 |
|
Lasers Penetrate Cancer's Gene Secrets
July 04, 2002LIGHT SABRES and phaser guns may be the stuff of science fiction, but laser technology has brought an important step forward in our present-day understanding of cancer, a study reveals this week.*
By using miniature lasers to probe pancreatic tumours, Cancer Research UK scientists have implicated three new genes in the development of the disease.
Their discovery could be important for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, as scientists aim to develop new drugs targeted at the genes. And researchers are optimistic that using lasers will accelerate progress against a number of other cancers.
Pancreatic cancer affects nearly 7,000 people in the UK each year and has a very poor survival rate. The disease has proved difficult to study, since pancreatic tumours are a complex mix of cancer cells and non-cancerous tissue. Analysing a tumour as a whole fails to give an accurate picture of what is going on within the cancer cells.
But Prof Nick Lemoine and his colleagues at Cancer Research UK's Molecular Oncology Unit in Hammersmith used lasers to cut out slivers of 'pure cancer' from the heart of each tumour.
The technique - called Laser Capture Microdissection - allowed them to analyse the cancer cells in unprecedented detail, measuring the genetic changes that occur during the development of the disease.
Prof Lemoine comments: "Our knowledge of pancreatic cancer has been held back by the lack of the technology needed to separate out the cancer cells from all the surrounding mess. But by combining laser technology with conventional techniques, we've been able to home in on the disease's genetic causes much more closely than was possible before."
Scientists are interested not only in which genes are turned on in cancer, but the level to which they are switched. Each gene is controlled by the equivalent of a volume control, and, scientists found that three genes - called ABL2, Notch4 and SOD1 - were turned up to a much higher volume in cancer cells than in their healthy counterparts. They believe these are likely to be crucial to cancer's growth and development and could be important targets for drugs of the future.
Prof Lemoine adds: "We're really excited by our discovery, as these genes all appear to be extremely important in the development of pancreatic cancer. We're already in the process of finding out exactly what the genes do in cancer cells, and the next step will be to develop drugs to block their function."
Sir Paul Nurse, Interim Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, says: "Cancer is a highly complex disease and it often takes a fresh approach to move our understanding forward. Until now we had no idea that any of these genes were involved in the disease, so it's an important step forward in our search for new gene-targeted treatments."
Ends
Cancer Research UK
Pancreatic cancer affects nearly 7,000 people in the UK each year and has a very poor survival rate. The disease has proved difficult to study, since pancreatic tumours are a complex mix of cancer cells and non-cancerous tissue. Analysing a tumour as a whole fails to give an accurate picture of what is going on within the cancer cells.
But Prof Nick Lemoine and his colleagues at Cancer Research UK's Molecular Oncology Unit in Hammersmith used lasers to cut out slivers of 'pure cancer' from the heart of each tumour.
The technique - called Laser Capture Microdissection - allowed them to analyse the cancer cells in unprecedented detail, measuring the genetic changes that occur during the development of the disease.
Prof Lemoine comments: "Our knowledge of pancreatic cancer has been held back by the lack of the technology needed to separate out the cancer cells from all the surrounding mess. But by combining laser technology with conventional techniques, we've been able to home in on the disease's genetic causes much more closely than was possible before."
Scientists are interested not only in which genes are turned on in cancer, but the level to which they are switched. Each gene is controlled by the equivalent of a volume control, and, scientists found that three genes - called ABL2, Notch4 and SOD1 - were turned up to a much higher volume in cancer cells than in their healthy counterparts. They believe these are likely to be crucial to cancer's growth and development and could be important targets for drugs of the future.
Prof Lemoine adds: "We're really excited by our discovery, as these genes all appear to be extremely important in the development of pancreatic cancer. We're already in the process of finding out exactly what the genes do in cancer cells, and the next step will be to develop drugs to block their function."
Sir Paul Nurse, Interim Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, says: "Cancer is a highly complex disease and it often takes a fresh approach to move our understanding forward. Until now we had no idea that any of these genes were involved in the disease, so it's an important step forward in our search for new gene-targeted treatments."
Ends
Cancer Research UK
Pancreatic Cancer Current Events and Pancreatic Cancer News RSSRare pancreatic cancer patients may live longer when treated with radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is effective in achieving local control and palliation in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNTs), despite such tumors being commonly considered resistant to radiation therapy.
African-Americans with colorectal cancer have poorer outcomes, lower survival rates
New research published in the November issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that African-American patients with colorectal cancer are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease and are less likely to undergo surgical procedures compared with Caucasians, suggesting that improvements in screening and rates of operation may reduce differences in colorectal cancer outcomes for African-Americans.
Discovery offers potential new pancreatic cancer treatment
Tiny particles that can carry drugs and target cancer cells may offer treatment hope for those suffering with pancreatic cancer. New research to be presented in November at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles reveals that tumor-penetrating microparticles (TPM) have been specifically designed to break through hard-to-infiltrate barriers and deliver drugs more effectively and efficiently than the standard form of chemotherapy such as those injected through a vein.
Hepatitis B does not increase risk for pancreatic cancer
A Henry Ford Hospital study found that hepatitis B does not increase the risk for pancreatic cancer - and that only age is a contributing factor.
M. D. Anderson examines use of toad venom in cancer treatment
Huachansu, a Chinese medicine that comes from the dried venom secreted by the skin glands of toads, has tolerable toxicity levels, even at doses eight times those normally administered, and may slow disease progression in some cancer patients, say researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Pancreatic cancer: Researchers find drug that reverses resistance to chemotherapy
For the first time researchers have shown that by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called TAK-1, it is possible to make pancreatic cancer cells sensitive to chemotherapy, opening the way for the development of a new drug to treat the disease.
Endothelin-1 inhibitors in chronic pancreatitis
Fibrosis is a key feature of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The extensive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins fosters the development of an exocrine and endocrine organ insufficiency, and accelerates progression of the tumour.
Autoimmune response can induce pancreatic tumor rejection
Immune responses are capable of killing tumors before they can be directed toward normal body tissue, according to new scientific findings published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
MicroRNAs circulating in blood show promise as biomarkers to detect pancreatic cancer
A blood test for small molecules abnormally expressed in pancreatic cancer may be a promising route to early detection of the disease.
Blood-flow metabolism mismatch predicts pancreatic tumor aggressiveness
Researchers from Turku, Finland, have identified a blood-flow glucose consumption mismatch that predicted pancreatic tumor aggressiveness, according to results of a study published in Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
More Pancreatic Cancer Current Events and Pancreatic Cancer News Articles
 |
100 Questions & Answers About Pancreatic Cancer, Second Edition by Eileen O'Reilly (Author), Joanne Frankel Kelvin (Author) Whether you re a newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of someone with pancreatic cancer, this book offers help. The only text to provide a doctor s and patient s view, 100 Questions & Answers About Pancreatic Cancer, Second Edition gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. The authors, a medical oncologist and a nurse with 25 years of experience with cancer patients, provide a comprehensive, step-by-step discussion of what you can expect in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, while patient commentaries provide a real-life understanding of what these steps might mean for your day-to-day life. This book is an invaluable... |
 |
Pancreatic Cancer (M.D. Anderson Solid Tumor Oncology Series) by Andrew M. Lowy (Editor), Steven D. Leach (Editor), Philip Philip (Editor) Since the previous M.D. Anderson Solid Tumor Oncology Series publication on pancreatic cancer, there have been major advances in our understanding of molecular events which underlie pancreatic cancer development, both in the sporadic and inherited forms. We have seen the development of the first mouse models that accurately recapitulate features of the human disease. Several landmark clinical trials in both resectable and metastatic pancreatic cancer have been completed, raising new questions about the standard of care in this disease. Finally, the era of targeted biologic therapies has engendered new excitement about the prospects of more rapid progress in understanding and successfully treating this dreadful disease. Therefore, it is an appropriate time to review these important... |
 |
100 Q&A About Pancreatic Cancer (100 Questions & Answers) by Joanne Frankel Kelvin Eileen O'Reilly (Author) EMPOWER YOURSELF! Whether you’re a newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of someone with pancreatic cancer, this book offers help. The only text to provide a doctor’s and patient’s view, 100 Questions & Answers About Pancreatic Cancer gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. The authors, a medical oncologist and a nurse with 25 years of experience with cancer patients, provide a comprehensive, step-by-step discussion of what you can expect in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, while patient commentaries provide a real-life understanding of what these steps might mean for your day-to-day life. This book is an... |
 |
My Journey With Pancreatic Cancer by Calvin Rains (Author) This book is shared to help all understand the cancer affecting the pancreas which is a vital organ in the digestion of food. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly of cancers affecting the human body. Less than 5% of those diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer survive the first year.This book is intended to help the patient, their families, and friends to understand the dangers and possible treatments. It is vital that the patient and their families understand the importance of choices of treatment and the possible side effects.This is basically a diary of one patient who has been able to survive five (5) years at this writing. The road can be challenging, but healing is possible if discovered and treated quickly. This book will help the patient and their families to better deal with... |
 |
Clearly Charming Purple Ribbon Pancreatic Cancer, Fibromyalgia, Lupus Italian Charm by Clearly Charming Purple ribbon stands for domestic violence, pancreatic cancer, Chrons Disease and colitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Fibromyalgia, and Lupus awareness. It will make a great addition to your Italian charm bracelet or a perfect personalized gift. Commemorate special occasions, capture memorable moments, or simply show off your birthstone by creating your own original Italian charm bracelet. Add Clearly Charming premium quality interlocking modular Italian charm links to your Italian Charm Bracelet and create your own memory bracelet. |
 |
Cancer Be Gone Guided imagery CD taps into the immense power of the mind to enhance comfort, healing, an optimistic attitude and positive expectations. Metaphor of "cancer as weeds in a garden that are easily managed". |
 |
Beating Pancreatic Cancer Together T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Maximum Intenational Maximize Graviola 750, 750mg Graviola, 100 Veggie Caps by Maximum International Having attracted worldwide interest as an inhibitor of malignant cell growth, this remarkable Amazonian herb has been studied in more than 20 laboratory tests for its anti-tumor and cell protective qualities. The best Graviola on the market. Maximum Int'l. is the company with the most potent products available. Lab tested to make sure the ingredients are of the most superior quality and highes quality raw materials available. This product is manufactured in an FDA inspected and GMP certified facility. Quality is guaranteed. |
 |
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Pancreatic Cancer Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Pancreatic Cancer Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Pancreatic Cancer Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
|
Hope Springs for Pancreatic Cancer by Expressions from the Heart Designed with gift giving and memento keeping in mind, each mouth-blown, glass, heart-shaped ornament features a waffle-like texture into which 160 Swarovski crystals are set. The evocative line offers a fresh and very sentimental option for ornament lovers seeking an alternative to just another tree trimming collectible. Each spectacular piece is suspended from an elegant, bow-trimmed, ribbon and comes packaged, for giving and keeping, in a lovely, high-quality box. Each design has its own special name, accompanied by an evocative story, presented on a story card within the gift box. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |