 |
|
Study Links Virus To Some Cases Of Common Skin Cancer
July 31, 2009COLUMBUS, Ohio - A virus discovered last year in a rare form of skin cancer has also been found in people with the second most common form of skin cancer among Americans, according to researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
The researchers examined tissue samples from 58 people with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a highly curable form of skin cancer that is expected to affect more than 200,000 Americans this year.
They identified the virus in more than a third of the patients and in 15 percent of the tumors tested. In addition, all of the virus found in tumor cells had a mutation that could enable the viral DNA to integrate into the DNA of the host cell.
"This is indirect evidence that the virus might play a role in causing some cases of squamous cell carcinoma," says principal investigator Amanda E. Toland, assistant professor of molecular virology, immunology and medical genetics and a researcher with the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
The findings are published in a recent issue of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
The virus was first discovered in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare, aggressive skin cancer that occurs mainly in the elderly and people with a suppressed immune system. The people in the new study all had a healthy immune system.
"Originally it was thought that this virus caused only this rare skin cancer, but our findings indicate that it is a lot more prevalent than we initially thought."
To learn if people with SCC harbored the virus, Toland, working closely with first author and graduate research associate Amy Dworkin and Ohio State pathologists O. Hans Iwenofu and Sara B. Peters, examined DNA samples from SCC tumors, from normal-appearing skin adjacent to the tumor, when available; from white blood cells, and from cells washed from the mouth.
The investigators detected the virus in 26 of 177 SCC samples, 11 of 63 adjacent-skin samples, and one sample from a mouthwash. They found no viral DNA in any of the blood samples from 57 patients. In all, 21 of 58 SCC patients, or 36 percent, tested positive for the virus.
By sequencing the viral DNA from 31 normal and tumor samples, the researchers showed that the same mutation was present in all the viruses tested from tumors, and in 60 percent of the viruses tested from adjacent healthy-looking tissue.
"That suggests that the virus may develop a mutation that causes it to integrate into host-cell DNA, and, therefore, may play a role in causing the cancer," Toland says.
Next, Toland wants to test normal skin in healthy individuals to learn how common this virus is in people generally and to learn whether the virus actually integrates with the host DNA.
"If it proves to be a cancer-causing virus, and if it proves to be common in the general population, it might be something we should begin screening people for," she says.
Funding from the American Cancer Society supported this research.
Ohio State researchers Stephanie Y. Tseng and Dawn C. Allain were also involved in this study.
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (www.jamesline.com) is one of only 40 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States designated by the National Cancer Institute. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 20 cancer hospitals in the nation, The James is the 180-bed adult patient-care component of the cancer program at The Ohio State University. The OSUCCC-James is one of only five centers in the country approved by the NCI to conduct both Phase I and Phase II clinical trials.
Ohio State University Medical Center
"This is indirect evidence that the virus might play a role in causing some cases of squamous cell carcinoma," says principal investigator Amanda E. Toland, assistant professor of molecular virology, immunology and medical genetics and a researcher with the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
The findings are published in a recent issue of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
The virus was first discovered in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare, aggressive skin cancer that occurs mainly in the elderly and people with a suppressed immune system. The people in the new study all had a healthy immune system.
"Originally it was thought that this virus caused only this rare skin cancer, but our findings indicate that it is a lot more prevalent than we initially thought."
To learn if people with SCC harbored the virus, Toland, working closely with first author and graduate research associate Amy Dworkin and Ohio State pathologists O. Hans Iwenofu and Sara B. Peters, examined DNA samples from SCC tumors, from normal-appearing skin adjacent to the tumor, when available; from white blood cells, and from cells washed from the mouth.
The investigators detected the virus in 26 of 177 SCC samples, 11 of 63 adjacent-skin samples, and one sample from a mouthwash. They found no viral DNA in any of the blood samples from 57 patients. In all, 21 of 58 SCC patients, or 36 percent, tested positive for the virus.
By sequencing the viral DNA from 31 normal and tumor samples, the researchers showed that the same mutation was present in all the viruses tested from tumors, and in 60 percent of the viruses tested from adjacent healthy-looking tissue.
"That suggests that the virus may develop a mutation that causes it to integrate into host-cell DNA, and, therefore, may play a role in causing the cancer," Toland says.
Next, Toland wants to test normal skin in healthy individuals to learn how common this virus is in people generally and to learn whether the virus actually integrates with the host DNA.
"If it proves to be a cancer-causing virus, and if it proves to be common in the general population, it might be something we should begin screening people for," she says.
Funding from the American Cancer Society supported this research.
Ohio State researchers Stephanie Y. Tseng and Dawn C. Allain were also involved in this study.
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (www.jamesline.com) is one of only 40 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States designated by the National Cancer Institute. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 20 cancer hospitals in the nation, The James is the 180-bed adult patient-care component of the cancer program at The Ohio State University. The OSUCCC-James is one of only five centers in the country approved by the NCI to conduct both Phase I and Phase II clinical trials.
Ohio State University Medical Center
Skin Cancer Current Events and Skin Cancer News RSSLaser therapy can aggravate skin cancer
High irradiances of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) should not be used over melanomas.
Quarter of a million children in England at risk of skin cancer from sunbeds
An estimated quarter of a million 11-17 year olds in England are being put at increased risk of developing malignant melanoma by using sunbeds, warn researchers in a letter to this week's BMJ.
Hundreds of genes distinguish patients likely to survive advanced melanoma
Although the chances of surviving advanced melanoma aren't very good with current therapies, some patients can live for years with cancer that has spread beyond the skin to other organs.
Adapting Space-Industry Technology to Treat Breast Cancer
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center and Argonne National Laboratory are collaborating on a study to determine if an imaging technique used by NASA to inspect the space shuttle can be used to predict tissue damage often experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Switching immunosuppressants reduces cancer risk in kidney
Switching to a newer type of immunosuppressant drug may reduce the high rate of skin cancer after kidney transplantation, according to research being presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego, CA.
Latest analysis confirms suboptimal vitamin D levels in millions of US children
Millions of children in the United States between the ages of 1 and 11 may suffer from suboptimal levels of vitamin D, according to a large nationally representative study published in the November issue of Pediatrics, accompanied by an editorial.
Geologists studying groundwater arsenic levels in India empower Bengali women, children
A Kansas State University geologist and graduate student are finding that the most important tools in their fieldwork on groundwater arsenic pollution are women and children armed with pamphlets and testing kits.
Melanoma treatment options 1 step closer
A targeted chemotherapy for the treatment of skin cancer is one step closer, after a team of University of Alberta researchers successfully synthesized a natural substance that shows exceptional potential to specifically treat this often fatal disease.
Resident physicians seldom trained in skin cancer examination
Many resident physicians are not trained in skin cancer examinations, nor have they ever observed or practiced the procedure.
Researchers find demand for cosmetic and surgical procedures in dermatologic surgery rising rapidly
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and the Laser and Skin Cancer Center of Indiana, (Carmel, Indiana), found that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of procedures performed and patient demand for dermatologic health care since 2000.
More Skin Cancer Current Events and Skin Cancer News Articles
 |
100 Questions & Answers about Melanoma & Other Skin Cancers by Edward F. McClay (Author), Mary-Eileen T. McClay (Author), Jodie Smith (Author) Whether you're a newly diagnosed skin cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend of either, this book offers help. The only text to provde the doctor and a patient's view, 100 Questions & Answers About Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Written by two skin healthcare professionals and a melanoma survivor, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease. |
 |
CLARISONIC Skin Care Brush Limited Edition Pink, Breast Cancer Awareness + 2 oz Cleanser 1 kit by Pacific Bioscience Laboratories Please note: Due to packaging updates, the image shown may temporarily appear different from |
 |
Fight Against Skin Cancer Long Sleeve T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
|
Skin Cancer by Publiciencia - Rev Congr Unip | |
 |
Preventing Skin Cancer DVD Starring: Artist Not Provided If you think that a tan symbolizes good health, you need to become aware of some important facts about the negative effects of exposing your skin to ultraviolet rays. Learn about the various kinds of skin cancer and see how you can protect yourself from a deadly disease. Award Winner: Telly Awards Finalist |
 |
Skin Cancer by Keyvan Nouri (Author) The ultimate all-in-one guide to diagnosing and treating skin cancer A Doody's Core Title ESSENTIAL PURCHASE! 4 STAR DOODY'S REVIEW! |
 |
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". |
 |
CLARISONIC Skin Care Brush Limited Edition Pink, Breast Cancer Awareness + 2 oz Cleanser 1 kit by Pacific Bioscience Laboratories Please note: Due to packaging updates, the image shown may temporarily appear different from the product received. The product you will recieve has one brush head. Clarisonic's limited edition pink ~ Your purchase contributes $10 to fight breast cancer. Comes with 2 oz cleanser Skin is more than your body's supple facade ~ it's the boundary between you and the world. Care for your skin like it cares for you with Clarisonic®. Its gentle sonic vibrations cleanse deeply, clearing your pores for better absorption of skin care ingredients (with no harmful abrasion). Use it daily to keep your skin soft, smooth, and healthy. Waterproof T-Timer1™ Rechargeable This kit includes the Clarisonic® Skin Care Brush, Charger, 1 Brush Head, Trial Size Cleanser (2 oz), and User... |
 |
Will Ferrell's Sun Stroke Sunscreen Benefiting Cancer For College by Cancer For College What golfer wouldnt want to sport a rich dark tan and add 57 yards to their tee shots? This sunscreen provides improved accuracy, added distance and the ultimate bronzing power...we think. All of our sunscreen products come in 6 oz bottles and are 30 SPF and provide UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. 100% of the proceeds from sales go to the Cancer for College Scholarship Fund. |
 |
Will Ferrell's Forbidden Fruit Sunscreen Benefiting Cancer for College by Cancer for College Honestly, the less we say about this one the better for fear of being cast into a pit of fire. All of our sunscreen products come in 6 oz bottles and are 30 SPF and provide UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. 100% of the proceeds from sales go to the Cancer for College Scholarship Fund. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |