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Biomarkers that Can Predict Resistance to Radiation Therapy Identified in HNSCC
The effectiveness of radiation treatments for patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck has been reviewed by an international team of researchers. They identified two biomarkers that were good at predicting a patient's resistance to radiation therapy. "While our findings are encouraging, and a step toward personalized medicine, we hope to do more of this research with a larger, randomized trial," the authors conclude.
An international team of researchers, led by Beaumont Health System's Jan Akervall, M.D., Ph.D., looked at biomarkers to determine the effectiveness of radiation treatments for patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. They identified two markers that were good at predicting a patient's resistance to radiation therapy. Their findings were published in the February issue of the European Journal of Cancer.
Explains Dr. Akervall, co-director, Head and Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, and clinical director of Beaumont's BioBank, "Radiation therapy is a common treatment for people with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. However, it's not always well-tolerated. It can take two months, resulting in lots of side effects. Some of these complications are permanent. Before my patient goes down that path, I really want to know if their tumors are going to respond to radiation. That's where the patient's biomarkers can shed some light. If not, we can look at other treatment options -- saving time, possible risk for complications and expense."
Read the complete story here: http://bit.ly/O4YhY0
Source: ScienceDaily
IQVIA Report Spotlights Shortages for Pain, Obesity, and Oncology Therapies
November 21st 2023A new report from IQVIA provides an overview of current US drug shortages, shedding light on major areas of concern, such as medications to address pain, cardiovascular conditions, obesity and diabetes, and multiple forms of cancer.
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Overcoming Challenges to Value-Based Care Implementation: Grant Andres
November 10th 2023In an interview with The American Journal of Managed Care®, Grant Andres, BSc, DC, BSN, MSN-RN, senior director of clinical operations at Arizona Oncology, discussed the nuances of successfully implementing value-based care initiatives across a large organization.
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