Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers say that a rare genetic cancer syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), was detected with the help of full-body PET/CT scanning. Earlier, there were no screening tests recommended for the condition. According to the research, periodic scans, along with physical exams, would be able to detect more tumours at a curable stage than was possible earlier.

The presence of a combination of proteins called HE4 and CA 125 may be the key to predicting the risk of ovarian cancer in women, according to a study. Presently, there is no reliable diagnostic test for the disease. Therefore, patients have the cyst removed by surgery, irrespective of whether or not it is malignant.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has received tentative approval from the FDA for the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for its generic version of Eli Lilly’s cancer drug, Gemzar. The generic gemcitabine injections are therapeutic equivalents of Eli Lilly’s Gemzar injections and are available in strengths of 200 mg and 1g single use vial.

Interim results from a major Phase III clinical trial of everolimus (RAD001) showed that the study met its primary endpoint. The interim results indicated that the investigational drug exhibited significantly higher progression-free survival in patients with advanced kidney cancer as compared to placebo. The Phase III clinical trial has been halted and investigators will now offer everolimus to trial subjects who are still taking placebo. Novartis has said that the trial results will be submitted for presentation at the ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) annual meeting in May.