Cancer Information Highlights, February 28, 2018

Cancer Information Highlights, February 28, 2018

Cancer Information Highlights

From the National Cancer Institute

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

New from NCI Infographic—Cancers Associated with Overweight and Obesity   This new infographic illustrates the main cancers that are related to being overweight and obese. NCI’s Role in Immunotherapy Research   Learn about the ways in which NCI supports research to advance the promising field of cancer immunology. High-Fat Diet Linked to Prostate Cancer Metastasis A new study in mice has shown a molecular link between a high-fat diet and the growth and spread of prostate cancer. Learn what the researchers found when they treated mice that had prostate tumors with an anti-obesity drug. Can Oxygen “Microbubbles” Make Radiation Therapy More Effective? New research findings raise the possibility that microscopic, oxygen-carrying bubbles may help to improve the treatment of breast cancer. New Cancer Treatment Approach Targets Circadian Clock   A new study in mice shows that two compounds that target the circadian clock killed several types of cancer cells in the lab and slowed the growth of brain tumors without harming healthy cells. Dense Breasts: Answers to Commonly Asked Questions Women with dense breasts have a higher risk of breast cancer. Learn about dense breasts, how to know if you have dense breasts, things to consider regarding screening, and ongoing research. Immunotherapy May Hold Promise for Rare Melanoma A new study suggests that patients with a rare form of skin cancer, called desmoplastic melanoma, may respond to treatment with a type of immunotherapy known as immune checkpoint inhibitors. PDQ Summary Updates Thyroid Cancer Screening We’ve added a new PDQ summary on screening for thyroid cancer. Learn about the purpose of screening tests, risk factors for thyroid cancer, and possible benefits and risks of screening. Treatment for Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter We’ve updated our PDQ summary on treatment for transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter. Risks factors, tests used for staging, and the description of the stages of this disease were updated. Drug Information Updates Abiraterone Acetate Use in Prostate Cancer We’ve updated our drug information summary for abiraterone acetate (Zytiga®) to include a new indication from FDA. It is now approved to treat metastatic prostate cancer that is castration sensitive (responds to treatment that lowers testosterone levels).

Also of Interest Cell Phones and Cancer Risk If you ever wondered if cell phones cause cancer, read this summary of the latest scientific evidence. HPV and Cancer As International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day approaches on March 4, learn about the virus that is known to cause many types of cancer and how it can be detected and prevented. Side Effects of Cancer Treatment Side effects are problems caused by cancer treatment. Learn about the different side effects that may happen and how they can be prevented and managed.