Sixteen million cancer stories a year: the Social Oncology Project

"2012 was one heck of a year for new treatments against various different forms of leukemia. In the span of 5 months, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved four novel therapies. Drug approvals always come with a spike of media attention, but we at W2O Group have been curious as to how that flood of interest compares with other events throughout the year, not only in news, but in all of the other conversations we have online about cancer. So we decided to look into how we’re talking about cancer, both at the broadest level and in the context of more specific cancers and more specific communities." Continue reading the blog of a director at WCG, an independent strategic communications firm, here.

Read the full report, the Social Oncology Project, here.

Raman spectroscopy algorithm has potential to diagnose breast lesions with high precision

A newly developed, single-step Raman spectroscopy algorithm has the potential to simultaneously detect microcalcifications and enable diagnosis of the associated breast lesions with high precision, according to data published in Cancer Research. According to the researchers, the algorithm exhibited positive and negative predictive values of 100 percent and 96 percent, respectively, for the diagnosis of breast cancer with or without microcalcifications. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Barman I, et al. (2013) Application of Raman Spectroscopy to Identify Microcalcifications and Underlying Breast Lesions at Stereotactic Core Needle Biopsy. Cancer Res. 73(11): 3206-15.

FDA approves two new melanoma drugs

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 2 new drugs, Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and Mekinist (trametinib), to treat melanoma that has metastasized or that can’t be surgically removed. Both of the new drugs are intended to treat patients whose cancers have certain mutations in the BRAF gene. Approval of the drugs and the test were based on results of clinical trials. Read more here.

World No Tobacco Day

May 31 is World No Tobacco Day, an annual awareness day sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1987 to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce smoking and other tobacco use. Read more here.

Partners applaud new bill protecting family caregivers in Alberta

The Alberta Caregivers Association and the Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/NWT Division, are pleased to see the passing of a bill that will provide job-protected leave to family caregivers who take time off work to care for a dying family member. Bill 203, the Employment Standards (Compassionate Care Leave) Amendment Act, revises Alberta’s Employment Standards Code to include compassionate care leave, providing job security for Albertans who find themselves caring for a terminal family member. Prior to the passing of this bill, Alberta was the only jurisdiction in Canada without compassionate care leave in its employment standards code. Read more here.

Leading Canadian health charities urge renewed federal government leadership on non-communicable diseases

Four of Canada’s leading health charities – the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Canadian Lung Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation – are applauding the adoption at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland of global targets and a global action plan to reduce premature death from NCDs by 25% by 2025. At the World Health Assembly, member states (including Canada) voted to adopt the Non-Communicable Disease Global Monitoring Framework. Read more here.

Read the common vision statement of the four charities, Call for action on chronic diseases, here.

Heartburn linked to cancer

New research shows a strong link between frequent heartburn and cancers of the throat and vocal cord. A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention has shown a 78 per cent increased risk of these cancer among people with a strong history of heartburn. The same study also shows that taking antacids for heartburn can reduce the chance of getting cancer. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Langevin SM, et al. Gastric Reflux Is an Independent Risk Factor for Laryngopharyngeal Carcinoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2013 May 23. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23703970

Shape-shifting nanoparticles flip from sphere to net in response to tumor signal

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego, have designed tiny spherical particles to float easily through the bloodstream after injection, then assemble into a durable scaffold within diseased tissue. An enzyme produced by a specific type of tumor can trigger the transformation of the spheres into netlike structures that accumulate at the site of a cancer, the team reports in the journal Advanced Materials. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Chien MP, et al. Enzyme-Directed Assembly of a Nanoparticle Probe in Tumor Tissue. Adv Mater. 2013 May 28. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23712821

CHAMPIX and ZYBAN - Revision to the consumer information of non-nicotine smoking cessation aids

Pfizer Canada Inc. and Valeant Canada LP, in collaboration with Health Canada, would like to inform you of revisions to the Product Monographs for non-nicotine smoking cessation aids CHAMPIX® (varenicline tartrate) and ZYBAN® (bupropion hydrochloride). CHAMPIX is a smoking cessation pharmacological treatment to be used in conjunction with smoking-cessation counselling. ZYBAN is a smoking cessation pharmacological treatment to be used in conjunction with behavioural modification. In addition, ZYBAN is indicated for use with nicotine replacement therapy. Read more here.

Using the Internet to support health behaviour change

The purpose of a study published in the June issue of Chronic Diseases and Injuries in Canada was to quantify the frequency and timing of Canadians' Internet searches for information on modifying cancer prevention-related behavioural risk factors, such as smoking, lack of exercise, and unhealthy diet. The authors conclude that key stakeholders in cancer prevention need to identify knowledge translation priorities and work with health agencies to develop evidence-based strategies to support this Internet-facilitated behaviour change.

Study mentioned: Richardson CG, et al. Quantifying Canadians' use of the Internet as a source of information on behavioural risk factor modifications related to cancer prevention. Chronic Diseases and Injuries in Canada. 2013; 33(3):123-128.

Global health groups announce project to tackle cervical cancer burden in Latin America and the Caribbean

The American Cancer Society has joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Network of National Cancer Institutes of the Union of South American Nations, and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization to create the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Project for Latin America and the Caribbean, which aims to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality through outreach to women in Latin America and the Caribbean who have never been screened and to increase HPV vaccination among girls. Read more here.

IARC monographs in PDF: volume 103 now online

Volume 103 (2013): Bitumens and bitumen emissions, and Some N- and S-heterocyclic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

This volume contains evaluations of the carcinogenic hazard to humans of bitumens and bitumen emissions, and of some N- and S- heterocyclic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (referred to as azaarenes and thiaarenes, respectively). This volume is the fourth in a series of IARC Monograph volumes evaluating exposures related to air pollution. Read the full volume here.

Liver cancer on the rise

Liver cancer is one of the fastest rising of all cancers in Canada, yet most Canadians do not know enough about risk factors and prevention, according to Canadian Cancer Statistics 2013, released today by the Canadian Cancer Society in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada. Since 1970, the incidence rate of liver cancer has tripled in Canadian men and doubled in Canadian women, rising every year by 3.6% in men and 1.7% in women. Read more here.

Read the full document, Canadian Cancer Statistics 2013, here.

ASCO guidelines for fertility preservation affirm oocyte preservation

Guidelines for fertility preservation in newly diagnosed cancer patients have been updated to include oocyte preservation as a standard practice rather than an experimental option, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Loren AW, et al. Fertility Preservation for Patients With Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update. J Clin Oncol. Published online before print May 28, 2013.

Midlife fitness may protect against lung cancer

Men's middle-aged fitness level may protect against cancer, according to a study presented in advance of the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, held from May 31 to June 4 in Chicago. Susan G. Lakoski, M.D., from University of Vermont in Colchester, and colleagues analyzed data from 17,049 men (mean age, 50 years) participating in the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study who completed the medical exam and cardiovascular risk factor assessment. Medicare claims data was used to determine cancer incidence. Read more here.

European Society of Human Genetics urges caution over use of new genetic sequencing techniques

The use of genome-wide analysis (GWA), where the entirety of an individual's DNA is examined to look for the genomic mutations or variants which can cause health problems is a massively useful technology for diagnosing disease. However, it can also pose major ethical problems if used incorrectly, say new recommendations from the European Society of Human Genetics published in the European Journal of Human Genetics. Read more here.

Study mentioned: van El CG, et al. Whole-genome sequencing in health care. Eur J Hum Genet. 2013 Jun;21(6):580-4. PMID: 23676617

Study supports using low-dose CT scans to spot early lung cancer

Finding early signs of lung cancer was once next to impossible, but a new study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that screening with low-dose CT scans may help spot the beginnings of disease in high-risk patients. The new study, scheduled for presentation at the American Thoracic Society annual meeting in Philadelphia, was based in part on results from the National Lung Screening Trial. Read more here.

New sunscreen product labels to debut this summer in US

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention wants to help consumers understand new labeling rules on sunscreen products. The National Council urges consumers to choose sunscreen products that offer Broad Spectrum protection, and have an SPF of 30 or higher. Under the new labeling, recently announced by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), sunscreens that protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays can be labeled “Broad Spectrum.” Read more here.

Promoting physical activity in Canadian communities

The Government of Canada is advancing innovative partnerships in promoting physical activity, healthy living and reducing obesity and other risk factors that can lead to serious health problems including chronic diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The newly announced projects are funded under the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Healthy Living Fund, totalling more than $1.4 million over two years. Read more about the projects here.

Collaborative efforts generate new radiotherapy technology guidelines

The Canadian Partnership for Quality Radiotherapy and the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists have released the first set of technical quality standards created through their joint efforts to standardize procedures and improve the quality and safety of radiation therapy. Read more here.

Paediatric oncology training course, 25-29 Nov 2013, France

Paediatric Oncology for Cancer Registries is a unique course, organized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in the framework of the European Network for Cancer Research in Children and Adolescents (ENCCA), a Network of Excellence funded by the European Commission in FP7. Read more, including the aims of the course and the program, here.

Coffee may benefit tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients

In the current study, the researchers looked at the possible benefits of coffee in breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen therapy. They evaluated whether coffee consumption may have an effect on tumor characteristics and the risk for early events. A total of 634 patients completed lifestyle questionnaires and provided coffee consumption information. The research team concluded that moderate-to-high coffee consumption may decrease the risk of early events in tamoxifen-treated patients. Coffee may also affect hormone receptor status. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Simonsson M, et al. Coffee prevents early events in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients and modulates hormone receptor status. Cancer Causes Control. 2013 May;24(5):929-40. PMID: 23412805

Blood's up - and so are the outcomes

In this short video, Dr. Bruce Cheson highlights noteworthy studies in lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and multiple myeloma being presented at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, May 13-June 4, 2013. View the video here.

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GI cancers: a new gold standard in pancreatic?

In this short video, Dr. David Kerr, past president of ESMO, previews studies to watch in colorectal, gastric, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer, to be presented at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, May 13-June 4, 2013. View the video here.

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NIH researchers conduct first genomic survey of human skin fungal diversity

In the first study of human fungal skin diversity, National Institutes of Health researchers sequenced the DNA of fungi at skin sites of healthy adults to define the normal populations across the skin and to provide a framework for investigating fungal skin conditions. “By gaining a more complete awareness of the fungal and bacterial ecosystems, we can better address associated skin diseases, including skin conditions which can be related to cancer treatments,” said Heidi Kong, M.D., co-senior author and an investigator in the dermatology branch of NCI’s Center for Cancer Research. Read more here.

Inflammatory bowel disease raises risk of melanoma

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) are at higher risk of melanoma, a form of skin cancer, report researchers at Mayo Clinic. Researchers found that IBD is associated with a 37 percent greater risk for the disease. The findings were presented at the Digestive Disease Week 2013 conference in Orlando, Fla. Read more here.

H. pylori, smoking trends, and gastric cancer in US men

Trends in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and smoking explain a significant proportion of the decline of intestinal-type noncardia gastric adenocarcinoma (NCGA) incidence in US men between 1978 and 2008, and are estimated to continue to contribute to further declines between 2008 and 2040. These are the conclusions of a study by Jennifer M. Yeh of the Center for Health Decision Science at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and colleagues that suggest H. pylori and smoking trends together accounted for almost half of the observed decline in intestinal-type NCGA between 1978 and 2008. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Yeh JM, et al. (2013) Contribution of H. pylori and Smoking Trends to US Incidence of Intestinal-Type Noncardia Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A Microsimulation Model. PLoS Med 10(5): e1001451.

FDA approves erlotinib (Tarceva) as first-line lung cancer therapy for certain patients

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a companion diagnostic test for erlotinib (Tarceva), an oral cancer drug. The cobas EGFR mutation test detects mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. Patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who test positive for an EGFR mutation may be eligible for erlotinib. Erlotinib is a reversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets EGFR. Read more here.

Scheduled imaging studies provide little help detecting relapse of aggressive lymphoma

Imaging scans following treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma do little to help detect a relapse, a Mayo Clinic study has found. The overwhelming majority of patients with this aggressive lymphoma already have symptoms, an abnormal physical exam or an abnormal blood test at the time of relapse, the researchers say. The findings will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting May 31-June 4 in Chicago. Read more here.

Despite new recommendations, women in 40s continue to get routine mammograms at same rate

Lauren D. Block, M.D., M.P.H., a clinical fellow in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and her colleagues expected to find fewer women in their 40s getting routine mammograms after the 2009 recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force. Instead, they found no impact on mammography rates among younger women. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Block LD, et al. Mammography Use Among Women Ages 40-49 After the 2009 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation. J Gen Intern Med. 2013 May 15. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23674077

Doctors should discuss financial concerns of cancer patients

Most cancer patients would like to talk about the cost of their care with their doctors, but often don't because they fear the discussion could compromise the quality of their treatment, researchers at Duke Cancer Institute plan to report at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Yet many patients who do broach the subject of finances believe it helps decrease costs. Those findings, from a survey of 300 insured patients treated at Duke and affiliated clinics in rural North Carolina, suggest that doctors can play a role in easing financial worries just by taking the problem into account. Read more here.

Timing of cancer radiation therapy may minimize hair loss

Discovering that mouse hair has a circadian clock - a 24-hour cycle of growth followed by restorative repair - researchers suspect that hair loss in humans from toxic cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy might be minimized if these treatments are given late in the day. The study found that mice lost 85 percent of their hair if they received radiation therapy in the morning, compared to a 17 percent loss when treatment occurred in the evening. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Plikus MV, et al. Local circadian clock gates cell cycle progression of transient amplifying cells during regenerative hair cycling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 May 20. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23690597

Genetic diversity predicts outcomes in head and neck cancer

A new measure of the heterogeneity – the variety of genetic mutations – of cells within a tumor appears to predict treatment outcomes of patients with the most common type of head and neck cancer. Investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary describe how their measure was a better predictor of survival than most traditional risk factors in a small group of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Mroz EA, et al. High intratumor genetic heterogeneity is related to worse outcome in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer. Article first published online 20 May 2013.

American Cancer Society marks 100th year with one goal - to finish the fight against cancer

One hundred years ago today, the American Cancer Society was founded by 15 prominent physicians and business leaders in New York City. First known as the American Society for the Control of Cancer, the organization launched the fight against a disease that was feared as a death sentence at the time. A century later, the American Cancer Society, now the nation's largest voluntary health organization, observes 100 years of progress – this year alone saw a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates since the 1990s according to the Society's latest Cancer Facts & Figures, that translates to more than one million cancer deaths avoided during that span – more birthdays celebrated. The Society is marking the occasion by pledging to finish the fight against cancer in the next century. Read more here.

THALOMID (thalidomide capsules) - Risk of second cancers

THALOMID® is an immunomodulatory agent indicated for the treatment of patients who are 65 years of age or older with previously untreated multiple myeloma, in combination with melphalan and prednisone (MPT). The following points summarize the updated Product Monograph safety information: 1. Second primary malignancies, in particular acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), have been observed in an ongoing clinical trial in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma receiving the combination melphalan, prednisone and THALOMID® (MPT). AML and MDS have been rarely reported in the post-market setting. 2. The risk of AML and MDS must be taken into account before initiating treatment with THALOMID® in combination with melphalan and prednisone (MPT). Physicians should carefully evaluate patients before and during treatment using standard cancer screening for occurrence of second primary malignancies. Read more here.

Britain aims to make gene testing accessible for cancer patients

Britain has launched a research program designed to eventually allow all cancer patients to have access to genetic analysis. The project, involving the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, the U.S. gene sequencing firm Illumina, geneticists and cancer doctors, aims to find a way to allow more cancer genes to be tested in more people. Read more here.

Molecular marker from pancreatic 'juices' helps identify pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a promising method to distinguish between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis — two disorders that are difficult to tell apart. A molecular marker obtained from pancreatic "juices" can identify almost all cases of pancreatic cancer, their study shows. The findings were being presented at Digestive Disease Week 2013 in Orlando, Fla. Pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis both produce the same signs of disease in the pancreas, such as inflammation, but cancer in the organ is a life-threatening disorder that must be treated immediately and aggressively. Read more here.

Conference abstract mentioned: Raimondo M, et al. Methylated DNA Markers in Pancreatic Juice Discriminate Pancreatic Cancer From Chronic Pancreatitis and Normal Controls. Presented at Digestive Disease Week 2013, Orlando, FL.

Quebec area where cancer rates are 80 times higher to be studied

It’s been more than 15 years since her husband died of a brain tumour, but Candide Bélanger feels she may finally get some answers about why he died.

Jacques Trottier died in 1995 at the age of 62. The couple had lived for 17 years next to the Valcartier military base in Shannon, where many experts believe the drinking water was laced with trichloroethylene or TCE. The solvent, which strips grease from metal, was used by a munitions manufacturer on the base for more than 40 years. Read more here.

First prospective trial shows molecular profiling timely for tailoring therapy

A clinical trial has shown that patients, and their physicians, are eager to jump into next-era cancer care — analysis of an individual's tumor to find and target genetic mutations that drive the cancer. Results of the study, CUSTOM, are being presented at the 2013 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology years before investigators thought they would be ready. Read more here.

Preclinical tests shows agent stops 'slippery' proteins from binding, causing Ewing sarcoma

Continuous infusion of a novel agent not only halted the progression of Ewing sarcoma in rats, while some tumors also regressed to the point that cancer cells could not be detected microscopically, say researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Their study, which will be presented at the 2013 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, provides pre-clinical evidence necessary to initiate a clinical trial. Read more here.

Skin cancer linked to reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease

People who have non-melanoma skin cancer may be less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, according to research carried out by scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. The researchers looked at participants enrolled the Einstein Aging Study, which focuses on the aging brain and examines both normal aging and the special challenges of Alzheimer's disease and other dementing disorders. Read more here.

Study mentioned: White RS, et al. Nonmelanoma skin cancer is associated with reduced Alzheimer disease risk. Neurology. 2013 May 15. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23677746

Physical & emotional impairments common, often untreated in people with cancer

A new review finds cancer survivors suffer a diverse and complex set of impairments, affecting virtually every organ system. Writing in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Julie Silver, M.D., associate professor at Harvard Medical School, and colleagues say a majority of cancer survivors will have significant physical and psychological impairments as a result of treatments, and that these often go undetected and/or untreated, resulting in disability. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Silver JK, et al. Impairment-driven cancer rehabilitation: An essential component of quality care and survivorship. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. Online first 17 May 2013.

Cancer diagnosis puts people at greater risk for bankruptcy

People diagnosed with cancer are more than two-and-a-half times more likely to declare bankruptcy than those without cancer, according to a new study from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Researchers also found that younger cancer patients had two- to five-fold higher bankruptcy rates compared to older patients, and that overall bankruptcy filings increased as time passed following diagnosis. The study, led by corresponding author Scott Ramsey, M.D., Ph.D., an internist and health economist at Fred Hutch, was published online in the journal Health Affairs. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Ramsey S, et al. Washington State Cancer Patients Found To Be At Greater Risk For Bankruptcy Than People Without A Cancer Diagnosis. Health Aff. Published online before print May 2013.

Study IDs key protein for cell death

When cells suffer too much DNA damage, they are usually forced to undergo programmed cell death, or apoptosis. However, cancer cells often ignore these signals, flourishing even after chemotherapy drugs have ravaged their DNA. A new finding from MIT researchers may offer a way to overcome that resistance: The team has identified a key protein involved in an alternative death pathway known as programmed necrosis. Drugs that mimic the effects of this protein could push cancer cells that are resistant to apoptosis into necrosis instead. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Fu D, et al. Human ALKBH7 is required for alkylation and oxidation-induced programmed necrosis. Genes Dev. 2013 May 10. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23666923

Primary care physicians vital to complete care of prostate cancer patients

Androgen deprivation therapy is a common and effective treatment for advanced prostate cancer. However, among other side-effects, it can cause significant bone thinning in men on long-term treatment. A new study¹ by Vahakn Shahinian and Yong-Fang Kuo from the Universities of Michigan and Texas respectively, finds that although bone mineral density testing is carried out on some men receiving this therapy, it is not routine. They did note, however, that men were significantly more likely to be tested when they were being cared for by both a urologist and a primary care physician. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Shahinian VB, Kuo YF. Patterns of Bone Mineral Density Testing in Men Receiving Androgen Deprivation for Prostate Cancer. J Gen Intern Med. 2013 May 14. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23670565

FDA approves Xofigo for advanced prostate cancer

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xofigo (radium-223 dichloride) to treat certain men with advanced prostate cancer. It is intended for men whose cancer has spread (metastasized) only to their bones and who have already received treatment to lower testosterone. Read more here.

Tumor-activated protein promotes cancer spread

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center report that cancers physically alter cells in the lymphatic system – a network of vessels that transports and stores immune cells throughout the body – to promote the spread of disease, a process called metastasis. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Garmy-Susini B, et al. PI3Kα activates integrin α4β1 to establish a metastatic niche in lymph nodes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 May 13. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23671068

Study identifies possible new acute leukemia marker treatment target

A study has identified microRNA-155 as a new independent prognostic marker and treatment target in patients with acute myeloid leukemia that has normal-looking chromosomes under the microscope (that is, cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia, or CN-AML). The researchers found that when microRNA-155 (miR-155) is present at abnormally high levels in CN-AML cells, patients are less likely to have a complete remission, and they experience a shorter disease-free period and shorter overall survival. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Marcucci G, et al. Clinical Role of microRNAs in Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia: miR-155 Upregulation Independently Identifies High-Risk Patients. J Clin Oncol. 2013 May 6. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23650424

Cathflo (alteplase) - Particulate matter observed in some vials: additional instructions for use - Notice to Hospitals

Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche), in consultation with Health Canada, would like to inform you that visible rubber stopper particulates have been observed in some vials of CATHFLO (alteplase) after reconstitution. CATHFLO is a serine protease indicated for the restoration of function to central venous access devices. Read more here.

Expert panel to discuss innovations in cancer research

On May 22, 2013, the American Cancer Society will host a special science symposium: Research and the Fight Against Cancer. The symposium will bring together a renowned panel of experts to explore past successes, the present state of affairs, and future challenges in cancer research. The program will be available via webcast. Read more here.

Ontario study finds one kind of mammogram less effective

A Cancer Care Ontario study found digital direct radiography and screen film mammograms are better than digital computed radiography mammograms at uncovering breast tumours. The research concluded that computed radiography, or CR, is 21 per cent less effective at detecting breast cancer than digital radiography, or DR. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Chiarelli AM, et al. Digital Compared with Screen-Film Mammography: Performance Measures in Concurrent Cohorts within an Organized Breast Screening Program. Radiology 122567; Published online May 14, 2013.

Angelina Jolie: My medical choice

"My doctors estimated that I had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer, although the risk is different in the case of each woman. Only a fraction of breast cancers result from an inherited gene mutation. Those with a defect in BRCA1 have a 65 percent risk of getting it, on average. Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much I could. I made a decision to have a preventive double mastectomy." Continue reading Angelina Jolie's New York Times Op-Ed article here.

Penn Medicine researchers identify four new genetic factors for testicular cancer

A new study looking at the genomes of more than 13,000 men identified four new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer, the most commonly diagnosed type in young men today. The findings from this first-of-its-kind meta-analysis were reported online in Nature Genetics by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Chung CC, et al. Meta-analysis identifies four new loci associated with testicular germ cell tumor. Nature Genetics. Published online 12 May 2013.

Discovery pinpoints cause of two types of leukemia, providing insights into new treatment approach

Patients with two forms of leukemia, who currently have no viable treatment options, may benefit from existing drugs developed for different types of cancer, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, isolated the molecular mutation that causes chronic neutrophilic leukemia and atypical chronic myeloid leukemia in some patients. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Maxson JE, et al. Oncogenic CSF3R mutations in chronic neutrophilic leukemia and atypical CML. N Engl J Med. 2013 May 9;368(19):1781-90. PMID: 23656643

Summary Basis of Decision for STIVARGA

Health Canada has issued a Notice of Compliance to Bayer Inc. for the drug product, Stivarga. Stivarga, a multikinase inhibitor and antineoplastic agent, was authorized for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have been previously treated with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy, and, if KRAS wild type, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) therapy. Read more here.

WHO Blue Books web site launched

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has announced the launch of the WHO/IARC Classification of Tumours (WHO Blue Books) web site. The new dedicated web site presents the WHO Blue Books project to the scientific community through its public interface, including objective, historical perspective, news about the project, lists of volumes in the series, and other information. Read more here.

Link to the web site here.

EU funded CAMINEMS project combines three emerging technologies – nanotechnology, optical technologies, and microfluidics

Some 90% of cancer deaths are caused by metastases that are most often caused by circulating tumour cells (CTCs) which escape from the primary tumour. Being able to capture and study CTCs would be of enormous benefit for research, to help understand the cells’ metabolism, how they colonise other organs and how they may respond to either existing or future drugs. Existing technologies, however, are unable to do this. Work is now underway to develop a second-generation, pre-industrial prototype of CTCs device. Read more about the project here.

Findings support the value of tumour rebiopsy in NSCLC patients

New findings were presented at European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology (EMCTO), held 9-11 May, 2013 in Lugano, Switzerland that detailed the mutations acquired during TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) treatment in a retrospective cohort of patients with NSCLC. These findings support rebiopsy as a valuable tool for directing treatment in these patients. Read more here.

Enobosarm improves muscle wasting experienced by patients with NSCLC

Per protocol safety review of unblinded safety data support two pivotal phase III clinical trials of enobosarm that are ongoing to determine the prevention and treatment of muscle wasting in patients with advanced NSCLC. Dr Christopher Croot of the Department of Hematology and Oncology, North Mississippi Hematology and Oncology Associates, Ltd. Tupelo, USA is a first author of the study which findings were complied in a poster-discussion and presented at the European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology (EMCTO), held 9-11 May, 2013 in Lugano, Switzerland. Read more here.

First-line gefitinib effective and well tolerated in Caucasian patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC

Phase IV study of gefitinib used as first-line treatment in Caucasian patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive locally advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer indicate the treatment is effective and well tolerated. The findings were presented by Dr Jean-Yves Douillard, professor of medical oncology at University of Nantes and Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de l’Ouest - René Gauducheau, St Herblain, France on behalf of multinational investigators team at the European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology (EMCTO), held 9-11 May, 2013 in Lugano, Switzerland. Read more here.

A study of simultaneous occurrence of EGFR mutations and HER2 gene amplifications in large series of NSCLC

Recently, HER2 amplification was recognised as a mechanism of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI that occurs in a subset of tumours lacking the acquired, somatic resistance EGFRT790M mutation. This novel molecular insight in large sample of NSCLC cases was presented by Dr Zoran Gatalica, Adjunct Professor of Pathology at Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, USA and Director of Oncologic Pathology at Caris Life Sciences International at the European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology (EMCTO), held 9-11 May, 2013 in Lugano, Switzerland. Read more here.

Meta-analysis slightly favours platinum-based first-line treatment in patients with advanced/metastatic NSCLC

Results from a new meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials show that platinum-based regimens improve slightly survival in comparison with non-platinum ones and this effect is restricted to cisplatin combinations. The findings were presented by Dr Thierry Berghmans of the Department of Intensive Care and Emergencies and the Clinic of Thoracic Oncology, Institute Jules Bordet in Brussels, Belgium at the European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology (EMCTO), held 9-11 May, 2013 in Lugano, Switzerland. Read more here.

Different survival outcome following diagnosis of metastatic bone disease shown for EGFR mutated NSCLC patients in small retrospective study

The incidence of metastatic bone disease or brain metastasis was not different between EGFR mutated, KRAS mutated and KRAS/EGFR wild type patients in small, retrospective study performed by Dutch investigators. Time from diagnosis of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer to development of metastatic bone disease, first skeletal-related event or brain metastasis and post-brain metastasis survival did not differ. However, survival after diagnosis of metastatic bone disease was longer in EGFR mutated patients. The results were presented by Dr Lizza Hendriks of the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre in Maastricht, Netherlands at the European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology (EMCTO), held 9-11 May, 2013 in Lugano, Switzerland. Read more here.

Evaluation of performance of lung cancer screening strategy in the first three rounds of the NELSON trial

The Dutch-Belgian Randomized Lung Cancer Screening Trial was designed to investigate whether screening for lung cancer by low-dose multidetector computed tomography in high-risk subjects will lead to a decrease in 10-year lung cancer mortality of at least 25% compared with a control group without screening. The study started in 2003 and Dr Nanda Horeweg of the Department of Public Health and Pulmonology at Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, Netherlands reported at the European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology (EMCTO), held 9-11 May, 2013 in Lugano, Switzerland, findings from the evaluation of performance of the screening strategy in the first three rounds of the study and risk calculations made for a follow-up period of 5.5 years. Read more here.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is an effective alternative in patients with multiple primary lung cancers

Findings presented at the European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology (EMCTO), held 9-11 May, 2013 in Lugano, Switzerland, by Dr Gwendolyn Griffioen of the VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands support the use of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy as an alternative treatment in patients with multiple primary lung cancers who were not fit to undergo surgery. Read more here.

Initial results from the largest prospective study of pulmonary metastasectomy in patients with colorectal cancer

The largest-to-date and only prospective Spanish series of 549 patients who underwent surgical resection of lung metastases from colorectal carcinoma demonstrated a good postoperative recovery from the procedure. A further analysis on morbidity, the correlation between imaging studies and pathological findings and survival after three years is underway. The initial findings from this study have been presented by Dr Laureano Molins of the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sagrat Cor University Hospital and Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain at the European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology (EMCTO), held 9-11 May, 2013 in Lugano, Switzerland. Read more here.

Dual targeting of metastatic breast cancer improves survival rates

A new study from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center showed that targeting both hormone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 in first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer patients significantly increased overall survival times. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Tripathy D, et al. First-Line Treatment Patterns and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With HER2-Positive and Hormone Receptor-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer From registHER. Oncologist. 2013 May 7. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23652380

Young breast cancer patients need care tailored to age-specific needs: report

An organization dedicated to supporting younger women with breast cancer, Rethink Breast Cancer, is calling for a national standard of care for this population, whose severity of disease and treatment can differ significantly from their older counterparts. In a report released Thursday, Rethink Breast Cancer said women aged 20 to 45 across the country should also have access to nurse navigators to help them through the process of diagnosis and treatment, while putting them in touch with community resources aimed at helping them deal with issues particular to their age group. Read more here.

Read the full report, Breast cancer in young women in Canada - a needs assessment, here.

In nursing, specializing is ‘the new normal’

The role of nurses is evolving across Canada as the industry attempts to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex health care system. Many colleges, educational institutes and nursing organizations are rolling out specialized training programs to help nurses provide better care in such areas as oncology, neonatal, mental health, geriatric, perioperative and palliative care. The de Souza Institute is an example of the effort to provide nurses with specialization in the area of oncology. Read more here.

Province pushed to fund test to aide in breast cancer treatment options

An Alberta cancer specialist is urging the province to immediately fund a medical test that can help decide whether chemotherapy is the best course of treatment for breast cancer patients. Dr. Alexander Paterson, a professor at the University of Calgary’s department of medicine and oncology and a doctor at Calgary’s Tom Baker Cancer Centre, said most oncologists across the province are frustrated with delays in reviewing the test, called Oncotype DX. Read more here.

Can breastfeeding lower breast cancer risk?

"There are a limited number of things that women can do to lower their risk of breast cancer, including getting regular physical activity, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight. Breastfeeding has often been included in the protective behaviors against breast cancer, but the research has been inconsistent. Looking at the research on breastfeeding and breast cancer risk, it is clear that this has been a difficult area to study." Continue reading the American Cancer Society Expert Voices blog here.

Duke researchers describe how breast cancer cells acquire drug resistance

A seven-year quest to understand how breast cancer cells resist treatment with the targeted therapy lapatinib has revealed a previously unknown molecular network that regulates cell death. The discovery provides new avenues to overcome drug resistance, according to researchers at Duke Cancer Institute. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Kurokawa M, et al. A Network of Substrates of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligases MDM2 and HUWE1 Control Apoptosis Independently of p53. Sci Signal. 2013 May 7;6(274):ra32. PMID: 23652204

Drug companies dramatically cut HPV vaccine costs for girls in developing world

A dramatic drop in the cost of vaccines that protect against infection with HPV – the family of viruses responsible for cervical cancer – could result in millions of girls being immunized in the years to come. Read the full news article here.

Cholesterol drugs may boost kidney cancer survival

A new study from the University of Chicago suggests that cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may improve survival of renal cell carcinoma.  Statin drugs are known for their anti-inflammatory and self-destruction properties, which may lead to lowering the risk of developing certain types of cancer.  According to study author Dr. Scott Eggener, associate professor of urologic oncology at the University of Chicago, "given that one in four Ameicans over 45 years of age take a statin and renal cell carcinoma occurs most often in men ages 50 to 70, it may be prudent to prospectively evaluate if statins protect against cancer progression."

To read more about this study, presented on May 7, 2013 at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association in San Diego, click here

Worldwide cancer statistics

Cancer Research UK has released an updated document on the incidence and mortality of cancer worldwide as well as the main causes and a table of the latest statistics. View the Worldwide cancer: key facts document here.

Older, heavy smokers should get CT scan for lung cancer, doctors group advises

Stepping into the debate over who should be screened for lung cancer, a leading medical specialty group, the American College of Chest Physicians, issued new guidelines recommending that doctors offer annual low-dose CT scanning to people whose age and smoking history puts them at significant risk of lung cancer. Read more here.

The guidelines have been published as a supplement to Chest: Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer, 3rd ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2013; 143(5_suppl).

Researchers develop new technique to track cell interactions in living bodies

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a new technique to see how different types of cells interact in a living mouse. The process uses light-emitting proteins that glow when two types of cells come close together. Using the technique, the team was able to pinpoint where in the body metastatic cancer cells ended up after they broke off from an initial tumor site, using readily available lab reagents. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Sellmyer MA, et al. Visualizing cellular interactions with a generalized proximity reporter. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 May 6. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23650381

Alberta considers HPV vaccine for boys

Alberta is looking at including boys in a free school vaccination program that protects girls from a virus that causes cervical and other types of deadly cancers. This summer, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health and other officials are to meet with their counterparts across Canada in Ottawa to discuss the medical effectiveness of the vaccine when given to boys. Read more here.

Anders lab shows advantage to nanotech delivery of therapy for breast cancer brain metastases

Breast cancer brain metastases present a challenge to clinicians because there are few systemic therapies capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to control the disease. An international team, led by scientists at the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, reports pre-clinical research showing improved efficacy of a PEGylated liposomal (encapsulated) anti-cancer agent compared with a non-liposomal formulation of the same drug in an intracranial model of breast cancer. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Anders CK, et al. (2013) Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy of PEGylated Liposomal Doxorubicin in an Intracranial Model of Breast Cancer. PLoS ONE 8(5): e61359.

Protein complex may play role in preventing many forms of cancer, study shows

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a group of proteins that are mutated in about one-fifth of all human cancers. The finding suggests that the proteins, which are members of a protein complex that affects how DNA is packaged in cells, work to suppress the development of tumors in many types of tissues. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Kadoch C, et al. Proteomic and bioinformatic analysis of mammalian SWI/SNF complexes identifies extensive roles in human malignancy. Nat Genet. 2013 May 5. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23644491

Discovery helps show how breast cancer spreads

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered why breast cancer patients with dense breasts are more likely than others to develop aggressive tumors that spread. The finding opens the door to drug treatments that prevent metastasis. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Zhang K, et al. The collagen receptor discoidin domain receptor 2 stabilizes SNAIL1 to facilitate breast cancer metastasis. Nat Cell Biol. 2013 May 5. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23644467

Discovery may help prevent chemotherapy-induced anemia

Cancer chemotherapy can cause peripheral neuropathy—nerve damage often resulting in pain and muscle weakness in the arms and legs. Now, researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have discovered that chemo also induces an insidious type of nerve damage inside bone marrow that can cause delays in recovery after bone marrow transplantation. The findings suggest that combining chemotherapy with nerve-protecting agents may prevent long-term bone marrow injury that causes anemia and may improve the success of bone marrow transplants. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Lucas D, et al. Chemotherapy-induced bone marrow nerve injury impairs hematopoietic regeneration. Nat Med. 2013 May 5. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23644514

CWRU School of Medicine researchers discover new target for personalized cancer therapy

A common cancer pathway causing tumor growth is now being targeted by a number of new cancer drugs and shows promising results. A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have developed a novel method to disrupt this growth signaling pathway, with findings that suggest a new treatment for breast, colon, melanoma and other cancers. The research team has pinpointed the cancer abnormality to a mutation in a gene called PIK3CA that results in a mutant protein, which may be an early cancer switch. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Hao Y, et al. Gain of Interaction with IRS1 by p110α-Helical Domain Mutants Is Crucial for Their Oncogenic Functions. Cancer Cell, 02 May 2013.

Blocking a single gene renders tumors less aggressive, Johns Hopkins researchers find

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified a gene that, when repressed in tumor cells, puts a halt to cell growth and a range of processes needed for tumors to enlarge and spread to distant sites. The researchers hope that this so-called “master regulator” gene may be the key to developing a new treatment for tumors resistant to current drugs. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Shah SN, et al. (2013) HMGA1: A Master Regulator of Tumor Progression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. PLoS ONE 8(5): e63419.

Urologists's group issues updated guidelines on PSA test

New guidelines from the nation's leading group of urologists on the controversial PSA test for prostate cancer highlight the importance of discussions between a man and his doctor. Especially for men in their late 50s and 60s, the usefulness of the blood test may have to be decided on a case-by-case basis, according to new recommendations from the American Urological Association (AUA). Read more here.

Read the full guideline, Early detection of prostate cancer: AUA guideline, here.

Experimental drug beneficial in NIH trial to treat a rare sarcoma

Patients with advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), a rare cancer, achieved some control of their disease using an experimental anti-cancer drug called cediranib. The results from this largest clinical trial on ASPS to date were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Kummar S, et al. Cediranib for Metastatic Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma. J Clin Oncol. 2013 Apr 29. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23630200

Scientists identify majority of genes associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Scientists at the Genome Institute at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified nearly all genetic mutations associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).  According to Dr. Timothy Ley, associate director for cancer genomics at the Genome Institute, this genetic discovery "can help us begin to understand which patients need more aggressive treatment right up front, and which can be treated effectively with standard chemotherapy."  These findings could lead to improved treatment for AML, a cancer that is expected to afflict 15,000 Americans this year.

For more information on this study, click here.

Study source: Steensma, D. The beginning of the end of the beginning in cancer genomics. New Engl J Med. 2013 May 1 [online first]

Scientists find mutation driving pediatric brain tumors

A type of low-grade but sometimes lethal brain tumor in children has been found in many cases to contain an unusual mutation that may help to classify, diagnose and guide the treatment of the tumors, report scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Ramkissoon LA, et al. Genomic analysis of diffuse pediatric low-grade gliomas identifies recurrent oncogenic truncating rearrangements in the transcription factor MYBL1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 Apr 30. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23633565

Study establishes basis for genomic classification of endometrial cancers; proper categorization is important for choosing the best treatment

A comprehensive genomic analysis of nearly 400 endometrial tumors suggests that certain molecular characteristics – such as the frequency of mutations – could complement current pathology methods and help distinguish between principal types of endometrial tumors, as well as provide insights into potential treatment strategies. In addition, the study, led by investigators in The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network, revealed four novel tumor subtypes, while also identifying genomic similarities between endometrial and other types of cancers, including breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. Read more here.

Study mentioned: The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network. (2013) Integrated genomic characterization of endometrial carcinoma. Nature 496: 67-73.

TCGA researchers identify potential drug targets, markers for leukemia risk; New study reveals relatively few mutations in AML genomes

Investigators for The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network have detailed and broadly classified the genomic alterations that frequently underlie the development of acute myeloid leukemia, a deadly cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Their work paints a picture of a cancer marked by relatively few mutations compared to other types of cancer occurring in adults. Read more here.

Study mentioned: The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network. Genomic and Epigenomic Landscapes of Adult De Novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia. N Engl J Med. Online first May 1, 2013.

Study compares 2 doses of HPV vaccine to 3

Canadian researchers are studying whether 2 doses of the human papilloma virus vaccine are as effective as the complete 3-dose series. Early results are promising, but the researchers themselves and other experts caution that more research needs to be done before fewer doses can be recommended. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Dobson SR, et al. Immunogenicity of 2 doses of HPV vaccine in younger adolescents vs 3 doses in young women: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2013 May 1;309(17):1793-802. PMID: 23632723

Glucosamine and Chondroitin studied For colon cancer risk

Glucosamine and chondroitin may be an effective treatment in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), according to a study. In the current study, scientists evaluated the potential use of glucosamine and chondroitin in reducing the risk of CRC. They analyzed information from 75,137 Washington residents who had participated in the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) study between 2000 and 2002. All participants completed a questionnaire detailing their supplement use and were followed for CRC through 2008. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Kantor ED, et al. Use of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements and risk of colorectal cancer. Cancer Causes Control. 2013 Mar 26. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23529472

Cancer drug Avastin linked to risk of flesh-eating disease: Health Canada

Cancer patients taking the drug Avastin could be at risk of developing flesh-eating disease, Health Canada is warning. The maker of the drug, Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., said a total of 52 cases of necrotizing fasciitis cases have been identified in patients who took the drug between November, 1997, and September, 2012. Read more here.

Podcast: Smoking cessation in children and adolescents

Each week Dr. Mark Ebell, POEMs Editor, joins Dr. Michael Wilkes, NPR correspondent and Vice-Dean of the UC-Davis Medical School, for a five minute discussion about an important recent POEM. The discussion provides additional depth and insight into the issue covered by the POEM synopsis. In this episode, Dr. Ebell and Dr. Wilkes discuss the POEM titled "Smoking prevention counseling works in adolescents, cessation efforts don't." Download the podcast here.

Help shape the direction of cancer care quality initiatives in Canada

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer seeks your input to shape multi-jurisdictional cancer care quality initiatives in Canada. By completing a five-minute survey by May 20, 2013, you will help inform an upcoming Request for Proposals or Request for Quotes for initiatives addressing the process of cancer diagnosis and treatment for Canadians. Working with the health-care community to translate data, evidence and best practices into action, the Partnership is enabling the advancement of consistent approaches to diagnosing and caring for cancer patients. Background information about the upcoming opportunity is available in the Procurement section of the Partnership’s website. The Request for Proposals or Request for Quotes will be posted in the summer of 2013. Read more here.

Strengthening Canada’s capability to conduct practice-changing clinical trials

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer is investing in a pan-Canadian approach to strengthen Canada’s ability to conduct practice-changing clinical trials and improve cancer outcomes for Canadians. With funding from the Partnership, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) has been selected to develop the Coordinating Centre for the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network, the leadership and administrative hub of the still-to-be-created pan-Canadian clinical trials network. Dr. Janet Dancey, Program Director of the High Impact Clinical Trials Program at OICR will lead the Coordinating Centre. The NCIC-Clinical Trials Group and N2 (Network of Networks) are collaborating with OICR on the project. Read more here.

New practice guideline addresses need for sleep resources

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer is pleased to join with the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology in releasing the first pan-Canadian guideline to help adults with cancer who struggle to sleep. Read more here. Download the guideline here (pdf document).

Does cancer treatment follow-up care help or hinder?

Countless cancer survivors know all too well the routine follow-up visits required after successful cancer treatment. The appointments may go on for months to years causing a range of emotions from stress to relief. A one-size-fits-all approach to follow-up care may work for some patients but are doctors relying on a long-established practice or is there a better way to monitor patients’ health after cancer treatment? Dr Stephen Hall at Queen’s University has received a $153,029 Quality of Life Grant from the Canadian Cancer Society to find out. Read more here.

Canadian Cancer Society attacks ‘tanned-skin-is-fashionable’ message aimed at young women

The Canadian Cancer Society took aim at the tanning industry message to young women that tanned skin is fashionable with the launch of a video that starkly contrasts the health risks of indoor tanning. With contributions from fashion video editors, the video contrasts the tanning industry message that tanned skin is healthy and fashionable with the health risks such as cancer, aging and scars. Read more here.

Canadian Cancer Society funds scientist to focus a sharper lens on aggressive cancers

A Thunder Bay scientist has garnered the single largest research grant awarded by the Canadian Cancer Society in Ontario’s Northwest region to develop an innovative imaging method that could significantly improve survival for patients with aggressive cancers. Dr Christopher Phenix of the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute has been awarded a $190,494 Innovation Grant to develop a new imaging method that could not only detect whether a tumour is present but also how likely it is to spread. Read more here.