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A safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for metastatic esophageal cancer

Researchers found that oxaliplatin combined with capecitabine provided a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for patients with metastatic esophageal squamous cell cancer. The combination showed significant clinical benefits, including partial responses in 43.8% of patients and a median overall survival of 10.0 months.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateFeb 21, 2009

An adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent in gastric cancer therapy

The study investigates the anti-apoptotic effects of Astragalus saponin extract on human peritoneal mesothelial cells during peritoneal gastric cancer metastasis. The results show that gastric cancer cell supernatant induces apoptosis in mesothelial cells, while Astragalus injection can partly suppress this effect and regulate the expr...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateFeb 17, 2009

Team finds breast cancer gene linked to disease spread

A team of scientists at Princeton University has identified a long-sought gene, Metadherin, that is responsible for the aggressive behavior of poor-prognosis tumors and makes them resistant to chemotherapy. The discovery paves the way for new drugs to inhibit the gene's diabolical actions and may have significant health implications.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 5, 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

Researchers map new path to colon cancer therapy

University of Texas Medical Branch researchers have identified a promising new target for colon cancer therapy by mapping the biochemical pathway critical to the spread of tumors. High levels of the enzyme Akt2 are found in association with other cancers, and its inhibition shows promise in stopping colon cancer's spread.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2008

Pelvic lymphadenectomy does not improve survival in early stage endometrial cancer

A randomized trial found that systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy did not improve disease-free or overall survival in women with stage I endometrial cancer. Lymphadenectomy was associated with improved surgical staging and detection of disease spread to pelvic lymph nodes, but no therapeutic benefit.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 25, 2008

Metastatic movements in 3-D

Research reveals that blocking avb3 integrin leads to a5b1's increased trafficking and association with EGFR1, activating the Akt pathway and promoting random migration and invasive ability. This study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying metastatic movement in tumor cells.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 6, 2008

A breakthrough in contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasonography

Researchers have developed a new microbubble agent, Sonazoid, that enhances the sensitivity of contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasonography (CE-IOUS) for detecting occult liver lesions in patients with colorectal cancer. CE-IOUS using Sonazoid allows for longer imaging times and improved detection of metastases during hepatectomy.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 18, 2008

Also in the July 8 JNCI

Researchers found that reducing iron blood levels in men with peripheral arterial disease is associated with a decreased incidence of cancer. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that iron catalyzes the production of free radicals that damage cellular components, including DNA.

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

JCI online early table of contents: July 1, 2008

Researchers have discovered two drugs that can improve memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting calpains. Additionally, they found stabilizing molecules for the faulty PAH protein in phenylketonuria (PKU), and identified a genetic marker for predicting prostate cancer spreading.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2008