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Progress in breast cancer progression

Researchers found that NF-kB is essential for the initial transition stage of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells. Inhibiting NF-kB after transition prevents cells from becoming invasive.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2004

Leukemia stem cells identified by Stanford researchers

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified leukemia stem cells in chronic myelogenous leukemia, a breakthrough that could lead to new targeted therapies. The discovery reveals that normal adult cells can mutate into cancer stem cells, which are resistant to chemotherapy and require a specific protein called Wnt to self-renew.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 11, 2004

Patients' cells from tumors, the immune system merged for customized cancer therapy

Researchers developed a novel vaccine by fusing patients' tumor cells with their immune system dendritic cells, resulting in increased T cell response against tumor cells. The treatment showed promise in reducing tumor growth and metastasis in late-stage cancer patients, with some experiencing significant regression of tumors.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 15, 2004

Clemson researcher receives Komen grant

A Clemson researcher has received a grant from the Komen Foundation to further study the combination of a mutated prolactin receptor antagonist (PRL antagonist) and Herceptin, a breast cancer drug. The goal is to develop an effective treatment for aggressive subtypes of breast cancer.

Treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ varies widely in United States

The study found that 97.5% of patients with DCIS underwent surgery, but there is a wide variation in treatment approaches, including the use of mastectomy, radiation therapy, and axillary dissection. The incidence of DCIS increased by 73% between 1992 and 1999, highlighting the need for standardized treatment recommendations.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 16, 2004

Vaccine nips breast cancer in the bud

A new vaccine has been shown to halt HER-2/neu preneoplastic breast cancer lesions through both morphologic and gene expression data. The findings suggest a potential breakthrough in the treatment of this type of cancer, according to a recent study published in JCI Journals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2004

New mode of action discovered for tamoxifen

Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a new mode of action for tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen medication used to treat breast cancer. Tamoxifen turns on the tumor suppressor gene maspin, which inhibits tumor invasion and metastasis in normal breast cells.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 30, 2004

Oral drug showing promise for breast cancer prevention in a mouse model

Researchers found that oral drug ZD1839 suppressed the growth of ER-negative breast cancer cells and delayed the formation of tumors in transgenic mice. The treatment also reduced proliferation of normal breast cells by 20.3% and tumor cells by 42%. However, long-term safety data are needed for further research.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 16, 2003

New genetic option for thwarting cancer

Researchers have discovered a new genetic mechanism to prevent cancer development by targeting the Cdk4 gene. The study showed that knocking out this gene can make cells resistant to cancer even if their tumor suppressor defense is deficient. Cells then enter senescence, offering a promising new option for cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 15, 2002