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Strong association found between prevalence of low white blood count and women of African descent

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a strong association between neutropenia, or low white blood count, and women of African descent. This association may affect disparities in disease treatment and outcomes for cancer therapy, particularly among those with breast and colon cancer.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·DateSep 19, 2008

5- and 10-year survival continues to improve for US children with hematologic malignancies

Advances in treatment have led to increased long-term survival for US children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Period analysis reveals improved survival rates between 1990 and 2004, with projections suggesting continued progress through molecularly targeted therapies.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 9, 2008

Low vitamin D levels associated with increased risk of death

Individuals with low vitamin D levels have a higher risk of death from all causes, according to a study analyzing data from the Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. The analysis found that those with vitamin D deficiency had a 26% increased rate of death compared to those with adequate levels.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 11, 2008

New cancer gene found

Researchers at the OU Cancer Institute have identified a new gene called RBM3 that causes cancer. The gene is vital for cell division in normal cells but leads to increased tumor formation when overexpressed in cancerous cells.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalOncogene·DateMay 8, 2008

Other highlights in the April 8 JNCI

Recent studies suggest that preoperative chemotherapy can be effective in early breast cancer treatment, but individual responses may vary. Additionally, a case-control study found no increased risk of cancer among frequent blood donors. Furthermore, researchers have identified a novel mechanism to overcome resistance to targeted thera...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 8, 2008

Disparities among patients with extremity soft-tissue sarcomas

A new study found significant racial and ethnic differences in the treatment and survival of patients with extremity soft-tissue sarcomas. Blacks had lower rates of surgeries that would have saved their arm or leg, higher death rates, and were least likely to receive additional treatments for improved survival.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJan 22, 2008

Other highlights in the Dec. 11 JNCI

A recent study found that postmenopausal women taking anastrozole after tamoxifen treatment had a 38% reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence. Additionally, research indicates that blood transfusions may slightly increase cancer risk in the months following the procedure, likely due to underlying undiagnosed cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 11, 2007

Cancer research summaries

A retrospective study published in The Lancet found no excess risk of cancer among individuals who received blood products from donors with previously diagnosed cancers. The study included over 12,000 exposed individuals and 342,082 unexposed individuals, concluding that long-term cancer survivors might be a safe donor group.

SourceEuropean School of Oncology·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 20, 2007

'Smart' immune cells kill more cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new method to educate T-cells in the bone marrow, increasing their ability to recognize and kill cancer cells. The approach shows promise for treating myeloma and potentially other blood and solid tumors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 1, 2005

Allergy – cancer link

Researchers found a link between chronic allergic stimulation and an increased risk of leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in adults. Childhood eczema also appeared to increase the risk of this condition, although its impact is still relatively rare.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateNov 3, 2004