Early Detection and Prevention

The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) proudly shares new findings from Yale Cancer  , highlighting the potential of YIV-906, an experimental botanical drug developed by Dr. Yung-Chi Cheng, a longtime NFCR-Supported Scientist. A study published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology demonstrates that YIV-906 significantly reduces gastrointestinal side effects in rectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.   Study Findings The study followed 24 patients treated with YIV-906 alongside standard chemo-radiation prior to surgery. Results showed that YIV-906 greatly minimized severe side effects such as diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea. The five-year overall survival rate for these patients reached 82%, with no grade-four toxicities and only two grade-three cases of diarrhea. This reduction in toxicity allowed patients to complete their treatment regimens, improving both the treatment's effectiveness and quality of life. “This is the first demonstration of YIV-906’s effectiveness in reducing GI toxicity caused by chemo-radiation,” said Dr. Cheng. “It shows the medicine’s potential to enhance patient quality of life while boosting treatment outcomes.” Addressing an Unmet Need for Cancer Patients YIV-906 is based on traditional Chinese medicine and has been shown to act as an immunomodulator, enhancing the immune system’s response to tumors, while also protecting the digestive system. These new results add to previous evidence of YIV-906’s ability to improve the safety and efficacy of various cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Researchers, including senior author Dr. Susan Higgins of Yale School of Medicine, are hopeful that YIV-906 will be further evaluated in randomized clinical trials for other gastrointestinal and pelvic cancers. NFCR, which has provided over $2.5 million in funding since 1991, is proud to continue supporting Dr. Cheng’s groundbreaking work. With global partnerships like AstraZeneca China, YIV-906 represents a promising fusion of Western and Eastern medicine to address cancer on a global scale.

Head and neck cancers pose a significant public health challenge, impacting thousands of individuals each year. These cancers can severely affect both physical health and quality of life, making awareness and research crucial. A recent CNN Medical article by Sandee LaMotte highlights these pressing issues while showcasing facts and figures that were obtained via NFCR. Head and neck cancers account for 4% of all cancers in the United States, with over 71,000 new cases and more than 16,000 projected deaths. The article references a compelling study that analyzed millions of medical records, revealing that daily cannabis use over several years may increase the overall risk of head and neck cancers by 3.5% to 5%. The study's senior author, Dr. Niels Kokot, emphasizes that individuals with a cannabis use disorder are significantly more likely to develop head and neck cancers compared to non-users. LaMotte's article further highlights the survival statistics for head and neck cancers, noting that approximately 69% of patients diagnosed with oral or throat cancer survive five years or longer. However, this rate drops dramatically to 14% if the cancer metastasizes. For laryngeal cancer, about 61% of diagnosed individuals live for five years, but that figure decreases to just 16% when the cancer spreads. This alarming data underscores the urgent need for enhanced awareness and education around head and neck cancers. Tobacco and alcohol use are the two primary risk factors for these cancers, but as cannabis consumption becomes more prevalent, it is essential to inform the public about the potential risks associated with marijuana use. The study indicates that individuals with cannabis use disorder are approximately 2.5 times more likely to develop oral cancer, nearly five times more likely to develop oropharyngeal cancer, and over eight times more likely to develop laryngeal cancer. As the study results gain attention, LaMotte's article serves as a vital resource for understanding the implications of cannabis use on head and neck cancers. By fostering collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers, and the community, we can work together to raise awareness and drive further research into this often-overlooked area of cancer studies. As we highlight the findings emerging from NFCR-supported research, we invite everyone to join us in the fight against cancer by advocating for increased funding and support for the life-saving research that is being conducted by NFCR. Stay informed and engaged as we continue to explore the future of head and neck cancer research and its role in enhancing patient care and outcomes to Make Cures Possible.

Understand the differences between prevention and intervention and the impacts of each area of research. The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR), a leader in funding cancer research for over 51 years, has been championing the prioritization of cancer intervention and prevention research. There are a few critical differences between intervening and preventing cancer. What is Cancer Intervention? Cancer intervention means finding and treating tumors at the earliest stages before extensive growth or spread. This involves: Developing and advancing screening tests for microscopic tumors through enhanced imaging and new biomarkers. NFCR helps fund the improvement of detection technologies and the identification of early-warning molecular signs. Testing precision therapies tailored to destroy the first cancerous cells by targeting specific genetic changes. NFCR provides grants for researchers on innovative early cancer treatments. Investigating if lifestyle changes and medications can halt progression when precancerous abnormalities emerge. NFCR supports research on how diet, exercise, and anti-cancer drugs might neutralize early lesions. Intervening quickly when cellular abnormalities first appear can transform outcomes by stopping cancer before proliferation and metastasis. What is Cancer Prevention? Cancer prevention refers to approaches that proactively reduce the likelihood of developing the disease. This includes: Adopting lifestyle choices to avoid risk factors like tobacco use. Everyday prevention behaviors such as eating cancer-fighting foods and meeting physical activity guidelines can help the immune system fight off cancer. Undergoing regular screening exams, especially for high-risk populations with a family cancer history, to find and remove precancerous lesions before they turn malignant. NFCR provides recommendations on optimal early detection approaches. Minimizing intake of carcinogens, optimizing protective compounds, and supporting overall body function through a nutritious, balanced diet tailored to individual risks. Funding chemoprevention research on natural compounds or drugs that may lower risk. NFCR funds research on and helps to analyze the cancer prevention potential of antioxidants, aspirin and other agents. Why Is It Critical to Focus Research on Early Intervention? Prevention is the best weapon against cancer. Worldwide research studies over many years indicate roughly 30-40% of cancer diagnoses could be prevented by modest diet and lifestyle changes. NFCR publishes information about key food groups with cancer-fighting properties. The goals are minimizing intake of carcinogens, optimizing protective compounds, and supporting overall body function through a nutritious, balanced diet tailored to individual risks. Early screening enhancements for cancer help us find the first signs of cancer before it spreads and kills. However, once cancer is detected, intervening early allows scientists and clinicians to give patients a strong chance to destroy the first cancer cells present and eliminate cancer before advanced disease develops. Boosted early screening and precision treatments tailored to the genetics of these initial cancer cells improve outcomes dramatically compared to late diagnosis. Finding and treating emerging tumors swiftly and thoroughly at the root cause will transform how we conquer humanity’s oldest diseases. NFCR believes early cancer intervention breakthroughs bring us closer to our ultimate mission – a world without cancer deaths. The Future is Early Early screening enhancements and therapies customized to root out the first signs of cancer provide hope that one day, lifelong management or even cure is possible. NFCR [...]