 |
|
Genetic Link Uncovered in Disparate Colon Cancer Death
April 01, 2009• Protein variant tied to colon cancer in African-Americans
• Adds new detail to push for personalized medicine
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A new study reveals the first-ever genetic link to the reason African-Americans are at increased risk of dying from colon cancer.
The discovery by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is focused on a protein variant called Pro72 identified through genetic testing. In the study, African-Americans with a Pro72 protein variant had more than double the risk of dying from an advanced form of colon cancer compared to whites, the researchers said.
The discovery boosts the scientific understanding of racial disparities in cancer and other diseases and adds new detail in the ongoing search for more personalized cancer-fighting therapies, said Upender Manne, Ph.D., an associate professor in the UAB Department of Pathology who led the study.
The findings are published in the April 1 issue of the journal Clinical Cancer Research.
Racial Disparity Link
Pro72 is a molecule that arises from alterations in a tumor suppressor gene called p53, a gene that has been linked to half of all cancers in the world.
"This paper shows that in a subset of patients with the Pro72 variant, the susceptibility to disruptive p53 alterations may be a possible molecular explanation for the racial disparity," said Manne, an associate scientist in the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The study included DNA analysis of 373 colorectal tumors. Researchers first sequenced the whole p53 gene in the tumors, and then analyzed the Pro72 frequency. Seventeen percent of African-Americans have a Pro72 variant, whereas only 7 percent of whites have the variant, Manne said.
UAB conducts community-based research and is a national leader in colorectal cancer prevention through its Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center (http://mhrc.dopm.uab.edu/research/cancer-prevention.html) and treatment at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center (www3.ccc.uab.edu/newpatients/makeappointment.html).
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
The discovery by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is focused on a protein variant called Pro72 identified through genetic testing. In the study, African-Americans with a Pro72 protein variant had more than double the risk of dying from an advanced form of colon cancer compared to whites, the researchers said.
The discovery boosts the scientific understanding of racial disparities in cancer and other diseases and adds new detail in the ongoing search for more personalized cancer-fighting therapies, said Upender Manne, Ph.D., an associate professor in the UAB Department of Pathology who led the study.
The findings are published in the April 1 issue of the journal Clinical Cancer Research.
Racial Disparity Link
Pro72 is a molecule that arises from alterations in a tumor suppressor gene called p53, a gene that has been linked to half of all cancers in the world.
"This paper shows that in a subset of patients with the Pro72 variant, the susceptibility to disruptive p53 alterations may be a possible molecular explanation for the racial disparity," said Manne, an associate scientist in the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The study included DNA analysis of 373 colorectal tumors. Researchers first sequenced the whole p53 gene in the tumors, and then analyzed the Pro72 frequency. Seventeen percent of African-Americans have a Pro72 variant, whereas only 7 percent of whites have the variant, Manne said.
UAB conducts community-based research and is a national leader in colorectal cancer prevention through its Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center (http://mhrc.dopm.uab.edu/research/cancer-prevention.html) and treatment at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center (www3.ccc.uab.edu/newpatients/makeappointment.html).
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Colon Cancer Current Events and Colon Cancer News RSSOther Illnesses, Body Weight Do Not Explain Racial Disparities in Colon Cancer Survival, UAB Researchers Say
A new study by University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) researchers shows that body-mass index (BMI) and co-existing medical conditions (co-morbidity) do not explain the decreased survival observed among African-Americans compared to Caucasians who also have colon cancer.
Paradoxical protein might prevent cancer
One difficulty with fighting cancer cells is that they are similar in many respects to the body's stem cells. By focusing on the differences, researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found a new way of tackling colon cancer. The study is presented in the prestigious journal Cell.
Coffee break: Compound brewing new research in colon, breast cancer
A compound in coffee has been found to be estrogenic in studies by Texas AgriLife Research scientists.
Curry-cure? Spicing up the effectiveness of a potential disease-fighter
Scientists are reporting development of a nano-size capsule that boosts the body's uptake of curcumin, an ingredient in yellow curry now being evaluated in clinical trials for treatment of several diseases.
Colon cancer screening more effective earlier in day, UCLA study finds
The effectiveness of a screening colonoscopy may depend on the time of day it is performed. According to a new UCLA study, early-morning colonoscopies yielded more polyps per patient than later screenings, and fewer polyps were found hour by hour as the day progressed.
Study shows hormone replacement therapy decreases mortality in younger postmenopausal woman
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopausal estrogen deficiency has been in widespread use for over 60 years. Several observational studies over the years showed that HRT use by younger postmenopausal women was associated with a significant reduction in total mortality; available evidence supported the routine use of HRT to increase longevity in postmenopausal women.
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."
Metals could forge new cancer drug
Drugs made using unusual metals could form an effective treatment against colon and ovarian cancer, including cancerous cells that have developed immunity to other drugs, according to research at the University of Warwick and the University of Leeds.
New data: Hospital imaging centers poised to pull back, hitting patients hardest in rural areas
Survivors and patients with cancers and heart disease, along with patient advocate organizations and physicians, today urged policymakers to enhance early diagnosis of deadly diseases by preserving access to advanced imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, in final health care reform legislation.
Whole-brain radiotherapy after surgery or radiosurgery not recommended for brain metastases
Whole-brain radiotherapy should not be given routinely to all patients whose cancer has spread to the brain, say researchers who found that using it after surgery or radiosurgery in patients with a limited number of brain metastases and stable cancer in the rest of the body did not extend lives or help patients remain functionally independent for longer.
More Colon Cancer Current Events and Colon Cancer News Articles
 |
American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer by American Cancer Society (Author) Don't die of embarrassment--get informed about colorectal cancer Although colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women, you may be unaware of your risk and don't know what you can do to prevent this serious disease. You may be too embarrassed to ask your doctor about changes in your bowel habits or get screened for colorectal cancer. American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer provides sound information and support if you are concerned about or diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Written by experts in oncology, nursing, research, and colorectal cancer care, the up-to-date, evidence-based text explores every aspect of colorectal cancer, from physical to emotional aspects of the disease, including: What colorectal... |
 |
The Colon Cancer Survivors' Guide, Second Edition: Living Stronger, Longer by Curtis Pesmen (Author) Based on an award-winning series of Esquire magazine articles on his battle with colon cancer, Pesmen shows how a person stops becomng a patient and starts becoming a survivor. Incluses a chorus of survivors' voices, and casts light on the physical, emotional and psychological needs of those striving to move forward confidently with their lives. New, revised second edition updates treatments and adds new survivors' voices and surveys treatments on the horizon. |
 |
Positive Options for Colorectal Cancer: Self-Help and Treatment by Carol Ann Larson (Author), Kathleen Ogle (Foreword) Colorectal cancer develops slowly over a period of several years, undetected, usually as polyps. It is a preventable and treatable disease if caught in time, yet most know little about how to read its symptoms. Written for the layperson, this book covers all the uncomfortable questions and answers about the disease, from prevention and warning signs, to screening and diagnosis techniques, to making decisions and developing treatment plans. Also included are positive stories about life after cancer by 12 survivors. |
 |
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About(TM) Colorectal Cancer: New Tests, New Treatments, New Hope (What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About...) by Mark Bennett Pochapin (Author) - What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Colorectal Cancer was published in Warner hardcover (0-446-53188-X) in 3/04. The book features a foreword by Katie Couric. - Dr. Pochapin made an appearance on the Today show in conjunction with the hardcover publication of this book. Previously, he had been chosen by Katie Couric to be the Medical Director of the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health, named in honor of Ms. Couric's late husband. - The author is an associate professor of clinical medicine at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Chief of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at New York Presbyterian Hospital's Weill Cornell Medical Center. - There are approximately 100,000 new colorectal cancer cases diagnosed annually, making it the second leading cause of... |
 |
Living With Colon Cancer: Beating the Odds by Eliza Wood Livingston (Author), David, M.D. Spiegel (Foreword) Despite the efforts of Katie Couric to draw attention to the importance of colonoscopy screening for the detection of colon cancer, this cancer still does not receive the publicity devoted to breast, lung, and prostate cancer. Yet colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy in the world and is the second leading cause of death from cancer next to lung cancer. As a result, colon cancer patients and their families often feel isolated and do not have the support and information networks available to those coping with more publicized illnesses. In this helpful and inspiring book, Eliza Wood Livingston provides a wealth of practical information about colon cancer while telling of her own heroic battle against this challenging disease and her survival after a bleak diagnosis.... |
 |
Colon Cleanse Complete #7 2250mg. daily, 90 capsules with superior natural herbal ingredients and dosage for WEIGHT LOSS and overall health management by Colon Cleanse complete Colon Cleanse Complete #7 2250 mg per daily serving, 90 pills per bottle From Life Smart Labs: Colon Cleanse Complete #7, a safe, natural way to improve your health and help achieve optimal weight loss. Colon Cleanse Complete #7 is a carefully developed formula that was created after several years of research, testing and time. Detox with Colon Cleanse Complete #7 for great results! Please note: if you compare dosage and ingredients to competitive brands, you will see that Colon Cleanse Complete #7 has superior value in terms of health benefits! Colon Cleanse is manufactured at an FDA approved, state of the art facility. Although Colon Cleansing helps in Detox and reduction of constipation, thats just the beginning; it does a lot more than that! A poor diet or lack of certain essential... |
 |
Colon Cancer Answers by Dr. Bruce A. Feinberg (Author), Richard J. Lenz (Editor), Imagineering (Editor) One of the greatest failures of public health practices and policy in America is the mismanagement of colon cancer. Despite the fact that colon cancer is 90 percent preventable through safe, accessible, cost-effective screening tests, this terrible disease remains the second leading cause of cancer death. Each year, more than 150,000 Americans will die -- an unnecessary and costly human tragedy. Despite the scale of the colon cancer crisis, there are few up-to-date resources available for the newly diagnosed and their loving family and friends. Although this book was conceived as a primer for those dealing directly or indirectly with colon cancer, it is Dr. Feinberg's fervent hope that it will also increase awareness of the preventable nature of this devastating disease. |
 |
Be a Survivor: Colorectal Cancer Treatment Guide by Vladimir Lange (Author) Dr. Lange’s comprehensive overview of cancer and treatment options offers detailed information using simple, concise language and a wide variety of color photos and drawings. Colorectal cancer patients need to know more about their disease, yet there is an overload of information. Be a Survivor gives the patient the specific, reliable and necessary information to make good decisions about their cancer and treatment options. Annually, 150,000 Americans are told they have colorectal cancer, making it one of the top three most common cancers in the United States. Diagnosed early, colorectal cancer is treatable, often curable, and vey preventable. This resource covers all aspects of colorectal cancer—from diagnosis to recovery, including a chapter for the patient's spouse. |
 |
Understanding Colon Cancer by A. Richard, M.D., F.A.C.P. Adrouny (Author) Stanford Univ., CA. Pocket-sized consumer text provides concise information about the disease. Reviews high-risk conditions, genetics, warning signs, screening, diagnosis, stages of the disease, virtual colonoscopy and treatment. Softcover, hardcover available. DNLM: Colonic Neoplasms--prevention & control. |
 |
Colon Cancer: Prevention & Treatment (Home Use) Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. "The hardest battle to fight is the one that should be the easiest but isn't." - Priscilla Savary, colon cancer patient educator. It begins as a polyp, a tiny ball of tissue that forms in your intestinal lining. Polyps are not cancer, but a certain percentage can become cancerous if left in place. That equation means if you do not already have colon cancer, the odds are in your favor of successfully avoiding it. Screening and removal of polyps can stop the cancer before it begins. And yet colon cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in America, claiming some 56,000 victims each year. This show looks at the arc of colon cancer -- from screening options and... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |