Oncology

Infections account for an estimated 13% of all cancer cases globally, the American Association for Cancer Research found, but more work is needed to help patients prevent these infections, The New York Times reported Sept. 18.

Cancer survivors with overweight and obesity showed a 13.9% increased risk of developing a second cancer and a 33.2% increased risk of developing a second cancer related to obesity, according to a study published Sept. 17 in JAMA Open Network. 

Forty percent of all cancers are associated with modifiable risk factors, though there has been a 33% decline in the cancer death rate between 1991 and 2021, according to the American Association for Cancer Research's annual Cancer Progress Report. 

Cancer cases in adults under 50 have been rising in recent years, and alcohol consumption may be one factor contributing to the rise, The New York Times reported Sept. 18.

Duarte, Calif.-based City of Hope has received a $150 million gift to fund pancreatic cancer research, the single largest gift in the health system's history, from philanthropists A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand.

As pharmaceutical innovation for oncology care continues to grow, here are four updates to know:

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City has appointed two oncology chiefs. 

Karen Knudsen, PhD, CEO of both the American Cancer Society and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, will transition from the organizations.

Tampa, Fla.-based Moffitt Cancer Center and drugmaker AstraZeneca are collaborating to accelerate the development of CAR-T cell and T cell receptor therapies. 

Individuals are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and psychological illness after a family member is diagnosed with cancer, according to a study published Sept. 9 in Cancer.