Cancer Currents: An NCI Cancer Research Blog

Genetic mutations result from DNA copying mistakes, shown at the micro and macro level. Micro and macro both have deletion and substitution scenarios. Micro has insertion, and macro has duplication, inversion, and translocation.

The Playing Field for Cancer Checkpoint Inhibitors Is Expanding

By NCI Staff
June 4, 2015

The list of cancers that may be susceptible to checkpoint inhibitors is quickly expanding, according to findings from clinical trials presented at the ASCO annual meeting.

A patient covered with a white blanket goes into a CT machine.

Whole Brain Radiation for Some Patients with Brain Metastases Worsens Cognitive Decline

By NCI Staff
June 2, 2015

In some patients with cancer that has spread to the brain, whole brain radiation following radiosurgery causes more severe cognitive decline and does not improve survival compared with radiosurgery alone, a new study has found.

Most American Adults Do Not Use Sunscreen Regularly

By NCI Staff
June 1, 2015

The majority of Americans are not using sunscreen regularly to protect their skin from damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, according to a new survey.

An illustration of a female patient receiving a sigmoidoscopy from a male doctor. The patient is lying on her side on a hospital bed, wearing a blue top and covered with white sheet. The doctor wears safety goggles, blue facemark, and blue scrubs with white gloves. He holds the controller in his hand. He looks at a screen that shows the inside of the colon.

Screening Rates for Several Cancers Miss Their Targets

By NCI Staff
May 26, 2015

Screening rates for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer are lagging behind target rates set by the Healthy People 2020 program, according to a new study.

A person, seen from behind and wearing a white shirt, holds a tablet horizontally which displays the National Cancer Institute website. Behind the tablet is a cup of coffee and a cell phone is also nearby.

Welcome to the New Cancer.gov

By Peter F. Garrett, Director, NCI OCPL
May 15, 2015

NCI has launched a new, dynamic, and easier-to-use version of NCI’s main websites, Cancer.gov and its counterpart in Spanish, Cancer.gov/espanol.

Bright red mushroom with white spots, commonly known as the fly agaric, growing amidst grass and foliage in a natural setting. The mushroom's vibrant cap is the focal point, contrasting with the green and earthy tones of the surrounding plants.

Collateral Damage: Missing Tumor Suppressor Gene Creates Opening for Cancer Treatment

By NCI Staff
May 15, 2015

Tumor cells that are missing one copy of the tumor suppressor gene TP53 often harbor another genetic alteration that may make them susceptible to a targeted attack, according to a new study.

Staining slide showing range of PD-L1 expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma. There are three categories - PS <1%, PS 1-49%, and PS >= 50% - along with two magnifications, 5x and 40x. The images are fainter in the PS <1% column, and get darker and more detailed in the PS >= 50% column.

Trial Yields Positive Data on Pembrolizumab for Lung Cancer, Potential Response Biomarker

By NCI Staff
April 27, 2015

Findings from an early phase clinical trial may point to a biomarker that identifies patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer most likely to respond to the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda®).

Illustration of breast cancer, labeling lymph nodes and clusters of cancer cells in lymph nodes. An inset coming from a tumor in the illustration reads: Tumor is larger than 2 cm but not larger than 5 cm. An inset compares the size to a lime and a peanut.

Study Forecasts New Breast Cancer Cases by 2030

By NCI Staff
April 23, 2015

A new study from NCI researchers is forecasting important trends in the types and molecular makeup of breast cancer cases through 2030, including a reduction in the proportion of cases that are considered to be difficult to treat.

An illustrated cross section of the head and neck, labeled “Head and Neck Cancer Regions.” The illustration labels the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, oral cavity, tongue, salivary glands, larynx, and pharynx. The pharynx section further labels the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharnyx.

HPV Vaccine Effective Against Infection at Multiple Sites, Provides Partial Protection in Women with Previous Infections

By NCI Staff
April 22, 2015

A new study from NCI researchers finds that the HPV vaccine protects young women from infection with high-risk HPV types at the three primary anatomic sites where persistent HPV infections can cause cancer. The multi-site protection also was observed at lower levels in previously HPV-exposed women.

At NCI, A Continued Commitment to Supporting the Best Science

By Douglas Lowy, M.D.
April 21, 2015

Yesterday, at the AACR annual meeting, Dr. Doug Lowy spoke directly to the research community about his goals as NCI Acting Director. Dr. Lowy said that he plans to continue many of the programs launched by his predecessor, Dr. Harold Varmus, and to sharpen the institute’s focus in several areas where he believes greater progress can offer significant dividends.