Oropharyngeal cancer patients experience post-surgery sleep apnea

Source: Sciencecodex.com Author: Staff San Diego, CA â€" Nearly all patients who underwent surgery to treat oropharyngeal cancer experienced some degree of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to new research presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, in San Diego, CA. The pilot study, which collected data [...]

Understanding the link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancers

Source: www.jaapa.com (Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, October, 2009) Authors: Denise Rizzolo, PA-C, PhD, Mona Sedrak, PA-C, PhD Head and neck cancer is diagnosed in approximately 650,000 patients each year worldwide.1 The term head and neck cancer refers to a group of biologically similar cancers originating from the upper aerodigestive tract, including the lip, [...]

CDC finds poisons in dissolvable tobacco products

Source: Notobacco Author: Staff Since the beginning of this year, Indianapolis has been a test market for new dissolvable tobacco products, mostly from Camel. These are smokeless, spit-free, made from finely milled tobacco, and held together by food-grade binders. They look like breath mints, breath strips, or toothpicks, and are designed to be placed in the mouth, on [...]

Avaxia Biologics awarded phase I SBIR grant to develop antibody therapeutic for oral mucositis

Source: www.reuters.com Author: press release Avaxia Biologics, Inc., a biotechnology company developing oral antibodies for disease targets accessible via the GI tract, announced today that it has been awarded a Phase I SBIR grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to support the development of a novel antibody therapeutic for oral mucositis. Avaxia is developing [...]

Brazil develops medicine effective for rebuilding immune system

Source: news.xinhuanet.com Author: Fang Yang A team of Brazilian researchers is developing a medicine to treat AIDS, tuberculosis and cancerous tumors, according to an article published on Sunday’s edition of Science, a magazine of Brazil’ State of Sao Paolo University (UNESP). The medicine, known as P-Mapa, has shown signs of rebuilding immune systems in tests on animals and [...]

Big Tobacco still targets teenagers

Source: www.postbulletin.com Author: staff A couple of months ago I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen in years. I didn’t recognize him. A once solid and athletic guy, now in his late 40s, he’d lost more than 50 pounds and his skin was the color of fireplace ash. A long, thin scar ran from his jaw [...]

British celebs back drive for new cancer treatment

Source: news.sky.com/skynews Author: staff Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir David Frost are among a host of celebrities giving their support to a cancer charity campaigning for a new type of treatment to be made available nationwide. The personalities are urging people to donate to medical trials of Photodynamic Therapy which, they say, could revolutionise cancer treatment in the [...]

Rare head and neck cancer linked to HPV, study fin

Source:  UMHS Newsroom Author: Nicole Fawcett ANN ARBOR, Mich. â€" An increase in cases of a rare type of head and neck cancerappears to be linked to HPV, or human papillomavirus, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. The study looked at patients with nasopharyngeal cancer, a tumor that grows behind the nose and [...]

A perk for coffee lovers: Java may lower oral cancer risk

Source: Scientificamerican.com Author: Katherine Harmon Raise high the coffee bean! Good news, coffee-drinkers: a new study shows your beverage of choice may lower your chances of getting oral, esophageal and pharyngeal (back-of-the-throat) cancer. Japanese researchers report in the American Journal of Epidemiology this week that people they studied who drank a cup or more of Joe daily had about a [...]

New tobacco product prompts concerns⦠No itâs not Marlboroâ¦

Source: www.us-marlboro.com Author: staff Sweden brought us meatballs, the Nobel prize, Ikea, the Saab and the Volvo. But the country’s latest mark on the U.S. is not so benign: an oral tobacco product known as snus. The moist tobacco, which comes in a tea-bag-style pouch that goes under the upper lip, has public health experts divided. Some say [...]

Nanomagnet in âStar-Trek styleâ wand could cure cancer

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk Author: staff The space-age technology, which uses microscopic iron particles to heat up and destroy tumours, may be ready for clinical trials in as little as three years. Different teams of UK scientists have been working together on the research, which could bring new hope to patients who are no longer responding to standard therapy. In future [...]

Artists transform symbols of pain into objects of beauty

Source: Gazette.net Author: Jason Tomassini Radiation masks showcase courage of patients Lying on a table in Cookie Kerxton’s tiny Bethesda art studio is a symbol of unparalleled pain and suffering: a white, plastic mask of her own face she wore during treatment for throat cancer. The loss of speech, being fed through her stomach, the severe dry mouth, the burns [...]

Findings From Northwestern University Provide New Insights Into Endometrial Cancer

In this recent study, researchers in the United States conducted a study "To report perioperative outcomes and learning curve characteristics from a multiinstitutional experience with robotic-assisted surgical staging for endometrial cancer. A multiinstitutional robotic surgical consortium was created to evaluate the usefulness of robotics for gynecologic oncology surgery." "An analysis of a multiinstitutional database of all patients who underwent robotic surgery for endometrial carcinoma between April 2003 and January 2009 was performed. Records were reviewed for demographic data and perioperative outcomes. Individual surgeon outcomes were analyzed as well in an attempt to evaluate characteristics of learning with incorporation of robo...

Access Pharmaceuticals Provides Update On Prolindac Clinical Development Plan

DALLAS -- ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., provided an update today on the Company's clinical development plan for ProLindac, a novel DACH platinum drug that has shown to be active in many solid tumor types in human clinical studies. Access' clinical development team recently met with its partners Aosaikang Medicinal Group (ASK) in Nanjing, China and JCOM, Ltd. ("JCOM") in Seoul, Korea, together with key opinion leaders in oncology indications to discuss the protocols for the three planned ProLindac combination studies. Access and its partners are finalizing development plans and protocols for clinical trials strategically designed to examine ProLindac in combination with gemcitabine and/or taxol in hepatocellular carcinoma...

Over One Third Of All Oral And Throat Cancers Are Due To Sexual Practices

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted disease, has been linked to more than one third of all oral and throat cancers according to Dr. Solomon Hamburg, president of the prestigious Tower Cancer Research Foundation. Dr. Hamburg explained, "In the past, oral cancers were almost always associated with smoking and alcohol abuse but now oncologists have observed that as many as one third to one half of cases are caused by HPV, which is found within the tumor tissue." Normally, the virus is carried in the genital area of an average of about 27 percent of young American women and causes no symptoms, lasts eight to 24 months and then disappears. It is estimated...

Newly Found Stem Cell Causes Prostate Cancer: Mouse Study

Scientists in the United States, working with mice, have found a new type of stem cell in the prostate gland and shown that mutations in it can cause cancer, a study released Wednesday says. The discovery boosts evidence that cancers can be caused by modifications in stem cells, the dynamic precursor cells that develop into and replenish the body's specific tissues, it says. It also appears to resolve a mystery about the origin of prostate cancer, and could open new pathways for treatment of the deadly disease. "This is a new stem cell in the prostate, and our research shows that it can serve as a cell of origin for prostate cancer," said Cory Abate-Shen, a professor at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and...

Weight is Found to be a Big Factor in Cancer

Many people wishes to reduce their body weight and they are worried about finding the right weight reducing method. Lot of people are much worried about doing heavy exercises to lose weight. Those exercises need lot of effort and time. Such person can have diet pills for reducing their body weight. Diet pills are revolutionary drugs that can be used to reduce the weight. The information regarding the effects of the diet pills are provided in Diet Reviews . Nowadays more people prefer junk foods to nutritious food because of the taste and variety offered by the junk foods. Persons who prefer junk foods are more prone to obesity and overweight. The BMI of an obese person will be more than 30. Obesity and overweight leads to mental depression and stress. This may also leads to one of the dreadful disease – cancer. Normally people will choose dieting in order to reduce the excessive fat content in the body. Dieting is a slow process in which the person has to take nutritious food rather than going for junk food items. The junk food items are the major causes for obesity and overweight.

Cancer Symptoms, Early Detection is Key

There are a wide variety of cancer these days, and each one of them have different symptoms. So, it is not that easy to know whether we are a cancer patient or not. Are you sure that you are not a cancer patient? But how? Did you consult and doctor in the recent past? Or did you researched about the general symptoms found in cancer patients? If you have done those things, then thatÂ's a good thing. But what if you didnÂ't? How would you be knowing that you are not a cancer patient? Can can you make sure that you are safe and are not affected with any type of cancer? Symptoms of cancer are of many types. Persistent fatigue is a symptom that is found in patients of almost all types of cancer. So, if you are with persistent fatigue, then itÂ's better to consult an experienced doctor as soon as possible. Cancer is a disease, which treated at the right time, can be cured pretty easily and effectively. ThatÂ's because it responds well to treatments in the early stages. So take this as an advice and always consult a doctor at the right time rather than keeping it

Treatment of Lung Cancer

* Surgery Because surgery actually removes a tumor and nearby lymph nodes, it offers the greatest chance for significant survival for some types of lung cancer. This is especially true for the early stage (I, II) cancers that have not spread to other parts of the body. Some patients may undergo surgery during the course of their diagnosis and treatment. * Chemotherapy Chemotherapy uses strong chemicals or drugs to kill cancer cells, stop their reproduction, or slow their growth. There are many types of chemotherapy drugs, and they may be given in combination with each other, and also in combination with surgery and radiation. A medical oncologist prescribes, but it may be given by an oncology nurse. * Radiation Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) may be effective for the treatment of lung cancer. It uses high-energy rays, similar to X-rays, but stronger, to kill or shrink cancer cells. Usually, lung cancers are treated from an external source of energy. However research is underway to study the use of implanted radioactive seeds into or near the lung cancer. This type of radiotherapy, called brachytherapy, has been successfully used in the treatment of prostate cancer. * New therapies Recently, there has been an increase in new treatment advances for lung cancer. Some of these advances are still undergoing research in clinical trials, while others have been approved and are being used for treatment of patients.

Study finds 231 new genes associated with head and neck cancer

Source: www.eurekalert.org Author: press release A Henry Ford Hospital study has identified 231 new genes associated with head and neck cancer, one of the most deadly cancers responsible for 2.1 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States. Previously, only 33 genes were reported associated with head and neck cancer. “These new genes should advance selection of head [...]

Curcumin may inhibit nicotine-induced activation of head and neck cancers

Source: www.sciencedaily.com Author: staff Curcumin, the compound that gives curry powder its yellow/orange color, may inhibit the adverse effects of nicotine in patients with head and neck cancer who continue to smoke. In a paper presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology â€" Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in San Diego, [...]

Oncolyticsâ Phase III borrows adaptive design in SPA trial

Source: www.bioworld.com Author: Catherine Hollingsworth Oncolytics Biotech Inc. reached agreement with the FDA on the design of a Phase III trial of Reolysin in head and neck cancer, marking the first such agreement for an intravenously administered oncolytic virus. The Phase III trial will be conducted in two stages and will cost an estimated $15 million, Matt Coffey, [...]

Altria to introduce new Marlboro snus and other smokeless tobaccos

Source: www.us-marlboro.com Author: staff In conformity with the recently revealed marketing strategy, Phillip Morris USA has been focused on developing and introducing new extensions of company’s flagship brands Marlboro, L&M and smokeless products, said Michael E. Szymanczyk, chairman of Altria Group, the owner of Philip Morris. Altria also is eager to increase its leading position in the constantly [...]

New tobacco product prompts concerns⦠No itâs no Marlboroâ¦

Source: www.us-marlboro.com Author: staff Sweden brought us meatballs, the Nobel prize, Ikea, the Saab and the Volvo. But the country’s latest mark on the U.S. is not so benign: an oral tobacco product known as snus. The moist tobacco, which comes in a tea-bag-style pouch that goes under the upper lip, has public health experts divided. Some say [...]

Statistically Significant Phase II Clinical Results For Prophylactic Use Of rhITF In Mucositis Published In Journal Of Clinical Oncology

FRAMINGHAM, MA -- Published today, as an original investigation, in the peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical Oncology, are statistically significant Phase II clinical results of The GI Company's lead clinical compound, rhITF (recombinant human Intestinal Trefoil Factor) oral spray. The article is titled, "A Phase II, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of rhITF Oral Spray for Prevention of Oral Mucositis in Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving 5-Fluorouracil-based Chemotherapy." rhITF oral spray is being developed for the treatment and prevention of oral mucositis (OM). Oral mucositis can be a serious, non-hematologic oral complication of high-dose systemic chemotherapy and radiation-based anti-cancer treatment...

Research From Hadassah University Provide New Insights Into Endometrial Cancer

"Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer is a cancer predisposition syndrome known to be caused by heterozygous germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes (MMR) most commonly hMLH1, hMSH2, hMSH6. Heterozygous mutations in one of these genes confer an increased risk, mainly for colon and endometrial cancer," investigators in Jerusalem, Israel report. "Recently, several publications identified that biallelic mutations in the MMR genes are associated with a more severe phenotype, including childhood malignancies and signs of neurofibromatosis type I (NF1). We report on a non-consanguineous Ashkenazi Jewish family with two affected siblings with features of NF1, colon cancer and astrocytoma at age 13 and 14. Their mother developed en...

Minimally Invasive Treatment Found Effective For Esophageal Cancer

Researchers have found that early stage cancers of the esophagus can be treated as effectively by less-invasive, organ-sparing endoscopic therapy as compared to more complex surgical removal of the esophagus, according to a Mayo Clinic study published in the September 2009 issue of Gastroenterology. In 20 percent of esophageal cancer (http://www.mayoclinic.org/esophageal-cancer) cases in the United States, the cancer is detected in the early stages," says Ganapathy Prasad, M.D., (http://www.mayoclinic.org/bio/12948837.html) gastroenterologist and lead author on the study. "Traditionally, esophageal cancer patients undergo a complicated surgery to remove the esophagus. Our team compared surgery to the use of endoscopic therapy, where a sc...

Cell Phones And Health: Is There A Brain Cancer Connection?

Are cell phones safe? Mounting concerns about the cancer risks of cell phone radiation, especially for children, will bring experts to Washington for a groundbreaking international conference on September 13-15. The goal of the conference is to propose a U.S. research agenda. The latest scientific evidence on cell phones and human health and public policy implications will be presented by such respected experts as Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, Director Emeritus, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute; Dr. Siegal Sadetzki, Tel Aviv Medical University, Israel's key researcher on cancer and cell phones; Dr. Margaret Offermann, national research deputy at the American Cancer Society; and Professor Frank Barnes, chairman of the 2008 National Ac...

Narrow-Band Imaging Increases Specificity Of Early Lung Cancer Detection

Research published in the September 2009 issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology has found that narrow-band imaging bronchoscopy increases the specificity of bronchoscopic early lung cancer detection and can serve as an alternative detection device. Past research has shown detection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) while still localized to the surface of the lung can improve cure rates. Bronchoscopic technologies that utilize white light (WLB), auto-fluorescence imaging (AFI) and narrow-band imaging (NBI) have been developed to enhance the ability for physicians to diagnoses NSCLC at a pre-invasive stage. NBI is the newest of these technologies. To confirm the efficiency of these new technologies, Felix J.F. Herth, M.D. of the...

Researchers From New York Presbyterian Hospital Discuss Findings In Lymphoma Therapy

New investigation results, 'Management of relapsed mantle cell lymphoma: still a treatment challenge,' are detailed in a study published in ONCOLOGY. "Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that remains incurable, and is associated with a median survival of approximately 5 years. Management of patients with relapsed or refractory disease is challenging," investigators in the United States report. "The major therapeutic goal in MCL management is to improve survival and quality of life whenever possible. Progress has been made in MCL therapy in the past decade based on clinical experimentation with novel agents and combinations. There is a growing list of conventional and novel agents in our armamentarium,...

New Treatment In Sight For Ovarian Cancer

In the future, women with metastatic ovarian cancer could be treated with a radioactive substance that can seek and destroy tumour cells. An initial study in patients conducted jointly by the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital has found that the treatment has no unwanted side-effects. "Our research team has long hoped to be able to target radiotherapy in this way," says oncologist Hakan Andersson from Sahlgrenska University Hospital, who is leading the research alongside professor Ragnar Hultborn from the Sahlgrenska Academy and radiation physicist Lars Jacobsson. "There is a good chance of this treatment working, as the study indicates that a sufficient amount of the active substan...

New Call Center Helps Ovarian Cancer Patients Cope With Challenges Of Diagnosis

Women with ovarian cancer can now find immediate assistance to better cope with their diagnosis by calling 877-OV-HOPE-1 (877-684-6731), a new, free telephone counseling and referral service launched today by a unique partnership: L'Oreal Paris and its charitable partner, the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF), and CancerCare, a national non-profit which provides free counseling and education services to individuals and families affected by cancer (see also Ovarian Cancer). "Any cancer diagnosis is a frightening and stressful experience that can be difficult to cope with," noted Rosalie Canosa, director of program services for CancerCare. "When the diagnosis is ovarian cancer, too many women have no place to turn for help with the emotio...

I had chemo for breast cancer and now have neuropathy in my feet and legs. What can b

I had chemotherapy for breast cancer three years ago. I have been on Femara since. I am now suffering from neuropathy in my feet and legs. What can be done to help? I understand that electrical stimulation might help (I currently own a Medea 2500 Tens Unit). Could it be used? I also read that multivitamin B supplements can help. I found one on the internet called WSN Nerve support formula. Is there any point in taking it? I have the same question here also I had chemo for breast cancer and now have neuropathy in… (http://www.caring.com/questions/i-had-chemotherapy-for-breast-cancer-3-years-ago-i-have) i am looking for more answer. Thank you for your answer. ammey

Understand Colon Cancer And How To Prevent It

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. These parts of the digestive system are also called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The digestive system processes food for energy, reabsorbs fluids and rids the body of solid waste. Colorectal cancer usually develops slowly over a period of many years. Before a cancer develops, it usually begins as a non- cancerous polyp. The polyp is an abnormal growth in the lining of the colon or rectum. These polyps can be detected and removed to prevent future colon cancer. Here are answers to frequently asked questions: -Is colorectal cancer predominantly a man's disease? No. According to the American Cancer Society, men and women are equally affected by c...

Erbitux® may improve treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Source: professional.cancerconsultants.com Author: staff Researchers from Germany have reported that Erbitux® (cetuximab) improves response rate, time to disease progression, and overall survival of patients with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma receiving Platinol® (cisplatin) and 5-FU. The details of this study appeared in the October 2009 issue of Annals of Oncology.[1] Esophageal cancer is relatively common and is very deadly. [...]

Psoriasis and herbs.Natures Wonder

What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is a disease whose main symptom is gray or silvery flaky patches on the skin which are red and inflamed underneath. In the United States, it affects 2 to 2.6 percent of the population, or between 5.8 and 7.5 million people. Commonly affected areas include the scalp, elbows, knees, arms, stomach and back. Psoriasis is autoimmune in origin, and is not contagious. Around a quarter of people with psoriasis also suffer from psoriatic arthritis, which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in its effects. Psoriasis was first given that name in complete differentiation from other skin conditions by the Austrian dermatologist Ferdinand von Hebra in 1841, although there are what are believed to be descriptions of the disease in sources going back to ancient Roman and possibly even biblical times. Causes of Psoriasis? Psoriasis is driven by the immune system, especially involving a type of white blood cell called a T cell. Normally, T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. T cells help create scabs over wounds. In the case of psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake and become so active that they trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to rapid turnover of skin cells. Most recently, the natural or innate immune system has been found to be highly implicated. Non-specific natural responses of the skin immune system, and virtually every subsystem of that, are activated in psoriasis. Epidermal cells up on the surface of the skin, forming itchy patches or plaques. The first outbreak of psoriasis is sometimes triggered by emotional or mental stress or physical skin injury, but heredity is a major factor as well. In about one-third of the cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. Researchers have studied a large number of families affected by psoriasis and identified genes linked to the disease. (Genes govern every bodily function and determine the inherited traits passed from parent to child.) People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their skin worsens, then improves. Conditions that may cause flareups include infections, stress, and changes in climate that dry the skin. Also, certain medicines, including Lithium salt and beta blockers, which are prescribed for high blood pressure, may trigger an outbreak or worsen the disease. Other autoimmune diseases such as HIV/AIDS may significantly worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. Alcohol consumption and obesity may also worsen the condition. Types of Psoriasis? Plaque psoriasis Skin lesions are red at the base and covered by silvery scales. Also known as Classis Psoriasis or Psoriasis Vulgaris. The most common form of psoriasis, affecting about 80% of people with the disease. People with plaque psoriasis have raised, red, inflamed areas of skin—called plaques—often on the scalp, knees, elbows, chest, or back. These inflamed plaques of skin are covered by a silvery-white buildup called scale. It will often reoccur and its cause is not fully understood, although it is generally considered to be an autoimmune disease. Pustular psoriasis Blisters of noninfectious pus appear on the skin. Attacks of pustular psoriasis may be triggered by medications, infections, stress, or exposure to certain chemicals. Guttate psoriasis Small, teardrop shaped lesions appear on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is most often triggered by upper respiratory infections (for example, a sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria). The second most common form of psoriasis, characterized by small, pink or red drops on the skin. This type of psoriasis may cover a large portion of the body and is usually found on the chest, back, arms, or legs. It appears after a bacterial infection such as strep throat, especially in younger patients. Some cases go away without treatment in a few weeks, while many cases are more persistent and require treatment. Psoriatic arthritis Joint and connective tissue inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis in patients who have or will develop psoriasis. Inverse psoriasis (or "Flexural psoriasis") Smooth, red patches occur in the folds of the skin near the genitals, under the breasts, or in the armpits. The symptoms may be worsened by friction, sweating and/or the presence of yeast or fungal infections. It is called inverse psoriasis because it occurs in moist areas, areas that aren't normally affected by classic psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis Widespread reddening and exfoliation of the skin that may form the initial outbreak of psoriasis, but is more often the result of exacerbation of unstable plaque psoriasis, particularly under the triggering effect of: abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment, use of systemic steroids or excessive use of high potency topical steroids corticosteroids (cortisone) or in a koebner response to a widespread allergic reaction or severe sunburn. This form of psoriasis can be genuinely dangerous, since the extreme inflammation and exfoliation interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature and perform other barrier functions. Treatment of psoriasis Herbs are best treatment for psoriasis. One such herbal treatment is available by the name of Psoriasis Tabs, which is a completely guaranteed and clinically proven herbal treatment for Psoriasis. It consists of a formulation consisting of purely natural ingredients of the herbal genus Cassia blended together in a specific proportion to fight and cure Psoriasis permanently. Thousands of patients have been successfully cured with Psoriasis Tab over the past few years. Had the effectiveness of Psoriasis Tab not been proven beyond any doubt, it would not be possible for us to make such a bold claim. Treatment with Psoriasis Tab is very rapid and obvious results can be noticed within two weeks of its use. In almost all cases, mild Psoriasis is fully cured within four weeks of use. A slightly longer period is required for serious cases and treatment can last up to six weeks (42 days).

Oral Cancer Foundation to Donate Screening Devices to Free Clinics

Phoenix’s Native American Community Health Center Is First Recipient of adjunctive screening system Newport Beach, CA – October 5, 2009 The Oral Cancer Foundation recently initiated a program of donating VELscope Oral Cancer Screening Systems to free clinics and others located in, and helping communities with, underserved populations.  The first recipient of this program is the Native [...]

Studies Conducted At University Of Texas On Breast Cancer Recently Published

According to recent research from the United States, "We found earlier that high-dose chemotherapy with Allo-SCT produced a tumor response in patients with chemorefractory metastatic breast cancer. In this study, we examined the efficacy and toxicity of nonmyeloablative allogeneic PBSC transplantation in patients with chemosensitive metastatic breast cancer." "Twelve patients with metastatic breast carcinoma who had stable disease after standard-dose chemotherapy and six who had a partial response underwent allogeneic transplantation. The conditioning regimen consisted of reduced-intensity fludarabine and melphalan. All patients achieved engraftment and hematopoietic recovery. Nine patients developed grade II or higher acute GVHD; seven...

Natural Compounds May Help Treat Cancer

CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Oregon State University scientists say they've discovered some food compounds studied for an ability to prevent cancer might also be able to treat it. Researchers at the university's Linus Pauling Institute suggest some natural food compounds might be effective in working side-by-side with conventional drugs that are now used in chemotherapy. The scientists said they examined the activity of chlorophyllin and found, on a dose-by-dose basis, it was 10 times more potent at causing the death of colon cancer cells than hydroxyurea, a chemotherapeutic drug commonly used in cancer treatment. Beyond that, chlorophyllin kills cancer cells by blocking the same phase of cellular division that hydroxyurea d...

Surgeon Training Found Effective In Breast Cancer Sentinel Lymph Node Trial

Training methods for surgeons who perform breast cancer sentinel lymph node resection were found to be effective in almost 97% of surgeons assessed, according to a new study published online August 24 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The randomized National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-32 trial is evaluating whether sentinel lymph node resection can achieve the same outcomes as axillary lymph node resection-the surgical procedure designed to maximize breast cancer survival, provide regional control, and determine cancer stage-but with fewer side effects. In this study, David N. Krag, M.D., of the Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Vermont in Burlington, Vt., and colleagues assesse...

Prostate Cancer Risks: Age, Race, Family, And Now Weight Gain

Patrick Walsh, M.D., author of Guide To Surviving Prostate Cancer and Distinguished Service Professor of Urology--The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, is the world's foremost authority on prostate cancer. His book provides some striking news for men: --More than 200,000 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. --27,000 will die in the U.S. from it this year. --Prostate cancer is the most common major cancer in men. --Because prostate cancer is silent, generally without symptoms, early detection is the key. --Men should begin being screened for prostate cancer at age 40. --When prostate cancer is small, it is curable. --More than 95% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are alive ten years later...

Potential Skin Cancer Treatment Reported

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- U.S. scientists say they've developed a new trial drug therapy that shows promise in fighting advanced and metastatic basal cell skin cancer. Researchers at the Virginia Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare in Arizona say the trial, known as the Hedgehog Study, demonstrates tumor shrinkage and limited side effects in patients. Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, who led the study, said the findings are significant because there is no proven therapy for advanced basal cell carcinoma -- the most common cancer in the United States. In a Phase I clinical trial, Von Hoff and colleagues at Johns Hopkins University and the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit demonstrated the drug developed by Genentech appea...

Studies From University Of Colorado Describe New Findings In Breast Cancer

"Triple negative (TN) breast cancer is more frequent in women who are obese or have type II diabetes, as well as young women of color. These cancers do not express receptors for the steroid hormones estrogen or progesterone, or the type II receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) Her-2 but do have upregulation of basal cytokeratins and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)," scientists in the United States report. "These data suggest that aberrations of glucose and fatty acid metabolism, signaling through EGFR and genetic factors may promote the development of TN cancers. The anti-type II diabetes drug metformin has been associated with a decreased incidence of breast cancer, although the specific molecular subtypes that may be reduced by me...

HALO Breast Pap Test To Be Featured On The Doctors TV Show

IRVINE, Calif. -- The HALO Pap Test for the Breast -- which helps assess a woman's risk of developing breast cancer -- will be featured this Friday Sept. 11 on the popular daytime healthcare talk show by co-host Lisa Masterson, MD, an ob/gyn in Santa Monica, Calif. "Having Dr. Masterson discuss HALO on national TV provides a tremendous opportunity to spread the word to women about the importance of understanding and managing breast cancer risk. Risk management is a critical step toward reducing breast cancer incidence and death rates," said John Stroh, president and CEO of NeoMatrix, which makes the HALO system. HALO is FDA-cleared for the collection of nipple aspirate fluid for cytological evaluation. Like the Pap tes...

NHS Foundation Trust: Biomedical Research Centre Developing Enhanced Cells As Therapies

An increased understanding of the role of the body's immune system in the development of diseases such as prostate cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), type 1 diabetes, autoimmune liver disease, and in the rejection of transplanted organs by some transplant patients, has paved the way for a pioneering research programme which aims to develop 'enhanced' cells as therapies. Researchers hope to find ways to extract specific cells which play a role in these diseases from patients, then activate or modify them in the laboratory and transfer them safely back into patients so that they can fight the diseases from within their own body. The GBP1 million research programme is being carried out at the National Institute for Hea...

Assessing oral cancer early detection: clarifying dentistsâ practices

Source: J Public Health Dent, September 17, 2009 Authors: Charles W Lehew, Joel B Epstein, Linda M Kaste, and Young-Ku Choi Abstract Objective: This study explores new methods for assessing in greater detail what dentists do when they perform oral cancer early detection examinations. It clarifies practice behaviors and opens opportunities to identify factors that facilitate thorough early [...]

The influence of patient education by the dental hygienist: acceptance of the fluorescence oral cancer exam

Source: J Dent Hyg, June 1, 2009; 83(3): 134-40 Author: M Paulis Purpose: Oral cancer frequently goes undetected in its early and most curable stages because no clinical signs or symptoms usually exist. This study assessed the effect patient education had on the patient’s decision to accept or refuse a fluorescence oral cancer examination. Methods: Along with providing a [...]

âFrenchâ kissing ups risk of oral HPV infection

Source: Reuters Health Author: staff Oral sex and open-mouthed “French” kissing increase the risk of acquiring oral infections of human papillomavirus, or HPV, a study shows. “Performing oral sex is not without risks,” Dr. Maura L. Gillison told Reuters Health. It is associated with gonorrheal pharyngitis – a sexually transmitted infection of the tonsils and back of the throat [...]

Candidiasis: new agents for invasive infections

Source: www.clinicaladvisor.com Author: Carl Sherman Infection with the ubiquitous fungus Candida cuts across a broad spectrum of severity that ranges from common and superficial mucocutaneous variants to invasive disease that can be life-threatening. The addition of important new antifungal agents to the candidiasis armamentarium has led the Infectious Diseases Society of America to issue updated Clinical Practice [...]

University of Toronto researchers create microchip that can detect type and severity of cancer

Source: www.newswire.ca Author: Press release U of T researchers have used nanomaterials to develop a microchip sensitive enough to quickly determine the type and severity of a patient’s cancer so that the disease can be detected earlier for more effective treatment. Their groundbreaking work, reported Sept. 27 in Nature Nanotechnology heralds an era when sophisticated molecular diagnostics [...]

Osseointegration of dental implants after radiotherapy for oral cancer

Source:  Fogorv Sz, February 1, 2009; 102(1): 7-11 Author:  Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Fogorvos-tudományi Kar, Szájsebészeti Tanszék The goal of rehabilitation following radical surgery and radiotherapy for oral cancer is the restoration of oral functions and aesthetics. Osseointegrated implants improve prosthesis stability. Previous radiotherapy was originally considered a contraindication for implant placement. The aim of this study was to [...]

Surgeon struck off for faking patientâs medical records after failing to spot she had cancer

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk Author: staff A top surgeon has been banned from practising after he faked a patient’s records when he failed to spot a fatal throat cancer. Mohamed Bahaa Madkour admitted to having got things ‘catastrophically wrong’ after he lied on a patient’s notes, claiming he’d sent her for MRI and CT scans, a General Medical Council hearing [...]