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Using math to fight cancer

Scientists from the University of Miami and Germany have created a model to predict cancer tumor growth and progression, which could lead to highly individualized treatment strategies. The model analyzes images of tumor sections and predicts the most likely course of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 1, 2011

Individual mutations are very slow to promote tumor growth

Individual cancer-causing mutations have a minor effect on tumor growth, increasing cell division rates and contributing to the accumulation of multiple mutations. The research suggests that significant tumor growth requires the slow accumulation of multiple mutations over years, explaining why many cancer-driving mutations are needed.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2010

Morphine blocks tumor growth

Researchers found that chronic morphine use decreases levels of tumor angiogenesis, mediated by suppression of signaling induced by low oxygen concentrations. This effect suggests morphine may inhibit tumor growth and serve as an anti-angiogenic agent in cancer pain management.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 28, 2010

Turning a painkiller into a cancer killer

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered a new application for the painkiller Sulindac as a potential anti-cancer treatment. By binding to the truncated form of nuclear receptor RXRα, Sulindac shuts down cancer cell growth and initiates cell death.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 14, 2010

The immune system's guard against cancer

Scientists discovered that beta-interferon inhibits tumor growth by blocking its connection to the blood circulatory system and reducing the production of growth factors. This effect was seen in mice where tumors grew slower and formed fewer metastases, highlighting a new potential target for cancer therapy.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 6, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: March 8, 2010

Recent studies suggest that triggering TLR7 and TLR8 can actually increase tumor cell survival, while a new soluble factor IFN-beta represses tumor growth by limiting blood vessel formation. Additionally, microRNA-31 has been identified as an oncogenic factor promoting lung cancer through the repression of specific tumor suppressor genes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 8, 2010

Duke chemists synthesize promising anti-cancer product

Researchers at Duke University have synthesized largazole, a marine algae extract with potential as an anti-cancer agent. The team's efficient synthetic route enables the production of gram-sized quantities, paving the way for further study and potential treatment of various cancers.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2008

Other highlights in the Feb. 26 JNCI

A large randomized trial of personalized interventions found that two behavioral interventions did not significantly increase regular mammograms in female veterans. The study's findings support the generalizability to the US female population, which has seen a decline in mammography rates. Meanwhile, another study suggests that viral D...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 26, 2008