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Lenalidomide prolongs disease control for multiple myeloma patients after stem cell transplant

A Phase III clinical trial found lenalidomide treatment decreased the risk of progressive myeloma or death in stem cell transplant patients, with a 63 percent reduction in disease progression risk. The study's results support the use of lenalidomide maintenance therapy after stem cell transplantation to improve patient outcomes.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 15, 2012

Researchers discover gene that is mutated in some blood cancers and predicts better survival

A recent study found that mutations in the SF3B1 gene are associated with a milder form of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and better overall survival rates. The researchers also discovered a close relationship between the mutated gene and the presence of ring sideroblasts, abnormal precursors to red blood cells, which can cause anaemia.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 26, 2011

High levels of 'good' cholesterol may cut bowel cancer risk

Research suggests that high levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) are associated with a reduced risk of bowel cancer. The association remains intact even after accounting for other factors such as inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxygen free radicals. HDL may alter the inflammatory process in some way, according to the study's authors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateMar 7, 2011

Blood test may find markers of bladder cancer risk

A blood test can accurately detect biomolecular markers of bladder cancer risk linked to environmental exposures like cigarette smoke and industrial pollutants. The test measures methylation patterns in immune system cells, which are associated with an increased likelihood of disease.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 22, 2011

Fiber intake associated with reduced risk of death

A nine-year study found that high fiber intake was associated with a significantly reduced risk of total death, cardiovascular, infectious, and respiratory diseases in both men and women. Dietary fiber from whole plant foods, such as grains, was particularly beneficial.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2011

'Hi-JAK-ing' cancer by inhibiting Jak2

Researchers describe an indirect approach to reducing JAK2 activity by pharmacologically targeting HSP90. Inhibiting HSP90 normalized blood counts and improved survival in two mouse models of MPN, promoting JAK2 degradation in samples from patients with the disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 13, 2010

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents associated with higher risk of venous thromboembolism

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that erythropoiesis-stimulating agents increase the risk of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients. The use of these agents, approved to reduce blood transfusions during chemotherapy, may outweigh benefits due to associated risks.

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

Toward bold new anti-cancer medicines

Researchers are developing innovative treatments to starve cancer cells of glucose, a strategy that has shown promising results in breast and colon cancer cases. RNA interference is also being explored as a gene therapy approach to block genes involved in cancer growth, with significant progress made in administering these medicines.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 28, 2009

Innovative method to starve tumors

Researchers have found that tumor cells release microvesicles that stimulate the growth of blood vessels, allowing tumors to grow. A new molecule called Diannexin has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent that can block this process and starve tumors.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2009

Young blood fights cancer

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that transfusions of 'young' blood –– blood stored for less than 9 days –– increased the odds of survival in animals with leukemia and breast cancer. Fresh blood may be a game-changer in cancer treatment, potentially improving survival rates.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAnesthesiology·DateDec 30, 2008

Stanford blood scanner detects even faint indicators of cancer

A team of Stanford researchers has created a prototype blood scanner that can detect cancer biomarkers in the bloodstream at an early stage of the disease. The system uses magnetic nanotechnology to spot cancer proteins, which is tens to hundreds of times more sensitive than existing commercial devices. This technology holds promise fo...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2008