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Journal of the National Cancer Institute


BRCA2 mutations may be associated with some hereditary pancreatic cancers

Researchers identified BRCA2 germline mutations in 19% of families with familial pancreatic cancer. The presence of specific frameshift mutations was found in 12% of the families studied. These findings suggest an important role for BRCA2 mutations in a subpopulation of families with familial pancreatic cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 4, 2003

Tamoxifen’s benefit greatest for preventing hormone-dependent breast cancer

A recent update of the Italian Randomized Trial of Tamoxifen found that tamoxifen significantly reduced breast cancer incidence by 82% in high-risk women. The study suggested that factors such as early menstruation, childlessness, and tall stature increase a woman's risk of developing ER+ breast cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 14, 2003

Substantial improvements in cancer trials not likely caused by placebo effects

Researchers analyzed 37 randomized controlled trials and found that most showed no significant improvement in pain, appetite, weight gain, quality of life, or performance status for patients receiving a placebo. Individual patient responses to placebos were also variable, with some improvements observed in certain symptoms.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 31, 2002

Combination hormone therapy associated with increase in breast density

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that combination hormone therapy was associated with a 3-5% increase in breast density, while estrogen alone had no effect. This suggests that increased breast density may be a valid marker for the effect of interventions on breast cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 31, 2002

Other highlights of the January 1 JNCI

A recent study found that women with negative Pap and HPV tests are at low risk for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 or cancer, while those with a positive HPV test remain at risk. Researchers also discussed the challenges of analyzing DNA microarray data and recommended ways to improve its interpretation.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 31, 2002

Other highlights of the December 18 JNCI

Researchers investigated the association between alcohol consumption and lung cancer risk, finding no statistically significant link. The Journal of National Cancer Institute also published studies on body surface area-based dosing for anticancer drugs and carbohydrate binding protein's potential to inhibit tumor growth.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 17, 2002

Birth control pills associated with breast cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers

A study found that long-term oral contraceptive use is associated with a 33% increase in breast cancer risk among women with BRCA1 mutations, particularly those who started using contraceptives before age 30. In contrast, no significant increase in breast cancer risk was observed in women with BRCA2 mutations.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 3, 2002

Genotyping targets individuals at high risk for H. pylori-associated stomach cancer

A study has identified specific combinations of H. pylori bacterial strain and host genetic variations that increase the risk of stomach cancer in infected individuals. These findings suggest that personalized genotyping can help identify high-risk individuals, who may benefit from targeted H. pylori eradication treatment.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 19, 2002

Other highlights in the November 20 issue of JNCI

Two new studies published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute identified key risk factors for classical Kaposi's sarcoma and found that smoking may decrease the risk of this disease. Meanwhile, research on leptin suggests it controls breast cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, a potential screening tool for ovarian canc...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 19, 2002

High-than-average fiber consumption does not affect results of wheat bran fiber trial

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that a high-fiber diet did not affect the recurrence rate of adenomatous polyps in participants. The researchers separated the participants into four groups based on their baseline fiber consumption and calculated the risk of polyp recurrence in each group.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 5, 2002

Herpes simplex virus-2 may increase risk of cervical cancer

A study found that herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection may increase the risk of invasive cervical cancer, particularly when combined with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The study analyzed data from seven countries and detected HSV-2 antibodies in nearly half of women with cervical cancer, but not in most women without the d...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 5, 2002

Exposure to atomic bomb radiation associated with nervous system tumors

A study of Japanese atomic bomb survivors found a significant association between radiation exposure and an increased risk of all nervous system tumors, with higher risks for schwannomas, men, and children. The authors suggest that these increased risks persist throughout lifetime, regardless of age at exposure.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 15, 2002

Other highlights in the October 16 issue of JNCI

A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women undergoing prophylactic bilateral mastectomy often overestimate their breast cancer risk. Meanwhile, a separate study uncovered no association between antiperspirant use and increased breast cancer risk. Furthermore, researchers identified a serum protein expressi...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 15, 2002

Other highlights in the October 2 issue of JNCI

Researchers found that patients with advanced prostate cancer treated with zoledronic acid experienced fewer bone complications and less pain compared to those who received a placebo. Additionally, tumors in patients treated with the HuMV833 antiangiogenic antibody showed marked differences in antibody uptake, distribution, and clearance.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 1, 2002

Study finds additional evidence for contamination of herbal supplement for prostate cancer

A recent analysis of eight PC-SPES lots revealed widespread contamination with indomethacin and diethylstilbestrol, two potent synthetic compounds that undermine the supplement's anticancer potency. The study suggests that the contaminated batches had significantly reduced anticancer activity.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 3, 2002

Risk from breast cancer susceptibility gene may be exaggerated in most studies

A recent study suggests that breast cancer susceptibility gene may be associated with lower penetrance than previously estimated. Genetic counselors must consider multiple risk factors when predicting an individual's risk for breast cancer, as the presence of a BRCA mutation does not define her overall risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 20, 2002

Breast cancer mortality may be tied to prolonged exposure to low dose radiation

A study of female radiologic technologists found that prolonged exposure to low dose radiation is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer mortality. Women who started working as radiologic technologists before 1940 were nearly three times more likely to die from breast cancer than those who began working in 1960 or later.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 18, 2002