Cancer Information Highlights, January 4, 2018

Cancer Information Highlights, January 4, 2018

Cancer Information Highlights

From the National Cancer Institute

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

New from NCI Expanding Cancer Clinical Trial Access for Patients with HIV   People with HIV are often excluded from clinical trials to protect their safety. However, early results from an NCI-sponsored study of an immunotherapy drug show that people with HIV can safely take part in clinical trials. Prior Cancers Common in Patients with New Primary Cancers   A new study shows that many patients diagnosed with a new cancer have had one or more cancers in the past. This finding has potential implications for screening and survivorship care. Fat Cells May Hinder Effectiveness of Chemotherapy   In a new study, researchers have shown that fat cells can absorb two commonly used chemotherapy drugs and break them down into less toxic forms, potentially reducing the drugs’ effectiveness. Video—Immunotherapy Clinical Trials: Sue Scott’s Story of Survival A cancer survivor and a clinical researcher discuss taking part in a cancer treatment clinical trial at NCI’s Center for Cancer Research. Video—Perspectives from the New NCI Director   In his first town hall meeting, NCI Director Dr. Norman Sharpless highlights a few broad areas where he believes NCI has a role to play in advancing progress against cancer. Acrylamide and Cancer Risk Acrylamide is a chemical found in some foods, cigarette smoke, and other items. This recently updated fact sheet discusses how people might be exposed to acrylamide and the problems it may cause. Harms of Cigarette Smoking and Health Benefits of Quitting This revised fact sheet covers the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke and the problems they cause, the risks of second-hand smoke, and the short- and long-term benefits of quitting. Genomic Profiling Tests Cleared by FDA The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved two tests that find genetic changes in tumors. Learn about each test and how they are used in cancer treatment and clinical trials. Alectinib Approved for ALK-Positive Lung Cancer FDA has approved alectinib (Alecensa) as a first-line treatment option for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that is ALK-positive. PDQ Summary Updates Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Treatment We’ve updated our childhood ALL summary to include proteasome inhibitors as a standard treatment for this disease. Drug Information Updates Bosutinib Use in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) FDA approval for bosutinib now includes treatment of CML that is newly diagnosed. It was previously approved for use in patients who had already been treated with other cancer drugs. Cabozantinib-S-Malate in Renal Cell Carcinoma We’ve updated our drug information summary with an expanded FDA approval. Cabozantinib-s-malate is now approved for first-line treatment of renal cell carcinoma, which is a type of kidney disease.

Also of Interest Cervical Cancer In observance of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, visit our gateway page for information on cervical cancer causes, prevention, treatment, and research. Symptoms of Cancer Cancer can cause many different symptoms. This page lists many of the common symptoms that cancer and other problems can cause and tells you where to look for more specific information. Late Side Effects of Cancer Treatment Cancer treatment can cause side effects that may not show up for months or years after you’ve finished treatment. Learn about the types of late side effects that might occur depending on the type of treatment you had and ways to manage.