Harvard Health Content API

Measuring a type of DNA found in tumors can help detect whether the most common type of lymphoma has returned after treatment, a study finds. The study focused on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, known as DLBCL. It often can be cured. But people need to come back for CT or PET scans to look for a return of the cancer. The new study looked at another possible test. The study enrolled 126 people with DLBCL. They had been treated with chemotherapy between 1993 and 2013. Researchers took blood samples before and after treatment and during follow-up. They tested the samples for a type of DNA comes from the tumor. People also received follow-up CT scans. In all, 107 people had all signs of their cancer disappear with treatment. Those who had detectable tumor DNA in their blood during follow-up were 200 times more likely to have a return of the cancer than those with no detectable levels.

Three expert groups have released blood-pressure treatment guidelines for people who already have heart problems. The guidelines focus on people with coronary artery disease. This is a narrowing of arteries to the heart because of plaque buildup. The guidelines say most people in this group should aim for a blood-pressure level of less than 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The goal is 130/80 mmHg for those who already have had a heart attack, stroke or mini-stroke. This lower goal also applies to those who have had a narrowing of leg arteries or an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The guidelines come from a committee of experts. They represent many groups involved with the treatment of heart disease. In an interview with HealthDay News, the committee chairman said the guidelines are intended to be flexible.

U.S. cancer deaths continue to decline, a new report says. The overall cancer death rate dropped an average of 1.5% a year between 2002 and 2011. New cancer cases fell more slowly, an average of 0.5% per year, the report says. The declines in cancer deaths each year were 1.8% for men, 1.4% for women and 2% for children. The report was written by experts from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. National Cancer Institute. The authors said the declines reflect earlier detection, prevention and improved treatments. Lung cancer rates are falling because fewer people smoke. Declines in breast and colon cancer deaths also are related to screening and prevention efforts. Prostate cancer deaths also are down, but experts are not sure why.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will increase its efforts to reduce excess use of antibiotics and the spread of bacteria that resist these drugs. The White House announced the effort March 27. The goal is to reduce infections with some of the most dangerous drug-resistant bacteria by 50% to 60% by 2020. The Medicare and Medicaid programs already have told hospitals to reduce excess use of antibiotics. They must develop these programs within 3 years or lose funding. The CDC will provide funds to help more states collect data on antibiotic-resistant infections. It also will encourage hospitals and health systems to send data on patterns of antibiotic use. The CDC now is supporting hospital pilot programs to improve prevention of infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A program in Chicago cut one type of infection in half.