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Protein in embryonic stem cells controls malignant tumor cells

A study led by Mary J. C. Hendrix found that the Lefty protein, secreted only in human embryonic stem cells, inhibits growth and spread of melanoma and breast cancer cells. This breakthrough suggests potential therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment and highlights the utility of isolating factors within the embryonic microenvironment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2008

Genome-wide survey nets key melanoma gene

Researchers identified a protein, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), that regulates melanocytes' decision to ward off cancer by entering a programmed hibernation or committing suicide. This discovery offers new hope for treating deadly melanoma by harnessing the body's natural defense pathway.

CD200 stifles anti-tumor immunity

High levels of CD200 expression in melanomas represses activation of antitumor T cell immune responses by dendritic cells. Targeting the interaction between CD200 and its receptor may provide a new treatment approach for metastatic melanoma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2007

Reversing cancer cells to normal cells

A study by Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix found that inhibiting Nodal signaling in aggressive melanoma cells can reverse their invasiveness and tumor formation, reverting them to a more benign skin cell type. This discovery provides a promising new target for regulating tumor progression and metastasis.

Molecular differences between early and advanced melanomas could provide new drug targets

Scientists have discovered that a cell-signaling molecule Akt plays a key role in the progression of melanomas from non-invasive to invasive cancers. Understanding this molecular difference could lead to new targets for treating advanced stage melanoma, with a survival rate of 98% for radial melanomas on the surface of the skin.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 12, 2007

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

Melanoma may be over-diagnosed

Researchers have defined normal melanocyte numbers in sun-exposed skin, distinguishing sun damage from early melanoma. This finding allows for less tissue removal and trauma to the skin.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJul 17, 2006

Targeted melanoma education of high risk groups improves screening

A new study reveals that targeted melanoma education of high-risk groups leads to sustained improvements in skin self-examination rates. The intervention, which included personalized educational materials and counseling sessions, significantly increased the number of siblings who performed regular skin self-examinations.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 10, 2006

Education campaign improves skin cancer screening rates

A community-based education campaign significantly increased skin cancer screening rates in men over 50, with a two-fold increase in self-screening and four-fold increase in physician-screening. Men who recognized personal risk factors or had previously removed skin lesions were more likely to undergo screening.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 10, 2006

Recurrent melanoma may be more common than previously thought

Researchers found that 20% of participants developed additional melanoma within one year and 27% within two years after initial diagnosis. Those with atypical moles had a higher risk of developing additional melanomas, with those having three or more atypical moles being four times more likely to develop multiple tumors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateApr 17, 2006

JCI table of contents November, 2005

Researchers pinpoint CD36 as the first candidate for detecting fatty acids in the oral cavity, influencing digestive physiology and potentially increasing obesity risk. The study also reveals an alteration in the fat perception system may impact HIV transmission through human milk.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 20, 2005

Monitoring the response to vaccination against melanoma

Researchers have identified distinct patterns of responses in patient cells after vaccination against melanoma, which may help monitor treatment response. The study found that certain compounds were secreted by cells in patients whose tumors did not grow after vaccination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 19, 2005

When does a mole become a melanoma?

Researchers genetically engineered zebrafish to develop black-pigmented moles with mutated human BRAF and p53 genes. The study shows that BRAF mutations are necessary for mole development, but insufficient for cancer. The model provides insights into how gene mutations contribute to melanoma

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 7, 2005