Cancer Currents: An NCI Cancer Research Blog

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Study of Cancer’s Origins Reveals Genetic Reprogramming of Single Cells

February 24, 2016, by NCI Staff

Researchers have used a new zebrafish model of cancer to characterize the early genetic changes associated with the initiation of tumors.

An illustrated cross section of a child’s brain, labeling the choroid plexus, cerebrum, ventricles, hypothalamus, optic nerve, pituitary gland, brain stem (pons and medulla), spinal cord, cerebellum, and pineal gland.

Gene Fusion May Drive Rare Childhood Brain Tumor

February 22, 2016, by NCI Staff

Researchers have identified a genetic rearrangement that may drive the development of a rare benign brain tumor in children through three distinct biological mechanisms simultaneously.

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NCI-DOE Collaboration Paving Way for Large-Scale Computational Cancer Science

February 17, 2016, by Warren Kibbe, Ph.D.

NCI and the Department of Energy have entered into a collaboration to develop a plan to use large-scale computing to influence cancer science and, ultimately, clinical treatment.

Three images of a patient with an HPV-positive oropharyngeal tumor. The first two are black and white; so is the last one, but it includes shades of red and yellow. In the middle, an arrow points at a large white shape. On the right, a different arrow points to a large yellow-white shape near the location of the white shape in the previous panel.

Prospective Study Links HPV Detection in the Mouth to Head and Neck Cancer

February 12, 2016, by NCI Staff

A new study confirms that infection with HPV 16 precedes the development of head and neck cancer.

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FDA Approves Eribulin Mesylate for Advanced Liposarcoma

February 11, 2016, by NCI Staff

The FDA has approved eribulin mesylate for patients with liposarcoma whose cancers are advanced or cannot be removed by surgery and are no longer responding to anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

Then-Vice President Biden is sitting at a long rectangluar table in an ornate room addressing a large group of people for the first meeting of the Cancer Moonshot Task Force.

President Obama’s Budget Request Affirms Commitment to Progress against Cancer

February 10, 2016, by Douglas R. Lowy, M.D.

President Obama’s FY 2017 Budget Request includes $680 million to support Vice President Biden’s cancer research initiative.

Two white lab mice next to each other on a blue surface. The mouse on the left is about two to three times the width of the one on the right.

Mouse Study Points to Mechanism Linking Obesity and Colorectal Cancer Risk

February 8, 2016, by NCI Staff

A missing hormone in obese mice may help explain a longstanding association between obesity and an increased risk of colorectal cancer in humans.

Woman wearing headscarf and reclining in chair receives cancer treatment at medical facility.

Persistent Peripheral Neuropathy Increases Fall Risk among Cancer Survivors

February 5, 2016, by NCI Staff

Many female cancer survivors have problems with mobility and other physical functioning as a result of persistent peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy treatment, according to a new study.

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Tackling the Global Cancer Burden: A Conversation with NCI’s Dr. Ted Trimble

February 4, 2016, by NCI Staff

In honor of World Cancer Day, the director of NCI’s Center for Global Health discusses key opportunities in global cancer research.

A purple circle with the words HPV vaccination inside of it. To the left, three main text sections: Announce child is due for 3 vaccines; Ease Main Concern about HPV vaccine; and Recommend HPV vaccine strongly. Arrows from the Announce and Recommend sections point at the circle. Below the Recommend section, text reads “Ask them to return in two months”.

The ‘Crisis’ of Low HPV Vaccination Rates: A Conversation with Dr. Noel Brewer

February 2, 2016, by NCI Staff

Following the release of a consensus statement from the NCI-Designated Cancer Centers urging HPV vaccination in the United States, Dr. Noel Brewer discusses the country’s low vaccination rates and how clinicians can help to improve them.

NCI-MATCH: A Status Report and Future Directions

February 1, 2016, by Barbara Conley, M.D.

Leaders of the NCI-MATCH trial provide an update to the cancer community on the trial’s status and plans for it moving forward.

Opportunities in Cancer Nanotechnology: A Conversation with NCI’s Dr. Piotr Grodzinski

January 29, 2016, by NCI Staff

The director of NCI's Office of Cancer Nanotechnology Research discusses the Cancer Nanotechnology Plan 2015, as well as new developments and clinical opportunities in the field.

A Black female adult doctor, wearing a white lab coat, red shirt, and stethoscope around her neck, looks at the camera with a serious expression. She is seated next to an examination table. In the background, medical tools hang on the wall.

Video Intervention Helps Prepare Patients to Participate in Cancer Clinical Trials

January 28, 2016, by NCI Staff

Patients who took part in a tailored, video-based educational program had a better understanding of and fewer concerns about participating in clinical trials than patients who received text-based educational.

Novel Treatment Approach Shrinks Ovarian Tumors in Mice

January 25, 2016, by NCI Staff

Researchers have developed a new approach for treating tumors that express mutant versions of the p53 protein, which are present in more than half of all cancers, including an aggressive and common subtype of ovarian cancer.

Speaker Ryan and President Obama look at VP Biden during the State of the Union address

Supporting Vice President Biden's Cancer Initiative

January 21, 2016, by Douglas R. Lowy, M.D.

During his 2016 State of the Union address to Congress, President Obama tasked Vice President Biden with leading a new initiative to accelerate cancer research. This message from NCI Acting Director Doug Lowy states that the Institute stands ready to work with partners across the cancer research community on the initiative.

A chest CT scan of a lung tumor (panel A) and a FISH test from a sample of the tumor (panel B) showing an ALK gene rearrangement (red and green spots).

FDA Approves Alectinib for ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

January 19, 2016, by NCI Staff

The FDA has approved alectinib to treat patients with metastatic ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer who have stopped responding to or who are unable to tolerate crizotinib.