Here are the top stories recently covered by DocWire News in the hematology/oncology section. In this edition, read about a new brain tumor treatment strategy, which cancer patients are at highest COVID-19 risk, resistance exercise in breast cancer survivors, and exercise intolerance in adult survivors of childhood cancer.
Researchers have uncovered a potentially promising strategy to target Gliomas with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes, which are the most common brain tumors diagnosed in younger people age 18-45. The findings were published in the journal Cancer Discovery.
Research about COVID-19 is underway each day, particularly how the disease affects those who are already sick. Data suggest that cancer patients are more likely than the general population to develop COVID-19. A recent study assessed this risk based on specific cancer types and concluded that patients with lung and colorectal cancer may be more likely to get COVID-19 than patients with other types of cancer.
For adults who are survivors of childhood cancer, exercise intolerance may be correlated with emotional health, the ability to take part in social roles, and health-related quality of life, a study found. “The findings of this study suggest that exercise intolerance is independently associated with emotional distress, attainment of social roles, and health-related quality of life of long-term survivors of childhood cancer. The results also suggest that improving physiologic capacity may benefit general health and wellness, as well as emotional health, ability to participate in social roles, and health-related quality of life,” the study authors summarized.
An estimated 20% of breast cancer patients develop breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) during their treatment. Lymphedema is a buildup of lymph fluid in the body that does not drain through the lymphatic system as it should, which results in swelling. In the case of breast cancer patients, it is seen on the arm of the side affected by the cancer. BCRL may leave women feeling pain, heaviness, and tightness; they may also experienced decreased range of motion, and their daily function may suffer as a result. As of now BRCL is considered incurable; standard of care for living with the disease is multifaceted and includes exercise—but which exercise is most effective?