A research blog from the NCI Division of Cancer Prevention Subscribe Studies Focus on Testing Family Members of Cancer Gene Carriers November 29, 2021 | By DCP Staff If your family member had cancer, would you want to know if you carried a gene mutation that increased your risk of the same cancer? This question is at the heart of three novel research projects underway to determine how best to connect with the family members of women with ovarian cancer so they can decide whether to get genetic testing and counseling about their own risk of cancer. Equity and Access to Trials Highlight the 2021 NCORP Grantee Meeting November 10, 2021 | By DCP Staff The NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) annual meeting for grantees in August 2021 virtually brought together representatives from every NCORP Research Base and Community and Minority Underserved Site to discuss and learn about a range of topics. Study Seeks to Unravel the Complexity of Rare Blood Disorders Known as Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) October 5, 2021 | By Susan Jenks In a clinical study underway, scientists hope to unravel the complexities of a group of poorly understood and relatively rare blood disorders that often lead to cancer. In myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), the problem arises when normal blood cells fail to function properly or are ill-formed inside the spongy bone marrow where blood production begins, leaving patients vulnerable to infection, anemia or easy bleeding. A Message from the Director: A Year of Making the Cancer Prevention Intention Clear September 20, 2021 | By Philip E. Castle, Ph.D., M.P.H. A year ago, I said that coming on board as the Division of Cancer Prevention Director in July 2020 was a “challenge,” adding that I had faith in science that the pandemic would be solved soon. Science has brought us a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and medicine to treat the disease, but we still aren’t all together in the workspace or many other places. We all look forward to that day. Despite the challenges that continue to keep us physically apart, I think we are philosophically together in our desire to prevent cancer. Our mission hasn’t changed, and our motivation hasn’t changed... Study Seeks to Prevent Cancer and Extend Quality of Life for Women at Increased Genetic Risk of Ovarian Cancer September 7, 2021 | By Susan Jenks Researchers in gynecologic oncology have begun testing a promising surgery for premenopausal women at high genetic risk for ovarian cancer that avoids early menopause and may prevent these malignancies from developing. Studies have shown that most ovarian cancers actually begin to grow from cancer cells that developed in the fallopian tubes. This trial is testing if removing the fallopian tubes before menopause prevents ovarian cancer. Vaccine to Prevent Hereditary Cancers Nears Human Trials July 13, 2021 | By Susan Jenks One of the first-ever vaccines for the prevention of colorectal and other cancers in patients at high genetic risk for these malignancies is expected to start its early phase safety and immunogenicity trial in the first quarter of 2022, according to investigators. Although still in the design phase, the study will test a neoantigen-based vaccine against Lynch syndrome, a common hereditary condition that carries a 70-80% lifetime risk for colorectal cancer. The syndrome also raises the risk for developing endometrial cancer and several other cancers, often before age 50 years. NCI Cancer Prevention Fellowship Seeks Passionate Applicants to Drive the Field Forward May 25, 2021 | By Susan Jenks Preventing cancer today and in the future lies at the heart of the National Cancer Institute’s competitive postdoctoral fellowship program, which is accepting candidate applications for the 2022 class until August 16, 2021. The multidisciplinary Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program (CPFP) selects 10 to 15 new fellows each year and provides up to 4 years of support for mentored research and professional development at the NCI. It additionally offers the opportunity for fellows to earn a master’s degree in public health depending on their previous academic training. The Search for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer Accelerates with Biomarkers April 27, 2021 | By Susan Jenks Scientists have identified more than 1,000 potential new biomarkers for cancer that they hope will aid in the early detection of many of these complex diseases, including one of the most challenging, pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancers have long defied early detection with the vast majority diagnosed in advanced stages when they are especially lethal. The 5-year relative survival rate for patients with widespread disease is just 3%. The 5-year survival for all stages in this cancer remains grim, less than 11%. If current trends persist, within a decade these relatively rare... Pancreatic Cysts Are Monitored in New Trial Aimed at Reducing Cancer Risk Through Targeted Screening April 8, 2021 | By Susan Jenks In a new NCI-sponsored study now recruiting participants, investigators will evaluate two different screening strategies for non-cancerous pancreatic cysts to determine which works best at detecting early malignancy. Even though few of these sac-like structures are likely to develop into pancreatic cancer, researchers said, accurately predicting which cysts pose the highest cancer risk is essential to improving prevention and early detection. “These surveillance strategies have never been tested prospectively before for their clinical benefit or relative costs and benefits... Cannabis and Cancer Part 2: Scientists Look for Ways to Increase Knowledge About Cannabis with Help from People with Cancer March 8, 2021 | By NCI Staff After decades of opposition to decriminalizing cannabis products (especially marijuana), a more permissive attitude toward cannabis and its derivative products has taken hold today at the state level. At the same time, inconsistencies in state policies conflict with federal law, which itself, scientists said at a recent NCI-sponsored Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Cancer Research Symposium, is hampering clinical research. Pages123next ›last »
