467 results
Search Results
2. New Breast Cancer Data Have Been Reported by Researchers at Ajman University (Paper Enhancing Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy Through Silica Nanoparticle-mediated Delivery of Temoporfin for Targeted In Vitro Breast Cancer Treatment).
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PHOTODYNAMIC therapy ,BREAST cancer ,CANCER treatment ,RESEARCH personnel ,TECHNOLOGICAL innovations - Abstract
Researchers at Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates have conducted a study on enhancing the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for breast cancer treatment. The study focuses on the use of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) to encapsulate a photosensitizer called Temoporfin, which aims to improve its delivery and reduce toxicity. The researchers found that encapsulated Temoporfin demonstrated greater effectiveness in eliminating cancer cells compared to its naked form. This research highlights the potential of SiNPs as an efficient drug delivery system in PDT and sets the groundwork for more advanced strategies in cancer treatment. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
3. Specifically designed diets demonstrate a "powerful ability" to prevent tumorigenesis, delay tumor growth and improve existing cancer treatments, CNIO researchers say in a review paper.
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TUMOR growth ,CANCER treatment ,DIET ,NEOPLASTIC cell transformation ,TRANSFORMING growth factors - Abstract
Interaction with the immune system One of the main factors responsible for tumor growth, and for therapeutic success, is the interaction between tumor cells and the patient's immunity. Keywords: Cancer; Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO); Clinical Research; Clinical Trials and Studies; Diet and Nutrition; Drugs and Therapies; Health and Medicine; Inflammation; Ketogenic Diet; Oncology; Pre-Trial Research EN Cancer Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO) Clinical Research Clinical Trials and Studies Diet and Nutrition Drugs and Therapies Health and Medicine Inflammation Ketogenic Diet Oncology Pre-Trial Research 1165 1165 1 06/12/23 20230613 NES 230613 2023 JUN 13 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Diet influences the incidence, growth and progression of cancer, to the extent that one-third of the most common cancers can be prevented, at least in part, by dietary changes. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2023
4. TAK1-inhibitors are cytotoxic for multiple myeloma cells alone and in combination with melphalan
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Ingrid Nyhus Moen, Hanne Hella, Kristine Misund, Tobias S. Slørdahl, Erling Håland, Elias Veidal, and Kristian K. Starheim
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Melphalan ,MAPK/ERK pathway ,Programmed cell death ,Kinase ,Chemistry ,TAK1 ,apoptosis ,MAP3K7 ,medicine.disease ,NF-κB ,cancer treatment ,multiple myeloma ,Oncology ,Cancer research ,medicine ,Cytotoxic T cell ,Protein kinase A ,Multiple myeloma ,medicine.drug ,Research Paper - Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable cancer caused by malignant transformation of plasma cells. Transforming growth factor-β activated kinase 1 (MAP3K7, TAK1) is a major regulator of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Both NF-κB and MAPK control expression of genes with vital roles for drug resistance in MM. TAK1 is an attractive drug target as it switches these survival pathways to cell death. Our analysis showed that patients with high MAP3K7 expression in the tumor had shorter overall and progression free survival. The TAK1-inhibitors NG25 and 5Z-7-oxozeaenol (5Z-7) were cytotoxic to MM cell lines and patient cells. NG25 reduced expression of MYC and E2F controlled genes, involved in tumor cell growth, cell cycle progression and drug resilience. TAK1 can be activated by genotoxic stress. NG25 and 5Z-7 induced both synergistic and additive cytotoxicity in combination with the alkylating agent melphalan. Melphalan activated TAK1, NF-κB, and the MAPKs p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), as well as a transcriptional UV-response. This was blocked by NG25, and instead apoptosis was activated. MM induce elevated bone-degradation resulting in myeloma bone disease (MBD), which is the main cause of disability and morbidity in MM patients. NG25 and 5Z-7 reduced differentiation and viability of human bone degrading osteoclasts, suggesting that TAK1-inhibition can have a double beneficial effect for patients. In sum, TAK1 is a promising drug target for MM treatment.
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- 2021
5. Healthcare migration in Italian paediatric haematology-oncology centres belonging to AIEOP.
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Rondelli, Roberto, Belotti, Tamara, Masetti, Riccardo, Locatelli, Franco, Massimino, Maura, Biffi, Alessandra, Dufour, Carlo, Fagioli, Franca, Menna, Giuseppe, Biondi, Andrea, Favre, Claudio, Zecca, Marco, Santoro, Nicola, Russo, Giovanna, Perrotta, Silverio, Pession, Andrea, and Prete, Arcangelo
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DIAGNOSIS of tumors in children ,EMIGRATION & immigration ,CANCER treatment ,HEALTH services accessibility ,TUMORS in children ,FISHER exact test ,NOMADS ,ONCOLOGY ,CHI-squared test ,MANN Whitney U Test ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,HEMATOLOGY ,KAPLAN-Meier estimator ,LOG-rank test ,SPECIALTY hospitals ,OVERALL survival - Abstract
Background: In Italy, there is a network of centres headed by the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (AIEOP) for the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric cancers on almost the entire national territory. Nevertheless, migration of patients in a hospital located in a region different from that of residence is a widespread habit, sometimes motivated by several reasons. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of migration of children with cancer to AIEOP centres in order to verify their optimal distribution throughout the national territory. Methods: To this purpose, we used information on 41,205 registered cancer cases in the database of Mod.1.01 Registry from AIEOP centres, with age of less than 20 years old at diagnosis, diagnosed from 1988 to 2017. Patients' characteristics were analysed and compared using the X
2 or Fisher's exact test or Mann–Whitney test, when appropriate. Survival distributions were estimated using the method of Kaplan and Meier, and the log-rank test was used to examine differences among subgroups. Results: Extra-regional migration involved overall 19.5% of cases, ranging from 23.3% (1988–1997) to 16.4% (2008–2017) (p < 0.001). In leukaemias and lymphomas we observed a mean migration of 8.8% overall, lower in the North (1.2%) and Centre (7.8%) compared to the South & Isles (32.3%). In the case of solid tumours, overall migration was 25.7%, with 4.2% in the North, 17.2% in the Centre and 59.6% in the South & Isles. For regions with overall levels of migration higher than the national average, most migration cases opted for AIEOP centres of close or even neighbouring regions. Overall survival at 10 years from diagnosis results 69.9% in migrants vs 78.3% in no migrants (p < 0.001). Conclusions: There is still a certain amount of domestic migration, the causes of which can be easily identified: migration motivated by a search for high specialization, migration due to lack of local facilities, or regions in which no AIEOP centres are present, which makes migration obligatory. Better coordination between AIEOP centres could help to reduce so-called avoidable migration, but technical and political choices will have to be considered, with the active participation of sector technicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
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6. Patients' acceptance of a shared cancer follow-up model of care between general practitioners and radiation oncologists: A population-based survey using the theoretical Framework of Acceptability.
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Sandell, Tiffany, Schütze, Heike, Miller, Andrew, and Ivers, Rowena
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PATIENT aftercare ,MATHEMATICAL statistics ,NONPARAMETRIC statistics ,SPECIALTY hospitals ,PARAMETERS (Statistics) ,RESEARCH evaluation ,CROSS-sectional method ,PATIENT-centered care ,PATIENTS' attitudes ,CONTINUUM of care ,CANCER treatment ,SURVEYS ,CONCEPTUAL structures ,CRONBACH'S alpha ,RESEARCH funding ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,RADIOTHERAPY ,DEMOGRAPHY ,DATA analysis software ,LOGISTIC regression analysis ,ONCOLOGY - Abstract
Introduction: International and national guidelines highlight the need for general practitioner involvement during and after active cancer treatment and throughout long-term follow-up care. This paper aimed to evaluate patients' acceptance of radiation oncology shared follow-up care using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two cancer care centres in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region of Australia. A sample of patients scheduled for a radiation oncology follow-up consultation in 2021 were sent a 32-point self-complete paper-based survey. Data were analysed using descriptive, parametric and non-parametric statistical analysis. This paper followed the Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS). Results: Of the 414 surveys returned (45% response rate), the acceptance for radiation oncology shared cancer follow-up care was high (80%). Patients treated with only radiotherapy were 1.7 times more likely to accept shared follow-up care than those treated with multiple modalities. Patients who preferred follow-up care for fewer than three years were 7.5 times more likely to accept shared care than those who preferred follow-up care for five years. Patients who travelled more than 20 minutes to their radiation oncologist or to the rural cancer centre were slightly more likely to accept shared care than those who travelled less than twenty minutes to the regional cancer centre. A high understanding of shared care (Intervention Coherence) and a positive feeling towards shared care (Affective Attitude) were significant predictive factors in accepting shared radiation oncology follow-up care. Conclusion: Health services need to ensure patient preferences are considered to provide patient-centred cancer follow-up care. Shared cancer follow-up care implementation should start with patients who prefer a shorter follow-up period and understand the benefits of shared care. However, patients' involvement needs to be considered alongside other clinical risk profiles and organisational factors. Future qualitative research using the TFA constructs is warranted to inform clinical practice change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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7. Standardising Breast Radiotherapy Structure Naming Conventions: A Machine Learning Approach.
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Haidar, Ali, Field, Matthew, Batumalai, Vikneswary, Cloak, Kirrily, Al Mouiee, Daniel, Chlap, Phillip, Huang, Xiaoshui, Chin, Vicky, Aly, Farhannah, Carolan, Martin, Sykes, Jonathan, Vinod, Shalini K., Delaney, Geoffrey P., and Holloway, Lois
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SPECIALTY hospitals ,HUMAN body ,MACHINE learning ,RETROSPECTIVE studies ,ARTIFICIAL intelligence ,CANCER treatment ,TERMS & phrases ,RESEARCH funding ,RADIOTHERAPY ,DATA analysis ,ARTIFICIAL neural networks ,RECEIVER operating characteristic curves ,THREE-dimensional printing ,BREAST tumors ,ONCOLOGY ,ALGORITHMS ,LONGITUDINAL method ,RADIATION dosimetry ,DATA mining - Abstract
Simple Summary: In radiotherapy treatment, organs at risk and target volumes are contoured by the clinicians to prepare a dosimetry plan. In retrospective data, these structures are not often standardised to universal names across the patients plans, which is required to enable data mining and analysis. In this paper, a new method was proposed and evaluated to automatically standardise radiotherapy structures names using machine learning algorithms. The proposed approach was deployed over a dataset with 1613 patients collected from Liverpool & Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres, New South Wales, Australia. It was concluded that machine learning techniques can standardise the dosimetry plan structures, taking into consideration the integration of multiple modalities representing each structure during the training process. In progressing the use of big data in health systems, standardised nomenclature is required to enable data pooling and analyses. In many radiotherapy planning systems and their data archives, target volumes (TV) and organ-at-risk (OAR) structure nomenclature has not been standardised. Machine learning (ML) has been utilised to standardise volumes nomenclature in retrospective datasets. However, only subsets of the structures have been targeted. Within this paper, we proposed a new approach for standardising all the structures nomenclature by using multi-modal artificial neural networks. A cohort consisting of 1613 breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy was identified from Liverpool & Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres, NSW, Australia. Four types of volume characteristics were generated to represent each target and OAR volume: textual features, geometric features, dosimetry features, and imaging data. Five datasets were created from the original cohort, the first four represented different subsets of volumes and the last one represented the whole list of volumes. For each dataset, 15 sets of combinations of features were generated to investigate the effect of using different characteristics on the standardisation performance. The best model reported 99.416% classification accuracy over the hold-out sample when used to standardise all the nomenclatures in a breast cancer radiotherapy plan into 21 classes. Our results showed that ML based automation methods can be used for standardising naming conventions in a radiotherapy plan taking into consideration the inclusion of multiple modalities to better represent each volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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8. Digital Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Monitoring of Patients on Cancer Treatment: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study
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Mayuran Ananth Sivanandan, Pippa Bullard, Catherine Sharma, and Judith Christian
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medicine.medical_specialty ,digital health ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,Health Informatics ,Prom ,chemotherapy ,Medicine ,Trial registration ,mobile health ,patient-reported outcome measures ,remote monitoring ,radiotherapy ,Questionnaire study ,Original Paper ,Descriptive statistics ,business.industry ,toxicity ,Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events ,Digital health ,outpatients ,Computer Science Applications ,Cancer treatment ,patient-reported outcomes ,oncology ,Physical therapy ,Patient-reported outcome ,immunotherapy ,digital technology ,business - Abstract
Background Oncology has been facing increasing outpatient activity associated with higher cancer incidence, better survival rates, and more treatment options. Innovative technological solutions could help deal with this increasing demand. Using digital patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to identify patients who need a face-to-face (FTF) appointment is a potential approach. Objective This study aims to assess the feasibility of digital PROM questionnaires to enable remote symptom monitoring for patients undergoing cancer treatment and their ability to highlight the requirement for an FTF appointment. Methods This study was performed at a tertiary oncology center between December 2018 and February 2019. The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events were adapted into patient-friendly language to form the basis of treatment-specific digital questionnaires covering specific cancer drugs and radiotherapy treatments. These treatment-specific digital PROM questionnaires were scored by both patients and their clinicians during FTF appointments. Patients and clinicians did not see each other’s scored PROMs. Agreement between patients and clinicians was assessed using descriptive statistics. Patient and staff feedback was also obtained. Results In total, 90 patients participated in the study across 10 different treatment pathways. By comparing paired patient and clinician responses, the sensitivity of the patient-completed questionnaires in correctly highlighting the need for FTF review was 94% (44/47), and all patients with severe or grade 3+ symptoms were identified (6/6, 100%). Patient-completed PROMs appropriately revealed that 29% (26/90) of the participating patients did not need FTF review based on their symptoms alone. Certain oncological treatment pathways, such as immunotherapy, were found to have a larger proportion of patients with minimal symptoms than others, such as conventional chemotherapy. Patient and staff feedback showed high approval of digital PROMs and their potential for use in remote monitoring. Conclusions Digital PROM questionnaires can feasibly highlight the need for FTF review in oncology clinics for treatment. Their use with specific treatments could safely reduce the requirement for FTF care, and future work should evaluate their application in the remote monitoring of patients.
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- 2021
9. Artificial Intelligence in Cancer Research: Trends, Challenges and Future Directions.
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Sebastian, Anu Maria and Peter, David
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ARTIFICIAL intelligence ,CANCER research ,MEDICAL research personnel ,CERVICAL cancer ,ERROR rates ,RADIOISOTOPE brachytherapy - Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO), in their 2022 report, identified cancer as one of the leading causes of death, accounting for about 16% of deaths worldwide. The Cancer-Moonshot community aims to reduce the cancer death rate by half in the next 25 years and wants to improve the lives of cancer-affected people. Cancer mortality can be reduced if detected early and treated appropriately. Cancers like breast cancer and cervical cancer have high cure probabilities when treated early in accordance with best practices. Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cancer research is currently addressing many of the challenges where medical experts fail to bring cancer to control and cure, and the outcomes are quite encouraging. AI offers many tools and platforms to facilitate more understanding and tackling of this life-threatening disease. AI-based systems can help pathologists in diagnosing cancer more accurately and consistently, reducing the case error rates. Predictive-AI models can estimate the likelihood for a person to get cancer by identifying the risk factors. Big data, together with AI, can enable medical experts to develop customized treatments for cancer patients. The side effects from this kind of customized therapy will be less severe in comparison with the generalized therapies. However, many of these AI tools will remain ineffective in fighting against cancer and saving the lives of millions of patients unless they are accessible and understandable to biologists, oncologists, and other medical cancer researchers. This paper presents the trends, challenges, and future directions of AI in cancer research. We hope that this paper will be of help to both medical experts and technical experts in getting a better understanding of the challenges and research opportunities in cancer diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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10. Researchers from Imperial College London Detail Research in Lung Cancer (What health inequalities exist in access to, outcomes from and experience of treatment for lung cancer? A scoping review).
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LUNG cancer ,RESEARCH personnel ,HEALTH equity ,CANCER treatment ,CANCER research - Abstract
A scoping review conducted by researchers from Imperial College London examined the health inequalities that exist in access to, outcomes from, and experience of treatment for lung cancer. The review analyzed 41 papers and found that race, rural residence, and being part of a vulnerable or socially excluded group impacted access to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. Additionally, rural residence, older age, and male sex negatively affected survival and mortality rates. The researchers concluded that these findings highlight the need for targeted efforts to improve equity in lung cancer care. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2023
11. Researchers from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University Report on Findings in Cancer Gene Therapy (Liposomes, The Attractive Vehicles for Drug Delivery: A Scientometric Mapping of Web of Science Indexed Literature).
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SCIENCE in literature ,SCIENTIFIC literature ,CANCER genes ,GENE therapy ,CANCER treatment - Abstract
A report from researchers at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Saudi Arabia discusses the use of liposomes as a drug delivery system in cancer gene therapy. Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of phospholipid bilayers that can fuse with cell membranes to deliver their contents. The study analyzed 629 research papers on liposomes as drug delivery between 1980 and 2021, using scientometric methods to assess research growth, prolific authors, funding agencies, and more. The findings highlight the importance of liposomes and cationic liposomes as research themes, as well as areas that require further attention in the field. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
12. Reports Outline Electronic Medical Records Research from Johns Hopkins University (Integrating Social Needs Screening and Resource Referral Into Standard Ambulatory Oncology Care: A Quality Improvement Project).
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ELECTRONIC health records ,OUTPATIENT medical care ,MEDICAL screening ,MEDICAL research ,CANCER treatment - Abstract
A recent study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University aimed to improve the screening and referral processes for health-related social resource needs (HRSN) in a gynecologic oncology clinic. The study found that only 52% of patients completed the paper-based screening, and 37% of patients with needs did not indicate their referral preference. To address these deficiencies, the researchers implemented an intervention that integrated screening and referral processes into the electronic medical record (EMR) and routine clinic workflow. The results showed that the EMR-integrated system significantly improved reach to patients, with screening compliance increasing to 97% and 100% of patients with needs having a documented referral preference. The researchers are now working on expanding this system to other ambulatory clinic settings. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
13. Nurse-Led Psychological Interventions For Depression In Adult Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
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Cranstoun, Dominique, Baliousis, Michael, Merdian, Hannah Lena, and Rennoldson, Mike
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PSYCHOTHERAPY , *ONCOLOGY nursing , *MENTAL depression , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *CANCER patients , *CANCER treatment , *PSYCHO-oncology - Abstract
Depression, frequently associated with cancer, significantly impacts health outcomes, necessitating effective treatments. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to synthesize and critically evaluate the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the efficacy of nurse-led psychological interventions in managing depression among adult cancer patients. It focuses on the unique contribution of these interventions to improving depression management in oncology care, an underrepresented area in the existing literature. We conducted a comprehensive search in databases including Scopus, Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, applying strict criteria to select RCTs assessing nurse-led psychological interventions for depression in cancer patients. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool to assess study quality. Out of 425 screened abstracts, nine papers describing seven distinct interventions involving 1463 participants were selected. The overall effect size estimate of −0.75 (95% confidence interval: −1.23 to −0.27) indicates significant effectiveness of these interventions in reducing depression compared to treatment as usual. Additionally, the calculated prediction interval highlights the variability in effectiveness across different settings, suggesting that contextual factors play a crucial role in the success of these interventions. The findings advocate for the integration of nurse-led psychological interventions into standard cancer care, highlighting their efficacy in improving depressive symptoms in adult cancer patients. These interventions show promise but require further refinement and research to optimize their effectiveness across diverse patient groups and healthcare settings. This review underscores the potential of nurse-led psychological interventions in enriching oncology care and addresses a critical gap in the existing body of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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14. War and oncology: cancer care in five Iraqi provinces impacted by the ISIL conflict.
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Skelton, Mac, Al-Mash'hadani, Ahmed Khalid, Abdul-Sater, Zahi, Saleem, Mohammed, Alsaad, Saad, Kahtan, Marwa, Al-Samarai, Ahmed Hazim, Al-Bakir, Ahmed Moyed, and Mula-Hussain, Layth
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CANCER treatment ,PROVINCES ,ONCOLOGY nursing ,IRAQIS ,MILITARY hospitals ,ONCOLOGY ,ONCOLOGISTS - Abstract
War and cancer have been intertwined in Iraq for over three decades, a country where the legacies and ongoing impacts of conflict have been commonly associated with both increased cancer rates as well as the deterioration of cancer care. Most recently, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) violently occupied large portions of the country's central and northern provinces between 2014 and 2017, causing devastating impacts on public cancer centers across central and northern Iraq. Focusing on the five Iraqi provinces previously under full or partial ISIL occupation, this article examines the immediate and long-term impacts of war on cancer care across three periods (before, during, and after the ISIL conflict). As there is little published data on oncology in these local contexts, the paper relies primarily upon the qualitative interviews and lived experience of oncologists serving in the five provinces studied. A political economy lens is applied to interpret the results, particularly the data related to progress in oncology reconstruction. It is argued that conflict generates immediate and long-term shifts in political and economic conditions that, in turn, shape the rebuilding of oncology infrastructure. The documentation of the destruction and reconstruction of local oncology systems is intended to benefit the next generation of cancer care practitioners in the Middle East and other conflict-affected regions areas in their efforts to adapt to conflict and rebuild from the legacies of war. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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15. Research from Lovely Professional University in Cancer Provides New Insights (Precision Warriors: Nanotechnology's Triumph in Cancer Therapy).
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CANCER treatment ,NANOTECHNOLOGY ,TECHNOLOGICAL innovations ,TARGETED drug delivery ,DRUG delivery systems - Abstract
A research paper from Lovely Professional University in Punjab, India explores the use of nanotechnology in cancer treatment. The paper highlights the potential of nanotechnology in enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Nanoparticles, with their unique physicochemical properties, enable targeted drug delivery and accumulation at the tumor site. Additionally, nanotechnology has advanced cancer diagnosis and imaging techniques, allowing for the detection of small tumor masses and real-time monitoring of treatment responses. The paper also discusses the challenges and potential toxicities associated with nanotechnology-based treatments. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
16. Erk5 and its potential applications in cancer treatment.
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EXTRACELLULAR signal-regulated kinases ,BONE resorption ,CANCER treatment ,MITOGEN-activated protein kinases - Abstract
A new editorial paper published in Oncoscience discusses the role of Erk5, a protein belonging to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, in cancer treatment. The researchers highlight that understanding the function of Erk5 in cancer will contribute to a better understanding of cancer pathogenesis and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The paper also explores the role of Erk5 in bone homeostasis and its potential applications in cancer treatment. The researchers generated and analyzed conditional Erk5 knockout mice to investigate the function of Erk5 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
17. Restoring our ubiquitination machinery to overcome resistance to cancer therapy.
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CANCER treatment ,UBIQUITINATION ,DNA-binding proteins ,ANDROGEN receptors ,TRANSCRIPTION factors - Abstract
A new editorial paper published in Oncoscience discusses the potential of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) as a therapeutic target in cancer therapy. The researchers highlight the role of ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, specifically UBE2J1, in prostate cancer and its involvement in the degradation of the androgen receptor (AR). The study suggests that targeting the ubiquitination machinery could help overcome resistance to cancer therapy. This information may be useful for library patrons researching prostate cancer and therapeutic resistance. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
18. New Cancer Research from Chinese Academy of Sciences Outlined (Functions and inhibitors of CHK1 in cancer therapy).
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CHECKPOINT kinase 1 ,CANCER treatment ,CANCER research ,DRUG discovery ,REPORTERS & reporting - Abstract
A new report discusses research findings on cancer therapy from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The research focuses on the role of CHK1 in cancer biology, specifically its involvement in cell cycle checkpoint activation and DNA repair. The researchers suggest that CHK1 could be a potential target for cancer therapy, although no inhibitors have been marketed yet. The paper reviews the latest research progress on the functions and inhibitors of CHK1, highlighting the need for effective biomarkers and combination therapies to further develop CHK1 inhibitors. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
19. Cytostatic persister cancer cells: Therapeutic opportunities and challenges.
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CANCER cells ,TERMINATION of treatment ,CANCER relapse ,RESEARCH personnel ,CANCER treatment - Abstract
A recent editorial paper published in Oncotarget discusses the therapeutic potential and challenges of cytostatic persister cancer cells. These cells are able to remain viable despite treatment and can contribute to residual diseases and the emergence of resistant clones and relapses. Unlike resistant cells, persister cancer cells enter a non-proliferating state that is reversible upon treatment discontinuation. The paper highlights the need to understand the properties of cytostatic persisters and explores strategies for targeting them to reduce cancer recurrence. The researchers suggest that administering multiple targeted regimens may be necessary to effectively deplete the persister reservoirs in patients undergoing cancer treatments. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2023
20. Interventional Oncology and Immuno-Oncology: Current Challenges and Future Trends.
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Posa, Alessandro, Contegiacomo, Andrea, Ponziani, Francesca Romana, Punzi, Ernesto, Mazza, Giulia, Scrofani, Annarita, Pompili, Maurizio, Goldberg, Shraga Nahum, Natale, Luigi, Gasbarrini, Antonio, Sala, Evis, and Iezzi, Roberto
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IMMUNE checkpoint inhibitors ,TUMOR antigens ,DRUG synergism ,ONCOLOGY ,CANCER treatment - Abstract
Personalized cancer treatments help to deliver tailored and biologically driven therapies for cancer patients. Interventional oncology techniques are able to treat malignancies in a locoregional fashion, with a variety of mechanisms of action leading to tumor necrosis. Tumor destruction determines a great availability of tumor antigens that can be recognized by the immune system, potentially triggering an immune response. The advent of immunotherapy in cancer care, with the introduction of specific immune checkpoint inhibitors, has led to the investigation of the synergy of these drugs when used in combination with interventional oncology treatments. The aim of this paper is to review the most recent advances in the field of interventional oncology locoregional treatments and their interactions with immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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21. The Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) in Contemporary Oncology: The Path from a Diagnostic Biomarker to an Anticancer Drug.
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Głowska-Ciemny, Joanna, Szymański, Marcin, Kuszerska, Agata, Malewski, Zbyszko, von Kaisenberg, Constantin, and Kocyłowski, Rafał
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ANTINEOPLASTIC agents ,CANCER treatment ,BIOMARKERS ,HEPATOCELLULAR carcinoma ,ONCOLOGY ,ALPHA fetoproteins - Abstract
This article presents contemporary opinion on the role of alpha-fetoprotein in oncologic diagnostics and treatment. This role stretches far beyond the already known one—that of the biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma. The turn of the 20th and 21st centuries saw a significant increase in knowledge about the fundamental role of AFP in the neoplastic processes, and in the induction of features of malignance and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. The impact of AFP on the creation of an immunosuppressive environment for the developing tumor was identified, giving rise to attempts at immunotherapy. The paper presents current and prospective therapies using AFP and its derivatives and the gene therapy options. We directed our attention to both the benefits and risks associated with the use of AFP in oncologic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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22. FLASH Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Symptomatic Bone Metastases (FAST-01): Protocol for the First Prospective Feasibility Study.
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Daugherty, Emily C., Mascia, Anthony, Yong Zhang, Lee, Eunsin, Zhiyan Xiao, Sertorio, Mathieu, Woo, Jennifer, McCann, Claire, Russell, Kenneth, Levine, Lisa, Sharma, Ricky, Khuntia, Deepak, Bradley, Jeffrey, Ii, Charles B. Simone, Perentesis, John, and Breneman, John
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BONE metastasis ,RADIOTHERAPY ,RADIATION doses ,PROTON therapy ,ADVERSE health care events ,FEASIBILITY studies - Abstract
Background: In preclinical studies, FLASH therapy, in which radiation delivered at ultrahigh dose rates of ≥40 Gy per second, has been shown to cause less injury to normal tissues than radiotherapy delivered at conventional dose rates. This paper describes the protocol for the first-in-human clinical investigation of proton FLASH therapy. Objective: FAST-01 is a prospective, single-center trial designed to assess the workflow feasibility, toxicity, and efficacy of FLASH therapy for the treatment of painful bone metastases in the extremities. Methods: Following informed consent, 10 subjects aged ≥18 years with up to 3 painful bone metastases in the extremities (excluding the feet, hands, and wrists) will be enrolled. A treatment field selected from a predefined library of plans with fixed field sizes (from 7.5 cm Ã-- 7.5 cm up to 7.5 cm Ã-- 20 cm) will be used for treatment. Subjects will receive 8 Gy of radiation in a single fraction-a well-established palliative regimen evaluated in prior investigations using conventional dose rate photon radiotherapy. A FLASH-enabled Varian ProBeam proton therapy unit will be used to deliver treatment to the target volume at a dose rate of ≥40 Gy per second, using the plateau (transmission) portion of the proton beam. After treatment, subjects will be assessed for pain response as well as any adverse effects of FLASH radiation. The primary end points include assessing the workflow feasibility and toxicity of FLASH treatment. The secondary end point is pain response at the treated site(s), as measured by patient-reported pain scores, the use of pain medication, and any flare in bone pain after treatment. The results will be compared to those reported historically for conventional dose rate photon radiotherapy, using the same radiation dose and fractionation. Results: FAST-01 opened to enrollment on November 3, 2020. Initial results are expected to be published in 2022. Conclusions: The results of this investigation will contribute to further developing and optimizing the FLASH-enabled ProBeam proton therapy system workflow. The pain response and toxicity data acquired in our study will provide a greater understanding of FLASH treatment effects on tumor responses and normal tissue toxicities, and they will inform future FLASH trial designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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23. Designing a Digital Tool to Inform Oncology Practices About Cancer Treatment Cost Burdens.
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Sinaiko, Anna D., Lewis, Delta-Marie, Ho, Y. Xian, Dusetzina, Stacie B., Packer, Stuart, Kumar, Vikram Sheel, and Keating, Nancy L.
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DIGITAL technology , *CANCER treatment , *DRUG prices , *ONCOLOGY , *ANTINEOPLASTIC agents , *DIGITAL mammography - Abstract
Paper describes our development of a web-based tool to make Medicare patient prices for cancer drugs known to their care teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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24. Exercise as cancer treatment: A clinical oncology framework for exercise oncology research.
- Author
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Courneya, Kerry S. and Booth, Christopher M.
- Subjects
CANCER treatment ,MICROMETASTASIS ,THERAPEUTICS ,ONCOLOGY ,CANCER relapse ,OVERALL survival - Abstract
Exercise has been proposed as a possible cancer treatment; however, there are an infinite number of clinical oncology settings involving diverse cancer types and treatment protocols in which exercise could be tested as a cancer treatment. The primary purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework to organize and guide research on exercise as a cancer treatment across distinct clinical oncology settings. A secondary purpose is to provide an overview of existing exercise research using the proposed framework. The Exercise as Cancer Treatment (EXACT) framework proposes nine distinct clinical oncology scenarios based on tumor/disease status and treatment status at the time of the proposed exercise treatment. In terms of tumor/disease status, the primary tumor has either been surgically removed (primary goal to treat micrometastases), not surgically removed (primary goal to treat the primary tumor), or metastatic disease is present (primary goal to treat metastatic disease). In terms of treatment status, the extant disease has either not been treated yet (treatment naïve), is currently being treated (active treatment), or has previously been treated. These two key clinical oncology variables--tumor/disease status and treatment status--result in nine distinct clinical oncology scenarios in which exercise could be tested as a new cancer treatment: (a) treatment naïve micrometastases, (b) actively treated micrometastases, (c) previously treated micrometastases, (d) treatment naïve primary tumors, (e) actively treated primary tumors, (f) previously treated primary tumors, (g) treatment naïve metastatic disease, (h) actively treated metastatic disease, and (i) previously treated metastatic disease. To date, most preclinical animal studies have examined the effects of exercise on treatment naïve and actively treated primary tumors. Conversely, most observational human studies have examined the associations between exercise and cancer recurrence/survival in patients actively treated or previously treated for micrometastases. Few clinical trials have been conducted in any of these scenarios. For exercise to be integrated into clinical oncology practice as a cancer treatment, it will need to demonstrate benefit in a specific clinical setting. The EXACT framework provides a simple taxonomy for systematically evaluating exercise as a potential cancer treatment across a diverse range of cancer types and treatment protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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25. Implications of Oncology Trial Design and Uncertainties in Efficacy-Safety Data on Health Technology Assessments.
- Author
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Trapani, Dario, Tay-Teo, Kiu, Tesch, Megan E., Roitberg, Felipe, Sengar, Manju, Altuna, Sara C., Hassett, Michael J., Genazzani, Armando A., Kesselheim, Aaron S., and Curigliano, Giuseppe
- Subjects
CANCER treatment ,MEDICAL technology ,MEDICAL economics ,TECHNOLOGY assessment ,ONCOLOGY - Abstract
Background: Advances in cancer medicines have resulted in tangible health impacts, but the magnitude of benefits of approved cancer medicines could vary greatly. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary process used to inform resource allocation through a systematic value assessment of health technology. This paper reviews the challenges in conducting HTA for cancer medicines arising from oncology trial designs and uncertainties of safety-efficacy data. Methods: Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) and grey literature (public health agencies and governmental reports) were searched to inform this policy narrative review. Results: A lack of robust efficacy-safety data from clinical trials and other relevant sources of evidence has made HTA for cancer medicines challenging. The approval of cancer medicines through expedited pathways has increased in recent years, in which surrogate endpoints or biomarkers for patient selection have been widely used. Using these surrogate endpoints has created uncertainties in translating surrogate measures into patient-centric clinically (survival and quality of life) and economically (cost-effectiveness and budget impact) meaningful outcomes, with potential effects on diverting scarce health resources to low-value or detrimental interventions. Potential solutions include policy harmonization between regulatory and HTA authorities, commitment to generating robust post-marketing efficacy-safety data, managing uncertainties through risk-sharing agreements, and using value frameworks. Conclusion: A lack of robust efficacy-safety data is a central problem for conducting HTA of cancer medicines, potentially resulting in misinformed resource allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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26. Cancer Health Care Management At A Tertiary Care Hospital During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Bio-Ethical Perspective.
- Author
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Khan, Mohsin Rehman, Mishra, Nirbhay Kumar, Vijay, Anuj, Baba, Misha Hamid, and ul Haq, Malik Mohib
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- *
COVID-19 pandemic , *TERTIARY care , *MEDICAL personnel , *COVID-19 , *ONCOLOGY nursing , *CANCER hospitals , *CANCER treatment - Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this article is to explore the ethical challenges in the treatment of cancer patients at a tertiary care hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The paper is based on empirical observations apart from a systematic literature review of secondary data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Novel Corona virus website and central databases like Embase, Scopus and Medline. This paper will discuss the bio-ethics perspective and issues in cancer healthcare management during the Covid-19 pandemic and shall serve as a knowledge base for medical practitioners in general and people related to oncology in particular. Results: The Covid-19 pandemic has been equally challenging for all including patients, healthcare workers and policy makers. Understanding the ethical responsibilities and rational behaviours is critically important for every person facing this challenge. It is possible to emerge victorious from the Covid-19 pandemic in a dignified manner only when the standards of ethics are well understood are held high by the general public, patients, doctors, hospital staff and policy makers equally. Conclusion: Since the oncology patients are immune compromised, they need more attention during the Covid-19 pandemic as they are susceptible to worst of the outcomes of Covid-19 infection. In light of limited resources at a tertiary care hospital where the administration has to look after the other departments as well, it is extremely important to explore, understand and practice the bio-ethical perspective of the cancer healthcare management during the Covid-19 pandemic as the ethical aspects can easily get neglected in a pandemic like Covid-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
27. Tailoring the Evidence for Exercise Oncology within Breast Cancer Care.
- Author
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Wagoner, Chad W., Capozzi, Lauren C., and Culos-Reed, S. Nicole
- Subjects
BREAST cancer ,EXERCISE ,PHYSICAL activity ,CANCER treatment ,ONCOLOGY - Abstract
Exercise is safe and effective for those living with and beyond breast cancer, with evidence supporting exercise guidelines, and position statements from international organizations. Despite the clearly recognized benefits of exercise for these individuals, many do not participate or maintain recommended exercise levels throughout the breast cancer continuum, highlighting the lack of translation from research into practice. In addition, discerning how exercise can be tailored to address breast cancer-related impairments, so that individuals are able to participate safely and effectively, has also not been studied extensively. Thus, we propose that implementing exercise screening, triage, and referral pathways across the breast cancer continuum may allow for increased accessibility and adoption among those living with and beyond breast cancer. This paper provides an overview of exercise prescription tailoring for common breast cancer and treatment-related impairments, proposes a simplified screening tool for identifying physical activity and movement-related impairments, and considers how best to channel evidence into practice via proposed implementation pathways that may better connect individuals living with and beyond breast cancer with exercise oncology resources through screening, triage, and referral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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28. A Survey on Deep Learning for Precision Oncology.
- Author
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Wang, Ching-Wei, Khalil, Muhammad-Adil, and Firdi, Nabila Puspita
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DEEP learning ,ONCOLOGY ,DISTRIBUTION planning ,PATIENT selection ,SURVIVAL analysis (Biometry) - Abstract
Precision oncology, which ensures optimized cancer treatment tailored to the unique biology of a patient's disease, has rapidly developed and is of great clinical importance. Deep learning has become the main method for precision oncology. This paper summarizes the recent deep-learning approaches relevant to precision oncology and reviews over 150 articles within the last six years. First, we survey the deep-learning approaches categorized by various precision oncology tasks, including the estimation of dose distribution for treatment planning, survival analysis and risk estimation after treatment, prediction of treatment response, and patient selection for treatment planning. Secondly, we provide an overview of the studies per anatomical area, including the brain, bladder, breast, bone, cervix, esophagus, gastric, head and neck, kidneys, liver, lung, pancreas, pelvis, prostate, and rectum. Finally, we highlight the challenges and discuss potential solutions for future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
- Full Text
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29. Universidad del Atlantico Researcher Details Findings in Bone Cancer [Graphene Oxide (GO) for the Treatment of Bone Cancer: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis].
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BONE cancer ,BIBLIOMETRICS ,GRAPHENE oxide ,RESEARCH personnel ,CANCER treatment - Abstract
A recent study conducted by researchers at Universidad del Atlantico explores the use of graphene oxide (GO) in the treatment of bone cancer, specifically osteosarcoma. The study presents a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of existing literature on the topic, highlighting the potential of GO-based nanomaterials for various therapeutic approaches. The research suggests that non-invasive treatments such as photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and the use of nanocarriers could enhance the effectiveness of therapy while minimizing side effects and damage to healthy tissues. The study also identifies the leading countries and journals in this research field. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
30. Emerging Therapies in Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Power of the Immune System (Updated October 29, 2023).
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IMMUNE system ,IMMUNE checkpoint inhibitors ,IMMUNOTHERAPY ,CANCER treatment ,CANCER vaccines - Abstract
This article discusses the advancements in immunotherapy as a treatment for cancer. It highlights the use of the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. The paper explores various emerging therapies in immunotherapy, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses. It also discusses the challenges and potential future developments in the field, including combination therapies and personalized immunotherapy approaches. The article emphasizes the progress made in immunotherapy and its potential to reshape the future of cancer care. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2023
31. Reports from Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani Describe Recent Advances in Cancer (Recent Advancements In Nanotechnology-mediated Platinum-based Cancer Therapy).
- Subjects
CANCER treatment ,CANCER chemotherapy ,TECHNICAL institutes ,TECHNOLOGICAL innovations ,DRUG resistance in cancer cells - Abstract
A recent study from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani in Telangana, India, explores the advancements in nanotechnology-mediated platinum-based cancer therapy. Platinum-based drugs have been effective in cancer treatment, but their therapeutic usefulness is compromised by adverse effects and drug resistance. To overcome these limitations, researchers have focused on developing nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery systems for platinum-based drugs. This paper summarizes the structure and mechanisms of platinum compounds, various delivery systems for platinum drugs, and the potential of nanotechnology-enabled platinum-based cancer therapies. The study aims to assist researchers in developing innovative nanomedicine for anticancer applications. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
32. Reports from NOVA Southeastern University Add New Data to Research in Cancer Gene Therapy (Quantum Dot Research in Breast Cancer: Challenges and Prospects).
- Subjects
GENE therapy ,CANCER genes ,QUANTUM dots ,BREAST cancer research ,CANCER treatment - Abstract
A report from NOVA Southeastern University discusses the role of quantum dots (QDs) in breast cancer research. The review highlights advancements in diagnostics, targeted therapy, and drug delivery systems. The paper also explores the potential of QDs in inducing cytotoxic effects and facilitating gene therapy. The research emphasizes the need for safer and non-toxic QD development, improved targeting mechanisms, and the integration of QDs into personalized medicine to enhance breast cancer management. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
33. Years after his death, late scientist's work could yield new cancer treatments.
- Subjects
CANCER treatment ,GERM cells ,ANTIBODY-drug conjugates - Abstract
The late scientist John Herr's research into the SAS1B protein has the potential to lead to new treatments for solid cancer tumors, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. Collaborating with UVA Cancer Center's Craig L. Slingluff Jr., Herr's work suggests that selectively targeting SAS1B could have a broad and profound impact on the treatment of multiple malignancies. The protein is found on the surface of many different solid cancer cells but not on normal cells, indicating that antibody-based immunotherapy could be used to attack cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This research has the potential to revolutionize cancer care and provide new hope for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
34. The extrinsic factors affecting patient access, referral and treatment of lung cancer in selected oncology public health facilities in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Author
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N., Zondo Sinenhlanhla, G., Ginindza Themba, and W., Hlongwana Khumbulani
- Subjects
HEALTH facilities ,LUNG cancer ,CANCER patient care ,ONCOLOGY nursing ,CANCER treatment ,ONCOLOGY ,CONTINUUM of care - Abstract
Patients' insights into the factors affecting access, referral and treatment of lung cancer in public healthcare facilities, are key to the fight against this disease. On the other hand, the lack of epidemiological information on the actual burden of lung cancer, makes it difficult for public healthcare facilities to be adequately equipped to deal with foreseeable challenges in the oncology units. In order to inform patientcentred interventions and lung cancer control programmes, this study explored extrinsic factors that affect lung cancer patients throughout the cancer care continuum in KwaZulu-Natal. Nineteen patients receiving care in the three public healthcare facilities providing oncology services in KwaZulu-Natal, were interviewed using an interview guide. Following data saturation, thematic analysis was used to develop the themes relating to the extrinsic factors affecting the provision of cancer care. Five themes emerged from the analysis, namely: geographical dynamics affecting patient access to a healthcare facility, lung cancer suspicion index in the diagnostic trail within the different levels of care, decision-making trail for the referral system, equipmentinduced delays and healthcare-patient communication. A number of lung cancer patients utilising oncology services in public healthcare facilities in KwaZulu-Natal, are often met with various extrinsic factors affecting their progression through different stages of cancer care continuum. Therefore, the results of the extrinsic factors explored in this paper through the lung cancer patients' lenses may be used for designing mitigation plans to reduce delays in lung cancer care in KwaZulu-Natal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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- View/download PDF
35. Implementing a Standardized Care Pathway Integrating Oncology, Palliative Care and Community Care in a Rural Region of Mid-Norway.
- Author
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Brenne, Anne-Tove, Løhre, Erik Torbjørn, Knudsen, Anne Kari, Thronæs, Morten, Lund, Jo-Åsmund, Kongshaug, Nina, Neverdal, Marte Nilssen, Rystad, Kristina, Johansen, Marianne Haug, Braseth, Tone Inga, and Kaasa, Stein
- Subjects
PALLIATIVE treatment ,MEDICAL personnel ,CANCER patient care ,CANCER treatment ,ONCOLOGY - Abstract
Introduction: To improve quality across levels of care, we developed a standardized care pathway (SCP) integrating palliative and oncology services for hospitalized and home-dwelling palliative cancer patients in a rural region. Methods: A multifaceted implementation strategy was directed towards a combination of target groups. The implementation was conducted on a system level, and implementation-related activities were registered prospectively. Adult patients with advanced cancer treated with non-curative intent were included and interviewed. Healthcare leaders (HCLs) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in the development of the SCP or exposed to the implementation strategy were interviewed. In addition, HCLs and HCPs exposed to the implementation strategy answered standardized questionnaires. Hospital admissions were registered prospectively. Results: To assess the use of the SCP, 129 cancer patients were included. Fifteen patients were interviewed about their experiences with the patient-held record (PHR). Sixty interviews were performed among 1320 HCPs exposed to the implementation strategy. Two hundred and eighty-seven HCPs reported on their training in and use of the SCP. Despite organizational cultural differences, developing an SCP integrating palliative and oncology services across levels of care was feasible. Both HCLs and HCPs reported improved quality of care in the wake of the implementation process. Two and a half years after the implementation was launched, 28% of the HCPs used the SCP and 41% had received training in its use. Patients reported limited use and benefit of the PHR. Conclusion: An SCP may be a usable tool for integrating palliative and oncology services across care levels in a rural region. An extensive implementation process resulted in improvements of process outcomes, yet still limited use of the SCP in clinical practice. HCLs and HCPs reported improved quality of cancer care following the implementation process. Future research should address mandatory elements for usefulness and successful implementation of SCPs for palliative cancer patients. Plain language summary: When a patient has incurable cancer, it is beneficial to introduce palliative care early in the disease trajectory along with anti-cancer treatment. A standardized care pathway is a method to improve quality and reduce variation in healthcare. It can promote integrated healthcare services in palliative care, e.g. by specifying action points when the patient's situation is changing. In this study, a standardized care pathway for cancer patients with palliative care needs was developed in a rural region of Norway. The pathway focused on patients' needs and symptoms and on smooth transition between levels of care. An educational program and an information strategy were developed to ensure implementation. To evaluate the implementation, all activity regarding the implementation process was registered. Cancer patients and healthcare professionals were interviewed and answered questionnaires. One thousand three hundred and twenty healthcare professionals were exposed to the implementation strategy. One hundred and twenty-nine cancer patients were followed up according to the standardized care pathway. Despite different perspectives of care, it was feasible to develop a standardized care pathway for palliative cancer patients across care settings. A paper-based patient-held record was only found to be useful by a limited number of patients. An extensive implementation process was completed and resulted in improvements regarding healthcare professionals' experience with the quality of cancer care in the region, but limited use of the care pathway in clinical practice. Further research should identify the most important elements for usefulness and successful implementation of the care pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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36. Nutrition in cancer therapy: Overview for the cancer patient.
- Author
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Chapek, Michael A. and Martindale, Robert G.
- Subjects
DIET therapy ,CANCER treatment ,ONCOLOGY ,CANCER patients ,CACHEXIA ,GENETIC mutation ,METABOLIC disorders - Abstract
Despite significant advances in oncologic treatment, cancer‐associated metabolic derangements largely remain poorly understood and are often neglected in cancer care. Cancer cachexia and metabolic changes exhibited by neoplastic cells pose formidable barriers to improving outcomes and quality of life. Although cancer has traditionally been viewed as a proliferative disease caused by genetic mutations, newer perspectives suggest that it is primarily a metabolic disease. This paper discusses the etiology of cachexia and sarcopenia and nutrition interventions that can address these wasting disorders. The role of inflammation in cancer and the methods for preventing and resolving inflammation with nutrition intervention are also explored. Several nutrition recommendations aimed at overcoming cachexia, resolving inflammation, and improving cancer outcomes are provided based on current literature. This manuscript selected only a few areas on which to focus and is not all‐inclusive of the expansive literature available on the topic of cachexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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37. Study conducted by Leo Cancer Care indicates treating prostate patients with radiation therapy in the upright position shows "promise".
- Subjects
RADIOTHERAPY ,CANCER treatment ,PROSTATE cancer patients ,PROSTATE ,DRUG therapy ,SUPINE position - Abstract
Keywords: Cancer; Drugs and Therapies; Health and Medicine; Leo Cancer Care; Oncology; Pharmaceuticals; Radiation Therapy; Therapy EN Cancer Drugs and Therapies Health and Medicine Leo Cancer Care Oncology Pharmaceuticals Radiation Therapy Therapy 1380 1380 1 08/14/23 20230814 NES 230814 2023 AUG 15 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Pharma Business Week -- A newly-published paper led by Dr. Niek Schrueder, Chief Scientific Offer at Leo Cancer Care has shown that treating prostate patients with radiation therapy in the upright position appears to hold "promising" advantages. Cancer, Drugs and Therapies, Health and Medicine, Leo Cancer Care, Oncology, Pharmaceuticals, Radiation Therapy, Therapy. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2023
38. Lessons from narrative medicine: Cancer care will improve with narrative oncologyLessons from narrative medicine: Cancer care will improve with narrative oncology.
- Author
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Mohanti, Bidhu Kalyan
- Subjects
NARRATIVE medicine ,ONCOLOGISTS ,CANCER treatment ,CAREGIVERS ,PATIENT-professional relations ,ONCOLOGY ,TUMOR treatment - Abstract
Narrative medicine (NM) is a new discipline in healthcare that helps the patients and physicians to tell and listen to the accounts of disease, illness, and suffering. In the last 20 years, NM has moved into the realms of biomedical education, research, and training. The complexity of cancer management can gain from the medical humanism of NM. A new model of cancer care called narrative oncology (NO) with NM-based skill sets of attention, representation, and affiliation can build narrative competence, therapeutic relationship, and clinical trust. The oncologists, patients, and their family caregivers, and the cancer care health system will create an inclusive and empathetic eco-system. This paper outlines the broad framework of NM, which becomes narrative oncology for cancer medicine. The clinicians, nurses, health workers, and scientists should learn and implement this new discipline alongside their biomedical activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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39. Antibody-Drug Conjugates as a Targeted Therapeutic Approach Across Entities in Oncology.
- Author
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Lordick, Florian, Merz, Maximilian, Büch, Eva, and Aigner, Achim
- Subjects
ANTIBODY-drug conjugates ,ANTINEOPLASTIC agents ,CLINICAL trials ,CANCER treatment ,DRUG side effects ,DRUG efficacy ,MEDICAL societies ,ONCOLOGY ,CANCER invasiveness ,CANCER remission - Abstract
Background: Cancer is no longer treated on the basis of its histological lineage alone; more and more drugs are being developed that are directed toward specific molecular and immunological features. Monoclonal antibodies are one type of selectively acting therapeutic agent. As part of this development, antibody-drug conjugates („ADCs") have been approved in recent years for the treatment of hematologic and solid malignancies. Methods: This review is based on pertinent articles retrieved by a selective search in PubMed, as well as on papers presented at international congresses of specialist societies such as the European Society for Medical Oncology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American Association for Cancer Research, and information published on the websites of the European Medicines Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and the German Joint Federal Committee. Results: The efficacy of the nine ADCs currently approved in the European Union (as of 12/2022) is derived from technical improvements in the conjugation process, the introduction of novel linkers for the covalent binding of cytotoxic agents to the Fc portion of the antibody, and the development of new, potent cytotoxic agents. Compared to conventional cancer therapies, the approved ADCs improve treatment outcomes with respect to tumor remission, time to tumor progression and, in some cases, overall survival by specifically channeling cytotoxic agents into the malignant target cells and thereby limiting, at least to some extent, the exposure of healthy tissue to adverse effects. Various potential side effects still require attention, including venous occlusive disease, pneumonitis, ocular keratopathy, and skin rash. The development of effective ADCs requires the identification of tumor-selective targets to which ADCs can bind. Conclusion: ADCs are a novel category of drugs for the treatment of cancer. Their approval is mainly, but not exclusively, based on the favorable findings of randomized, controlled phase III trials. ADCs are already helping to improve the outcomes of treatment for cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Oncologist conceptualizations of pediatric palliative care: challenges and definitions.
- Author
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Laronne, Anat, Granek, Leeat, Wiener, Lori, Feder-Bubis, Paula, and Golan, Hana
- Subjects
PEDIATRIC therapy ,PALLIATIVE treatment ,PEDIATRIC oncology ,CANCER treatment ,ONCOLOGISTS - Abstract
Purpose: Pediatric palliative care (PC) is an evolving field and involves a comprehensive approach to care of children with cancer. The goal of this paper was to explore how pediatric oncologists define, interpret, and practice pediatric palliative care in their clinical settings. Methods: The study used the grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. Twenty-one pediatric oncologists from six pediatric cancer centers across Israel were interviewed. Data was analyzed using line-by-line coding. Results: The analysis resulted in a four-tiered conceptual model. This model included the following categories: (1) ill-defined concept; (2) philosophies of palliative care; (3) trajectory of palliative care; and (4) palliative care treatment goals. Conclusion: The findings illustrate the current conceptualizations of pediatric palliative care among the pediatric oncology community in Israel. The conceptual model documents their understanding of pediatric palliative care as a philosophical approach and the challenges they face in differentiating between palliative care and standard pediatric oncology care. Pediatric palliative care is a highly needed and valued sub-specialty. The findings from this study highlight the importance for its continued development in Israel, as it can reduce the suffering of children and their families. Concurrently, pediatric oncologists need to have more resources and access to explicit knowledge of the conceptual and practical aspects of both primary and specialized pediatric palliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Data on Cancer Described by Researchers at Medical University of Lodz (Soy-derived Isoflavones As Chemo-preventive Agents Targeting Multiple Signalling Pathways for Cancer Prevention and Therapy).
- Subjects
CELLULAR signal transduction ,CANCER prevention ,ISOFLAVONES ,MEDICAL research personnel ,PHYTOESTROGENS ,CANCER treatment ,CXCR4 receptors ,ONCOLOGY - Abstract
Researchers at the Medical University of Lodz in Poland have conducted a comprehensive review of the molecular mechanisms by which soy-derived isoflavones target multiple cellular signaling pathways in cancer cells. The study found that while isoflavones have been extensively studied for their anticancer effects, they have also been found to promote the growth of cancer cells. The researchers identified several pathways that soy-derived isoflavones modulate, including HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR)/SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily B member 1 (SMARCB1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12)/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), 17-beta-oestradiol (E2)/estrogen receptor-alpha (ER alpha)/neuroglobin (NGB), and sonic hedgehog signaling pathways. The paper also discusses epidemiological studies and clinical trials on the chemo-preventive and therapeutic potential of soy-derived isoflavones. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
42. Metastatic breast cancer treatments have aided decline in deaths, Stanford Medicine-led study finds.
- Subjects
METASTATIC breast cancer ,CANCER treatment ,MEDICAL societies ,MEDICAL sciences ,ESTROGEN receptors - Abstract
A recent study led by Stanford Medicine clinicians and biomedical data scientists has found that deaths from breast cancer have decreased by 58% between 1975 and 2019. The decline is attributed to a combination of screening mammography and improvements in treatment. The study also revealed that nearly one-third of the decrease is due to advances in treating metastatic breast cancer, a form of the disease that has spread to other areas of the body. The findings provide valuable insights for cancer researchers and highlight the need for continued efforts to improve interventions and treatments. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
43. Findings from Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University Broaden Understanding of Cancer Gene Therapy (Pullulan Based Polymeric Novel Drug Delivery Systems: a Review On Current State of Art and Prospects).
- Subjects
POLYMERIC drug delivery systems ,CANCER genes ,GENE therapy ,CANCER treatment ,DRUG delivery systems - Abstract
A research report from Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University in Punjab, India discusses the potential of pullulan-based polymeric drug delivery systems in cancer gene therapy. Pullulan is an exo-polysaccharide that offers several therapeutic benefits, including sustained-release patterns, biocompatibility, and permeation through the lung mucosa. The review paper explores the development of pullulan-based micro and nano drug carriers for the treatment of pulmonary ailments, cancer, and other disorders. The research emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of therapeutic compounds when designing drug delivery systems. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
44. Reports Outline Cancer Research from Queen's University (Exploring the Holistic Needs of People Living with Cancer in Care Homes: An Integrative Review).
- Subjects
CANCER treatment ,MENTAL health services ,HOSPICE nurses ,CANCER patients ,ADVANCE directives (Medical care) ,CANCER research ,NURSING home care ,PAIN - Abstract
A recent integrative review conducted by researchers at Queen's University in Belfast, United Kingdom, explored the holistic needs of individuals living with cancer in care homes. The review identified three primary themes related to the holistic needs of care home residents with cancer: physical, psychological, and end-of-life needs. Physical needs included pain management, symptom control, and nutrition, while psychological needs involved social support, emotional well-being, and mental health care. End-of-life needs addressed end-of-life care and advance care planning. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing the diverse needs of residents with cancer in a comprehensive and integrated manner, including improving care home education about cancer and integrating palliative and hospice services within care home settings. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
45. Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology Researchers Detail Findings in Cancer (A systematic review of health-related quality of life in children and adolescents during treatment for cancer).
- Subjects
PEDIATRIC oncology ,QUALITY of life ,RESEARCH personnel ,CANCER treatment ,TEENAGERS ,ADOLESCENCE - Abstract
A systematic review conducted by researchers at the Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in the Netherlands examined the health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children and adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer. The review included 85 papers from 30 different countries, involving a total of 7,311 participants. The researchers found that children on treatment reported lower HRQL compared to healthy children, and there was a lack of research on the effects of certain therapies and coping strategies on HRQL. The study recommends the use of a standardized pediatric cancer PROM core set to facilitate international comparisons of HRQL outcomes. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
46. Researchers from First People's Hospital Detail New Studies and Findings in the Area of Cancer (Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-lymphocyte Ratio As Potential Predictive Markers of Treatment Response In Cancer Patients Treated With...).
- Subjects
PLATELET lymphocyte ratio ,NEUTROPHIL lymphocyte ratio ,RESEARCH personnel ,IMMUNE checkpoint inhibitors ,CANCER treatment - Abstract
A recent report from researchers at First People's Hospital in Hunan, China explores the potential of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as predictive markers for treatment response in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The study analyzed 40 papers and found that low NLR and PLR were associated with higher objective response rates and disease control rates, while high NLR and PLR were linked to a higher probability of disease progression. The researchers concluded that these ratios could be used alongside other markers to determine treatment efficacy in immunotherapy. This research provides valuable insights for clinicians and researchers in the field of cancer treatment. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2023
47. New Cancer Study Findings Have Been Reported from Hannam University (Trends in the Development of Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Cancer Therapy).
- Subjects
ANTIBODY-drug conjugates ,CANCER treatment ,BLOOD proteins ,CANCER cells ,RESEARCH personnel - Abstract
A recent study from Hannam University in South Korea explores the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer therapy. The researchers discuss the evolution of ADCs, which are designed to target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells. The study provides an overview of 12 available ADCs, reviews 71 research papers, and analyzes 128 clinical trial reports. The goal is to gain insights into current trends in ADC research and development, with a focus on emerging frontiers in cancer treatment. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2023
48. Cancer Biomarkers in the era of precision oncology: Addressing the needs of patients and health systems.
- Author
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Normanno, Nicola, Apostolidis, Kathi, de Lorenzo, Francesco, Beer, Philip A., Henderson, Raymond, Sullivan, Richard, Biankin, Andrew V., Horgan, Denis, and Lawler, Mark
- Subjects
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TUMOR markers , *CANCER patients , *ONCOLOGY nursing , *ONCOLOGY , *CANCER treatment , *BIOMARKERS - Abstract
Cancer Biomarkers are the key to unlocking the promise of precision oncology, selecting which patients will respond to a more personalised treatment while sparing non-responders the therapy-related toxicity. In this paper, we highlight the primacy of cancer biomarkers, but focus on their importance to patients and to health systems. We also highlight how cancer biomarkers represent value for money. We emphasise the need for cancer biomarkers infrastructure to be embedded into European health systems. We also highlight the need to deploy multiple biomarker testing to deliver the optimal benefit for patients and health systems and consider cancer biomarkers from the perspective of cost, value and regulation. Cancer biomarkers must also be situated in the context of the upcoming In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation, which may pose certain challenges (e.g. non-compliance of laboratory developed tests, leading to cancer biomarker shortages and increased costs) that need to be overcome. Cancer biomarkers must be embedded in the real world of oncology delivery and testing must be implemented across Europe, with the intended aim of narrowing, not widening the inequity gap for patients. Cancer patients must be placed firmly at the centre of a cancer biomarker informed precision oncology care agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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49. Successes and lessons learned in database development for national multi-site cancer care delivery research trials: the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology experience.
- Author
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Zahrieh, David, Hillman, Shauna L., Tan, Angelina D., Frank, Jennifer L., Dockter, Travis, Meyers, Bobbi Jo, Cherevko, Cassie L., Peil, Elizabeth S., McCue, Shaylene, Kour, Oudom, Gunn, Heather J., Neuman, Heather B., Chang, George J., Paskett, Electra D., Mandrekar, Sumithra J., and Dueck, Amylou C.
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DATABASE design ,CLINICAL trials ,CANCER treatment ,DATA management ,ONCOLOGY - Abstract
Introduction: Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology (Alliance) coordinated trials utilize Medidata Rave® (Rave) as the primary clinical data capture system. A growing number of innovative and complex cancer care delivery research (CCDR) trials are being conducted within the Alliance with the aims of studying and improving cancer-related care. Because these trials encompass patients, providers, practices, and their interactions, a defining characteristic of CCDR trials is multilevel data collection in pragmatic settings. Consequently, CCDR trials necessitated innovative strategies for database development, centralized data management, and data monitoring in the presence of these real-world multilevel relationships. Having real trial experience in working with community and academic centers, and having recently implemented five CCDR trials in Rave, we are committed to sharing our strategies and lessons learned in implementing such pragmatic trials in oncology.Methods: Five Alliance CCDR trials are used to describe our approach to analyzing the database development needs and the novel strategies applied to overcome the unanticipated challenges we encountered. The strategies applied are organized into 3 categories: multilevel (clinic, clinic stakeholder, patient) enrollment, multilevel quantitative and qualitative data capture, including nontraditional data capture mechanisms being applied, and multilevel data monitoring.Results: A notable lesson learned in each category was (1) to seek long-term solutions when developing the functionality to push patient and non-patient enrollments to their respective Rave study database that affords flexibility if new participant types are later added; (2) to be open to different data collection modalities, particularly if such modalities remove barriers to participation, recognizing that additional resources are needed to develop the infrastructure to exchange data between that modality and Rave; and (3) to facilitate multilevel data monitoring, orient site coordinators to the their trial's multiple study databases, each corresponding to a level in the hierarchy, and remind them to establish the link between patient and non-patient participants in the site-facing NCI web-based enrollment system.Conclusion: Although the challenges due to multilevel data collection in pragmatic settings were surmountable, our shared experience can inform and foster collaborations to collectively build on our past successes and improve on our past failures to address the gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
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50. The association between malnutrition risk and revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) scores in an adult outpatient oncology population: a cross-sectional study.
- Author
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McLay, Katherine, Stonewall, Nicole, Forbes, Laura, and Peters, Christine
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RISK assessment ,CROSS-sectional method ,SELF-evaluation ,CANCER treatment ,MALNUTRITION ,DATA analysis ,RECEIVER operating characteristic curves ,NUTRITIONAL assessment ,LOGISTIC regression analysis ,CANCER patients ,SYMPTOM burden ,RETROSPECTIVE studies ,MANN Whitney U Test ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,STATISTICS ,QUALITY of life ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,TUMORS ,DATA analysis software ,MEDICAL referrals ,SPECIALTY hospitals ,SENSITIVITY & specificity (Statistics) ,DISEASE risk factors ,SYMPTOMS - Abstract
Background: Cancer-associated malnutrition is associated with worse symptom severity, functional status, quality of life, and overall survival. Malnutrition in cancer patients is often under-recognized and undertreated, emphasizing the need for standardized pathways for nutritional management in this population. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the relationship between malnutrition risk and self-reported symptom severity scores in an adult oncology outpatient population and (2) to identify whether a secondary screening tool for malnutrition risk (abPG-SGA) should be recommended for patients with a specific ESAS-r cut-off score or group of ESAS-r cut-off scores. Methods: A single-institution retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Malnutrition risk was measured using the Abridged Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (abPG-SGA). Cancer symptom severity was measured using the Revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r). In accordance with standard institutional practice, patients completed both tools at first consult at the cancer centre. Adult patients who completed the ESAS-r and abPG-SGA on the same day between February 2017 and January 2020 were included. Spearman's correlation, Mann Whitney U tests, receiver operating characteristic curves, and binary logistic regression models were used for statistical analyses. Results: 2071 oncology outpatients met inclusion criteria (mean age 65.7), of which 33.6% were identified to be at risk for malnutrition. For all ESAS-r parameters (pain, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, lack of appetite, shortness of breath, depression, anxiety, and wellbeing), patients at risk for malnutrition had significantly higher scores (P < 0.001). All ESAS-r parameters were positively correlated with abPG-SGA score (P < 0.01). The ESAS-r parameters that best predicted malnutrition risk status were total ESAS-r score, lack of appetite, tiredness, and wellbeing (area under the curve = 0.824, 0.812, 0.764, 0.761 respectively). Lack of appetite score ≥ 1 demonstrated a sensitivity of 77.4% and specificity of 77.0%. Combining lack of appetite score ≥ 1 with total ESAS score > 14 yielded a sensitivity of 87.9% and specificity of 62.8%. Conclusion: Malnutrition risk as measured by the abPG-SGA and symptom severity scores as measured by the ESAS-r are positively and significantly correlated. Given the widespread use of the ESAS-r in cancer care, utilizing specific ESAS-r cut-offs to trigger malnutrition screening could be a viable way to identify cancer patients at risk for malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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