 |
|
A potential sugar fix for tumors
April 16, 2008DURHAM, N.C. -- Researchers at the Duke School of Medicine apparently have solved the riddle of why cancer cells like sugar so much, and it may be a mechanism that could lead to better cancer treatments.
Jonathan Coloff, a graduate student in Assistant Professor Jeffrey Rathmell's laboratory in the Duke Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, has found that the tumor cells use glucose sugar as a way to avoid programmed cell death. They make use of a protein called Akt, which promotes glucose metabolism, which in turn regulates a family of proteins critical for cell survival, the researchers shared during an April 15 presentation at the American Association of Cancer Research Annual Meeting in San Diego.
In normal cells, growth factors regulate metabolism and cell survival. Removing these factors leads to loss of glucose uptake and metabolism and cell death. Cancer cells, however, maintain glucose metabolism and resist cell death, even when deprived of growth factors.
To study how Akt might affect these processes, Coloff and colleagues introduced a cancer-causing form of Akt called myrAkt, into cells that depend on growth factor to survive. The mutant form of Akt allowed cells to maintain glucose usage and survive even when no growth factors were present, allowing them to bypass a normal safeguard used by cells to prevent cancer development.
The death of normal cells after growth factors are removed is partly accomplished by two proteins called Mcl-1 and Puma. But the cancer-causing version of Akt prevents these two proteins from accomplishing their tasks, allowing the cell to survive when it shouldn't.
Once glucose was withdrawn from the environment, however, Akt was no longer able to maintain regulation of the key targeted proteins Mcl-1 and Puma, and the cells died.
"Akt's dependence on glucose to provide an anti-cell-death signal could be a sign of metabolic addiction to glucose in cancer cells, and could give us a new avenue for a metabolic treatment of cancer," said Dr. Rathmell.
Duke University Medical Center
To study how Akt might affect these processes, Coloff and colleagues introduced a cancer-causing form of Akt called myrAkt, into cells that depend on growth factor to survive. The mutant form of Akt allowed cells to maintain glucose usage and survive even when no growth factors were present, allowing them to bypass a normal safeguard used by cells to prevent cancer development.
The death of normal cells after growth factors are removed is partly accomplished by two proteins called Mcl-1 and Puma. But the cancer-causing version of Akt prevents these two proteins from accomplishing their tasks, allowing the cell to survive when it shouldn't.
Once glucose was withdrawn from the environment, however, Akt was no longer able to maintain regulation of the key targeted proteins Mcl-1 and Puma, and the cells died.
"Akt's dependence on glucose to provide an anti-cell-death signal could be a sign of metabolic addiction to glucose in cancer cells, and could give us a new avenue for a metabolic treatment of cancer," said Dr. Rathmell.
Duke University Medical Center
Cancer Treatments Current Events and Cancer Treatments News RSSStudy reveals a 'missing link' in immune response to disease
The immune system's T cells have the unique responsibilities of being both jury and executioner. They examine other cells for signs of disease, including cancers or infections, and, if such evidence is found, rid them from the body. Precisely how T cells shift so swiftly from one role to another, however, has been a mystery.
Childhood cancer survivors experience suicidal thoughts decades after diagnosis
Adult survivors of childhood cancer have an increased risk for suicidal thoughts, even decades after their cancer treatments ended, according to a study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists.
Studies find few risks to newborn offspring of parents who are childhood cancer survivors
Whether they can have children is one of the major concerns for adult survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer because fertility can be compromised by cancer treatment.
Scientists decipher missing piece of first-responder DNA repair machine
Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Scripps Research Institute have uncovered the role played by the least-understood part of a first-responder molecule that rushes in to bind and repair breaks in DNA strands, a process that helps people avoid cancer.
UCI researchers create new strategy for highly-selective chemotherapy delivery
UC Irvine researchers have created a new approach that vastly improves the targeting of chemotherapeutic drugs to specific cells and organs.
Study shows seed implants a suitable prostate cancer treatment option for men of all ages
Men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a number of treatments to choose from, but it's a daunting task to figure out the right mix of therapies for an individual patient.
Newly Discovered Gene Fusion May Lead to Improved Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Researchers from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center have discovered a new gene fusion that is highly expressed in a subset of prostate cancers.
Human cells secrete cancer-killing protein, UK study finds
Human cells are able to secrete a cancer-killing protein, scientists at the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center have found.
Researchers identify individuals at risk for developing colon cancer
A new study identifies a group of individuals at increased risk for developing colon cancer and holds the promise for developing new tailored cancer treatments.
New technique could save cancer patients' fertility
The tiny translucent egg nestled in the special laboratory gel was a mere 30 days old, but its four-week birthday caused researchers to quietly celebrate.
More Cancer Treatments Current Events and Cancer Treatments News Articles
 |
Healing Cancer Directed By: Mike Anderson HEALING CANCER (DVD MOVIE) |
 |
Life Over Cancer: The Block Center Program for Integrative Cancer Treatment by Keith Block (Author), Andrew Weil M.D. (Foreword) Dr. Keith Block is at the global vanguard of innovative cancer care. As medical director of the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment in Evanston, Illinois, he has treated thousands of patients who have lived long, full lives beyond their original prognoses. Now he has distilled almost thirty years of experience into the first book that gives patients a systematic, research-based plan for developing the physical and emotional vitality they need to meet the demands of treatment and recovery. Based on a profound understanding of how body and mind can work together to defeat disease, this groundbreaking book offers: • Innovative approaches to conventional treatments, such as “chronotherapy”–chemotherapy timed to patients’ unique circadian rhythms for... |
|
Alternative Cancer Treatment by Peter Mann natural remedies for cancer Everything you ever wanted to know about alternative cancer treatment is contained in this unique guide...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. | |
 |
Relaxation, Imagery and Meditation: Healing Practices to Complement Cancer Treatment by Carolyn McManus |
 |
My Pink Ribbon Book A Breast Cancer Treatment Journal and Organizer for BODY. MIND. SPIRIT by Vera Bradley This journal was lovingly created to be a companion for your journey. Not only a useful tool, it's a helpmate and confidante, and can assist you in making sense of everything as you chart your own course toward recovery. Also makes a thoughful gift for that special person! Measures 8" X 9" |
 |
Hypnosis Support for Cancer Treatment Gwen Randall-Young (Primary Contributor) |
|
Options in the Treatment of Breast Cancer [VHS] Starring: B. Elliot Grysen M.D. J.D. Directed By: B. Elliot Grysen M.D. J.D. Also With: B. Elliot Grysen M.D. J.D. (Primary Contributor) This video production is based on the counseling sessions used by Dr. Mark Campbell to explain to his patients what breast cancer treatment options are available. These sessions have been widely acclaimed by patients and cancer support groups and now have been recorded and edited to present the same information to other patients and their families. | |
 |
Graviola Pure Extract x100 - Cancer Cure, Graviola, Cure For Cancer, Alternative Cancer Treatment; Natural Cancer Treatment by AB Marketers LLC Product OverviewGraviola Pure Extract x100 capsNowadays cancer is one of the most feared disease due to there is no cure for it yet. Although there is a natural and effective way to prevent different types of carcinogenic cells (cancer cells) to reproduce in your body.Laboratories of the University of Purdue in the state of Indiana - USA affirm that the Graviola (a fruit high in carbohydrates vitamin C vitamin B1 and vitamin B2) contains high anti-carcinogenic and cytotoxic components for different types of carcinogenic cells.Keeping this in mind The Graviola Pure Extracts caps were made to eliminate different kind of carcinogenic cells. These natural anti-cancer pills come in 100 capsules presentation to take two or three times daily. Due to its high content of anti-carcinogenic you... |
 |
FlameEz-Colon, 60 Capsules/Bottle by FlameEz Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is caused by chronic inflammation in digestive tract which leads to severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common forms of IBD. Chronic inflammation also plays a significant role in colon cancer. Inflammation promotes oxidative damage, DNA mutation, and cell transformation. Inflammatory mediators act as a tumor promoter, stimulate the proliferation of both untransformed and tumor cells. Tumor cells also amplify inflammatory responses by attracting more inflammatory cells to infiltrate the tumor. Such vicious cycle leads to tissue disruption and metastasis. The importance of inflammation in cancer progression has already led to clinical trials of anti-inflammatory cancer therapy. It is believed that... |
 |
EARLY CANCER CONTROL DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT AMERICAN US USA SMALL VINTAGE POSTER REPRO by WONDERFULITEMS THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL / GREAT QUALITY REPRODUCTION VINTAGE POSTER !!! THE POSTERS ARE PRINTED ON HEAVYWEIGHT PROFESSIONAL MATTE PAPER USING **GICLEE** TECHNIQUE. THE QUALITY OF THE IMAGES IS JUST AMAZING!!! 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE!!! IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED JUST RETURN THE POSTER, NO QUESTIONS ASKED!!! IMAGE SIZE IS 12" X 16" INCHES - PAPER SIZE IS 15" X 18" INCHES. THIS POSTER WILL MAKE A FANTASTIC ADDITION TO THE HOME DÉCOR!!! ***HIGH QUALITY POSTER FOR DISCERNING CLIENTES!!!!!*** |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |