The good and the bad (contradictory qualities) emerge the more you learn about amazing discoveries in cancer care. The disease is caused by disruption in our immune cells which decrease as we age (ugh) and even faster with cancer. We have to understand before we treat. Can’t play a game without knowing the rules and so significant research is headed in the direction of boosting immunity. More updates on research this week for example, trying to save bladders (this cancer with higher risk in elderly) as opposed to removing them and instead of just chemo within the bladder or IV, adding radiation as well, now immunetherapy appears to enter the role of treatment leading to organ preservation.

Scientists are looking at CDK2 enzyme as a new target for cancer treatment. These cyclin-dependent kinases are a critical factor in cancer progression. Thank goodness drug companies are finding ways to attack these demons with impact for several cancers. How much do we love our biomedical scientists? Last month blood tests were found to help detect pancreatic cancers at early stages while still curable. Called the PAC-MANN a test at OHSU could save lives.

Need more evidence of amazing discoveries? Prostate cancer is number one for men and still a very high risk disease. Hormone therapy, radiation, some chemo helpful, now a radio-ligand therapy can boost survival for metastatic disease.

So where is all of this taking us? Have faith that your health is so important, researchers are feverishly working to your benefit. These are just a few examples of tranformative therapies. So where is the dichotomy? Well, research also weighs in on our own influence. For example, we all know exercise, eating well, avoiding grilled meats, refined carbs, alcohol and smoking etc impact our cancer risks. A few new studies wants us to be even more vigilant, can’t let the scientists do all the work. For example:
Peanuts are found to impact the blood vessel lining. In 2020 nuts were thought protective but in 2025 we find peanuts are a big problem, for breast and other cancers which may metastasize. Another this week is white wine. There are studies finding that when they tried to drill down the impact of wine, red or white, men and women that women had increased risk, by 22% of skin cancer, with white wine! Cut me a break…. happy hour not so happy! So there is the good and bad. We cannot stop growth and information, Some research will be a blessing while others will wish they never investigated. Just know that while, as a patient we may feel we are in this fight alone, others are conspiring to assist in big ways and… may be even steal some of our joys. Either way, it’s a wonderful new world for cancer treatments so while you guiltily sip your white wine, girls (guys, you are ok for now) rest assured conspiracies are abounding to protect you.