cancer

A study published in The Lancet finds that 44.4% of cancer deaths worldwide are due to preventable risk factors, especially smoking, alcohol consumption and being overweight. 

Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of cancer that arises in the brain or spinal cord. Researchers have identified a new drug that exploits DNA repair defects to selectively target tumours that are resistant to chemotherapy treatment with temozolomide. The research is published in Science.

The Ministry of Health has announced the purchase of 10 proton therapy equipment for public hospitals of the National Health System in seven autonomous communities. They will be used to treat tumours, especially in paediatric patients. The cost of the equipment will be financed by the Amancio Ortega Foundation.

The journal JAMA today publishes several articles, along with an editorial, in which the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against the use of vitamin supplements to prevent cancers and cardiovascular disease.

"The level of alcohol consumption that does not harm health is zero," says a review of dozens of studies conducted in recent years on the effect of light drinking. The 20 or so authors of the paper, and other experts, insist that "alcohol is carcinogenic from the first drink". In their view, this message should be conveyed more clearly to the public.

Whole genome analysis of more than 12,000 tumors has identified new patterns of mutations associated with specific cancers. These combinations generate specific mutational signatures, the study of which provides information on environmental factors causing the mutations. The work is published in Science.