Drug Trio Improves Odds Against Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

THURSDAY, Oct. 3, 2019 -- A three-drug chemo cocktail appears to shrink tumors and improve survivorship among pancreatic cancer patients, a new, small study shows.

Tumors substantially shrank for just over 71% of patients treated with a three-drug regimen of nab-paclitaxel, gemcitabine and platinum-based cisplatin, the researchers found.

Scientists Find Unsafe Levels of Known Carcinogen in Menthol E-Cigarettes

MONDAY, Sept. 16, 2019 -- As doctors race to determine what is causing sudden and severe lung illnesses among some vapers, new research discovers dangerously high levels of a known carcinogen in menthol-flavored electronic cigarettes.

The chemical (pulegone) is used as a menthol and mint flavoring, even though it was recently banned in foods, the researchers said.

Radiation Right After Surgery Might Not Help Prostate Cancer Patients

FRIDAY, Sept. 27, 2019 -- In the largest investigation of its kind, researchers conclude that subjecting prostate cancer patients to radiation therapy immediately after surgery doesn't give them an advantage in staying cancer-free.

The finding stems from a review of four studies that together tracked outcomes for more than 3,500 prostate cancer patients from multiple countries.

America's Obesity Epidemic May Mean Some Cancers Are Striking Sooner

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 14, 2019 -- Since the turn of the century, American obesity rates have skyrocketed. And now a new study indicates that as the nation's waistlines expand, cancers long linked to obesity are striking the middle-aged more than ever before.

The finding follows a review of data on more than 6 million white, black and Hispanic cancer patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2016.

Drug Offers Hope Against a Tough-to-Treat Blood Cancer

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 21, 2019 -- Patients with a form of blood cancer known as multiple myeloma who haven't responded to other therapies might have a new weapon against the disease, researchers say.

A drug called selinexor appeared to help patients with the blood and bone marrow cancer, according to a clinical trial involving 122 people.

New Treatments Could Be Powerful Weapons Against Brain Tumors

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 14, 2019 -- New therapies are showing real promise in fighting the type of brain cancer that claimed the lives of Sens. John McCain and Ted Kennedy, a pair of new clinical trials shows.

One experimental treatment injects powerful genes directly into a brain tumor, and then uses pills to turn the genes on and off. That way, the genes can attack the cancer without going berserk and damaging other parts of the body.