 |
|
New study gives further hope that vitamin D can fight breast cancer
October 17, 2006Vitamin D may help curb breast cancer progression, according to a study published today in the Journal of Clinical Pathology.
The authors, from Imperial College London, measured the levels of vitamin D in the blood serum of 279 women with invasive breast cancer. The disease was in its early stages in 204 of the women, and advanced in the remaining 75.
The results showed that women with early stage disease had significantly higher levels of vitamin D (15 to 184 mmol/litre) than the women in the advanced stages of the disease (16 to 146 mmol/litre).
The authors say that the exact reasons for the disparity are not clear, nor is it known whether the lowered levels of vitamin D among those with advanced disease are a cause or a consequence of the cancer itself. However, the researchers' results, taken together with results from previous studies, lead them to believe that lowered levels of vitamin D may promote the progression of the disease to its advanced stages.
Laboratory studies have shown that vitamin D stops cancer cells from dividing and enhances cancer cell death. Vitamin D sufficiency and exposure to sunlight has been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. The body produces its own vitamin D in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. The vitamin is also found in certain foods, including eggs and fatty fish.
It is known that vitamin D treatment boosts the activity of certain key genes and dampens it down in others. One that is boosted is p21, which has an important role in controlling the cell cycle.
Dr Carlo Palmieri, from the department of cancer medicine at Imperial College London and lead author on the paper, said: "This report, while being an observational study, clearly shows that circulating vitamin D levels are lower in advanced breast cancer as compared to early breast cancer. It lends support to the idea that vitamin D has a role in the progression of breast cancer.
"The next step in this research is to try and understand the potential causes and mechanisms underlying these differences and the precise consequences at a molecular level. We also need to look at the potential clinical implications of monitoring and maintaining high circulating vitamin D levels in breast cancer patients. By answering these questions we may be able to improve the treatment of women with breast cancer,\\\
Imperial College London
The authors say that the exact reasons for the disparity are not clear, nor is it known whether the lowered levels of vitamin D among those with advanced disease are a cause or a consequence of the cancer itself. However, the researchers' results, taken together with results from previous studies, lead them to believe that lowered levels of vitamin D may promote the progression of the disease to its advanced stages.
Laboratory studies have shown that vitamin D stops cancer cells from dividing and enhances cancer cell death. Vitamin D sufficiency and exposure to sunlight has been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. The body produces its own vitamin D in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. The vitamin is also found in certain foods, including eggs and fatty fish.
It is known that vitamin D treatment boosts the activity of certain key genes and dampens it down in others. One that is boosted is p21, which has an important role in controlling the cell cycle.
Dr Carlo Palmieri, from the department of cancer medicine at Imperial College London and lead author on the paper, said: "This report, while being an observational study, clearly shows that circulating vitamin D levels are lower in advanced breast cancer as compared to early breast cancer. It lends support to the idea that vitamin D has a role in the progression of breast cancer.
"The next step in this research is to try and understand the potential causes and mechanisms underlying these differences and the precise consequences at a molecular level. We also need to look at the potential clinical implications of monitoring and maintaining high circulating vitamin D levels in breast cancer patients. By answering these questions we may be able to improve the treatment of women with breast cancer,\\\
Imperial College London
Breast Cancer Current Events and Breast Cancer News RSSBlocking cancer in its path: New cellular defect discovered
UCSF researchers have discovered that a key cellular defect that disturbs the production of proteins in human cells can lead to cancer susceptibility.
Revisiting the need to detect circulating tumor cells
One of the most dangerous characteristics of cancer is its ability to metastasize, or spread through the body. For this reason, oncologists have a major need for better tests to detect cells that break away from primary tumors to travel to other parts of the body.
Palpable breast cancers are more common in women not undergoing annual mammography
New research findings published in the March issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons indicate that some breast cancers continue to be detected as a palpable lump rather than being found through mammographic screening.
Effort aims to spike breast cancer with new approach
Many women live with breast cancer that does not respond to standard medical treatment, a condition that researchers at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare want to change by aggressively targeting specific genes.
Berkeley Scientists Find New Way to Get Physical in the Fight Against Cancer
Conventional biological wisdom holds that living cells interact with their environment through an elaborate network of chemical signals.
Opposing functions of a key molecule in the development of organisms
Scientists headed by ICREA researcher Marco Milán, at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), reveal a surprising new function of Notch protein that contrasts with the one known to date. Found in the cell membrane, this protein activates a signalling pathway that regulates the expression of genes that make the cell divide, grow, migrate, specialise or die.
Breast cancer drug fulvestrant appears more effective in the presence of CK8 and CK18
Women's responsiveness to the second-line breast cancer drug fulvestrant may depend on whether the cancer cells are expressing two key proteins, Indiana University Bloomington scientists report in this month's Cancer Biology & Therapy.
MU Researcher Presents Risk-free Treatment for Low Female Sexual Desire
According to the Journal of Sexual Medicine, people who engage in regular sexual activity gain several health benefits, such as longer lives, healthier hearts, lower blood pressure, and lower risk of breast cancer. However, approximately 33 percent of women may not receive these benefits due to low sexual desire.
K-State professor finds link between low oxygen levels in body and cancer-aiding protein
What began as research into how diabetics could possibly preserve their eyesight has led to findings that could prolong the vision of children afflicted with retinoblastoma.
New study questions benefits of elective removal of ovaries during hysterectomy
Removal of the ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) while performing a hysterectomy is common practice to prevent the subsequent development of ovarian cancer.
More Breast Cancer Current Events and Breast Cancer News Articles
 |
Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Relay for Life Knee Socks Great for Fundraising Walk Survivor by Private Label Boldly show your support of breast cancer awareness with these socks. Great to wear at walks, Relay for Life or to use as fundraisers. Also available in dozen packages of assorted designs. |
 |
Wrangler Women's Tough Enough To Wear Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Jacket,Pink,Large by Wrangler |
 |
1149 WOMENS VINTAGE BLACK ADJUSTABLE FATIGUE CAP w/PINK STRIPES & ''BREAST CANCER'' RIBBON by Rothco A portion of these proceeds go to the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition- For Life, For Hope, For Change, For the Future Visit www.babylonbreastcancer.org for more information. |
 |
Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Tennis Bracelet by Avon Silvertone with light rose crystals and pink enamel-look ribbon motif. 7" L with 1" extender. 100% of the profits ($3.46) will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Avon believes that when women are empowered they can make their dreams a beautifully reality. Nowhere is that commitment more evident than in our philanthropic efforts, led by the Avon Foundation for Women. Avon is the largest corporate supporter of the breast cancer cause, and the largest corporate-affiliated foundation for womens causes, with programs in more than 50 countries. Join Reese Witherspoon, Avons Global Ambassador Since 2007, Reese has partnered with Avon to make a difference. She has presented millions of dollars in Avon grants for breast cancer research and access to care and spoken out against domestic... |
 |
PINK RIBBON BREAST CANCER BEADED KEY CHAIN Purse Charm by MyJewelThief Beaded Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Keychains. A mix of 4 styles! BEADS GALORE! Great for keychains, purse charms and more! Great for fund raisers! Meaures approx. 5" long! |
 |
Breast Cancer Survival Manual, Fourth Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide for the Woman With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer by John Link (Author) A completely updated edition of the definitive guide for patients with breast cancer The new fourth edition of The Breast Cancer Survival Manual provides essential updates on treatment and care, enhancing the basic information that has made this the most trusted guide for women diagnosed with breast cancer for the past decade. This edition includes the most current advice on • getting a second opinion: why it’s important, what questions to ask, and how to decide which team of doctors is best for you • updates on genetic testing and how doctors are using the results to tailor care for each patient • navigating new types of radiation, the herceptin breakthrough, and improved reconstruction surgeries Conscious of the rapidly evolving spectrum of... |
 |
Fox Run Breast Cancer Awareness Baking Set by Fox Run Support Breast Cancer awareness in a sweet way with this five piece set. Bake cookies using the ribbon cookie cutters or cupcakes using the white paper bake cups with the pattern of pink ribbons. Decorate both with the included 4 in 1 sprinke assortement jar. The set also includes a pink silicone spoon spatula to help mix up your favorite batch of cookie dough. |
 |
Thorlo Women's Pink Pad Breast Cancer Sock, White/Pink, Large by Thorlo Thorlos EWH Everyday Walker Socks are designed to make a difference. The CoolMax Mini-Crew Everday Walking Socks, are constructed for comfort, moisture control and blister prevention. Lightweight padding provides excellent durability and increased wicking action, without added bulk. Designed for Women who prefer a lighter weight product for performance walking or just taking a stroll. More Blister protection than any other thin sock product on the market today. Coolmax® Construction wicks moisture better: feet feel cooler. Protection Level 1. Made in the U.S.A. |
 |
New Balance Women's Lace Up X Out Breast Cancer Tech Tee (Athletic Grey, XX-Large) by New Balance The New Balance X Out Breast Caner Tee has a soft hand and clearly states how everyone feels! |
 |
Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Crystal Pin by Riverstone Goods Genuine Austrian Crystal Layered in 18k Gold Pink Enameled Ribbon Pins. Measures approx. 1 1/2" X 1". Each individually carded. Wonderful for fund raisers! |
| © 2010 BrightSurf.com |