Cancer Information Highlights, September 27, 2017

Cancer Information Highlights, September 27, 2017

Cancer Information Highlights

From the National Cancer Institute

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

New from NCI NCI Annual Plan and Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2019   This plan features stories of researchers, patients, and survivors that show how NCI’s investments in research can improve lives and reveal challenges that remain to be addressed. Forgoing Standard Cancer Treatments for Alternative Medicine Increases Risk of Death   In a large study, patients with breast, lung, colon, or rectal cancer who chose alternative therapies were more likely to die than patients who received standard cancer treatments. Long-Term Nerve Damage Possible after Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer   In a large clinical trial, many women who received taxane-based chemotherapy to treat breast cancer still had numbness and tingling in their hands or feet 2 years after the start of treatment. Video—Patient Safety in Clinical Trials People who take part in clinical trials are a very important part of cancer research. Watch this new video to learn how your rights and safety are protected in clinical trials. Overcoming the Challenges of Metastatic Cancer This blog post summarizes an interview with NCI’s Rosandra Kaplan, M.D., who discusses trends in metastatic cancer research and new ideas for treatment. Maintenance Therapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Approved The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved olaparib tablets (Lynparza®) as maintenance treatment for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who are having partial or complete responses to platinum-based chemotherapy. PDQ Summary Updates Mycosis Fungoides (Including Sézary Syndrome) Treatment We’ve updated our PDQ summary on mycosis fungoides with information about new treatment options and appropriate treatment for different stages of the disease. Drug Information Updates Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin for Leukemia Our summary on gemtuzumab ozogamicin has been updated to include the recent FDA approval for treating adults and children with acute myeloid leukemia that is CD33 positive. Olaparib for Ovarian Cancer We’ve updated our summary to include FDA’s expanded approval for olaparib as maintenance therapy for recurrent ovarian epithelial, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.

Also of Interest Understanding Cervical Changes Most women who have abnormal cervical screening tests do not have cervical cancer. Learn about the different cervical screening tests, how to understand the results of these tests, how different cervical changes can be treated, questions to ask your doctor, and more. Gynecologic Cancers During Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, learn about the types of cancers that occur only in women, how they are treated, and ongoing research. Contributing to Cancer Research There are many ways to raise money to support cancer causes and contribute to cancer research. Learn about some of the ways you can make a difference against cancer.