Cancer Currents: An NCI Cancer Research Blog

A blog featuring news and research updates from the National Cancer Institute.

An illustrated banner to represent NCI's Cancer Currents research news blog. The design features interconnected scenes: a patient receiving care, a researcher in a lab, a tumor model, a laptop and mobile device displaying research articles, fitness activity, a clinical setting, and a researcher giving a scientific presentation. The background showcases rolling hills and abstract buildings.

Supporting Vice President Biden's Cancer Initiative
- By Douglas R. Lowy, M.D.
- January 21, 2016
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.
FDA Approves Alectinib for ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- By NCI Staff
- January 19, 2016
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.
Two Drugs Show Efficacy against Common Form of Leukemia
- By NCI Staff
- January 15, 2016
Reports from early-stage trials of two new oral drugs provide hope for patients with high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Driving New Approaches to Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
- By Barry Kramer, M.D., M.P.H.
- January 13, 2016
Researchers are pioneering new approaches to preventing and screening for cancer, and the management of very early-stage disease.
Genome Study Links Misfolded DNA to Brain Tumors
- By NCI Staff
- January 12, 2016
Changes in the packaging of DNA in the cell nucleus may activate growth-promoting genes that cause cancer.
Three New Therapies Approved for Multiple Myeloma
- By NCI Staff
- January 6, 2016
In November 2015, the FDA approved three new therapies for patients with multiple myeloma.
Approval of Osimertinib and Necitumumab Increases Lung Cancer Treatment Options
- By NCI Staff
- December 28, 2015
The FDA has approved two targeted therapies, osimertinib (Tagrisso™) and necitumumab (Portrazza™), for the treatment of some patients with advanced lung cancer.
Cancer Can Lead to Financial Hardship, Study Confirms
- By NCI Staff
- December 23, 2015
A substantial number of working-age cancer survivors report material or psychological financial hardship associated with their cancer.
Checking In on Cancer Checkpoint Inhibitors
- By NCI Staff
- December 18, 2015
NCI’s Dr. James Gulley discusses cancer checkpoint inhibitors, their impact on patient care, and future directions for these therapies.
New Drug for Pediatric Neuroblastoma Shows Promise in Preclinical Studies
- By NCI Staff
- December 17, 2015
An international research team has identified a possible new treatment target for pediatric neuroblastoma and is planning an early-stage clinical trial of a drug that inhibits this target.