 |
|
Scientists link genetic glitches to common childhood cancer
August 18, 2009GAINESVILLE - A multicenter team of childhood cancer researchers has discovered two genetic variations linked to an increased risk for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL, the most common childhood cancer in the United States.
Because these genetic glitches point to a specific subtype of the disease, identifying them in children who already have leukemia could improve treatment, says University of Florida researcher Meenakshi Devidas, Ph.D., a co-author on the study published online Sunday in Nature Genetics. Children with this specific subtype of ALL, known as B-hyperdiploid, tend to respond well to chemotherapy.
"The findings indicated inherited genetic variants contribute to the risk of a child getting ALL and likely contribute to a specific subtype of ALL," said Devidas, a research associate professor in the department of epidemiology and health policy research in the UF College of Medicine and co-director of the Children's Oncology Group Statistics and Data Center at UF. "So far, we have known that patients with this subtype respond well to chemotherapy, but we had no idea why that was."
Led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientist Mary Relling, Pharm.D., the researchers conducted the first genomewide association study to check for genetic variations linked to the common cancer.
"This work indicates that as we approach full sequencing of cancer genomes, we should account for the fact that a gene can be made 'abnormal' via both inherited and acquired defects, and so we should not discount subtle inherited genomic variation as contributing to cancer risk," said Relling, chair of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital department of pharmaceutical sciences and the paper's senior author. "With projects such as these, our collaboration with members of the Children's Oncology Group, which provided additional cases for genetic analysis, helped strengthen our findings."
To identify these genetic variations, the researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of about 400 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After numerous tests, the researchers discovered two variations in tiny strands of DNA - known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms - that pointed to an increased risk for the disease and were also linked to the B-hyperdiploid subtype.
"If a patient has B-hyperdiploid ALL and has the genetic variation then we can at least project that this patient will do well," Devidas said. "Not that all patients do well, but if they have it the chances are higher."
Nearly one-quarter of children with cancer have ALL, National Cancer Institute statistics show. The disease occurs when abnormal white blood cells flood a person's bone marrow, killing the normal white blood cells needed to fight infections. Because of scientific research, the survival rate for this form of leukemia is around 85 percent, up from 5 percent in the 1960s, according to the National Cancer Institute.
University of Florida
Led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientist Mary Relling, Pharm.D., the researchers conducted the first genomewide association study to check for genetic variations linked to the common cancer.
"This work indicates that as we approach full sequencing of cancer genomes, we should account for the fact that a gene can be made 'abnormal' via both inherited and acquired defects, and so we should not discount subtle inherited genomic variation as contributing to cancer risk," said Relling, chair of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital department of pharmaceutical sciences and the paper's senior author. "With projects such as these, our collaboration with members of the Children's Oncology Group, which provided additional cases for genetic analysis, helped strengthen our findings."
To identify these genetic variations, the researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of about 400 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After numerous tests, the researchers discovered two variations in tiny strands of DNA - known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms - that pointed to an increased risk for the disease and were also linked to the B-hyperdiploid subtype.
"If a patient has B-hyperdiploid ALL and has the genetic variation then we can at least project that this patient will do well," Devidas said. "Not that all patients do well, but if they have it the chances are higher."
Nearly one-quarter of children with cancer have ALL, National Cancer Institute statistics show. The disease occurs when abnormal white blood cells flood a person's bone marrow, killing the normal white blood cells needed to fight infections. Because of scientific research, the survival rate for this form of leukemia is around 85 percent, up from 5 percent in the 1960s, according to the National Cancer Institute.
University of Florida
Childhood Cancer Current Events and Childhood Cancer News RSSChildren with autism show slower pupil responses, MU study finds
Autism affects 1 in 150 children today, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.
Childhood cancer survivors less likely to marry, Yale researchers find
Adult survivors of childhood cancer are 20 to 25 percent more likely to never marry compared with siblings and the general population, Yale School of Medicine researchers report in a new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Brain tumors in childhood leave a lasting mark on cognition, life status
Brain tumors in childhood cast a long shadow on survivors. The first study of the lasting impact of these tumors -- the most common solid malignancies in childhood -- shows that survivors have ongoing cognitive problems.
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.
Survivors of childhood cancer less likely to marry
Childhood cancer survivors typically suffer from the long-term effects of cancer treatment on physical health, and results of a new study suggest that social implications also exist, which may affect their chance of an "I do" at the altar.
New treatment more than doubles survival for high risk childhood leukemia
Results of a phase two clinical trial published October 5th in the Journal of Clinical Oncology show that adding continuous daily doses of a targeted drug called imatinib mesylate to regular chemotherapy more than doubled three-year survival rates for children with a high risk type of blood cancer called Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL).
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.
Inherited risk factors increase odds of developing childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified inherited variations in two genes that account for 37 percent of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), including a gene that may help predict drug response.
Cancer Mortality Rates Experience Steady Decline
The number of cancer deaths has declined steadily in the last three decades. Although younger people have experienced the steepest declines, all age groups have shown some improvement, according to a recent report in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Cancer mortality rates experience steady decline
The number of cancer deaths has declined steadily in the last three decades. Although younger people have experienced the steepest declines, all age groups have shown some improvement.
More Childhood Cancer Current Events and Childhood Cancer News Articles
 |
Living With Childhood Cancer : A Practical Guide to Help Families Cope by Leigh A. Woznick (Author), Carol D. Goodheart (Author) Like a natural disaster, the diagnosis that your child has cancer can leave you and your family feeling helpless. How do you explain the disease to the child and to his or her siblings? How can you communicate your child’s needs to the hospital staff? What are the best ways to reduce the physical side effects and the emotional distress of treatment? How will you, your child or teenager, and the rest of your family cope with cancer, and what can you do to help? When and where do you find good psychological help for your child or your family? How do you manage financial and school issues? How can you foster your child’s development and self-esteem? More than 12,000 American children will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and roughly 75% will survive. In addition to excellent... |
 |
Childhood Cancer: A Parent's Guide to Solid Tumor Cancers, 2nd Edition by Honna Janes-Hodder (Author), Nancy Keene (Author) This second edition of the most complete parent guide available, features detailed and precise medical information about solid tumor childhood cancers, including neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, liver tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and bone sarcomas. In addition, it offers day-to-day practical advice on how to cope with procedures, hospitalization, family and friends, school, social and financial issues, communication, feelings, and, if therapy is not successful, the difficult issues of death and bereavement. Woven among the medical details and the practical advice are the voices of parents and children who have lived with cancer and its treatments. Parents who read this book will encounter medical facts simply explained, advice to ease their daily lives, and tools to be strong advocates for... |
 |
Childhood Cancer: A Handbook from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by Scientists (Author), St. Jude Clinicians (Author), Joseph Mirro M.D. (Author), Grant Steen Ph.D. (Author), R. Grant Steen (Editor), Joseph Mirro (Editor) From clinicians and scientists at the largest children's cancer research hospital in the U.S., a guide to diagnosing, treating, and surviving childhood cancer Approximately 20,000 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed each year. Until now, the families who receive this devastating news have had no one volume to turn to for up-to-date information, clear answers, and authoritative resource recommendations. To meet this need, clinicians and scientists at the world-famous St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have compiled the most comprehensive and compassionate family reference available. From practical matters, such as what tests to expect during diagnosis, treatment options for each kind of cancer, and the value and availability of clinical trials, to the emotional needs of... |
 |
H is for Hair Fairy: An Alphabet of Encouragement and Insight for Kids (and Kids at Heart!) with Cancer by Kim Martin (Author), Wend Boomhower (Illustrator) An alphabet book with a mission, this 32-page picture book will inspire, comfort, educate and encourage children being treated for cancer. Using colorful, warm, humorous illustrations and verse, the author employs the alphabet to feature different aspects of coping with cancer treatment. Many pages include practical information about where to find help or relief for children at this challenging time in their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Hair Fairy, creations of the author, are a humorous pair who visit cancer patients on the day they lose their hair and leave them a gift. They also watch over cancer patients and guide us through this heartwarming book of encouragement. Although written for children, the book is great for people of all ages. H is for Hair Fairy: An Alphabet of Encouragement... |
 |
Flying With Scissors: A Different Perspective on Childhood Cancer by Bob Wallace (Author) What do superheroes, Spam, "The THING?" Yoda, snipe, Jell-O, flatulence and cancer all have in common? Until now, not much. But, "Flying with Scissors: A Different Perspective on Childhood Cancer" changes all that by weaving these and other unlikely topics into a totally unique look at childhood cancer and the kids who have moved beyond the illness. Having trained under the greatest guru of all-life--these kids are set on reminding us that the world is not made up of problems, but of dreams, hope, and triumph. Hilarious and heartfelt, "Flying with Scissors" takes the personal experiences and insights of children who have battled cancer and turns them into universal truths that relate to each of us. It provides a non-traditional look at a typically solemn topic.... |
 |
Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Practical Guide to Your Future (Childhood Cancer Guides) by Nancy Keene (Author), Wendy Hobbie (Author), Kathy Ruccione (Author) More than 270,000 children, teens, and adults in the Untied States are survivors of childhood cancer. The surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplants used to cure children can affect growing bodies and developing minds. If survivors know of these potential problems, they can take steps to identify, cope with, or treat them early if they do develop. The second edition of "Childhood Cancer Survivors" charts the territory for survivors by providing state-of-the-art information about: Medical late effects from treatment Emotional aspects of surviving cancer Schedules for follow-up care Challenges in the heathcare system Lifestyle choices to maximize health Discrimination in employment of insurance Authors Keene, Hobbie, and Ruccione are experts in the field of childhood... |
 |
Celebration of Life: Musicians Against Childhood Cancer by Various Artists Recorded "live" at the annual Musicians Against Childhood Cancer bluegrass festival in Columbus, Ohio, Celebration of Life is a 2-CD set that features spirited performances by many of the top artists in bluegrass today. 136 bluegrass musicians. 37 songs. 2 CDs. 1 special reason -- to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. You can feel good knowing that 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of Celebration of Life will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. |
 |
Cure Childhood Cancer Awareness Oval Magnet by Magnet Inc. Model: M-OV-CCCA; Cure Childhood Cancer Awareness Oval Magnet. High Quality UV protected printed vinyl backed with thick .30 mil magnetic material. Great fundraiser for awareness organizations, schools, churches, or your fundraiser group. Dimensions: 4 1/4" x 6 1/2" |
 |
Summertime Various Artists (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Childhood Cancer Awareness Brown Genuine Swarovski Crystal Bracelet by SilverSpeck.com This Beautiful Brown Genuine Swarovski Crystal Bracelet Is the Perfect Bracelet you have been waiting for. It has a Sparking Glimmer and is beaded on a Comfort Stretch band. Crystal beads can also be used to create your own jewelry!. Very Stylish and Pretty! |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |