Cancer Information Highlights, December 4, 2019

Cancer Information Highlights, December 4, 2019

Cancer Information Highlights From the National Cancer Institute Updating you about cancer causes, prevention, screening, treatment, coping, and more   New from NCI Children with ALL Can Skip Radiation to the Brain   Read about a new study that shows that radiation therapy is likely unnecessary to prevent cancer from returning in the brains of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Some Brain Cells May Help Fuel the Spread of Cancer to the Brain   Read about a new study that shows that brain cells called astrocytes can activate a growth protein in cancer cells that helps them gain a foothold in the brain. The findings suggest that drugs that block this activity may help treat cancer that has spread to the brain. Cause of Some GISTs Discovered Scientists may have found the cause of some forms of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a rare cancer, according to a new NCI-funded study. The culprit isn’t a harmful genetic mutation, but another type of genetic change called epigenetic alterations. Targeted Therapy Improves Survival in AML   New results from a large clinical trial show that treatment with the targeted drug gilteritinib (Xospata) can improve survival compared with chemotherapy for some people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Opportunities in Cancer Research: Implementation Science Research discoveries have led to interventions, tools, and programs to better prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. Yet, these discoveries do not always make it into practice. The field of implementation science seeks to bridge this divide. Learn more in this chapter of the NCI Annual Plan & Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2021. PDQ Cancer Information Summary Updates Anal Cancer Treatment We’ve revised our treatment summary on anal cancer with updated information on factors that increase the risk of getting this disease, treatment options, and the treatments used for different stages of the disease. Drug Information Updates Acalabrutinib Approved for CLL and SLL We’ve updated our drug information summary with an expanded Food and Drug Administration approval. Acalabrutinib is now approved for chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma in adults.   Also of Interest HIV Infection and Cancer Risk People with HIV have a much higher risk of some types of cancer than people of the same age who do not have HIV. Learn more about why having HIV puts people at higher risk and what can be done to reduce their risk. Resources for Caregivers This page is a central location for resources and information to help you care for yourself as well as the person in your life with cancer.