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PSA screening cuts deaths by 20 percent

The study found that PSA screening can reduce prostate cancer deaths by 20%, saving one life for every 1,408 men screened. The European Association of Urology's largest prostate cancer screening study provides robust evidence for the effectiveness of screening on prostate cancer mortality.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 18, 2009

Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation awards prestigious fellowships to 13 top young investigators

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded prestigious three-year fellowships to 13 outstanding postdoctoral scientists conducting basic and translational cancer research. The fellowships aim to encourage promising young investigators to pursue careers in cancer research, providing independent funding for innovative projects.

Persons who survive cancer more likely to be unemployed

A meta-analysis of 36 studies found that cancer survivors are 1.37 times more likely to be unemployed than healthy control participants, with higher risks for breast and gastrointestinal cancers. Long-term medical and psychological effects may cause social functioning impairments, including employment difficulties.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 17, 2009

MR spectroscopy may help avoid invasive procedures and treatments for recurrent brain lesions

A clinical decision model using MR spectroscopy can help patients avoid unnecessary biopsies and treatments by identifying whether a new lesion is due to a recurrent tumor or post-radiation changes. The technique analyzes ratios of three metabolites, including choline, creatine, and NAA, to determine the likelihood of a recurrent tumor.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateFeb 2, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Two studies identified a novel biomarker for metastatic bladder cancer and discovered stem cell factor's role in airway remodeling in asthma. Additionally, researchers found that Staphlococcus aureus beta-toxin causes lung injury in pneumonia, while rosiglitazone may reduce the severity of scleroderma.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJan 22, 2009

Measles virus may be effective prostate cancer treatment

Researchers have found that certain measles virus vaccine strain derivatives can effectively infect, replicate in and kill prostate cancer cells. This type of treatment, called virotherapy, shows promise as a potential cure for locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Prostate·DateJan 21, 2009

Technology improves treatment options for drug users

The special issue highlights various new treatment options, including mobile phones, Internet-based interventions, and computers. Researchers have seen promising results, such as a high number of students logging on to screening programs and increased access for hard-to-reach populations.

SourceWiley·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·DateJan 18, 2009

JCI table of contents: Dec. 22, 2008

Researchers developed a method to analyze genetic variations in HCV-infected patients, predicting their response to antiviral therapy. This approach may lead to a test that identifies targets for new antiviral drugs.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 22, 2008

Researchers map new path to colon cancer therapy

University of Texas Medical Branch researchers have identified a promising new target for colon cancer therapy by mapping the biochemical pathway critical to the spread of tumors. High levels of the enzyme Akt2 are found in association with other cancers, and its inhibition shows promise in stopping colon cancer's spread.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2008