2008

Cisplatin-based chemo improves post-op survival in NSCLC

August 18, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - After complete resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there is a significant improvement in survival when cisplatin-based chemotherapy is administered, according to results of a meta-analysis involving more than 4,500 patients.

Study sees benefit in prostate cancer surgery

August 13, 2008

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Men with early prostate cancer who have their prostate glands surgically removed are less likely to die from the disease than those who take a wait-and-see approach, researchers said on Tuesday.

Breast cancer treatment knowledge lacking

August 13, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Many women poorly understand the risks and benefits of breast cancer treatment options, researchers report.

Hormone drug increases stroke risk in women

August 13, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Treatment with tibolone, a drug with hormone-like effects, reduces the risk of fractures and the risk of breast and colon cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, but also seems to increase the risk of stroke, according to the results of the Long-Term Intervention on Fractures with Tibolone (LIFT) trial.

Lymphedema after breast cancer surgery common

August 7, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Lymphedema following breast cancer surgery is a common problem warranting greater attention, clinicians from Australia note in a report in the July 20 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Early screening for all breast cancer relatives may not be warranted

August 7, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Family history criteria may not be specific enough to identify women in the general population who would benefit from early breast cancer screening, according to a new study.

Video game improves treatment adherence for young cancer patients

August 5, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Playing a specially designed video game can help adolescents and young adult cancer patients adhere more closely to their prescribed treatment, new research published in Pediatrics shows.

"Complementary methods" widely used by cancer patients

August 5, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The majority of cancer patients use "complementary methods" (CMs) in addition to conventional treatment, aimed at relieving symptoms and side effects and increasing overall wellness, according to findings from a large, population-based study.

Prostate cancer screening not advised for men over 74

August 4, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In an update to its 2002 prostate cancer screening guidelines, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is now recommending that screening not be performed for men over 74 years of age due to a lack of benefit.

Hypertension potentiates the risk of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity

August 1, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Doxorubicin is often withheld from older patients because advanced age -- along with heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension -- are known to increase the risk of doxorubicin-related cardiotoxicity. Now, in a study of older adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), researchers have found that of all these factors, only hypertension synergistically potentiates the risk of cardiac effects.

Terminal cancer patients not given chemo info

August 1, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Patients with incurable cancer are often not clearly informed of what they stand to gain from palliative chemotherapy, according to the study results published in BMJ Online First. As a result, British investigators say, patients may lack sufficient knowledge make a decision based on informed consent.