Cancer Currents: An NCI Cancer Research Blog

Illustration of Stage IV Lung Cancer. The image shows the human body with highlighted areas where lung cancer has spread, including the brain, lymph nodes, both lungs, adrenal gland, kidney, liver, and bone. An inset illustrates cancer cells spreading via blood and lymph nodes to other body parts. The diagram visually represents the extensive metastasis associated with Stage IV lung cancer.

Crizotinib Approval Expanded for Advanced Lung Cancer

By NCI Staff
March 22, 2016

The FDA has approved uses of the targeted therapy crizotinib (Xalkori®) for patients with advanced lung cancer whose tumors have alterations in the ROS1 gene.

High-Magnification Microscopy Visualizes Tumor Blood Vessels in Real Time

By NCI Staff
March 17, 2016

High-powered intravital microscopy reveals that 50 percent of blood vessels in melanoma tumors do not have any blood flow, according to a new study.

An outstretched hand wearing a blue latex glove holds a handful of oval pills which are light orange in color.

Keeping Pace: How New Data Can Affect Ongoing Clinical Trials

By Jo Anne Zujewski, M.D.
March 16, 2016

Research results sometimes outrace the design of an ongoing clinical trial and the trial has to be recalibrated to include newer treatments, according to NCI’s Dr. Jo Anne Zujewski.

A four-panel infographic. The first panel is titled Melanoma Patient, with blood and tumor biopsy labeled on a man’s silhouette. The blood label points to a panel titled “separation of CD8 + lymphocytes from the blood”. The tumor biopsy label points to a panel titled “sequencing of tumor to identify potential mutated antigens”. These two panels point to a final panel about the measurement of reactivity of peripheral immune cells to mutated antigens.

Novel Strategy Isolates Immune Cells in the Blood that Recognize Melanoma

By NCI Staff
March 11, 2016

NCI scientists have developed a novel strategy for identifying immune cells circulating in the blood that recognize specific proteins on tumor cells, a finding they believe may have potential implications for immune-based therapies.

A factoid image about the prevalence of HPV infections targeted by the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in girls between 14 and 19 years of age. There are two bar charts: the pre-vaccine era, from 2003-2006, is 11.5%; and the post-vaccine era, from 2009-2012, is 4.3%. There is a downward facing arrow that reads 64% decrease.

HPV Infections Targeted by Vaccine Decrease in U.S.

By NCI Staff
March 9, 2016

Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) types targeted by the quadrivalent HPV vaccine has declined by nearly two-thirds among teenage girls since HPV vaccination was recommended in the United States.

A female scientist sits down and looks through a microscope. She wears a lab coat and has shoulder length dirty blonde hair. She has a happy expression on her face. In the background, shelves with various types of equipment and binders can be seen, as well as large windows with the blinds pulled down, indicating a lab environment.

Fueling Basic Discovery: NCI’s Cooperative Human Tissue Network

By I. Lubensky, R. Chauqui, and J. Demchok
March 7, 2016

Quality biospecimens are a foundational resource for cancer research. One of NCI’s longest running biospecimen programs is the Cooperative Human Tissue Network, a resource mainly for basic discovery and early translational research.

BRCA Testing Rates High in Young Women with Breast Cancer

By NCI Staff
March 1, 2016

Testing for genetic mutations strongly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer has risen dramatically among women younger than age 40 who are diagnosed with the disease, according to a new study.

A patient lays on his back under a radiation machine. The patient is dressed in a hospital gown and covered with a blanket. The machine is large and grey with a cylindrical section directly above the patient’s chest. The background is tinted yellow and there are cabinets and a door.

Missed Radiation Therapy Sessions Increase Risk of Cancer Recurrence

By NCI Staff
February 26, 2016

Patients who miss radiation therapy sessions during cancer treatment have an increased risk of their disease returning, even if they eventually complete their course of radiation treatment, according to a new study.

Numerous small fish swim in a small enclosed tank. More tanks lead backwards towards the door.

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

By NCI Staff
February 24, 2016

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

By NCI Staff
February 22, 2016

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.