Cancer Currents: An NCI Cancer Research Blog
A blog featuring news and research updates from the National Cancer Institute. Learn more about Cancer Currents.
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Researchers Create Modified Antibodies to Target RAS and p53 in CancerResearchers have developed synthetic antibodies, called diabodies, that block the activity of two of the most notorious cancer-related proteins, RAS and p53. In experiments in mice, the synthetic antibodies shrank tumors with these mutated proteins.
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Blinatumomab Improves Survival in Children with Relapsed LeukemiaThe results of two trials establish blinatumomab (Blincyto) as a new standard treatment for children and young adults with high-risk relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia after remission has been achieved and before a stem cell transplant.
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New on NCI’s Websites for March 2021NCI periodically provides updates on new websites and other online content of interest to the cancer community. See selected content that has been added as of March 2021.
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Targeted Therapy Cabozantinib Slows Progression of Rare Kidney CancerCabozantinib (Cabometyx) is an effective initial treatment for people with metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC), a rare type of kidney cancer. A clinical trial showed the drug was more effective than the current standard treatment.
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Texting May Help Reduce Disparities in Colorectal Cancer ScreeningCombining text messaging with mailing people free at-home FIT kits helped increase screening for colorectal cancer among a predominantly Black population, a new study has found. It’s part of a larger effort to reduce disparities in cancer screening.
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Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer? A Genetic Test Could Help DecideFor some men with prostate cancer, a genetic biomarker test called Decipher may help predict if their cancer will spread elsewhere in the body. The test could help determine whether hormone therapy, which can cause distressing side effects, is needed.
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Commemorating the Contributions of Cancer Research GreatsFollowing the death of Dr. Emil Freireich in February, NCI Director Norman E. Sharpless reflects on the accomplishments and legacies of Dr. Freireich and several other cancer research luminaries who have passed in recent years.
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Imaging Test Could Help Guide Breast Cancer Treatment DecisionsFor some people with ER-positive breast cancer, a new imaging test may help guide decisions about receiving hormone therapy, according to a new study. The test can show whether estrogen receptors in tumors are active and responsive to estrogen.
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For Cancer Screening, COVID-19 Pandemic Creates Obstacles, OpportunitiesAfter a steep drop in screening for common cancers early in the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are now exploring ways to improve cancer screening during the current crisis and beyond.
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Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Test May Be Less Accurate for Black PatientsThe test, which helps guide treatment decisions, was not as good at predicting the risk of death from breast cancer for Black patients as for White patients, a new study has found. The findings highlight the need for greater racial diversity in research studies.
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Rate of Suicides Related to Cancer Is DecliningCancer-related suicides dipped each year between 1999 and 2018 in the United States, a recent study has found. Yet, people who have had cancer remain at high risk for suicide and improvements in supportive care are needed, experts say.
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Cancer Researchers Bring Tools, Experience to COVID-19 StudiesSince the COVID-19 pandemic began, cancer researchers have brought their expertise to coronavirus studies. Their findings have ranged from insights into how the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters cells to the identification of potential COVID-19 therapies.
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Commemorating and Making History: The National Cancer Act 50th AnniversaryThe week after the globe recognized World Cancer Day and NCI staff were honored with a virtual visit from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, the NCI director kicks off the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the National Cancer Act of 1971.
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PDX Mouse Models Are Reliable Stand-Ins for Human Tumors, Study FindsA large study from an international group of researchers provides reassurance that cancer models, known as PDX mice, largely retain the genetics of the human tumors from which they were created. PDX mice are increasingly used in cancer research.
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Study Explores Jaw Problem Linked to Zoledronic Acid, Finds Risk FactorsA recent study quantified the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw for patients who take zoledronic acid to manage complications from cancer that has spread to the bone. The study also examined risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw in these patients.
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Relugolix Approval Expected to Alter Treatment for Advanced Prostate CancerFDA’s recent approval of relugolix (Orgovyx) is expected to affect the treatment of men with advanced prostate cancer. A large clinical trial showed that relugolix was more effective at reducing testosterone levels than another common treatment.
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Obesity May Help Tumors Survive and Grow, Mouse Study SuggestsObesity changed the relationship between cancer cells and nearby immune cells in ways that helped tumors survive and grow, a study in mice showed. But altering tumor cell metabolism helped immune cells once again recognize and infiltrate tumors.
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Study Suggests a Link between Stress and Cancer Coming BackCancer cells that are leftover after treatment can go into a “dormant” state for years. A new study in mice suggests that stress hormones may trigger a chain reaction that wakes up dormant cancer cells, causing tumors to form again.
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The Cancer Moonshot: A Midpoint Progress UpdateWith the Cancer Moonshot having reached its midway point, NCI Director Dr. Ned Sharpless and Deputy Director Dr. Dinah Singer provide a report on the progress to date and future directions for this ambitious initiative to accelerate progress against cancer.
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Trial Tests Abemaciclib As New Option for Early-Stage Breast CancerThe drug abemaciclib (Verzenio) may be a new treatment option for people with the most common type of breast cancer, with new study findings suggesting that it can reduce the risk of the cancer returning.