Drugs that are used for treating Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages are linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks and death, according to a large study of over 7,000 people with Alzheimer’s disease in Sweden. The research, which is published online in the European Heart Journal [1], looked at cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), such […]
Slim women have a greater risk of developing endometriosis than obese women
Women with a lean body shape have a greater risk of developing endometriosis than women who are morbidly obese, according to the largest prospective study to investigate the link. The study, which is published online in Europe’s leading reproductive medicine journal Human Reproduction [1], found that the risk of endometriosis was 39% lower in morbidly […]
Palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases in the elderly has positive effects on pain and quality of life
Geneva, Switzerland: Giving palliative radiotherapy to elderly patients with painful bone metastases can significantly improve their quality of life, a Dutch researcher told the 2nd Forum of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO). With the number of elderly patients who suffer from metastatic disease on the increase due to the ageing of the population […]
Commonly used drug can limit radiation damage to lungs and heart for cancer patients
Geneva, Switzerland: Unavoidable damage caused to the heart and lungs by radiotherapy treatment of tumours in the chest region can be limited by the administration of an ACE inhibitor, a drug commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, a group of Dutch researchers have found. [1] Common cancers such as breast, oesophagus, lung, and […]
Intensity modulated radiotherapy reduces side effects in patients with early breast cancer
Geneva, Switzerland: Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) gives better results than standard radiotherapy in patients with early breast cancer, according to results from a randomised trial presented to the 2nd Forum of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO). IMRT is an advanced, high-precision form of radiotherapy that can deliver an even dose of radiation, […]
New radiotherapy approach reduces symptoms of dry mouth in patients with head and neck cancers
Geneva, Switzerland: Researchers have shown for the first time that it is possible to reduce the distressing symptoms of dry mouth in patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck cancers if the radiation dose to a salivary gland (called the submandibular gland) on the opposite side to the tumour is kept to the minimum. […]
Two landmark studies report on success of using image-guided brachytherapy to treat cervical cancer
Geneva, Switzerland: Two large, landmark radiotherapy studies have shown that it is possible to treat cervical cancer effectively with high doses specifically adapted to each tumour, and with fewer serious side-effects to the surrounding normal organs. Two presentations at the 2nd Forum of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) show that image-guided brachytherapy […]
Mathematical models out-perform doctors in predicting cancer patients’ outcomes and responses to treatment
Geneva, Switzerland: Mathematical prediction models are better than doctors at predicting the outcomes and responses of lung cancer patients to treatment, according to new research presented at the 2nd Forum of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO). These differences apply even after the doctor has seen the patient, which can provide extra information, […]
Use and misuse of neuroscience in the development and deployment of chemical and biochemical weapons: action required at national and international level
London, UK: As the third review conference of the State Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention meets in The Hague this week, the expert who chaired the Royal Society 2012 report on “Neuroscience, conflict and security” is calling on CWC members to re-assess the definition and status of incapacitating agents. [1] Professor Rod Flower told […]
How ‘free will’ is implemented in the brain and is it possible to intervene in the process?
London, UK: Researchers have been able to identify the precise moment when a network of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain creates the signal to perform an action, before a person is even aware of deciding to take that action. Now they are building on this work to make initial attempts to interfere with consciously […]