Approximately 16% of Worldwide Cancers Caused By Preventable Infections

Two million cancer cases each year—or roughly 16 percent of cancers worldwide—are the result of preventable and treatable infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis C (HCV), according to the results of a study published in The Lancet Oncology.[1] … Continue reading

Rindopepimut Continues to Show Promise Against Glioblastoma

According to longer-term follow-up of a Phase II clinical trial, the investigational vaccine rindopepimut (CDX-110) may improve overall survival with glioblastoma mutiforme (GBM). These results were presented at the 2011 annual meeting of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. Glioblastoma mutiforme is one of the most common and fatal types of primary brain cancer. It develops from [...]

Danish Study Finds No Link Between Cell Phones and Brain Tumors

Updated results from a large study conducted in Denmark found no increased risk of brain tumors among long-term cell phone users. These results were published in the British Medical Journal. Cell phones emit radio waves. Radio waves are a type of low-frequency (non-ionizing) electromagnetic radiation. Exposure to high levels of this type of radiation can [...]

Chemotherapy During Pregnancy Not Linked with Developmental Problems in Kids

According to a study presented at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress, children born to women who received chemotherapy during pregnancy do not appear to have an increased risk of heart or cognitive problems. Since relatively few women are diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy, data regarding the effects of chemotherapy during pregnancy are limited. Determining [...]

Clinical Trial Participation Is Inadequate

A large proportion of cancer patients do not enroll in clinical trials, and those who do participate may not adequately represent age groups, cancer stages, cancer types, and racial and ethnic groups. These findings were recently reported in the Annals of Surgery. Clinical trials are the process through which medications ultimately become approved by the [...]

Investigational Vaccine Promising in Glioblastoma

An investigational immunotherapeutic vaccine called rindopepimut appears promising in the treatment of glioblastoma mutiforme (GBM). These Phase II clinical trial results were recently presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. Glioblastoma mutiforme is one of the most common and fatal types of primary brain cancer. It develops from the glial cells, [...]

Afinitor Approved for Treatment of Benign Brain Tumor

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval to Afinitor® (everolimus) for the treatment of a benign brain tumor—subependymal giant cell astrocytoma associated with tuberous sclerosis—in children and adults who require treatment but are not candidates for surgical removal of the tumor. Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic condition that causes benign [...]

Small Vaccine Study Promising for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme Patients

Newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients are reported to experience an improvement in survival when treated with the addition of a vaccine targeted to epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) compared with patients who undergo standard treatment.  These Phase II findings from a small study were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] [...]

Childhood Cancer Survivors Facing Cognitive Challenges May Benefit from Methylphenidate

A recent study suggests that methylphenidate may provide long-term cognitive benefits to children who have been treated for brain cancer or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). These findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] The survival rate for childhood cancer is high, with 80% of children and adolescents surviving five or more years. One [...]

Risk Factors Help Predict Survival Following Surgery for Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme

For patients with recurrent glioblastoma (glioblastoma that has returned after initial treatment), researchers have developed a tool that helps predict outcome after surgery. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common and fatal types of primary brain cancer. It develops from the glial [...]