4. Trial finds Hodgkin lymphoma patients live longer with only chemotherapy A Clinical Trials Group found that patients with early Hodgkin lymphoma live longer when treated with standard chemotherapy compared with those also receiving radiation. The findings mean that these patients can be effectively treated for their cancer while avoiding the long-term side effects of radiation. Published in: The New England Journal of Medicine, February 2012. 5. Barriers delay referral to palliative care A study led by Dr Camilla Zimmermann in Toronto found that Canadian oncologists refer terminally ill cancer patients to palliative care too late, often in the last few months of life and sometimes not until the final few days. The key barriers to earlier referrals were the availability and lack of comprehensive palliative care services. Referring patients earlier allows care teams to relieve symptoms and distress, provide appropriate social services and give advanced care advice to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families. Published in: Journal of Clinical Oncology, October 2012. 6. Natural sea sponge product prevents cancer-induced muscle wasting Dr Imed Gallouzi and his research team in Montreal found that a natural substance found in sea sponges prevents muscle deterioration in laboratory models. Cancer patients suffering cachexia experience poorer quality of life and often an earlier death. About 30% of people with cancer die due to it. The researchers found that pateamine A can be used at low doses to prevent and reduce muscle loss. This study is the first to show a potential treatment option for this condition. Published in: Nature Communications, June 2012.
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Canadian Cancer Society – Research Update, 2013