Tumor suppressor acts as oncogene in some cancers, researchers find

Researchers have found that a molecule long believed to be a beneficial tumor suppressor -- and thus a potential cancer drug target -- appears to act as an oncogene in some lethal brain tumors.

READ MORE - Tumor suppressor acts as oncogene in some cancers, researchers find

Genetic variants may affect the risk of breast cancer in women with BRCA2 mutations plus 22 more

An international study has identified genetic variants in women with BRCA2 mutations that may increase or decrease their risk of developing breast cancer.

Two-sided immune cell could be harnessed to shrink tumors Posted: 28 Oct 2010 05:00 PM PDT Researchers have found that a protein called inducible costimulator (ICOS) is necessary for the growth and function of human Th17 cells, while CD28, a transmembrane protein on CD4 cells, stops the ICOS signal. What's more, human Th17 stimulated with ICOS shrank human tumors implanted in a mouse model faster than those stimulated with CD28.

Newly discovered regulatory mechanism essential for embryo development and may contribute to cancer Posted: 28 Oct 2010 02:00 PM PDT Researchers have identified a mechanism controlling the function of a protein that binds to DNA during embryonic development and may function to prevent abnormal tumor growth. When the protein, TCF3, is modified by a small molecule called a phosphate, it no longer binds DNA, changing the way the protein signals during development.

Rictor protein offers scientists a new molecular target for cancer therapies Posted: 28 Oct 2010 02:00 PM PDT The discovery that a protein called Rictor plays a key role in destroying a close cousin of the AKT oncogene could provide scientists with a new molecular target for treating certain cancers, including breast cancer.

Tumor suppressor acts as oncogene in some cancers, researchers find Posted: 28 Oct 2010 11:00 AM PDT Researchers have found that a molecule long believed to be a beneficial tumor suppressor -- and thus a potential cancer drug target -- appears to act as an oncogene in some lethal brain tumors.

New targeted lung cancer drug produces 'dramatic' symptom improvement; Early-stage trial shows promise against tumors driven by ALK gene alteration Posted: 28 Oct 2010 08:00 AM PDT A clinical trial of a new targeted drug has provided powerful evidence that it can halt or reverse the growth of lung tumors characterized by a specific genetic abnormality. The multi-institutional research team reports that daily doses of crizotinib shrank the tumors of more than half of a group patients whose tumors were driven by alterations in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene and suppressed tumor growth in another one-third of study participants.

'Smart drug' targets new mutation, dramatically shrinks aggressive sarcoma and lung cancer; Patient's response was predicted by test for mutant protein in tumor cells Posted: 28 Oct 2010 02:00 AM PDT A new oral drug caused dramatic shrinkage of a patient's rare, aggressive form of soft-tissue cancer that was driven by an abnormally activated protein, researchers report.

Telomere length affects colorectal cancer risk Posted: 27 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT For the first time, researchers have found a link between long telomeres and an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Telomeres of some young-onset colorectal cancer patients showed accelerated aging. Other patients had telomeres longer than those of young healthy people.

Cancer's hiding spots revealed Posted: 27 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT In a study of mice with lymphoma, biologists have discovered that a small number of cancer cells escape chemotherapy by hiding out in the thymus, an organ where immune cells mature. Within the thymus, the cancer cells are bathed in growth factors that protect them from the drugs' effects. Those cells are likely the source of relapsed tumors, said the lead researcher.

New test measures DNA methylation levels to predict colon cancer Posted: 27 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT An investigational DNA methylation test could alter the screening landscape for colorectal cancer, according to new research.

Researchers build colony of colon cancer stem cells to test new approach to therapy Posted: 27 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT Researchers have devised a three-dimensional system in laboratory culture that mimics the growth patterns of colon cancer stem cells in patients. The assay, which uses green fluorescent "reporter" proteins to watch the process of stem cell differentiation, is designed to understand how these cancer stem cells behave, and to identify and test therapies that could halt production of the endless generations of new cancer stem cells that continually revive a tumor.

Small-molecule inhibitors effectively targeted active colon cancer enzyme Posted: 27 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT Researchers have identified two small-molecule inhibitors that effectively targeted the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), an enzyme present in certain cancers that helps tumors thrive and survive.

Jekyll-Hyde microRNA binding variant linked to improved outcome in early-stage colorectal cancer Posted: 27 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT A variant site linked to poor outcome in advanced colorectal cancer has now been found to predict improved prognosis in early stages of cancer, according to new research.

FAK inhibitor effectively blocked colon cancer cell growth and viability Posted: 27 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT Researchers are one step closer to providing a new therapy for colon cancer, after findings revealed that a small molecule focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor known as Y15 effectively blocked cell viability, promoted detachment and apoptosis, and decreased tumor growth in mice.

Too much SP2 protein turns stem cells into 'evil twin' cancer cells Posted: 27 Oct 2010 08:00 PM PDT Researchers have found that the overproduction of a key protein in stem cells causes those stem cells to form cancerous tumors. Their work may lead to new treatments for a variety of cancers.

Forces for cancer spread: Genomic instability and evolutionary selection Posted: 27 Oct 2010 05:00 PM PDT New research into pancreatic cancer shows that, not only is cancer genetically different between different patients, but each new focus of cancer spread within a patient has its own distinct mutations. The researchers suggest that doctors treating patients with the disease may be treating tens of genetically distinct tumors and that identifying the mutations common to many early-stage pancreatic cancers may be key to the discovery of new drug targets.

Pancreatic cancers progress to lethal stage slowly, surprise finding shows Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:00 PM PDT Pancreatic cancer develops and spreads much more slowly than scientists have thought, according to new research. The finding indicates that there is a potentially broad window for diagnosis and prevention of the disease.

Newer type of radiation for prostate cancer recommended, experts say Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:00 PM PDT A review of existing research suggests that while a newer type of radiation for the treatment of prostate cancer does not help patients live longer compared to an older type -- at least when similar doses are given -- it does appear to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Portable breast scanner allows cancer detection in the blink of an eye Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:00 AM PDT Women could have a fast test for breast cancer and instantly identify the presence of a tumor in the comfort of their own home, thanks to groundbreaking research.

Knowledge of genetic cancer risks often dies with patients Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:00 AM PDT If you were dying from cancer, would you consider genetic testing? A recent study showed that most terminally ill cancer patients who were eligible for genetic testing never received it despite that it could potentially save a relative's life.

Following lifestyle tips could prevent almost a quarter of bowel cancer cases, study suggests Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:00 AM PDT Almost a quarter of colorectal (bowel) cancer cases could be prevented if people followed healthy lifestyle advice in five areas including diet and exercise, says a new study.

Certain cancer therapies' success depends on presence of immune cell, mouse study shows Posted: 26 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT The immune system may play a critical role in ensuring the success of certain types of cancer therapies, according to a new study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The research showed treatments that disable cancer-promoting genes called oncogenes are much more successful in eradicating tumors in the presence of a signaling molecule secreted by kind of immune cell called a T helper cell.

Green tea of no use in breast cancer prevention, large study finds Posted: 25 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT Green tea does not protect against breast cancer, according to new research. A study of data from approximately 54,000 women found no association between drinking green tea and breast cancer risk.

READ MORE - Genetic variants may affect the risk of breast cancer in women with BRCA2 mutations plus 22 more

Decoding tumor genomes reveals clues to spread of deadly breast cancer

Using powerful DNA sequencing technology to decode the genomes of cancer patients, scientists are getting an unprecedented look at the genetic basis of a highly lethal breast cancer that disproportionately affects younger women and those who are African-American.

READ MORE - Decoding tumor genomes reveals clues to spread of deadly breast cancer

High resting heart linked to shorter life expectancy in stable heart disease patients, study suggests plus 4 more

If you are a person who already has stable heart disease, how fast your heart beats at rest can predict your risk of dying, not only from heart disease but all other causes, researchers say.

Genetic variations linked with worse outcomes with use of antiplatelet drug for cardiac procedures Posted: 25 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT An analysis of data from previously published studies indicates that use of the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel for patients who have common genetic variants of a certain gene and are undergoing a procedure such as coronary stent placement have an associated increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events, particularly development of blood clots in stents, according to a new study.

Benefit of exercise in patients with hypertension has been insufficiently investigated, experts say Posted: 25 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT There are many good reasons to ensure sufficient exercise in everyday life. However, advising patients with increased blood pressure (hypertension) to exercise regularly is often regarded as a specific medical measure aiming to reduce the increased risk of late complications. But whether more exercise actually helps to avoid illnesses related to hypertension or at least delay their onset has been insufficiently investigated. In order to provide better advice to patients with hypertension, informative clinical studies are therefore needed, according to a new report.

Cardiac wakeup call for Canadian kids: Poor sleep patterns and lack of proper sleep could be threatening thousands of adolescents with premature heart disease and stroke Posted: 25 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT Poor sleep patterns and lack of proper sleep could be threatening thousands of Canadian adolescents with premature heart disease and stroke, warns a pediatric cardiologist.

Researchers crack genetic code of a sudden death cardiac killer Posted: 25 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT Researchers in Canada have cracked the genetic code of a sudden death cardiac killer. As a result, they have developed a unique prevention program in which people with no symptoms, but with a suspect gene and a family history, are being implanted with internal cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) which can restart their hearts if they stop.

READ MORE - High resting heart linked to shorter life expectancy in stable heart disease patients, study suggests plus 4 more

Key molecules in multiple myeloma identified plus 3 more

New research links three molecules to a critical tumor suppressor gene that is often turned off in multiple myeloma. The findings might offer a new strategy for treating this incurable disease and perhaps other blood cancers. The study suggests that re-activating the three molecules triggers expression of the P53 tumor suppressor gene. This slows the growth and leads to the death of myeloma cells and could provide a new strategy for treating the disease.

MicroRNAs dictate the Epstein-Barr virus' elaborate waiting game, cancer formation Posted: 26 Oct 2010 02:00 PM PDT Epstein-Barr virus is a champion hider, and has been linked to many diseases that affect people long after the initial infection takes place, including some forms of cancer. Scientists describe how viral microRNA allows EBV to hide within cells and evade the immune system. The scientists believe their findings may one day enable physicians to flush EBV out of hiding, allowing a healthy immune system to rid the body of the virus.

Colorectal cancer patients with gene mutation show better response to cancer agent Posted: 25 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT Even though the cancer-treatment agent cetuximab is not considered effective treatment for KRAS (a gene)-mutated metastatic colorectal tumors, new research indicates that patients with colorectal cancer not responding to chemotherapy and a certain variation of this gene who were treated with cetuximab had longer overall and progression-free survival than patients with other KRAS-mutations, according to a new study.

New guideline recommends caution regarding erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) use in cancer patients Posted: 24 Oct 2010 09:00 PM PDT An updated joint guideline by the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) advises physicians about the appropriate use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), a class of drugs that stimulate the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, to treat cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia.

READ MORE - Key molecules in multiple myeloma identified plus 3 more