Cancer Currents: An NCI Cancer Research Blog

An illustration of a tip of a wave done in Japanese ukiyo-e style.

Study Forecasts ‘Silver Tsunami’ of Cancer Survivors

By NCI Staff
July 8, 2016

According to an NCI study, the number of older cancer survivors will grow substantially over the next quarter century, increasing the demand for cancer and survivorship care.

An infographic titled “On a path to block breast cancer relapse”. At top, a bone illustration emits an inset that shows dormant breast cancer cells inside of bone marrow. Below, a three-part diagram shows cancer cells entering bone marrow using the molecule E-selectin, a molecule anchoring the cancer cell, and a drug (plerixafor) ejecting the cells from the marrow.

Mouse Study Illuminates the Spread of Breast Cancer to Bone

By NCI Staff
July 7, 2016

Researchers have identified proteins that may regulate the movement of breast cancer cells into and out of bone marrow.

Six white circular icons on a blue background displaying tobacco-related items: a cigarette, vaping device, pipe, hookah/water pipe, e-cigarette, and a calendar with a no-smoking symbol.

Setting the Stage for the Next Decade of Tobacco Control Research

By Robert T. Croyle, Ph.D.
July 5, 2016

A new report from an NCI working group lays out recommended priorities to help shape the institute’s future tobacco control research portfolio.

VP Biden speaks from a Presidential lectern

The Cancer Moonshot Summit: Reaching New Heights

By Douglas R. Lowy, M.D.
June 30, 2016

A recap of the Cancer Moonshot national summit hosted by Vice President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., on June 29, 2016, including a summary of the NCI-related activities that have been stimulated by the Cancer Moonshot.

Dr. Anthony Back talking with one of his patients

Prognosis Discussions Improve Understanding of Illness for Patients with Terminal Cancer

By NCI Staff
June 27, 2016

Many patients with advanced, incurable cancer have a poor understanding of their prognosis or life expectancy, a new study shows. Patients who discussed their prognosis with their doctors were more likely to understand the serious nature of their illness.

VP Biden speaks to panelists who sit at tables

The Moonshot Blue Ribbon Panel: Moving Toward a Final Report

By Douglas R. Lowy, M.D.
June 23, 2016

An update on the activities of the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative’s Blue Ribbon Panel and its work to develop a final report for research ideas to be pursued under this initiative.

A pharmacist with short black hair and glasses stands in a pharmacy examining a boxed drug.

Extended Adjuvant Therapy Beneficial for Some Women with Breast Cancer

By NCI Staff
June 22, 2016

Results from a recent clinical trial showed that extending adjuvant therapy with an aromatase inhibitor to 10 years after initial treatment can have important benefits for postmenopausal women with early-stage hormone receptor–positive breast cancer.

A birds-eye view of a large crowd at a conference. There are four rows with posters on them spanning with width of the hall. Above the crowd and the posters is a blue sign with the word “Posters”. There are hundreds of people in the crowd.

Early-Stage Cancer Trials Support Promise of Precision Medicine, Immunotherapy

By NCI Staff
June 17, 2016

Encouraging findings from several early-stage clinical trials featured at the 2016 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting support the promise of precision medicine and immunotherapy.

Illustration depicting the concept of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). It shows a human figure with highlighted organs, where tumor DNA originates. Arrows point from the tumors to a large, stylized blood vessel, where DNA strands are illustrated floating. The background features a sequence of DNA code, emphasizing the genetic aspect of cancer detection and monitoring.

Blood Test for Genetic Changes in Tumors Shows Promise as Alternative to Tumor Biopsy

By NCI Staff
June 14, 2016

The largest study of its kind to date has shown that a test that assesses DNA mutations and other changes in genetic material shed from tumors into the blood—a liquid biopsy—produced results highly similar to those of traditional tumor biopsies.

Medical professional in scrubs reviewing brain scan images on dual computer monitors, showing both traditional X-ray and enhanced colorized views.

Trials Produce Practice-Changing Results for Brain Cancer

By NCI Staff
June 9, 2016

Results from two clinical trials show that treating patients with the chemotherapy drug temozolomide in addition to radiation therapy increased overall and progression-free survival.