Cancer Information Highlights, January 2, 2019

Cancer Information Highlights, January 2, 2019

Cancer Information Highlights From the National Cancer Institute Updating you about cancer causes, prevention, screening, treatment, coping, and more   New from NCI Video—Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors   How is the immune system used to fight cancer? This video explains one type of immunotherapy that boosts the ability of the body’s immune system to rid the body of cancer. Trial Shows that Vitamin D Doesn’t Reduce Number of New Cancer Cases   Read about the largest-ever randomized clinical trial testing vitamin D for cancer prevention, which showed the supplement did not reduce the risk of developing cancer. Two Types of Radiation Both Effective at Preventing Breast Cancer from Returning Read about new results from two clinical trials that suggest that either of two types of radiation therapy can reduce the risk of breast cancer returning after breast-conserving surgery. Higher Risk of Certain Rare Blood Cancers After Chemotherapy Findings from a new study by NCI researchers show that people treated with chemotherapy for solid tumors had an increased risk of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia. Drug Combination May Target a Unique Property of Leukemia Cells   Read about two recent studies that may explain why the combination of two cancer therapies is effective against acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The drugs work together to target cancer stem cells, cells that are thought to give rise to all other cancer cells. FDA Approvals Bring New Options for Older Patients with AML FDA has approved venetoclax (Venclexta) and glasdegib (Daurismo) for use in people with AML aged 75 and older, as well as those with health problems that prevent them from receiving the standard chemotherapy regimen. The HPV Vaccine: Increasing the Use of an Important Cancer Prevention Tool   Dr. Barbara Rimer, chair of the President’s Cancer Panel, summarizes the panel’s recent report on the HPV vaccine, which includes priorities and strategies to ensure that more people receive this critical cancer vaccine. Taking Time The patient education booklet Taking Time: Support for People With Cancer has been revised with new content and updated contact information. PDQ Summary Updates Breast Cancer Treatment We’ve revised our PDQ summary on breast cancer with updated information on treatment options for metastatic disease and the description of the stages of this disease.   Also of Interest Sign Up for a Practice Quit If you or a loved one hope to quit smoking in 2019, perhaps you would benefit from a practice quit run? Practice Quit is a text messaging program for smokers who want to quit but first want to get comfortable with not smoking for short periods of time. Alcohol and Cancer Risk Perhaps you’d like to drink less in 2019? Start by learning more about the relationship between drinking alcohol and your risk of certain cancers. Obesity and Cancer Risk If your New Year’s resolutions include eating better and maybe losing weight, get started by learning more about obesity and its relationship to cancer.