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Listening to the sound of skin cancer

Researchers have developed a new method to detect metastasizing melanoma cells in the blood using photoacoustic detection, which can identify as few as 10 cancer cells. The technique uses laser techniques and ultrasound methods to emit noise from cancer cells, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 16, 2006

Speeding discovery of the 'human cancer genome'

Researchers identified two genes that can produce liver cancer and a gene important to melanoma spread. Genes in these pathways are promising targets for cancer drugs, according to the study. Improvements in genome technology have enabled researchers to filter out non-causal genetic changes and focus on functionally relevant ones.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 28, 2006

Scientists one step closer to cancer vaccine

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a short peptide molecule that can vaccinate and protect against the spread of tumours from different tissues, including melanoma, colon cancer, lymphoma, and fibrosarcoma. The study points towards new possible ways of developing a treatment for advanced tumour diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 21, 2006

Tumor size related to lung cancer spread

Researchers analyzed 28,689 cases of non-small cell lung cancer, finding a stronger association between tumor size and metastasis for solid tumors. The study suggests that smaller tumor sizes are associated with higher curability rates, even for micrometastases undetectable by current techniques.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2006

Tumor cells that border normal tissue are told to leave

Tumor cells that border normal tissue exhibit distinct behavior, losing surface proteins and gaining the ability to dissolve matrix surrounding cells. This change signals activation of proteins allowing tumor cells to migrate, posing a risk for metastasis. The discovery highlights the importance of tumor environment in cancer progression.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 9, 2006

Other highlights in the December 7 JNCI

A new study in mice found that chronic stress and UV radiation suppress the immune system, leading to increased tumor formation and quicker disease progression. Researchers observed suppression of T-cell function and type 1 cytokines, highlighting the potential for chronic stress to increase cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 6, 2005

Cosmopolitan lifestyle could allay cancer threat

Scientists have identified a new compound in cranberries that prevents cancer cells from breaking away and spreading to other parts of the body. The compound inhibits the growth of human lung, colon, and leukemia cells in culture without affecting healthy cells.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateOct 17, 2005

Fighting breast cancer

Researchers at Sunnybrook Hospital have developed a unique mouse model that enables scientists to study how breast cancer spreads. By analyzing the genetic makeup of tumour cells, they hope to predict which tumours will metastasize and develop new treatments.

Driving metastasis

Researchers found RhoC essential for tumor metastasis, but dispensable for embryonic development and tumor initiation. RhoC-deficient mice display reduced tumor metastasis, lower cell motility, and survival properties in secondary sites.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 16, 2005