Posts by Andrea Eidelman
September 12, 2018 – H. pylori test hints at risk factor for stomach cancer
Helicobacter pylori, a specific strain of bacteria found more often in East Asian patients may be a risk factor for stomach cancer. Doctors want to identify who is most at risk for cancer carrying out a pilot study that would shape treatment and screening strategies for patients infected with this bacterium. Dr. Nina Salama considers…
Read MoreAugust 30, 2018- Mutations in MUC16 Gene May Help Define Immunotherapy Strategies for Gastric Cancer, Study Suggests
Understanding the mutation in the MUC16 gene may be vital to help predict the outcome of the disease as well as possible treatments available for gastric cancer patients. The MUC16 mutation is thought to increase cancer cell’s susceptibility to immunotherapies. Although the genetics of gastric cancer varies greatly from person to person, mutations in the…
Read MoreAugust 21, 2018- Cut your risk of gastric disease by eating THIS food
Researchers at Spain’s Universitat Politecnica de Valenicia studied the effects of lycopene in the body. Lycopene is an antioxidant found in several fruits and tomatoes, hence it is also found in ketchup. Researchers found that lycopene is more potent in the sauce rather than the fruits because it has been cooked down thus facilitation absorption…
Read MoreAugust 20, 2018- RAINBOW Study: Antiangiogenic Therapy in Gastric Cancer
The RAINBOW study pre-treated patients with the doublet of fluoropyrimidine plus a platinum, and later gave paclitaxel plus or minus ramucirumab. Survival rates for this study increased to more than 2 months. Another second line study, REGARD lead by Charlie Fuchs, consisted of best supportive care plus a placebo or best supportive care plus ramucirumab.…
Read MoreAugust 10, 2018 – Analyzing Potential Therapies in Gastric/GEJ Cancer
Current research of esophagogastric cancer is heading toward building on the signals of activity seen for immunotherapy. Though phase I and phase II trials have given a mixed results, scientists are looking forward to the results of first line immunotherapy trials some of which involve the claudin protein in the body. This protein is overexpressed…
Read MoreAugust 09, 2018- Gastric Cancer Mutation Type Linked to Higher Mutational Load, But Better Prognosis
In a recent study, researchers found that MUC16 gene mutations in gastric cancer patients lead to higher mutational loads than patients who do not have these mutations. Furthermore, the researchers also found that MUC16 gene mutations affect the immune system and could in also be used to identify patients who could respond to immunotherapies. Of…
Read MoreJuly 29, 2018- Foods That Stop Cancer: Here’s a List of 10 Anti-Cancer Vegetables You Should Never Forget to Eat
Although green vegetables are great at preventing cancer, a new study published in the International Journal of Cancer states that in addition to cruciferous vegetables, orange vegetables also contribute to lowering risk of cancer. The reason behind this is not well understood yet, however, they are thought to have high micronutrients, antioxidants and fiber which…
Read MoreJuly 27, 2018 – Optimal Perioperative Chemotherapy in Gastric/GEJ Cancer
Traditionally, preoperative chemotherapy without radiation is used following the standard Britsh regimen which combines epirubicin platinum and 5-FU (both drugs used for chemotherapy). However, recently the Germans developed the FLOT regimen which essentially is a modified FOLFOX with an addition of docetaxel. Following this development, they decided to compare their new regimen FLOT versus the old regimen ECF…
Read MoreJune 28, 2018 – Molecular testing in Metastatic Gastric/GEJ Cancer
DDF’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Board Chair, David Ilson, MD, PhD, explains that when it comes to a patient with metastatic disease molecular testing does have an impact on choices of therapy. More specifically HER2 testing is a common in patients with metastatic disease. If a patient is HER2-positive, then trastuzumab is included as part…
Read MoreJune 22, 2018 – Dendritic Cell Vaccine Plus Salvage Chemotherapy Active in Gastric Cancer
A recent study found that a dendritic cell (DC) vaccine administered with chemotherapy was safe and effective for gastric cancer treatment. 28 patients with refractory or advanced gastric cancer were treated with a DC vaccine every 2 weeks for a total of 7 doses while also undergoing chemotherapy. The results showed two partial response cases,…
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