 |
|
New study suggests possible genetic links between environmental toxins and multiple myeloma
August 13, 2009Study from the International Myeloma Foundation gene bank, Bank on a Cure
North Hollywood, CA - The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)-supporting research and providing education, advocacy and support for myeloma patients, families, researchers and physicians-today said newly published data may provide a possible genetic link between environmental toxins and bone disease in multiple myeloma. Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a cancer of cells in the bone marrow that affect production of blood cells and can damage bone. Once considered a "rare disease of the elderly," it is increasingly being diagnosed in patients under 45 years old, including some of the early responders to the 9/11 World Trade Center site. Now a study published this week may help explain why.
The study from researchers with the IMF gene bank, Bank on a Cure®, identified several changes in DNA sequences called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that are associated with a risk of bone disease in myeloma. Further analyses showed that many of these DNA changes may be involved with the way the human body responds to certain environmental toxins, providing a possible link between myeloma and the environment. The findings were published in the latest issue of the journal Leukemia*.
Brian G.M. Durie, M.D., lead author of the study and Chairman of the IMF said: "This is a hypothesis-generating study. While the functional role of many SNPs is still uncertain, this study is supportive of the notion that genetic factors affecting toxin breakdown may be related to the development of myeloma. This gives us an important starting point for further studies."
The findings may help explain a widely reported study this week in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, that found more cases of myeloma among younger responders to the 9/11 World Trade Center site than would normally be expected. The findings are also supportive of a study published earlier this year that suggests a link between certain pesticide exposures in agricultural workers and a precursor to multiple myeloma. Previous studies have also shown an increased risk for myeloma among firefighters, and the IMF has issued guidelines for firefighters for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
"Multiple myeloma is not a familiar cancer to patients or even to many doctors, but taken together, these studies say it should not be overlooked," said Susie Novis, President and Co-founder of the IMF. "While multiple myeloma cannot be cured, it can be treated with new, targeted therapies including REVLIMID®, VELCADE® and THALOMID®. These studies tell us it is critically important for medical practitioners to know the possible risk factors for myeloma along with the early warning signs so they will be alerted to test for it."
Myeloma affects an estimated 750,000 people worldwide, and in industrialized countries it is being diagnosed in growing numbers and in increasingly younger people.
BioCom Partners
Brian G.M. Durie, M.D., lead author of the study and Chairman of the IMF said: "This is a hypothesis-generating study. While the functional role of many SNPs is still uncertain, this study is supportive of the notion that genetic factors affecting toxin breakdown may be related to the development of myeloma. This gives us an important starting point for further studies."
The findings may help explain a widely reported study this week in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, that found more cases of myeloma among younger responders to the 9/11 World Trade Center site than would normally be expected. The findings are also supportive of a study published earlier this year that suggests a link between certain pesticide exposures in agricultural workers and a precursor to multiple myeloma. Previous studies have also shown an increased risk for myeloma among firefighters, and the IMF has issued guidelines for firefighters for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
"Multiple myeloma is not a familiar cancer to patients or even to many doctors, but taken together, these studies say it should not be overlooked," said Susie Novis, President and Co-founder of the IMF. "While multiple myeloma cannot be cured, it can be treated with new, targeted therapies including REVLIMID®, VELCADE® and THALOMID®. These studies tell us it is critically important for medical practitioners to know the possible risk factors for myeloma along with the early warning signs so they will be alerted to test for it."
Myeloma affects an estimated 750,000 people worldwide, and in industrialized countries it is being diagnosed in growing numbers and in increasingly younger people.
BioCom Partners
Myeloma Current Events and Myeloma News RSSCancers' Sweet Tooth May Be Weakness
The pedal-to-the-metal signals driving the growth of several types of cancer cells lead to a common switch governing the use of glucose, researchers at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University have discovered.
Approved lymphoma drug shows promise in early tests against bone cancer
A drug already approved for the treatment of lymphoma may also slow the growth of the most deadly bone cancer in children and teens, according to an early-stage study published online today in the International Journal of Cancer.
Experimental drug lets B cells live and lymphoma cells die
An investigative drug deprived non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells of their ability to survive too long and multiply too fast, according to an early study published recently in the journal Experimental Hematology.
Boron-based compounds trick a biomedical protein
Chemists and biologists have successfully demonstrated that specially synthesized boron compounds are readily accepted in biologically active enzymes, a move that, they say, is a proof of concept that could lead to new drug design strategies.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Common blood disorder may not be linked to as many serious diseases
A symptomless blood disorder, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, known as MGUS, is not linked to as many serious diseases as previously thought.
Mayo researchers find race has role in incidence, survival of rare brain tumor
The incidence of a rare and deadly tumor called primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is two times higher in black Americans, ages 20 to 49, than in white Americans, according to a Mayo Clinic study published in the June issue of Journal of Neuro-Oncology.
Genetic factors implicated in survival gap for breast, ovarian or prostate cancer
A new finding reveals that African-American patients with breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer tend to die earlier than patients of other races with these cancers, even when they receive identical medical treatment and when socioeconomic factors are controlled for.
Individuals who apply pesticides are found to have double the risk of blood disorder
A study involving 678 individuals who apply pesticides, culled from a U.S. Agricultural Health Study of over 50,000 farmers, recently found that exposure to certain pesticides doubles one's risk of developing an abnormal blood condition called MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) compared with individuals in the general population.
X-rays help predict permanent bone damage from bisphosphonates
Breast cancer patients, individuals at risk for osteoporosis and those undergoing certain types of bone cancer therapies often take drugs containing bisphosphonates.
Scientists identify key gene that protects against leukemia
Researchers have identified a gene that controls the rapid production and differentiation of the stem cells that produce all blood cell types-a discovery that could eventually open the door to more streamlined treatments for leukemia and other blood cancers, in which blood cells proliferate out of control.
More Myeloma Current Events and Myeloma News Articles
 |
100 Questions and Answers About Myeloma (100 Questions & Answers about . . .) by Asad Bashey (Author), Rafat Abonour (Author) Whether you are a newly diagnosed myeloma patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help. The only text to provide the doctor s and patient s views, 100 Questions & Answers About Myeloma gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Written by a hematologist-oncologist specializing in myeloma treatment, and featuring insider advice from an actual patient, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease. |
 |
Beating Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm Together Sweatshirt XX-Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Multiple Myeloma: The Plain English Handbook for Patients and Care Givers by Robert, J Heller (Author) A concise and helpful overview of the disease, including therapies, medications, problems, and lifestyle changes. Many helpful hints in an easy to understand format which avoids a lot of hard to understand terminology in favor of a more light-hearted approach. Includes reproducible forms and many references to other sources. |
 |
Fight Against Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm Mug by Design a Product LLC Text on mug: Fight Against Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm * 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. |
 |
Multiple Myeloma Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Multiple Myeloma Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Multiple Myeloma 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 Multiple Myeloma Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
 |
Clearly Charming Burgundy Ribbon - Multiple Myeloma Awareness Italian Charm 18k Gold and Enamel by Casa D'Oro by Clearly Charming Show your support for those people who are affected and for a cure. This charm is made by Casa D'Oro with 18k gold and baked enamel. It will make a great addition to your Italian charm bracelet or a perfect personalized gift. Commemorate special occasions, capture memorable moments, or simply show support for those affected by creating your own original Italian charm bracelet. Add Clearly Charming premium quality interlocking modular Italian charm links to your Italian Charm Bracelet and create your own memory bracelet. |
 |
Treatment of Multiple Myeloma and Related Disorders by S. Vincent Rajkumar (Editor), Robert A. Kyle (Editor) Due to major advances in understanding the biology and pathogenesis of the disease, the management of multiple myeloma is changing rapidly. New diagnostic and prognostic criteria have been introduced, and treatment options are multiplying with high-dose chemotherapy regimens, stem cell transplants, and the development of novel agents and immune-based strategies that target tumor cells directly. This book is aimed at the practitioner who is looking to put these advances into clinical context. It will serve as an up-to-date resource for treatment of myeloma and related disorders. Chapters are written by international authorities and contain color photos, diagrams, and algorithms outlining preferred treatment strategies. Relevant scientific information is integrated throughout, but the... |
 |
Cure Myeloma Long Sleeve T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Myeloma Therapy:: Pursuing the Plasma Cell (Contemporary Hematology) by Sagar Lonial (Editor) Therapeutic options for patients with myeloma have radically changed over the past ten years. Beginning with the advances in therapy resulting from the use of high dose therapy and autologous bone marrow or stem cell transplant, we have more than doubled the median survival for patients as a whole, and have now a wealth of different biology based treatment approaches for our patients in all disease stages. The purpose of this book is to update the various treatment options for patients with myeloma, as well as to focus on the emerging and speculative aspects of myeloma therapy. This will require review of basic mechanisms of disease as well as further discussions on how these mechanisms can best be targeted. While there will be text covering most areas of myeloma therapy, the prime... |
 |
Beating Myeloma Together Keychain by Design a Product LLC Text on keychain: Beating Myeloma Together * Durable acrylic key chain is crystal-clear and double-sided so the artwork or message is seen twice. * Sturdy metal ring holds your keys securely. * Full color printed images or messages are included. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom keychains please contact us. * Size: 2 1/8" x 3 1/2" (Approx. business card) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |