Articles

Younger patients were more likely than older patients to get guideline- recommended treatment for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); conversely, the older the patient, the less likely treatment was provided, according to a large study of veterans that was reported in the May 1 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Advancing age was the strongest negative predictor of receiving guideline-recommended treat ment, regard less of cancer stage and comorbidity.

Antipsychotic Controls Breakthrough Nausea and Vomiting

Although an uncommon cancer, sarcoma, which can arise in various connective tissues and therefore has many subtypes, is a frightening disease for both the young and old. For example, some types of bone cancer occur primarily in children, while others affect mostly adults. As we recognize Sarcoma Awareness Week this month, let’s delve into some statistics surrounding this multifaceted cancer.

Primary bone cancer is rare and accounts for less than 0.2% of all cancers.

A new study suggests tobacco control policies may have differing results throughout the United States. For the study, researchers compared lung cancer death rates among women by year of birth. Results showed that while lung cancer death rates declined continuously by birth year for women born after the 1950s in California, rates in other states declined less quickly or even increased.

For African-American families in which a man is diagnosed with a prostate cancer, there are unmet psychosocial needs that affect survivorship, family relationships, and social interactions, according to new research.

“African-Americans continue to experience higher morbidity and mortality rates from prostate cancer and lower survival rates when compared to men of other ethnic and racial groups,” said study lead author Brian M. Rivers, PhD, MPH, assistant member of Health Outcomes & Behavior.

New guidelines for lung cancer screening are being strongly recommended. Created by a lung screening and surveillance task force established by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) and led by medical professionals from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), the guidelines were published this week in the online edition of the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

Because recent research shows low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is valuable in reducing lung cancer deaths, the AATS task force recommends an annual LDCT lung cancer screening for:

Patients receiving a new prescription seldom read the critical warning labels such as “do not consume alcohol while taking this medication” or “for external use only.” As a result, an estimated 4 million Americans experience adverse reactions to prescription medications each year.

A new report appearing in the journal Organic Process Research & Development describes the development of a new procedure for eliminating almost 98% of an impurity that can contaminate prescription drugs and potentially increase the risk for adverse health effects in patients.

During the first few months of treatment, targeted cancer cell therapies using man-made proteins significantly shrink many tumors. However, the cancer cells often become resistant, the treatment stops working, and the disease returns. New research, reported online in the journal Nature, may point to why these outcomes frequently occur.