Latest news and research on all cancers and treatments, updated several times a week
As readers will know, I am tracking my daily lifestyle covering such things as physical activity, supplements, beverages, foods, and prescription drugs. I monitor myself by daily body composition, urine test strip, blood pressure, body temperature, and bioelectric phase angle; and monthly or more molecular information (for cancer markers, biochemical metrics such as creatinine and urea). I then attempt to see how the former (lifestyle factors) relate to the monitor values, with a view to improving the latter by changing the former.
Alas, my statistical expertise is not as good as I may need. However, there seems to be some things working in my favour: the longer I do this (now over 2,500 daily records for some checks) the more likely even my rudimentary stats capability is to find meaningful relationships; and I do get more expert by doing so.
One of the difficulties I have overcome is that of the cautionary mantra “correlation is not causation”. This is based on the illusion that cause and effect is philosophically different from correlation (where two or more things change in tandem but are not really connected, such as the classical one of girl’s skirt lengths and the economy). Well, they are not different. Philosophically, so-called causal events are just a high probability correlations – we can never know if one thing ‘causes’ another, only that every time up to now that has happened: that is, it is a high probability. The way we then check for so-called causality is to then independently change X and see if Y always changes too. Similarly for lower probability correlations when found: does then changing X usually/always result in Y changing? If so, we claim causality. So, if I find a correlation at, say, the 99.9% level, I can then try changing the X and see if Y happens.
Simple correlations, of one lifestyle variable against one monitored value, get more reliable the more records/points there are, despite there being the underlying problem that any such correlation may be due to some other factor entirely. Doing several lifestyle variables together – multiple regression analysis – does improve the certainty of correlations, but that way has its own problems (such as needing a minimum of 10, preferably 20 or more, daily records per lifestyle variable; that each variable be ‘normally’ distributed; that variables be not correlated with each other).
Now though I have those 2,500+ daily records and corresponding body composition, blood- pressure, body temperature, and bioelectric phase angle (each of smaller numbers of days), these are of secondary importance compared with the far less frequent and more critical cancer and kidney markers – these latter are of varying numbers from 9 for kidney to 60 for one of the cancer markers. So I can only do simple one-on-one correlations for them.
It would be good if I could find a high correlation between my daily monitors – say muscle mass – and the cancer markers. For then I would have two big advantages: I would know daily if what I was doing is helping my critical illnesses; and I could do a better analysis, due to having a larger number of cases/records for these sub-critical metrics.
What all this preamble is leading up to is that I believe I have found reasonably high correlations between my daily metrics and the critical monthly ones. When I do correlations between the averages for the intervening periods of the daily ones and the less frequent critical metrics, I find several reasonably large correlations at low probability of being random.
The main finding is that muscle-mass, bone mass, and basal metabolic rate are all negatively correlated (about -0.45, with only a 0.1% chance of it being random) with all 4 of my molecular cancer markers. So as my muscle-mass increases, my cancerousness tends to reduce. So if I can find what it is in my lifestyle that enhances my muscle-mass, it is possible that this will reduce my cancerousness.
My possible Pancreatic Cancer:
Of much greater urgency for me now, which may consume most of my computer time from now on (and hence mean I collate general cancer news less), is to determine whether the high value, and fast rising, CA19-9 and CEA molecular cancer markers (see earlier posts) do mean I have pancreatic cancer. And, if so, what I can do about it.
The research posts I’ve uncovered (see below) report reasonably high confidence in CA19-9 being a good marker, improved when used in conjunction with CA125 (a marker I used to use, and which I will now do next week). Though this will be only 2 weeks after my previous blood tests, it may show a change that I can relate to my lifestyle changes since then – mainly having gone on to a more rigorous ketogenic diet.
“The aim of the project is to provide contemporary estimates of the incidence of, mortality and prevalence from major types of cancer, at national level, for 184 countries of the world. The GLOBOCAN estimates are presented for 2012, separately for each sex. 1-, 3- and 5-year prevalence data are available for the adult population only (ages 15 and over)
In a recent review article titled “Unlocking the Combination: Potentiation of Radiation-Induced Antitumor Responses with Immunotherapy”, published ...
Lead product candidates are PROSTVAC®, an immunotherapy product candidate for advanced prostate cancer that is the subject of an ongoing ...
The approval “represents a significant milestone in immunotherapy research ... a type of immunotherapy designed to fight cancer by helping the body's ...
"One of the biggest hurdles in cancer immunotherapy is the discovery of appropriate cancer targets that can be recognized by T-cells," said Harpreet ...
The clinical trial, which will be the first-in-human study of the Company's lead Lm-LLO immunotherapyproduct candidate in prostate cancer, ...
US FDA clears Advaxis IND application to conduct phase 1/2 study of ADXS-PSA in combo with ... -pharmabiz.com
Previously Allison was director of the Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and the chairman of the immunology program at the Memorial ...
... have had some success activating the body's immune system to take the fight tocancer and other diseases, a process known as immunotherapy.
This is a story about a cancer patient's funeral that I did not attend, because it never ... nearly four years ago with inoperable and terminal stage 4 cancer. ... One therapy which may or may not have been included was immunotherapy.
Scientists have had some success activating the body's immune system to take the fight to cancer and other diseases, a process known as ...
That enzyme pathway, which locally suppresses the immune system, was discovered by GRU Cancer Center researchers Andrew Mellor and David ...
Scientists have developed a revolutionary 3D vaccine that will cure HIV and cancer cells by helping the immune system to target these diseases.
They harness the body's immune system to fight cancer through a mechanism that "uncloaks" a substance called PD-1 on hidden cancer cells so they ...
Pathway that degrades holiday turkey fuels metastasis of triple negative breast cancer - Medical Xpress
Kaye Paterson had non-small cell cancer -- a broad classification that ... a separate class of drugs that stimulate the immune system to fight the cancer.
A LEEK man is appalled that his bladder cancer treatment has been stopped – due to a national shortage of medication. Pete Massera, aged 48, was ...
With our technology because our lead cancer is bladder cancer and we're doing an intravesical installation which basically means we're injecting it ...
... sequencing, for their ability to detect and characterize the presence of bladder cancer DNA in urine and breast cancer DNA in blood.
... as bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma, colon cancer, and some leukemias. Additionally, these significant achievements in cancer immunotherapy ...
He is currently in a hospital with bladder cancer. The businessman's lawyer filed an objection to the Basmanny Court of Artur Karpov for ignoring his ...
... problem, considering that the suspect of theft and money laundering from Bashneft shares was diagnosed with bladder cancer, RIA Novosti reports.
OBJECTIVE: To externally validate May et al.'s pT4a-specific risk model for cancer-specific survival (CSS) and to develop a new pT4a-specific ...
ASCO Video Conference Reporter: ASH Day Four
Bisphosphonate Usage Low in Prostate Cancer Patients on ADT
Despite recommendations calling for their use, prescriptions for bisphosphonates among older men with prostate cancer undergoing ADT are still low.
Despite recommendations calling for their use, prescriptions for bisphosphonates among older men with prostate cancer undergoing ADT are still low.
Genetics of Melanoma Tumor Shape Immunotherapy Benefits
Using whole-exome sequencing, researchers were able to define the genetic basis for deriving benefit from treatments that block CTLA-4 in melanoma.
Using whole-exome sequencing, researchers were able to define the genetic basis for deriving benefit from treatments that block CTLA-4 in melanoma.
Guide Helps Oncologists Fit Shared Decision-Making Into Everyday Practice
A panel of experts has put together a guide to implementing shared decision-making that provides tips for integrating the model into busy oncology practices.
A panel of experts has put together a guide to implementing shared decision-making that provides tips for integrating the model into busy oncology practices.
Anti-PD-L1 Drug Shows Promise in Bladder Cancer
A large phase I study showed that the PD-L1 antibody known as MPDL3280A has promising activity in patients with urothelial bladder cancer.
A large phase I study showed that the PD-L1 antibody known as MPDL3280A has promising activity in patients with urothelial bladder cancer.
2014 ASH Meeting
Anti-PD-1 Agent Pembrolizumab Promising in Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma
The anti-PD-1 drug pembrolizumab demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity in patients with heavily pretreated classic Hodgkin lymphoma.
The anti-PD-1 drug pembrolizumab demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity in patients with heavily pretreated classic Hodgkin lymphoma.
Novel Targeted Agent Shows Promise in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
An oral inhibitor of isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2), AG-221, has shown activity and potentially durable remissions in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
An oral inhibitor of isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2), AG-221, has shown activity and potentially durable remissions in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Responds to Immunotherapy
A single cycle of blinatumomab resulted in complete minimal residual disease response in 78% of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
A single cycle of blinatumomab resulted in complete minimal residual disease response in 78% of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AETHERA: Brentuximab Vedotin Delays HL Progression Post-ASCT
Early consolidation therapy with brentuximab vedotin after autologous stem cell transplant improved progression-free survival of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.
Early consolidation therapy with brentuximab vedotin after autologous stem cell transplant improved progression-free survival of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.
Sorafenib Effective in Younger Patients with AML
Sorafenib proved to have a high level of efficacy in younger acute myeloid leukemia patients, improving both event- and relapse-free survival over placebo.
Sorafenib proved to have a high level of efficacy in younger acute myeloid leukemia patients, improving both event- and relapse-free survival over placebo.
Adding Carfilzomib to Myeloma Treatment Results in 'Unprecedented' Boost in PFS
Adding carfilzomib to lenalidomide and dexamethasone resulted in a higher PFS and better overall quality of life for relapsed multiple myeloma patients.
Adding carfilzomib to lenalidomide and dexamethasone resulted in a higher PFS and better overall quality of life for relapsed multiple myeloma patients.
Pediatric ALL Regimen Improved Survival in Adolescents, Young Adults
A large trial has shown that adolescents and young adults have better event-free and overall survival when treated on an intensive pediatric ALL regimen.
A large trial has shown that adolescents and young adults have better event-free and overall survival when treated on an intensive pediatric ALL regimen.
Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Safe in HIV-Related Lymphoma
Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with HIV-associated lymphoma, according to a study presented at ASH 2014.
Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with HIV-associated lymphoma, according to a study presented at ASH 2014.
COG Trial: T-ALL Not a Poor-Risk Disease in Pediatric Patients
T-lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) should no longer be considered a poor-risk disease in the pediatric population, according to data presented at ASH.
T-lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) should no longer be considered a poor-risk disease in the pediatric population, according to data presented at ASH.
Can PET Scan-Guided Therapy Work for Lymphoma?
Two studies presented at the 2014 ASH Meeting addressed whether an interim PET scan during and after an initial therapy can help guide treatment.
Two studies presented at the 2014 ASH Meeting addressed whether an interim PET scan during and after an initial therapy can help guide treatment.
INTERVIEW: New Developments in Multiple Myeloma
In this podcast from the 2014 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, we discuss some of the new developments in multiple myeloma.
In this podcast from the 2014 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, we discuss some of the new developments in multiple myeloma.
INTERVIEW: Current Era Means More AML Treatment Options for Elderly
In this podcast we discuss current treatment strategies for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
In this podcast we discuss current treatment strategies for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
VIDEO: Sorafenib Demonstrates Activity in AML
In this video from the 2014 ASH Annual Meeting, Dr. Röllig discusses the results of the SORAML trial that tested sorafenib in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
In this video from the 2014 ASH Annual Meeting, Dr. Röllig discusses the results of the SORAML trial that tested sorafenib in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
VIDEO: T-Cell Therapy Produced Prolonged Remission in Relapsed Pediatric ALL
In this video from the 2014 ASH Meeting, Dr. Grupp discusses data from a trial using CAR T-cell therapy in children and young adults with relapsed, treatment-resistant ALL.
In this video from the 2014 ASH Meeting, Dr. Grupp discusses data from a trial using CAR T-cell therapy in children and young adults with relapsed, treatment-resistant ALL.
Cancer News in Science Daily
“Toddlers who undergo total body irradiation in preparation for bone marrow transplantation are at higher risk for a decline in IQ and may be candidates for stepped up interventions to preserve intellectual functioning, investigators report. The results clarify the risk of intellectual decline faced by children, teenagers and young adults following bone marrow transplantation. The procedure is used for treatment of cancer and other diseases. It involves replacing the patient's own blood-producing stem cells with those from a healthy donor.
“A brand new family of cancer drugs designed to block several key cancer-causing proteins at once could potentially treat incurable skin cancers, a major new study reports. Clinical trials to test the new drugs in patients should begin as early as 2015.
“The precise shape of an antibody makes a big difference to how it can stimulate the body's immune system to fight cancer, paving the way for much more effective treatments, researchers have found. The latest types of treatment for cancer are designed to switch on the immune system, allowing the patient's own immune cells to attack and kill cancerous cells, when normally the immune cells would lie dormant. In a new study, a research team has found that a particular form of antibody, called IgG2B, is much more effective at stimulating cancer immunity than other types.
“A new statistical model may enable physicians to create personalized cancer treatments for patients based on the specific genetic mutations found in their tumors. The model uses an advanced algorithm to identify the multiple genetic cell subtypes typically found in solid tumors by analyzing gene expression data from a small biopsy sample. The results can help shape more effective treatments and also guide future research.
Diagnostic tool Oncotype DX associated with reduction in chemotherapy rates post-surgery in younger women with breast cancer
“No association has been found with assay and decreased chemotherapy use in older patients, researchers report. Oncotype DX is a 21-gene assay used to help estimate the likelihood of recurrence in women with early-stage breast cancer and, thus, determine those who may or may not benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
"We're on the cusp of a major revolution in the way we treat breast cancer," says a researcher who is involved in studies looking at the relationship between androgen and breast cancer. "Our work and others show that in, many subtypes of breast cancer, targeting androgen receptors can be a powerful therapy, sometimes alone and sometimes as a way to increase the effectiveness of existing drugs."
“Researchers found that partial nephrectomy -- the recommended treatment for localized kidney tumors -- was performed more frequently at hospitals that were early adopters of robotic surgery.
“The preventive effect of breast cancer drug ‘tamoxifen’ remains virtually constant for at least 20 years – with rates reduced by around 30 per cent – a new analysis reveals. During the study 7,154 pre and post-menopausal women were randomized to receive either tamoxifen (20mg daily) or a matching placebo for five years. After completing treatment, the health of all participants was monitored with an average follow-up time of 16 years and maximum of 22 years.
'Trojan horse' proteins: step forward for nanoparticle-based anti-cancer, anti-dementia therapeutic approaches
“Scientists have found a way of targeting hard-to-reach cancers and degenerative diseases using nanoparticles, but without causing the damaging side effects the treatment normally brings.
“Promising results from a novel therapeutic approach for women with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer have been reported by scientists. The new approach, a new drug class called gamma secretase inhibitors (GSI), specifically inhibits Notch and shuts down critical genes and cancer cells responsible for tumor growth.
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