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2021 - Cancer Currents Blog

  • Breast cancer test results using the Oncotype DX® test. Recurrence Score (RS): 32, indicating a higher risk of cancer recurrence. Distant Recurrence Risk at 9 Years (with hormone therapy alone such as aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen): 20% (with a 95% confidence interval of 15% to 27%). Group Average Chemotherapy Benefit for those with RS 26–100: greater than 15% (95% confidence interval of 9% to 37%).
    • By Nadia Jaber

    The test, which helps guide treatment decisions, was not as good at predicting the risk of death from breast cancer for Black patients as for White patients, a new study has found. The findings highlight the need for greater racial diversity in research studies.

  • Suicide Rate in People with Cancer Declining Factoid
    • By Sharon Reynolds

    Cancer-related suicides dipped each year between 1999 and 2018 in the United States, a recent study has found. Yet, people who have had cancer remain at high risk for suicide and improvements in supportive care are needed, experts say.

  • Molecular image of SARS CoV 2
    • By Edward Winstead

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, cancer researchers have brought their expertise to coronavirus studies. Their findings have ranged from insights into how the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters cells to the identification of potential COVID-19 therapies.

  • National Cancer Act 50th Anniversary. 1971-2021
    • By Norman E. Sharpless, M.D.

    The week after the globe recognized World Cancer Day and NCI staff were honored with a virtual visit from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, the NCI director kicks off the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the National Cancer Act of 1971.

  • Human figure with magnified cells highlighted. A dotted line with an arrow points from the cells to a mouse figure
    • By Carmen Phillips

    A large study from an international group of researchers provides reassurance that cancer models, known as PDX mice, largely retain the genetics of the human tumors from which they were created. PDX mice are increasingly used in cancer research.

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