Skin cancer survival rates were significantly improved in patients who took a combination of immunotherapy drugs but serious side effects were reported in 59% of patients Almost half of the patients with advanced skin cancer who were treated with two immunotherapy drug were still alive six and a half years later. Of the 49% who survived, 77% required no further treatment after receiving nivolumab plus ipilimumab, compared to 69% and 43% who received the drugs separately. Experts say the results signify an important landmark, representing the longest median overall survival rate reported in a randomised controlled trial for advanced melanoma. The combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab has been available through the NHS as a first-line option for these patients since 2016.
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Researchers from the Francis Crick Institute, Royal Marsden, UCL and Cruces University Hospital have found that cells from different parts of kidney tumours behave differently, and surprisingly, cells within the centre of a tumour are the most aggressive and have the highest chance of spreading around the body.
Cancers can spread to other parts of the body, with cells taking hold as secondary tumours which make the disease much harder to treat. Understanding the mechanics of this spread, a process called metastasis, could lead to new treatments that block this migration.
In their multidisciplinary study published today (17 May) in Nature Ecology and Evolution, scientists led by the Litchfield lab at UCL and the Turajlic, Swanton, and Bates labs at the Crick, analysed 756 cancer biopsy samples from different regions within tumours from the TRACERx Renal study.
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A Kerry doctor is asking those diagnosed with cancer to examine if there is a cancer trial suitable for them.
Cancer Trials Ireland, the national organisation responsible for overseeing cancer trials, is urging people diagnosed with cancer to ask their oncologist or doctor about trials.
A clinical trial is a method which can help identify new treatments.
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Dr Dearbhaile Collins, Consultant Medical Oncologist at University Hospital Kerry, says there are 69 cancer clinical trials ongoing in Ireland.
She says treatments used in clinical trials for cancer can be deployed at different stages.
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Researchers from the Francis Crick Institute, Royal Marsden, UCL and Cruces University Hospital have found that cells from different parts of kidney tumours behave differently, and surprisingly, cells within the centre of a tumour are the most aggressive and have the highest chance of spreading around the body.
Hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald encourages Kildare men to Give Bladder Cancer the Red Card
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Renowned hurling manager, championship goalkeeper and TV personality Davy Fitzgerald has teamed up with the Marie Keating Foundation to highlight the warning signs of bladder cancer.
Blood in urine is the most common indicator of this disease, which kills 2,221 people each year in Ireland. The Foundation recommends a colour code for bladder health: if you see red (blood) in yellow (urine) go (green) to your doctor immediately.
Launching the campaign, Davy Fitzgerald said: “I ve had my fair share of red cards, but one red I never want to see is blood in my urine. With far more men affected by bladder cancer than women, knowing the warning signs of bladder cancer can save lives.