ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Immune therapy for advanced bladder cancer yields promising results

Posted: 31 May 2014 06:07 AM PDT

A multi-center phase I study using an investigational drug for advanced bladder cancer patients who did not respond to other treatments has shown promising results in patients with certain tumor types, researchers report. The trial included 68 people with previously treated advanced bladder cancer, including 30 patients identified as PD-L1 positive. PD-L1 is a protein expressed by many tumor types that can render the cancer invulnerable to immune attack.

Ibrutinib as second-line therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia supported by study

Posted: 31 May 2014 06:07 AM PDT

In a head-to-head comparison of two Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for the treatment of relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia, ibrutinib significantly outperformed ofatumumab as a second-line therapy, according to a multicenter interim study. Ibrutinib is the first drug designed to target Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a protein essential for CLL-cell survival and proliferation.

Preventing early menopause in breast cancer patients with new drug treatment

Posted: 30 May 2014 11:24 AM PDT

Among young breast cancer patients, one of the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy is early menopause. But a major study finds the risk of early menopause can be significantly reduced by adding the drug goserelin to the chemotherapy regimen.

Gender blind research on innovation

Posted: 30 May 2014 06:24 AM PDT

Are new ideas primarily shaped within male dominated industries? Due to gender stereotypes, some businesses are valued more than others, claims a researcher. "Innovation is a major political issue which receives wide support in society today. But this support is much more advantageous for male dominated businesses -- both in terms of financial support and research. The technological industry especially is regarded as being innovative whereas businesses within the service industry, for example, are ignored," she says.

Internalized stigma linked with poor self esteem, pain self-efficacy

Posted: 30 May 2014 06:22 AM PDT

After controlling for depression, internalized stigma is negatively associated with lower levels of self-esteem and personal control of pain, a study shows. Internalized stigma refers to the internalization or absorption of negative attitudes. It also is linked with a greater tendency to catastrophize about pain and with a reduced sense of personal control over pain.