Cancer Treatment Updates
Combination of Nab-Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine Improves Survival in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
November 14th, 2013
In an international randomized phase III trial, patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who were treated with a combination of albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel [Abraxane®]) and gemcitabine (Gemzar®) lived longer than patients who were treated with gemcitabine alone. Patients who received both drugs also lived longer without their disease getting worse (progression-free survival).Pomalidomide plus Low-Dose Dexamethasone Improves Survival for Patients with Multiple Myeloma
September 18th, 2013
Results from a randomized phase III trial show that the combination of pomalidomide (Pomalyst®) and low-dose dexamethasone may benefit some patients with multiple myeloma that has progressed (worsened) despite other treatments. Patients who received the combination therapy lived longer without the disease getting worse than patients who received high-dose dexamethasone alone. Overall survival was also improved in the group that received the combination therapy compared with the other group.Finasteride Reduces the Risk of Low-Grade Prostate Cancer in Men 55 and Older
August 28th, 2013
Long-term follow-up results from a phase III trial show that regular use of finasteride (Proscar®) for up to 7 years decreased the risk of low-grade prostate cancer in men age 55 and older compared with that in men who received a placebo. Although high-grade cancers were more common in the finasteride group, the finasteride and placebo groups had similar 15-year overall survival rates.NIH trial shows promising results in treating a lymphoma in young people
April 9th, 2013
Patients with a type of cancer known as primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma who received infusions of chemotherapy, but who did not have radiation therapy to an area of the thorax known as the mediastinum, had excellent outcomes, according to clinical trial results.
NIH trial shows promising results in treating a lymphoma in young people
April 9th, 2013
Patients with a type of cancer known as primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma who received infusions of chemotherapy, but who did not have radiation therapy to an area of the thorax known as the mediastinum, had excellent outcomes, according to clinical trial results.Bevacizumab significantly improves survival for patients with recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer
February 6th, 2013
Patients with advanced, recurrent, or persistent cervical cancer that was not curable with standard treatment who received the drug bevacizumab (Avastin) lived 3.7 months longer than patients who did not receive the drug, according to an analysis of a large, randomized clinical trial.
Bevacizumab significantly improves survival for patients with recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer
February 6th, 2013
Patients with advanced, recurrent, or persistent cervical cancer that was not curable with standard treatment who received the drug bevacizumab (Avastin) lived 3.7 months longer than patients who did not receive the drug, according to an analysis of a large, randomized clinical trial.NIH-funded study shows increased prostate cancer risk from vitamin E supplements
October 11th, 2011
Men who took 400 international units of vitamin E daily had more prostate cancers compared to men who took a placebo, according to an updated review of data from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). The findings showed that, per 1,000 men, there were 76 prostate cancers in men who took only vitamin E supplements, vs. 65 in men on placebo over a seven-year period, or 11 more cases of prostate cancer per 1,000 men. This represents a 17 percent increase in prostate cancers relative to those who took a placebo. This difference was statistically significant and therefore is not likely due to chance.
NIH-funded study shows increased prostate cancer risk from vitamin E supplements
October 11th, 2011
Men who took 400 international units of vitamin E daily had more prostate cancers compared to men who took a placebo, according to an updated review of data from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). The findings showed that, per 1,000 men, there were 76 prostate cancers in men who took only vitamin E supplements, vs. 65 in men on placebo over a seven-year period, or 11 more cases of prostate cancer per 1,000 men. This represents a 17 percent increase in prostate cancers relative to those who took a placebo. This difference was statistically significant and therefore is not likely due to chance.NIH-funded study shows reduction in death for men with intermediate-grade prostate cancer:
July 12th, 2011
Short-term hormone therapy given in combination with radiation therapy to men with early-stage prostate cancer increased their chances of living longer compared to treatment with radiation therapy alone, according to a clinical trial supported by NCI. Benefits of the combined treatment were limited mainly to patients with intermediate-risk disease and were not seen for men with low-risk prostate cancer, researchers say.