June 30th, 2009
Online genetic testing for lung cancer appears to offer some benefits to patients, according to U.S. researchers who evaluated the use of an online test among 44 smokers.
“Up until now we have had a clear model for genetic testing. You see a professional genetics counselor, undergo a battery of tests and that professional helps you interpret your results,” Saskia Sanderson, who conducted the study while at the social and behavioral research branch of the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute, said in a news release from the American Association for Cancer Research.
June 30th, 2009
In lung cancer patients, a computer-aided detection system may detect nodules in chest radiography that were initially overlooked by a radiologist, according to a study published in the July issue of Radiology.
June 30th, 2009
Today Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) released its updated 2009 Facts About Lung Cancer (.pdf) illustrating again the devastating toll caused by lung cancer. LCA last released its Fact Sheet in 2008.
June 30th, 2009
Most people are aware of the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death for men and women. While the population is more aware of the link between smoking and lung cancer, taxpayers may be surprised to learn that tobacco use increases the risk for head and neck cancer, including cancers of the mouth, larynx (voice box), and throat, as well as cancers of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, uterine cervical and white blood cells (acute myeloid leukemia).
June 29th, 2009
Smoking is such a well-known cause of lung cancer that many don’t realize thousands who never smoked get the diagnosis. The great majority are women. Recent research shows it’s really a different disease than smoking-related lung cancer. But those with the diagnosis say they suffer the same stigma.
June 29th, 2009
The question of early detection of lung cancer may still be a subject to a surgical treatment. However, this may change. A company called BioSystems, which specializes in finding innovative cancer diagnostics, has worked on a blood test for detecting a tumor.
BioSystems identified thirteen specific antibodies in lung cancer, which “revealed a very good sensitivity, greater than 80%,” says its CEO, Jean-Pierre Tirouflet, in Le Parisien on Monday. He recalled that “the PSA, which is only tested for prostate cancer, shows a sensitivity of 35%.”
June 29th, 2009
Eli Lilly & Co.’s tumor-fighter Erbitux doesn’t prolong lung cancer patients’ lives enough to justify its $80,000 cost, U.S. scientists said in commentary published today. Erbitux added to other cancer drugs extends survival about 1.2 months more than chemotherapy alone, making the price too high for a “marginal benefit,” commentary in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute said.
June 29th, 2009
ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, Ltd. (OTCBB: IMUC), a clinical-stage biotechnology company that is developing immune based therapies for the treatment of brain and other cancers, announced today the issuance of a Japanese patent relating to the company’s monoclonal antibody therapeutics. Patent No. 4287147, entitled “Monoclonal Antibodies and Cell Surface Antigens for the Detection and Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer,” covers the use of IMUC’s proprietary antibodies in diagnosing and treating patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) using the company’s lead antibody product candidate, ICT-109. This latest issuance builds on IMUC’s existing patent portfolio in U.S. and international jurisdictions for both the detection and treatment of multiple types of cancer.
June 29th, 2009
The Healthy Communities Collaborative (HCC) has received more than £100,000 from NHS North of Tyne, the commissioning organisation that works on behalf of North Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT), Newcastle PCT and Northumberland Care Trust.
The money will allow the scheme to continue its work to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel, breast and lung cancer.
June 29th, 2009
Hartford Hospital is one of only two medical facilities in the state utilizing a new technology that allows for minimally-invasive detection of lung cancer and assessment of its various stages. The endobronchial ultrasound system makes biopsies safer, and offers a less invasive alternative to mediastinoscopy – the surgical removal of lymph nodes for testing.
