2015 - Cancer Currents Blog

In Mice, New Drug Conjugate Suggests Promise for Hard-to-Treat Pediatric Cancers

By NCI Staff
June 30, 2015

Findings from a study in mice suggests that a new type of drug conjugate may have potential as a treatment for two cancers that are often diagnosed in children.

A mammogram image, in black white and grey. The image of the breast is mostly grey with some white highlights, increasing as it gets closer to the nipple.

Many Women with Dense Breasts May Not Need Additional Screening

By NCI Staff
June 22, 2015

Breast density is just one of several factors that should be taken into account in determining the need for additional cancer screening, study suggests.

An illustration of a lung with inset. The lung has a circle in the lower left area, indicating this is where cancer could be. The inset shows a small brush inside of the upper airway.

Using Gene Expression to Diagnose Lung Cancer More Accurately

By NCI Staff
June 19, 2015

A pattern of gene expression in the cells of the upper airways of patients with suspected lung cancer can help to diagnose lung cancer more accurately than bronchoscopy alone.

Enhancing the Clinical Trials Search Function on Cancer.gov

By Warren Kibbe, Ph.D.
June 16, 2015

The enhanced clinical trials search function on Cancer.gov will allow users to more easily find accurate and timely information about active and recruiting NCI-supported clinical trials.

Two women stand looking at the camera and smile. Both are wearing sunglasses on top of their heads and have different colored shirts with the same graphic treatment on them. The woman on the left has shoulder length light brown hair and is wearing a white shirt; the woman on the right has short black hair and is wearing a purple shirt.

Better Care for Children with Cancer Linked to Longer Lifespans

By NCI Staff
June 11, 2015

New data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study suggest that refinements in pediatric cancer treatment over the last few decades have helped to extend the lifespans of many survivors of childhood cancer.

Two younger women in casual clothing look at each other while they prepare food. In the foreground, and also in shadow, an older woman looks on. Another woman is in the background with her back to the camera. The kitchen island in front of the two younger women and older woman has food and mixing bowls on it.

Study Finds Storytelling Helps Overcome Cervical Cancer Screening Disparities

By NCI Staff
June 10, 2015

Using a storytelling approach to educate women about cervical cancer screening eliminated disparities in attitudes toward screening and behavior, according to a new study.

A nurse administers chemotherapy to a patient. Both are seated. The nurse has shoulder-length brown hair and wears dark teal scrubs and purple gloves. She is holding a syringe that is held against the patients chest. The patient is wearing casual clothing and he looks at the nurse.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy Modestly Improves Survival in Some Men with Prostate Cancer

By NCI Staff
June 8, 2015

Giving some men with prostate cancer chemotherapy after standard treatment with radiation and hormone therapy modestly improves how long they live, according to results from a new NCI-funded clinical trial.

Genetic mutations result from DNA copying mistakes, shown at the micro and macro level. Micro and macro both have deletion and substitution scenarios. Micro has insertion, and macro has duplication, inversion, and translocation.

The Playing Field for Cancer Checkpoint Inhibitors Is Expanding

By NCI Staff
June 4, 2015

The list of cancers that may be susceptible to checkpoint inhibitors is quickly expanding, according to findings from clinical trials presented at the ASCO annual meeting.

A patient covered with a white blanket goes into a CT machine.

Whole Brain Radiation for Some Patients with Brain Metastases Worsens Cognitive Decline

By NCI Staff
June 2, 2015

In some patients with cancer that has spread to the brain, whole brain radiation following radiosurgery causes more severe cognitive decline and does not improve survival compared with radiosurgery alone, a new study has found.

Most American Adults Do Not Use Sunscreen Regularly

By NCI Staff
June 1, 2015

The majority of Americans are not using sunscreen regularly to protect their skin from damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, according to a new survey.