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Head And Neck Cancer

All articles tagged with #head and neck cancer

HPV Vaccine Milestone Meets New Challenge: Rising HPV-Related Cancers in Men
health1 month ago

HPV Vaccine Milestone Meets New Challenge: Rising HPV-Related Cancers in Men

Twenty years after the HPV vaccine’s approval, HPV-related cancers—especially head and neck cancers in men—are rising, even as vaccination and screening have reduced cervical cancer. HPV is transmitted sexually and can silently cause tumors in the throat, making early detection difficult. Vaccination coverage among teens is improving but remains incomplete, while studies show vaccinated individuals have significantly lower oral HPV infections and cancer risk. The piece centers on Michael Whelan’s battle with late-stage HPV-driven cancer to highlight the vaccine’s potential to prevent future cases and reduce suffering, urging broader awareness and uptake.

Portugal to trial breakthrough cancer drug amivantamab in head and neck cancer
health1 month ago

Portugal to trial breakthrough cancer drug amivantamab in head and neck cancer

Five Portuguese hospitals will enroll about 500 patients in a phase III trial of the injectable cancer drug amivantamab, given with immunotherapy every three weeks to treat untreated, incurable head and neck cancers; early ASCO results showed 43 responses (28 tumor shrinkages and 15 complete responses), driving hopes the treatment could become available in Portugal and possibly for other cancers in coming years.

Drug Triggers Tumor Dissolution in Some Cancer Patients, Early Trial Shows
health-and-wellness1 month ago

Drug Triggers Tumor Dissolution in Some Cancer Patients, Early Trial Shows

In a 102-patient study of head and neck cancer, Johnson & Johnson’s amivantamab produced meaningful tumor responses in about 43 participants: 28 tumors shrank significantly and 15 dissolved, often within a week. Those treated had a median survival of roughly one year, despite difficult prognoses. The drug works by blocking EGFR and MET pathways and activating the immune system, with around 60 trials across lung, colorectal, brain and gastric cancers ongoing to evaluate its efficacy elsewhere.

Triple-action cancer jab wipes out head-and-neck tumours in international trial
health1 month ago

Triple-action cancer jab wipes out head-and-neck tumours in international trial

An international trial of 102 patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancer found that amivantamab, a subcutaneously injected jab, shrank tumours in 43 patients and completely eradicated them in 15, including in cancers resistant to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The triple-action antibody blocks EGFR and MET and stimulates the immune system, and showed manageable side effects with most patients able to continue treatment; median overall survival was 12.5 months. The drug is also being explored in other cancers and results were to be presented at ASCO.

Cancer drug erases tumors in chemo-resistant cancers, early trial results show
science1 month ago

Cancer drug erases tumors in chemo-resistant cancers, early trial results show

In a multi-country trial, Johnson & Johnson’s amivantamab shrank or eradicated tumors in patients with head and neck cancer (and some lung cancers) that had stopped responding to chemotherapy or immunotherapy; 43 of 102 patients responded (28 partial shrinkages, 15 complete disappearances), with results to be presented at ASCO in Chicago; the drug works by targeting tumor growth proteins and activating the immune system, and median survival was about 12.5 months, with ongoing trials to explore broader use.

HPV vaccination and lifestyle changes may curb rising head and neck cancers
health1 month ago

HPV vaccination and lifestyle changes may curb rising head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancers, especially oral cavity and pharynx, are rising in the U.S. and globally, with HPV now a leading risk factor. Prevention centers on HPV vaccination (two doses at 11–12 years, can start 9–26, approved up to 45) and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol use, which substantially lower risk. There is no broad screening, and five-year survival is about 70%.

Bioengineered Gum Targets Cancer-Linked Oral Microbes
science2 months ago

Bioengineered Gum Targets Cancer-Linked Oral Microbes

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed a bioengineered chewing gum based on lablab bean gum that carries antiviral FRIL and antimicrobial protegrin. In ex vivo studies with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients, the gum extracts reduced cancer-associated microbes—HPV by up to 93% in saliva and 80% in oral rinse—and, with protegrin, brought the harmful bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum close to zero while preserving beneficial oral bacteria. The findings suggest a low-cost, accessible adjuvant or preventive therapy that could complement existing treatments or help prevent infection and transmission to curb oral cancer progression, with results published in Scientific Reports.

Bean-Gum Chewing Gum Targets Cancer-Linked Oral Microbes, Trials Ahead
health2 months ago

Bean-Gum Chewing Gum Targets Cancer-Linked Oral Microbes, Trials Ahead

Researchers have developed a chewing gum made from lablab bean proteins that could help fight head and neck cancer by reducing oral microbes linked to the disease. In ex vivo tests, the gum lowered HPV levels by about 93% in saliva, and when bioengineered to include an antimicrobial peptide, it nearly eliminated Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum without disturbing beneficial mouth bacteria. The approach targets infection locally at the site of cancer risk and could complement existing therapies. Trials are being planned in London and at the University of Pennsylvania in the U.S. to evaluate its effectiveness in HNSCC patients.

Cancer-free Chef Bonnell urges HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer
health2 months ago

Cancer-free Chef Bonnell urges HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer

Fort Worth chef Jon Bonnell, now cancer-free after treatments for head and neck cancer, is urging widespread HPV vaccination, arguing that vaccinating one generation could nearly eliminate cervical cancer and substantially reduce head-and-neck cancers, with international examples from Australia and Europe cited as evidence.

Rising Oral Cancer Risks Among Young People and Women
health6 months ago

Rising Oral Cancer Risks Among Young People and Women

India is experiencing a rising trend of head and neck cancers, particularly oral cancer, among young people in their 20s and 30s, driven by lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, alcohol, poor oral hygiene, HPV infection, and stress. Early detection and preventive measures like awareness, screening, and regulation of carcinogenic products are crucial to combat this preventable health crisis.

Morning Tea or Coffee May Reduce Head and Neck Cancer Risk
health9 months ago

Morning Tea or Coffee May Reduce Head and Neck Cancer Risk

Research suggests that moderate daily consumption of tea and coffee may reduce the risk of head and neck cancers, possibly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, though excessive tea intake might increase certain risks. The study highlights the potential health benefits of these beverages, emphasizing moderation and the importance of overall healthy lifestyle choices.