Sutent Delays Progression of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (01-25-2010)

Among patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (a cancer that develops in the hormone-producing area of the pancreas), treatment with the targeted therapy Sutent® (sunitinib) more than doubled progression-free survival compared with placebo.... Continue Reading

Oncotype DX® Predicts Recurrence Risk in Stage II Colon Cancer (01-22-2010)

Among patients with Stage II colon cancer, use of the newly available Oncotype DX® colon cancer test provides information about the risk of cancer recurrence and may help guide treatment decisions. These results were presented at the 2010 ASCO Gastrointestinal... Continue Reading

Search for Early Markers of Ovarian Cancer Continues (01-20-2010)

Levels of three potential biological markers of ovarian cancer—CA125, human epididymis protein 4, and mesothelin—begin to rise three years before the clinical diagnosis of ovarian cancer, but only become substantially elevated less than a year before... Continue Reading

Review Confirms Effectiveness of Avastin® plus Chemotherapy in Advanced Colorectal Cancer (01-20-2010)

Among patients with advanced colorectal cancer, the addition of Avastin® (bevacizumab) to chemotherapy improves overall and progression-free survival but also increases side effects. These results were published in the Annals of Oncology. Colorectal... Continue Reading

Zactima Active Against Hereditary Medullary Thyroid Cancer (01-14-2010)

Results of a Phase II clinical trial indicate that Zactima™ (vandetanib) has significant activity for the treatment of patients with advanced, hereditary medullary thyroid cancer. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Thyroid... Continue Reading

Oncotype DX® Predicts Local and Regional Breast Cancer Recurrence (01-13-2010)

In addition to providing information about risk of distant breast cancer recurrence, the Oncotype DX® Recurrence Score also provides information about risk of local or regional breast cancer recurrence. These results were published in the Journal of... Continue Reading

Oncotype DX® Influences Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions (01-12-2010)

Among women with early breast cancer, use of the Oncotype DX® test changed oncologist treatment recommendations in approximately 32% of cases. Use of the test also increased oncologist confidence in the treatment recommendation and decreased patient... Continue Reading

Addition of Velcade® and Revlimid® to Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Produces Promising Results in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma (01-7-2010)

In a Phase II clinical trial, treatment of older multiple myeloma patients with Velcade® (bortezomib) induction therapy, reduced-intensity tandem autologous stem cell transplantation, and Revlimid® (lenalidomide) consolidation-maintenance therapy produced... Continue Reading

Breast Imaging Groups Recommend Mammograms at Age 40 (01-6-2010)

The Society of Breast Imaging and the Breast Imaging Commission of the American College of Radiology recommend that women at average risk of breast cancer begin screening with mammography starting at the age of 40. These recommendations were published... Continue Reading

Treanda® and Rituxan® Effective Initial Therapy for CLL (01-5-2010)

According to the results of a Phase II clinical trial, the combination of Treanda® (bendamustine) and Rituxan® (rituximab) is effective and safe for the initial treatment of patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These results were... Continue Reading

Acupuncture Reduces Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Patients (01-4-2010)

Among women treated with hormonal therapy for breast cancer, acupuncture and Effexor® (venlafaxine) were similarly effective at reducing the frequency of hot flashes. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The majority of breast... Continue Reading

Hispanics and African Americans Present with More Advanced Melanoma than Whites (12-30-2009)

Researchers from Florida have reported that Hispanics and African Americans present with more advanced melanomas than their White counterparts. These results were published in the Archives of Dermatology. The three most common types of skin cancer are... Continue Reading