FORCE's eXamining the Relevance of Articles for You (XRAY) program looks behind the headlines of cancer news to help you understand what the research means for you.
XRAY is a reliable source of hereditary cancer research-related news and information.
Learn more about the XRAY program
Pancreatic Cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Study : Teens and young adults respond well to learning about familial cancer risk
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Most relevant for: Mothers who have had genetic testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2 whether or not they have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer
Little is known about how awareness of hereditary cancer in a high-risk family affects the quality of life of teens and young adults. This study looked at the lifestyle choices, cancer awareness and quality of life of adolescents and young adults whose mothers had undergone testing for a BRCA mutation. (Posted 10/11/2022) Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Screening for pancreatic cancer detects early-stage disease and improves survival
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People at increased risk for pancreatic cancer because of family history or an inherited mutation.
A research study has shown that screening for pancreatic cancer in people with an inherited mutation or family history was able to detect early-stage pancreatic cancers and improve survival. These results will likely change pancreatic cancer screening guidelines for high-risk individuals (Posted 8/30/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Study : Clinical trial eligibility excludes more Black than white patients
Most relevant for: People with pancreatic cancer who are interested in participating in a clinical trial
Eligibility criteria stating who can and cannot participate in clinical trials are necessary. However, traditional eligibility criteria have led to the exclusion of Black people in pancreatic cancer clinical trials. This exclusion restricts patient access to new drugs and limits the ability to generalize results to the population of patients who will ultimately use the drug. Revising eligibility criteria, especially for patients with pancreatic cancer, may improve clinical trial access among Black people. (Posted 8/23/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Physical activity may decrease fatigue associated with cancer treatment
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: Cancer patients who are experiencing fatigue related to cancer or its treatment.
Many cancer survivors experience fatigue during and after they complete treatment. This study looked at the effect of home-based physical activity on fatigue in cancer survivors. It also looked at whether frequent counseling encouraged people to start and continue their exercise routines. (Posted 8/1/22). Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : The hidden financial burden of treating cancer care symptoms
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People who are experiencing side effects due to cancer treatment or cancer.
Drugs commonly used to treat symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment side effects can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket for patients, depending on what drugs are used. (Posted 6/29/2022). Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Increasing melatonin use raises concerns
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: people who take or consider taking melatonin to help with sleep.
Adult use of melatonin as a sleep aid has increased even though its benefits and risks are not well understood. This study looked at trends in melatonin use over the last 19 years. (Posted 4/14/2022)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Cannabis use among breast cancer patients
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People interested in using cannabis to relieve treatment side effects.
This study looked at patterns of cannabis use among breast cancer patients who are members of online health communities. Almost half of the study participants reported using cannabis to help manage treatment symptoms and side effects. The study also looked at reasons why patients used cannabis, where they obtained it and whether they perceived cannabis to be safe. While this study only looked at cannabis use among breast cancer patients it is likely results would be similar among patients diagnosed with other types of cancers. (posted 1/25/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Update : COVID boosters: What people with cancer should know
Relevance: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with cancer considering a COVID-19 booster
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has issued new guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations. Guidelines now recommend a booster or third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine for patients with cancer, including those undergoing active treatment. Currently, these updated guidelines do not address people who had the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. (posted 11/16/2021)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Genetic testing for inherited mutations may be helpful for all people with advanced or metastatic cancer
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: people with metastatic or recurrent cancer
In a study of nearly 12,000 cancer patients with a variety of cancers, eight percent of participants with metastatic cancer had an inherited mutation in a cancer gene that qualified them for a targeted treatment approved by the FDA or for participation in a clinical trial. The majority of people with metastatic cancer were unaware that they had an inherited mutation, and had not receive gene-directed treatment to which their tumor may have responded. The study authors suggest that genetic testing for inherited mutations may be warranted for all patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. (posted 9/30/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Update : Blood tests called liquid biopsies for cancer screening, monitoring and treatment
Most relevant for: People considering a liquid biopsy to screen for cancer
Could a simple blood test change cancer detection, treatment and monitoring? Several companies are offering a type of blood test known as a liquid biopsy to detect multiple cancers at their earliest stages, monitor response to treatment and help choose the best treatment. Although progress has been made using liquid biopsies to treat cancer, these tests have not yet been shown to detect cancer early enough to save lives. (posted 9/29/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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