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MicroRNA molecule may serve as biomarker, target for brain metastases in breast cancer patients

Researchers identified miR-7 as a metastasis suppressor that suppressed cancer stem-like cells' ability to metastasize to the brain. The miR-7/KLF4 axis played a critical role in cancer stem-like cell brain metastasis, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic or therapeutic target for predicting or treating brain metastases.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 5, 2013

RNA promotes metastasis in lung cancer

Researchers discovered that long non-coding RNA MALAT1 regulates genes involved in metastasis, leading to impaired mobility and tumor growth. By silencing MALAT1, the team found reduced metastasis formation in mice, opening a promising approach for lung cancer treatment.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 5, 2013

Body's ibuprofen, SPARC, reduces inflammation and thus bladder cancer development and metastasis

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that SPARC acts as an anti-inflammatory drug, reducing tumor growth and metastasis in bladder cancer. The protein is produced by healthy tissue to mute tumors, but aggressive cancers suppress its production, leading to faster disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 16, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Dec. 17, 2012

Researchers identified ID proteins as regulators of glioma progression and potential therapeutic targets. In contrast, the loss of TREM-1 increased inflammation and worsened lung infection outcomes in mice. Additionally, breast cancer cells interact with stroma to drive metastasis through HIF-dependent signaling pathways.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 17, 2012

Reconsidering cancer's bad guy

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that a protein known for causing cancer cells to spread is also involved in brain repair. The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests new avenues for treating degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2012

Study shows bone metastases treatment can improve overall survival

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that denosumab was associated with significantly improved overall median survival in lung cancer patients, including those with non-small-cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer. The treatment also showed improved survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateNov 15, 2012

Combination treatment may improve survival of breast cancer patients with brain metastases

A combination of an anti-HER2 drug and an angiogenesis inhibitor significantly improves survival in a mouse model of brain metastatic breast cancer. The treatment extends patient survival by slowing the growth of brain tumors, making it a promising approach for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who develop brain metastases.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2012

Exposing cancer's lethal couriers

Researchers developed a new nanotechnology that detects micrometastases in mouse models of breast cancer, marking them for early diagnosis and treatment. The technology uses nanochains to target cancer cells with integrins, allowing doctors to guide surgery or deliver cancer-killing drugs directly to the cells before a tumor forms.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 24, 2012

How breast cancer spreads

Breast cancer cells spread to surrounding lymph nodes through invasion into lymph vessels. Johns Hopkins researchers discover protein HIF-1 triggers this process by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and activating genes involved in lymph vessel formation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2012

Modeling metastasis

Researchers used Active Shape Model to simulate fluid forces acting on breast cancer cells in blood flow. The study aims to develop new therapies targeting metastasis by understanding mechanical properties of cancer cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 24, 2012