Health Diaries > Health News > Cancer News > March 2006

March 25, 2006

Cancer Therapy Shows Promise

Scientists say they're closer to perfecting a double-barreled "smart bomb" approach that one day might kill off stubborn cancers without damaging surrounding tissue.

The technique -- which uses targeted viruses hidden in immune cells to destroy tumors -- has only succeeded in mice so far, and it's not known if it will work in humans. (excite.com)

Posted by news editor at 8:27 AM | Comments (0)

March 20, 2006

Cervical Cancer Test Approved by FDA

A new system to detect precancerous cervical cancer cells has been approved by the FDA, increasing the odds that more women will be diagnosed early.

MediSpectra's LUMA Cervical Imaging System can detect pre-cancerous cells missed by colposcopy, a diagnostic tool used on women with an abnormal Pap smear. In 50 cases of pre-cancer detected during a clinical study of 193 women, nine were caught by the LUMA system after being missed by colposcopy, the FDA said in a news release. (Forbes.com)

Posted by news editor at 4:21 PM | Comments (0)

March 13, 2006

Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy

A new study examines the effects of hormone therapy in prostate cancer patients. This treatment, otherwise known as "androgen deprivation therapy" because it blocks testosterone production, can cause a slew of side effects in patients, including sexual dysfunction. However, it can also cause symptoms that are more difficult to pin down such as fatigue, memory problems, irritability, and general malaise. According to the study, these side effects are most likely not caused by the hormone therapy, but are due to the age of the patients and the fact that they are fighting advanced forms of prostate cancer. (Reuters)

Posted by news editor at 5:44 AM | Comments (0)

Saliva Tests to Detect Oral Cancer and Sjogren's Syndrome

Two devastating diseases, oral cancer and Sjogren's syndrome, may be detected early with saliva tests thanks to new research. At the University of California, researchers have delveloped a "fairly accurate" saliva test to detect the earlier stages of oral cancer. At the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research in Bethesda, Maryland, researchers have developed a saliva test for Sjogren's syndrome. (theage.com.au)

Posted by news editor at 5:32 AM | Comments (0)

March 9, 2006

Most Americans Skip Colon Cancer Screening

Three out of four Americans aged 50 to 70 aren't getting regular colon cancer screening, according to a survey sponsored by the maker of a new screening test for the disease.

Colon cancer is currently the second leading cancer killer in the United States, with 60,000 Americans expected to die from the disease this year. (Reuters)

Posted by news editor at 1:38 AM | Comments (0)

Ann Richards Has Esophageal Cancer

Former Gov. Ann Richards has announced that she has esophagus cancer.

Richards, 72, went in for tests Monday and got the diagnosis Tuesday, said spokesman Bill Maddox.

Maddox said the former governor is waiting to hear from M.D. Anderson how advanced the cancer is and what her chances are. (CNN)

Posted by news editor at 1:25 AM | Comments (0)