Big Data in Cancer, Detecting Neuroendocrine Tumors and More…

The Latest in the World of Cancer Research

  • A leading cancer expert, Professor Mark Lawler, from Queen’s University in Belfast recently published a paper where he advocates for the sharing of genetic information of millions of cancer patients in hopes of improving preventive methods and overall care. The paper was published in Nature Medicine.
  • A recent study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine demonstrates that Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT scans are better suited than the current imaging standard for detecting neuroendocrine tumors and can significantly affect treatment management.
  • Researchers at the University of California Davis Health System have identified more than 43 genes associated with risk between autism and cancer, suggesting that common mechanisms underlying the functions of some of these genes could pave the way for the development of therapies for both conditions. The study results were published in Trends in Genetics.
  • After years of debate about the health risks of electronic cigarettes, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently assumed regulatory authority over e-cigarettes. In contrast to proposed FDA regulations, the Royal College of Physicians in the UK in a report acknowledges the need for proportionate regulation of e-cigarettes, but suggests that regulation should not be allowed significantly to inhibit the development and use of harm-reduction products by smokers. “This is two countries taking pretty much diametrically opposed positions,” said Kenneth E. Warner, a professor of public health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, in a recent New York Times article.

Highlights of the 2016 ONS Annual Congress in San Antonio, TX

In recognition of National Nurses week, stories for Cancer Research News will highlight the latest in nursing oncology research as presented at the 2016 Oncology Nursing Society Annual Congress in San Antonio, Texas.

    • Viveca Lindh, RN, PhD discusses her research on children undergoing radiotherapy treatment at the recent 2016 ONS Congress.

  • Bonita Bennett’s, BSN, RN, a nurse coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania, presentation at ONS focused on how oncology nurses can play a pivotal role in diagnosis and management of rare neuroendocrine tumors pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas. Read more about her research in Oncology Nurse Advisor.
  • Nurses at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven presented at the ONS 41st Annual Congress about an oral chemotherapy care model they created that has improved delivery times, patient satisfaction, and co-pay support. Details of their talk were highlighted in Oncology Nurse Advisor.