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Other highlights in the May 15 issue of JNCI

Research findings link insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) to decreased lung cancer risk when bound by IGFBP-3. Environmental factors influence DNA methylation patterns in tumor suppressor genes, which may impact cancer incidence. Electro-gene therapy enhances IL-12 protein delivery, triggering long-lasting antitumor responses.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 14, 2002

Other highlights in the April 17 issue of JNCI

A new study has found that women with the highest levels of sex hormones are at roughly twice the risk of developing breast cancer compared to those with lower levels. Additionally, researchers have discovered a potential therapy for glioblastomas using a fusion protein that shows little toxicity. Reproductive hormones have also been l...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 16, 2002

Fish tales

Researchers investigate the remarkable resilience of the mummichog fish to chronic pollution in the Elizabeth River. The study reveals that these fish have adapted through genetic changes, but this comes at a cost, such as increased cancer risk and reduced ability to thrive in clean environments.

More patients would refuse treatment if the outcome were impaired quality of life

Researchers found that when treatment outcomes were impaired quality of life, such as severe functional or cognitive impairment, a significant number of patients (74.4% and 88.8%) lost their willingness to receive treatment. In contrast, the impact on preferences was more nuanced with mortality, where only when the likelihood increased...

SourceYale University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 3, 2002

Hormone replacement therapy may be associated with increased ovarian cancer risk

A new study found that hormone replacement therapy, particularly estrogen alone, may increase the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women with an intact uterus. Women who used sequential progestins with estrogens had a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those who never used HRT.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 2, 2002

Bone loss resumes when hormone replacement therapy stops, but at normal rate

A long-term follow-up study of over 800 postmenopausal women found that stopping hormone replacement therapy resumes bone loss at a rate similar to those who never took the drugs. The study showed that while bone mass increased in the first 36 months after starting hormone replacement therapy, there was little gain after that.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 24, 2002

Racial and ethnic minorities may receive less appropriate cancer treatment

A recent study found racial and ethnic disparities in the receipt of cancer treatments, with white patients often receiving more aggressive therapy than minority groups. The study analyzed data from 87 studies and found consistent differences in therapy, including less frequent surgery for lung and colorectal cancers among minorities.

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

Computerized tool predicts sarcoma outcome and improves ability to make better treatment decisions

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a nomogram to predict sarcoma patient outcomes, combining age, tumor size, and other factors to provide more accurate prognosis. The tool enables doctors to tailor treatments based on individual patient risk, potentially leading to better outcomes.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 1, 2002

Cells on the verge of suicide

A team of researchers has identified the entire series of proteins that relay a message of survival from a neuron to a glial cell in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, shedding light on how cells 'know' whether to survive or perish. This discovery may lead to novel treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 31, 2002

Screening mammography under scrutiny

A recent analysis published in The Lancet suggests that routine breast cancer screening through mammography may not be effective in reducing deaths. The study found that the two best trials failed to show an effect of screening on deaths ascribed to breast cancer after 13 years, and that screening leads to more aggressive treatment.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 18, 2001

Masking genetic mutations

Scientists have identified an important parallel between C. elegans and human NMD pathways, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy for masking genetic mutations. Inactivation of the human homolog of the C. elegans smg-1 gene inhibits NMD, allowing truncated proteins to accumulate and potentially compensate for genetic disorders.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 31, 2001

Study indicates alternative medicine here to stay

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers suggests that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is here to stay for the foreseeable future. The use of CAM therapies has steadily increased in popularity since the 1960s, with the largest growth rate occurring during the transition from the 1960s to the 1970s.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 20, 2001

August news briefs

A Mayo Clinic study published in Cancer journal reveals that daily alcohol consumption by women whose mothers, sisters or daughters have breast cancer may increase their risk for getting the cancer. The study found an increased risk among first-degree relatives of women with breast cancer, but less evidence among second-degree relatives.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalCancer·DateAug 10, 2001

Fertility experts urge clinics to consider ‘natural cycle’ IVF instead of routine use of ovarian stimulants

A study by UK fertility experts found that natural cycle IVF can achieve comparable results to conventional treatment in 60-70% of cases, while reducing costs and risks. The approach is suitable for women with regular menstrual cycles and fallopian tube problems, but not for those with irregular ovulation or ICSI requirements.

Does specialized care mean better care?

A study by Dr. Vivek Goel and colleagues found that women with early-stage breast cancer treated in specialized teaching hospitals had a higher 5-year survival rate than those treated in community hospitals. The results suggest that initial treatment at specialized centers may be advantageous for women with small tumors.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 21, 2001