy blood test can detect DNA from brain tumors called diffuse midline gliomas, researchers have found. This minimally invasive test could be used to identify and follow molecular changes in children with these highly lethal brain tumors.

Former NCI director Ned Sharpless standing with Senator Jack Reed and Lilly Ann Brooks

Reflections on My First Year as NCI Director

By Norman Sharpless, M.D.
November 1, 2018

October 2018 marked Dr. Norman Sharpless’s one-year anniversary as NCI director. He reflects on noteworthy events from the past 12 months and his excitement about leading NCI at such a critical juncture in the history of cancer research.

Overhead view of various foods arranged on wooden surface, including fresh produce like bananas, apples, and cauliflower on the left side, and processed foods like pizza, burgers, french fries, and snacks on the right side.

Studying “Total Diet” and Its Impact on Health, Including Cancer Risk

By Jill Reedy, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D.
October 25, 2018

Researchers are shifting how they assess diet and cancer risk, looking beyond the impact of individual foods or nutrients on health, and taking a more holistic approach, considering dietary patterns across the lifespan.

Two biopsy samples (A and B) from the same patient showing dramatically different amounts of tumor tissue, with sample A containing very little tumor tissue (small green box) while sample B contains much more tumor tissue (multiple larger green boxes)

Study Improves the Quality of Biopsy Specimens for Cancer Research

By NCI Staff
October 23, 2018

An NCI-led team of researchers has developed and tested recommendations for improving the quality of biopsy specimens collected from patients participating in cancer clinical trials.

Fluorescent microscope image showing squamous cell carcinoma cells in uncontrolled growth, with green cellular structures highlighted against red and blue staining.

Immunotherapy Drug Cemiplimab Approved for Advanced Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

By NCI Staff
October 19, 2018

The Food and Drug Administration approved the immunotherapy drug cemiplimab (Libtayo) for an advanced form of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common type of skin cancer. It is the first agent to be approved specifically for advanced SCC.