Cancer Treatment

Breast Cancer Treatment Offers Better Outcome To Women With Implants

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:59:53 -0600

Women with early-stage breast cancer who have undergone breast augmentation may be treated successfully with a partial-breast radiation treatment called brachytherapy, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Patients treated with brachytherapy have better cosmetic outcomes and avoid the risk of the implant hardening, compared to patients who undergo whole-breast radiation therapy.

Molecular Breast Imaging: Clear Look Beyond Mammography, MRI, Ultrasound

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:51:49 -0600

Dilon Technologies, Inc., a leader in molecular breast imaging, announced today that leading physicians will present studies at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) that demonstrate Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) goes beyond mammography, MRI and ultrasound, and is emerging as a cost-effective adjunct imaging modality for breast cancer diagnostics.

Researchers are advancing the early detection of breast cancer, especially in difficult-to-diagnose patients, using this molecular breast imaging technique.

Gene Activity Variations Predict Lymphoma Survival

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:46:42 -0600

Patterns of gene activity in a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma has given researchers a better understanding of factors that contribute to the survival of patients treated for the disease. Gene activity, or expression, is a measure of the biological activity of a gene. Determining the activity levels of all genes in lymphoma patients' genomes allowed researchers, led by Louis M.

Mammogram Most Effective 12 Months After Radiation Treatment

ruzik_tuzik — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:58:38 -0600

Breast cancer patients who receive breast-conserving therapy and radiation do not need a follow-up mammogram until 12 months after radiation, despite current American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines that recommend follow-up mammograms at between six and 12 months after radiation, according to a November 15 study in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.

ASTRO, ACR Join For Radiation Oncology Practice Accreditation Program

ruzik_tuzik — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:58:01 -0600

The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and the American College of Radiology have announced a new partnership for radiation oncology practice accreditation that builds on the ACR’s current successful program that has served as the industry standard for more than 20 years.

Identifying Genomic Causes Of Leukemia Relapse

ruzik_tuzik — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:50:31 -0600

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified distinctive genetic changes in the cancer cells of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that cause relapse. The finding offers a pathway to designing treatments for ALL relapse in children and, ultimately, in adults.

The most common childhood cancer, ALL affects thousands of children annually in the United States. Although more than 80 percent of ALL cases are cured, relapse is a significant problem, with only 30 percent of children with relapsed ALL surviving.

Cancer Treatment Enhanced Through Laughter

Kathleen Blanchard RN — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:22:12 -0600

Advanced cancer patients at Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, some in advanced stages of the disease, have found a new form of therapy through laughter, enhancing cancer treatment with laughter therapy. The old adage "laughter is the best medicine" enters the health arena for reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and simply making patients feel better.

Fight Against Cancer Succeeds

ruzik_tuzik — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:48:53 -0600

The following statement by Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, was released today:

Cancer Incidence, Death Rates Decline

ruzik_tuzik — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:05:04 -0600

A new report from the nation's leading cancer organizations shows that, for the first time since the report was first issued in 1998, both incidence and death rates for all cancers combined are decreasing for both men and women, driven largely by declines in some of the most common types of cancer. The report notes that, although the decreases in overall cancer incidence and death rates are encouraging, large state and regional differences in lung cancer trends among women underscore the need to strengthen many state tobacco control programs.

Cancer Survival Higher In 2008 But Health Care Reform Needed

Kathleen Blanchard RN — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:01:16 -0600

According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, more Americans are surviving cancer. Statistics for five-year cancer survival rose from 50% to 66% between 1996 and 2003, though life expectancy still varies, depending on diagnosis and disease stage. Early diagnosis and treatment intervention of all types of cancer continues to show the best outcomes. The results of the analysis should be interpreted with caution, given the incidence of cancer recurrence.