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New Discovery Raises Doubts About Use of Certain Targeted Therapies in Bladder Cancer
March 26, 2009Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have found that one of the genes commonly thought to promote the growth and spread of some types of cancers is in fact beneficial in bladder cancer - a major discovery that could significantly alter the way bladder cancers are treated in the future.
Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the United States, resulting in an estimated 14,000 deaths a year. A majority of these deaths are due to the cancer spreading, or metastasizing, to other areas of the body such as the lung and liver.
The study, published in the April issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that in bladder cancer the SRC gene may help rather than hinder the natural ability of cells to suppress aggressive tumor growth.
"We found that SRC modifies a recently discovered metastasis suppressor gene called RhoGDI2 making it more potent at slowing bladder cancer's ability to metastasize," says lead author Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD, professor of urologic oncology and molecular physiology at the UVA School of Medicine.
SRC is a type of oncogene -- genes that are known to trigger cancer. In most cancers SRC has been shown to promote tumor development and contribute to the spread of cancer. Other genes, called metastasis suppressor genes, block this activity, and only when their levels are reduced is cancer able to spread.
In the study, researchers analyzed human bladder cancer and discovered that SRC levels diminish as bladder cancer progresses. Furthermore, they found that reduced SRC levels and significant levels of the metastasis suppressor gene, RhoGD12, appear mutually exclusive in individual tumors - providing evidence that both genes are likely involved in the process leading to suppression of bladder cancer metastases.
"Our findings have important implications for the use of targeted therapeutic agents that inhibit SRC in bladder cancer and highlight the general importance of personalizing therapy in cancer," says Theodorescu. "Our data suggest using caution for their use in treating bladder cancer until more studies are carried out to define the implications of this form of therapy in bladder cancer."
University of Virginia
"We found that SRC modifies a recently discovered metastasis suppressor gene called RhoGDI2 making it more potent at slowing bladder cancer's ability to metastasize," says lead author Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD, professor of urologic oncology and molecular physiology at the UVA School of Medicine.
SRC is a type of oncogene -- genes that are known to trigger cancer. In most cancers SRC has been shown to promote tumor development and contribute to the spread of cancer. Other genes, called metastasis suppressor genes, block this activity, and only when their levels are reduced is cancer able to spread.
In the study, researchers analyzed human bladder cancer and discovered that SRC levels diminish as bladder cancer progresses. Furthermore, they found that reduced SRC levels and significant levels of the metastasis suppressor gene, RhoGD12, appear mutually exclusive in individual tumors - providing evidence that both genes are likely involved in the process leading to suppression of bladder cancer metastases.
"Our findings have important implications for the use of targeted therapeutic agents that inhibit SRC in bladder cancer and highlight the general importance of personalizing therapy in cancer," says Theodorescu. "Our data suggest using caution for their use in treating bladder cancer until more studies are carried out to define the implications of this form of therapy in bladder cancer."
University of Virginia
Bladder Cancer Current Events and Bladder Cancer News RSSPrediction model superior to traditional criteria in bladder treatment decision
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Johns Hopkins scientists have tracked down a powerful set of cells in bladder tumors that seem to be primarily responsible for the cancer's growth and spread using a technique that takes advantage of similarities between tumor and organ growth.
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UT Southwestern researchers investigate high-risk populations for bladder-cancer screenings
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DKK-3 and WIF-1: Proteins related to liver cancer development?
Liver cancer is one of the most fatal human malignancies and the third most frequent cause of tumor-related death, about half a million people globally each year.
Certain ecologic factors associated with greater risk of bladder cancer
Persons drinking well water (as opposed to public supply) may be at an increased risk of bladder cancer, according to new research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Researchers will present data about the relationship between bladder cancer and certain ecologic factors including water source and UV radiation levels at the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).
Mayo Clinic researcher says improved detection of bladder tumors reduces cancer recurrence
Making tumors inside the bladder fluoresce red under blue light allows physicians to more easily find and remove them, substantially reducing the rate at which these cancers come back, says a Mayo Clinic physician who is presenting results of a large, multicenter international clinical trial.
Genetic Variants Predict Recurrence of Bladder Cancer, Patient Survival
Scientists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered genetic variations in the inflammation pathway that reduce the likelihood of recurrence and increase survival of patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who are treated with mainstream therapy.
More intense bladder cancer treatment does not improve survival, U-M study finds
Despite enduring more invasive tests and medical procedures, patients who were treated aggressively for early stage bladder cancer had no better survival than patients who were treated less aggressively.
New investigational treatment for bladder cancer, identified with Columbia-developed research model
A team of researchers, led by Columbia University Medical Center faculty, has identified a new investigational therapy for the treatment of bladder cancer.
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Bladder Cancer (Cleveland Clinic Guide) by M D Raghavan (Author), Kathleen Tuthill (Author) Cancer that arises in the bladder is one of the most common malignancies in industrialized societies and yet is not well understood in the community at large. Bladder Cancer: A Cleveland Clinic Guide provides simple, non-medical explanations of this disease for people who have to deal with this illness, either as patients or as those who care for these patients. |
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The Guide to Living with Bladder Cancer by Dr. Mark P. Schoenberg MD FACS (Author) Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD. Text for families and patients facing this disease. Discusses the structure and function of the urinary tract, an overview of bladder cancer and risk factors, symptoms, surgery, life after surgery, principles of chemotherapy, tests and diagnosis, and major surgical procedures. Hardcover, soft not available |
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Bladder Cancer Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Bladder Cancer Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Bladder 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 Bladder 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! |
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Fight Against Bladder Cancer T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
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Fight Against Bladder Cancer Mug by Design a Product LLC Text on mug: Fight Against Bladder Cancer * Custom coffee mugs are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. Colors are permanently baked into the mug''s surface. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom coffee mugs please contact us. * Size: 11 oz. capacity ceramic coffee mug. |
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