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
Alzheimer Disease Awareness Month 2024: Looking Back at a Year of Progress in Cell and Gene Therapy
November 24th 2024In observance of Alzheimer Disease Awareness Month, held annually in November, we took a look back at the past year's news and expert insights in cell and gene therapy for Alzheimer disease.
Evaluating Allogeneic CAR-T P-BCMA-ALLO1 in R/R Multiple Myeloma
November 21st 2024Bhagirathbhai R. Dholaria, MD, an associate professor of medicine in malignant hematology & stem cell transplantation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discussed interim data from the phase 1/1b clinical trial evaluating Poseida's CAR-T.