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JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 5, 2009

Researchers have identified a link between the mutated FGFR4 protein and the spread of childhood cancer. Additionally, changes in iron levels are found to affect inflammation via the TLR4 pathway, while glial cells play a crucial role in stimulating red blood cell production.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 5, 2009

Addition of whole-brain radiation therapy to standard radiosurgery results in worse learning and memory function for patients with brain tumors

Patients with brain tumors treated with WBRT plus SRS experience significant decline in learning and memory function compared to those receiving SRS alone. The study concludes that SRS alone combined with close clinical monitoring is the preferred treatment strategy for patients newly diagnosed with one to three brain metastases.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateOct 4, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers found that SPAK silencing may promote cancer progression in B-cell lymphomas by crippling genotoxic stress signaling. In contrast, macrophage migration contributes to impaired peritoneal fluid drainage and lymphatic dysfunction in the diaphragm. Additionally, urokine plasminogen activator (uPA) is instrumental in the early ...

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 28, 2009

JNCI news brief: STD confirmed to be associated with increased risk of prostate cancer

Researchers have confirmed a link between Trichomonas vaginalis and an increased risk of prostate cancer. The study found that men infected with T. vaginalis were more likely to develop extraprostatic prostate cancer and cancer that is likely to progress to bony metastases or prostate cancer-specific death.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 9, 2009

Scientists identify gene that predicts post-surgical survival from brain metastasis of breast cancer patients

Researchers identified Hexokinase 2 as a key player in glucose metabolism and cell survival for breast cancer patients with brain metastases. Patients with high levels of Hexokinase 2 expression in their brain metastasis had significantly lower median survival rates compared to those with lower expression.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateSep 1, 2009

JCI table of contents: Aug. 24, 2009

Researchers found that Six1 protein is central to tumor development in breast cancer, linked to EMT, stem/progenitor cells, and poor prognosis. Overexpression of Six1 also enhanced ability to metastasize, indicating its role as a key player in aggressive breast cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 24, 2009

Considering combination versus sequential chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer

New commentary published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute discusses treatment options for metastatic breast cancer. The European School of Oncology Metastatic Breast Cancer Task Force recommends sequential chemotherapy with a single agent for patients without rapid progression or life-threatening metastasis.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 5, 2009

Study shows cancer vaccines led to long-term survival for patients with metastatic melanoma

A study by Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian found that patient-specific cancer vaccines derived from patients' own cells resulted in impressive long-term survival rates. The vaccine was well-tolerated, and eight patients experienced remarkable progression-free survival despite having widely metastatic disease.

SourceHoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateJul 28, 2009

Colorectal cancer

Researchers at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine have identified 115 genes associated with metastatic potential in colorectal cancer. The study found that BAMBI gene is more active in metastatic tumors, promoting metastasis formation through key signaling pathways.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJul 1, 2009

Advances in liver surgery enable the prospect of curative treatment for more patients

A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that patients with extrahepatic disease, high carcinoembriogenic antigen levels, or multiple nodules have poorer survival rates. Despite this, advances in surgical technique and complementary treatments are increasing the number of patients benefiting from curative treatment.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 12, 2009

JNCI June 9 issue tip sheet

A new study has found that autoantibodies are not strongly associated with improved outcomes in melanoma patients treated with interferon. The CAPRA score was accurate in predicting bone metastasis, prostate cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality at diagnosis of localized prostate cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 9, 2009

Brain irradiation in lung cancer

A national RTOG study found that prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) significantly decreased the incidence of brain metastases during the first year post-treatment. Patients who received PCI were two and one-half times less likely to develop brain metastasis than those who did not.

M. D. Anderson study finds dramatic increase in metastatic colon cancer survival

Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found a significant increase in median overall survival from 8 to 30 months for patients with advanced disease, and a projected five-year survival rate of over 30 percent. The study attributes the improvements to better surgical interventions and new chemotherapeutic agents.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 26, 2009

How tumor cells move

Scientists at Heidelberg University Hospital have identified a previously unknown protein called SCAI that inhibits the movement and spread of tumor cells. The study suggests that SCAI could be an interesting starting point for research into new mechanisms for fighting cancer.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 8, 2009