Adult survivors of childhood cancers are at higher risk for another cancer – such as breast, colorectal, sarcomas and thyroid cancer – that is not a relapse of their original illness. Previous cancer therapies are largely responsible, however up to 13 percent of survivors also have hereditary predisposition that elevates their risk of subsequent cancer. A recent clinical trial found that genetic services via remote centralized telehealth and in collaboration with primary care increased the uptake of genetic counseling and testing in this population. Results were published in Lancet Regional Health – Americas.

The February tip sheet from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center features a range of timely cancer-related story ideas that may be of interest. Highlights include new strategies to overcome chemotherapy resistance, efforts to build resilience among lymphoma patients, multidisciplinary teams exploring the sea and sky for novel cancer cures and insights, and more.

A team of researchers from the Andalusian Centre for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER) and the University of Seville, in collaboration with the Virgen Macarena University Hospital, have identified a fundamental mechanism that links the 24-hour circadian cycle to the precise repair of DNA breaks. This study, which focused on the circadian protein Cryptochrome1 (CRY1), suggests that the time of day when radiotherapy is administered can significantly influence the effectiveness of treatment for certain types of cancer.

This year’s Sjöberg Prize of one million US dollars is awarded to a British cancer researcher who has provided fundamental knowledge about evolution in tumours. Charles Swanton, at the Francis Crick Institute in London, has described how tumours’ mutations arise and develop. His discoveries could help explain why treatments do not always work, as well as leading the way to more accurate diagnostics.