 |
|
Stem cells as cancer therapy
December 26, 2006Stem cells and metastatic cancer: fatal attraction?
It is widely hoped that neural stem cells will eventually be useful for replacing nerves damaged by degenerative diseases like Alzheimer disease and multiple sclerosis. But there may also be another use for such stem cells-delivering anti-cancer drugs to cancer cells.
A Perspective article in PLoS Medic ine, by Professor Riccardo Fodde (Erasmus Medical Center, The Netherlands), discusses a new study in mice, published in the launch issue of PLoS ONE - http://www.plosone.org - that showed that neural stem cells could be used to help deliver anti-cancer drugs to metastatic cancer cells.
One of the characteristics of neural stem cells is their tendency to move towards diseased areas (scientists call this phenomenon "pathotropism"). This characteristic, says Professor Fodde, "makes them particularly attractive candidates not only to replace damaged tissue in degenerative pathologies, but also to deliver therapeutic molecules in patients with disseminated metastatic cancer."
In the study published in PLoS ONE, Karen Aboody and colleagues report on the eradication of disseminated metastases in a mouse model of a cancer called neuroblastoma. The researchers took advantage of the tumor-tropic (selective migration towards cance r cells) properties of neural stem cells engineered to express an enzyme that activates an anti-cancer drug.
It is much too early to know whether this study in mice will lead to any kind of valuable treatment for humans with cancer. Clinical trials in humans are needed before doctors can know whether stem cells have a role in cancer therapy. Professor Fodde also says that there will be a number of concerns about the safety of such human trials, which he discusses in his Perspective.
Public Library of Science
One of the characteristics of neural stem cells is their tendency to move towards diseased areas (scientists call this phenomenon "pathotropism"). This characteristic, says Professor Fodde, "makes them particularly attractive candidates not only to replace damaged tissue in degenerative pathologies, but also to deliver therapeutic molecules in patients with disseminated metastatic cancer."
In the study published in PLoS ONE, Karen Aboody and colleagues report on the eradication of disseminated metastases in a mouse model of a cancer called neuroblastoma. The researchers took advantage of the tumor-tropic (selective migration towards cance r cells) properties of neural stem cells engineered to express an enzyme that activates an anti-cancer drug.
It is much too early to know whether this study in mice will lead to any kind of valuable treatment for humans with cancer. Clinical trials in humans are needed before doctors can know whether stem cells have a role in cancer therapy. Professor Fodde also says that there will be a number of concerns about the safety of such human trials, which he discusses in his Perspective.
Public Library of Science
Cancer Therapy Current Events and Cancer Therapy News RSSSponges recycle carbon to give life to coral reefs
Coral reefs support some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, yet they thrive in a marine desert. So how do reefs sustain their thriving populations?
Short-term hormone therapy and intermediate dose radiation increases survivial for early stage prostate cancer
Short-term hormone therapy given prior to and during intermediate dose radiation treatment for men with early stage prostate cancer increases their chance of living longer, compared to those who receive the same radiation alone.
Duke develops nano-scale drug delivery for chemotherapy
Going smaller could bring better results, especially when it comes to cancer-fighting drugs.
Experts issue call to reconsider screening for breast cancer and prostate cancer
Twenty years of screening for breast and prostate cancer - the most diagnosed cancer for women and men - have not brought the anticipated decline in deaths from these diseases, argue experts from the University of California, San Francisco and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in an opinion piece published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association."
Mice regain ability to extend telomeres suggesting potential for dyskeratosis congenita therapy
The human genetic disease dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) is an autosomal dominant disease that leads to abnormalities in tissues with a rapid cell turnover - the skin, nails, bone marrow, lungs and gut.
October 15, 2009 Loss of Tumor-Suppressor and DNA-Maintenance Proteins Causes Tissue Demise, Penn Study Finds
A study published in the October issue of Nature Genetics demonstrates that loss of the tumor-suppressor protein p53, coupled with elimination of the DNA-maintenance protein ATR, severely disrupts tissue maintenance in mice. As a result, tissues deteriorate rapidly, which is generally fatal in these animals. In addition, the study provides supportive evidence for the use of inhibitors of ATR in cancer therapy.
Transcendental meditation reduces stress, improves mental health among women with breast cancer
Women with breast cancer reduced stress and improved their mental health and emotional well being through the Transcendental Meditation technique.
Survivors of childhood cancer less likely to marry
Childhood cancer survivors typically suffer from the long-term effects of cancer treatment on physical health, and results of a new study suggest that social implications also exist, which may affect their chance of an "I do" at the altar.
Molecular imaging holds promise for early intervention in common uterine cancer
A promising new molecular imaging technique may provide physicians and patients with a noninvasive way to learn more information about a type of cancer of the uterus lining called "endometrial carcinoma"-one of the most common malignant female tumors.
Penn studies point to strategies for reducing painful breast cancer drug side effects
Aromatase inhibitors, the same drugs that have buoyed long-term survival rates among breast cancer patients, also carry side effects including joint pain so severe that many patients discontinue these lifesaving medicines.
More Cancer Therapy Current Events and Cancer Therapy News Articles
 |
A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases and the Cure of Advanced Cancer by Max Gerson (Author) |
 |
Cancer Therapy: The Independent Consumer's Guide to Non-Toxic Treatment & Prevention by Ralph W. Moss (Author) This thorough guide is a must-read for cancer patients and their families seeking treatment options. |
 |
Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy; Revised 5th Edition: How Cancer Is Diagnosed, Treated, and Managed Day to Day by M.d., Ernest H. Rosenbaum (Author), Malin Dollinger (Author) The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than 20 million people in the U.S. are currently diagnosed with cancer, and 1.4 million people are expected to be diagnosed in the coming year. For the millions confronting cancer's many challenges, Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy: How Cancer Is Diagnosed, Treated, and Managed Day to Day relies on an esteemed panel of oncology specialists--more than 100 strong, and each experts in their fields--to completely update this definitive cancer resource. Equally informative and accessible, this comprehensive book navigates cancer patients and their caregivers through diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. Every chapter has been methodically updated to include the latest medical breakthroughs and advice concerning cancer treatment,... |
 |
The Gerson Therapy: The Proven Nutritional Program for Cancer and Other Illnesses by Charlotte Gerson (Author), D.P.M., Morton Walker (Author) Cancer. Hepatitis. Migraines. Arthritis. Heart Disease. Emphysema. For years, the medical establishment has called these chronic or life- threatening diseases "incurable." But now, the Gerson Therapy offers hope for those seeking relief from hundreds of different diseases. Juice your way to wellness. One of the first alternative cancer therapies, the Gerson Therapy has successfully treated thousands of patients for over 60 years. Now, in this authoritative revised and updated edition, alternative medicine therapist Charlotte Gerson and medical journalist Morton Walker reveal even more on the powerful healing effects of organic fruits and vegetables. Not only can juicing reverse the effects of many degenerative illnesses-it can save lives. "The Gerson Therapy" shows you: How to beat cancer... |
 |
Eating Well Through Cancer: Easy Recipes & Recommendations During & After Treatment by Holly Clegg (Author), Gerald Miletello (Author) Designed for cancer patients and their family, these easy-to-follow recipes focus on foods best tolerated and those to ease the symptoms during treatment. With an oncologist's chapter introduction, doctor's notes, menu planning, tips, nutritional analysis, diabetic exchanges, the book serves as a guide for nutrition before, during, and after cancer treatment. |
|
Annals of Cancer Research and Therapy by Pjd Publs Ltd | |
 |
Targeted Cancer Therapy Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. For dozens of years, the most common forms of cancer treatments included traditional chemotherapy, radiation and possibly surgery. Now newer medications are emerging, thanks to advances in science. Research has brought about a better understanding of cancer on a molecular level. This understanding is resulting in medicines that zero in on properties unique to cancer cells, allowing those medicines to selectively affect cancer with the potential of less collateral damage to healthy cells in the body. This program, "Targeted Cancer Therapy," describes how targeted therapies work, and introduces patients and families who are finding hope and healing where there once was none. This product is manufactured on... |
 |
My Journey with Breast Cancer by Jo Ann Klein, MS, RN My journey with breast cancer from diagnosis to treatment to every day living. Must reading for the newly diagnosed.Kindle blogs are fully downloaded onto your Kindle so you can read them even when you're not wirelessly connected. And unlike RSS readers which often only provide headlines, blogs on Kindle give you full text content and images, and are updated wirelessly throughout the day. |
 |
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". |
|
Complementary Therapies for Cancer PA [VHS] Starring: Various |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |