Conventional radiation therapies typically use x-rays to deliver radiation treatments to patients with cancer. However, centers around the United States are focusing more on the promise of proton therapy, as well as researching the links between radiation treatments and immunotherapy.
The field of radiation therapy has come a long way since the introduction of x-rays in 1896. Radiation therapy is now used in nearly 50% of all cancer cases and contributes to 40% of curative treatment. With recent advancements, radiation therapy has grown by leaps and bounds.
In late June, I had the opportunity to wear two advocacy hats: one for ONS, and one for the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS). It was an incredible experience to walk the halls of the U.S. Congress to help educate elected officials and their staff on legislation that affects cancer care.
Patients who are seriously ill and have exhausted their treatment options often turn to drugs that have yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These investigational drugs can offer alternatives to patients who have physician approval.
Facing a national opioid abuse epidemic, the U.S. Congress is asking federal agencies to review their specific procedures and action plans on the issue.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released a final recommendation statement on screening for colorectal cancer. Screenings continue to be a source of debate, weighing the cost of screenings against the age and potential prognosis of the patients.
Researchers in the United Kingdom are looking at a new class of drugs that attacks cancer indirectly through a network of signals, which may prevent or overcome drug resistance. The findings of the study were published in Cancer Research.
On July 22, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed marketing of the first nucleic acid-based quantitation test for use during treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients.
