Hormonal therapy for prostate cancer might raise depression risk

A new study conducted at Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, suggests that hormonal therapy can lead to increased risk of depression in prostate cancer patients.  According to study results, "men on hormone-reducing therapy after having their prostate removed were 80% more likely to develop depression than other prostate cancer patients."  This depression is attributed to side effects attributed to hormone therapy, namely incontinence or impotence.


To read more about this study, click here.

Genomics could improve treatment of pancreatic cancer

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have analyzed genomes of 3,600 pancreatic tumours worldwide in an effort to diagnose pancreatic cancer at earlier stages and thus increase odds of survival.  According to study lead author Dr. Aatur Singh, "every pancreatic cancer is different.  Developing a molecular profile of each patient's tumor could help determine best treatments." 


To read more about this study, click here.

Artificial Intelligence to improve lung cancer screening

A new study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh has introduced a type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve lung cancer screening.  According to study co-author Panayiotis Benos, vice chairman of computational and systems biology, CT scan data from high-risk patients was entered into "a machine learning algorithm - a form of artificial intelligence" to create a model that calculates the probability of cancer."  Upon comparison of the results from the model vs. a patient's diagnosis via traditional screening methods, "the model would have spared 30% of patients with benign nodules from further, unnecessary tests, without missing a single case of cancer."


To read more about this study, click here.


Study mentioned: Raghu VK, Zhao W, Pu J, Leader JK, Wang R, Herman J, Yuan JM, Benos PV, Wilson DO. Feasibility of lung cancer prediction from low-dose CT scan and smoking factors using causal models. Thorax 2019 Mar 12. doi: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-212638 [Epub ahead of print]

New fact sheet on HPV and pap testing

The National Cancer Institute has released an updated fact sheet on HPV and pap testing. It describes cervical cancer screening and information about cervical cancer screening guidelines.

To read more, click here.