Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Successful stem cell therapy for treatment of eye disease

Researchers at the North East England Stem Cell Institute have developed a successful stem cell therapy to treat Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD), a painful and blinding disease. The treatment, which uses patients' own stem cells without immunosuppression, shows promise for restoring sight in hundreds of people.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells·DateDec 10, 2009

Papillomavirus silences innate immune response

Research reveals that HPV16 oncoprotein silences the production of interferon-kappa, a key protein in the innate immune response. This allows cancer cells to grow unchecked, highlighting a potential new target for cancer treatment. The study provides insight into the mechanisms by which high-risk HPV types cause cervical cancer.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 3, 2009

Johns Hopkins researchers track down protein responsible for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps

Johns Hopkins researchers found that a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is responsible for the cell overgrowth in chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps. This discovery gives scientists a new target for treating this form of the disease, which typically resists current treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 23, 2009

News brief: Adverse symptom reporting by patients vs. clinicians

A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that patient-reported symptoms were more highly associated with day-to-day health status, while clinician reports were more predictive of death and hospitalization. The study suggests that both perspectives are valuable for a comprehensive understanding of trea...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 17, 2009

News brief: Antitumor activity of nutlin-3 in neuroblastoma with wild-type p53

Researchers found that nutlin-3 activates the p53 pathway and suppresses tumor growth in mice models of chemoresistant neuroblastoma. Oral administration of nutlin-3 as a single agent reduced tumor growth and metastasis, providing a potential treatment option for advanced-stage and chemoresistant neuroblastoma.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 10, 2009

News brief: Detecting overall survival benefit derived from progression-free survival

A new study suggests that progression-free survival (PFS) is a reasonable primary endpoint for clinical trials of metastatic cancer when the median survival post-progression (SPP) is less than 6 months. However, PFS benefit does not always translate to overall survival (OS) benefit in cases where SPP is longer than 12 months.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 9, 2009

Survival of the healthiest

A new therapeutic approach targets proliferation of cancer cells without affecting normal cells, showing promise for selective eradication of human cancers. Researchers developed a phenanthridine derived polyADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor that efficiently kills breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells untouched.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateNov 4, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Family health history disclosure may not improve clinical decision making, according to researchers. Meanwhile, community-based interventions in developing countries have been shown to effectively reduce blood pressure. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may also benefit from conventional DMARD therapy or biologics, but their cost...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 2009

JCI table of contents: Oct. 19, 2009

Researchers found that administration of APC protein slowed disease progression and extended survival in mice with inherited ALS. The study suggests activating APC might benefit patients with inherited and possibly sporadic ALS, but warns of potential risks.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 19, 2009

CD4 cell count key predictive risk factor for both AIDS-defining and non-AIDS-defining cancers in patients with HIV

A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that immunodeficiency increases the risk of multiple cancers in HIV patients. Lower CD4 counts were linked to higher risks of certain cancers, while antiretroviral therapy reduced this risk. Effective cancer screening programs are recommended for HIV-positive individuals.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateOct 7, 2009

Combination of PET/CT tests can expedite diagnosis of lung cancer in a fast-track setting

A combination of PET/CT tests expedited diagnosis of lung cancer in a fast-tracked setting, demonstrating high sensitivity and accuracy. Researchers evaluated 114 patients and made accurate diagnoses for 92%, with malignancy detected in 84%. This approach allows for timely treatment initiation without delays.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateOct 1, 2009