The field of pharmacogenomics, also called pharmacogenetics, studies how our inherited genes affect the way we respond to drugs. Pharmacogenomics now has limited use in the treatment of people with cancer, but its growth may lead to the development of more tests that doctors may give patients before starting a drug therapy.

The Internet is a valuable resource to learn more about clinical trials that are seeking volunteers to participate in a study. The Web-based matching services described in this article collect information on thousands of clinical trials and may help you find an appropriate one by asking a few questions about you and your cancer.

An abstract is a summary of a research study that allows readers to quickly learn about the important aspects of a study. In medical journals, an abstract is usually presented at the beginning of the published article. Abstracts are also a main vehicle of communication at scientific meetings.

More than 30,000 medical professionals from around the world who treat people with cancer will meet later this month in Chicago at the 2008 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting to discuss the latest advances in cancer care, treatment, prevention, and survivorship. As of today, nearly 5,000 studies are available online, and several of these have been highlighted by ASCO. To learn more about the results of these early studies, and what they mean for people with cancer, Cancer.Net talked with Julie Gralow, MD.

It is estimated that more than 62,000 people in the United States this year will be diagnosed with primary melanoma — the most serious type of skin cancer. It is also the sixth most common cancer in men and the seventh most common in women. Cancer.Net talked with John Kirkwood, MD, to learn more about the latest news and research in melanoma and information for survivors.

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a procedure being studied more frequently for its role in detecting breast cancer. Although the early results of breast MRI studies are encouraging, breast MRI should not be substituted for mammography for women at average risk for breast cancer. However, it may be an additional tool to screen for breast cancer in women at high risk for developing the disease.

A vaccine helps the body fight disease. Most people are familiar with vaccines for diseases like chicken pox or the flu. Vaccines (sometimes called vaccinations) help train the immune system to recognize and destroy harmful substances, such as bacteria or viruses, before they can cause disease.

Medical news can change often - one week, a new "breakthrough" is discovered, only to be disputed the next week. It is difficult to know what news to believe, and if a person should change a practice or specific habit. Finding answers to the following questions may help you better evaluate medical news.

A new report published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) summarizes the most important advances in clinical cancer research over the past year. Clinical Cancer Advances 2007: Major Research Advances in Cancer Treatment, Prevention, and Screening highlights those studies that significantly changed the understanding of a specific type of cancer or will have the greatest impact on cancer care. The report, now in its third year, is written for those with an interest in cancer care and was developed by a 21-member editorial board of leading oncologists (doctors that treat cancer). Clinical Cancer Advances 2007 recognizes six "major advances" and highlights 18 other notable advances across 10 cancer types. In addition, the report identifies emerging trends and issues in the areas of cancer prevention and survivorship.