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2021 - Cancer Currents Blog

  • Range of scores for the Decipher test showing low, intermediate, and high risk of prostate cancer metastasis
    • By Nadia Jaber

    For some men with prostate cancer, a genetic biomarker test called Decipher may help predict if their cancer will spread elsewhere in the body. The test could help determine whether hormone therapy, which can cause distressing side effects, is needed.

  • Emil Freireich working with a blood cell separator at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
    • By Norman E. Sharpless, M.D.

    Following the death of Dr. Emil Freireich in February, NCI Director Norman E. Sharpless reflects on the accomplishments and legacies of Dr. Freireich and several other cancer research luminaries who have passed in recent years.

  • Illustration comparing two cells: one with active estrogen receptors (left) and one lacking them (right). The left cell shows estrogen binding to receptors, leading to DNA interaction and protein production, including progesterone receptors. The right cell, without active receptors, shows no such activity.
    • By Elia Ben-Ari

    For some people with ER-positive breast cancer, a new imaging test may help guide decisions about receiving hormone therapy, according to a new study. The test can show whether estrogen receptors in tumors are active and responsive to estrogen.

  • CT machine with a tech
    • By Edward Winstead

    After a steep drop in screening for common cancers early in the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are now exploring ways to improve cancer screening during the current crisis and beyond.

  • 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.

  • Two CT scan images of the neck, labeled "A" on the left. Both images display cross-sectional views with white arrows pointing to specific areas of interest
    • By Elia Ben-Ari

    A recent study quantified the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw for patients who take zoledronic acid to manage complications from cancer that has spread to the bone. The study also examined risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw in these patients.

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