Health News

Gene Test Catches Tiny Cancers
A new genetic test, combined with CT screening, can identify aggressive lung cancer at an early stage. Results may help determine the best therapy options to help patients live longer.
Beta Blockers Help Block Cancer Spread
Radiation is a common method to kill or shrink cancer cells. Lung cancer patients taking heart medication during radiotherapy may have better results than those not taking these drugs.
Vaccine for Late-Stage Cancer Fails
Vaccines are showing promise as medication therapy for patients with advanced-stage lung cancer. A new vaccine, however, recently failed to extend the lives of certain cancer patients.
New Gene Test IDs Patients for Cancer Drug
Targeted therapy can do wonders. The trick is finding which patients have the genetic mutation or some other alteration that drugs can effectively target.
Chemo-Drug Combo Clobbers Cancer
Gene therapies to treat lung cancer are continuing to emerge. A new combination of drugs may help lung cancer patients live longer. Several gene mutations have been identified in lung cancer cells.
Targeted Cancer Therapy Casts Wider Net
Targeting cancer gene mutations has been changing the way non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) is treated. As scientists learn more about the genetic makeup of tumors, more personalized therapy has become available.
An Alternative When Cancer Grows
When non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) grows again after shrinking on targeted therapy, patients may turn to chemotherapy. Adding local therapy to targeted drugs could offer another solution.
Good To The Bone
When lung cancer starts to spread, it often goes to the bone. This is the site of metastasis (spread) for other cancers as well. A comparison of bone medications found one to be superior.
Never Too Late for Therapy
Older lung cancer patients who have not responded to standard chemotherapy may be reluctant to continue treatment. Later-stage drug treatment, however, can be effective. Older patients often go under-treated because of concerns that they will not be able to tolerate certain toxic therapies.
Blood Test Spots Who Benefits From Drug
The anti-cancer drug erlotinib ( Tarceva ) may slow or stop cancer depending on the type and extent of the disease. A blood test can help patients find out how they will respond to the drug.