Cancer Information Highlights, June 22, 2017

Cancer Information Highlights, June 22, 2017

Cancer Information Highlights

From the National Cancer Institute

Updating you about cancer causes, prevention, screening, treatment, coping, and more

New from NCI Video—Steps to Find a Clinical Trial   The new video on this page illustrates how to use our six-step guide to help you find a treatment clinical trial. HPV Vaccination Linked to Decreased Oral HPV Infections   New study results suggest that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine may sharply reduce oral HPV infections that are a major risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer, a type of head and neck cancer. Less Chemotherapy May Be Best Choice for Some Patients with Colon Cancer   Recent trial results suggest that a shorter course of chemotherapy following surgery may be enough for patients at low risk of disease recurrence. PSA Test Fact Sheet Updated The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test fact sheet has been revised to reflect the latest guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk Fact Sheet Updated This fact sheet has been updated. Learn what asbestos is and how it relates to the risk for cancer and other diseases. Clinical Trial Seeks to Determine if Two Targeted Drugs Are Better Than One This ongoing clinical trial is enrolling patients with newly diagnosed metastatic non-small cell lung cancer that tests positive for a mutation in the EGFR gene. Doctors want to know if combining afatinib with cetuximab improves survival better than afatinib alone for these patients. FDA Expands Approval of Pembrolizumab for First-Line Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab to be used with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. PDQ Summary Updates Nausea and Vomiting Related to Cancer Treatment We updated our PDQ summary on cancer-related nausea and vomiting with major revisions to all sections of the summary. Drug Information Updates New Approval for Microsatellite Instability-High Cancer We’ve updated our pembrolizumab drug summary to include a recent approval from FDA. Pembrolizumab is now approved to treat solid tumors with certain genetic features: mismatch repair deficiency and high microsatellite instability. Tumors with these genetic mutations  may not respond to some types of treatment.

Also of Interest Survivorship Once people complete cancer treatment, they often face an adjustment period. These pages have information about coping with this transition, planning for follow-up care, and recognizing the physical, emotional, and family issues that may occur. Fluoridated Water Fact Sheet This fact sheet, which reviews research about fluoridated water and cancer risk, was recently updated with additional references. Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Treatment Clinical Trials Talking with your doctor is an important part of finding a treatment trial that might be right for you. This page has many suggested questions that can help you get the conversation going.