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Neuroblastoma -- The way ahead

Researchers discuss future directions in neuroblastoma treatment, including new approaches for high-risk patients and the development of an international classification system. Current regimens and prognosis are also analyzed, highlighting the need for improved understanding of genomic alterations to guide therapy.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 21, 2007

'Triple negative' breast cancers linked to the young, minority

A new study found that triple negative breast cancers are more common among young, poor minority women, particularly African American and Hispanic women. The tumors are also associated with later diagnosis and shorter survival rates, with African American women having the poorest five-year survival rate.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 26, 2007

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

Study identifies characteristics of fast-growing skin cancers

A study investigated melanoma growth rate in 404 patients and found that fast-growing melanomas are more likely to occur in elderly men and individuals with fewer moles and freckles. The study provides descriptive data on the spectrum of melanoma rates of growth, offering insights into subgroups associated with rapid growth.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateDec 18, 2006

Jefferson scientists find blood vessel-building protein halts blood vessels from forming in cancer

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that the protein fragment endorepellin blocks both skin and lung cancer tumors from progressing in animal models by preventing their ability to recruit new blood vessels. Endorepellin has surprisingly powerful effects on halting a cancer tumor's ability to move about and spread.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 14, 2006

Signal protein shows promise for blocking tumor promoters in skin cells

A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that signal protein Srcasm can block tumor-promoting molecules in skin cells, potentially leading to targeted gene therapy for certain cancers. By increasing Srcasm levels, researchers may be able to reverse uncontrolled cell growth caused by activated Src kinases.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2006

Protein plays broader role than originally thought in neurofibromatosis

Researchers found that restoring Ras-GAP activity through expression of the human NF1 GAP-related domain restored normal cardiac development in mice with Neurofibromatosis type I disease. However, this approach did not fully restore all pathologies associated with neurofibromin loss, indicating a more complex role for the protein.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 10, 2006

A tumour suppressor in mice and men

A team of researchers from Munich discovered a cellular mechanism that protects against tumours by controlling the Bcl-3 oncogene. The study identified Cyld as a potential tumour suppressor, which can accumulate around the nucleus and prevent Bcl-3 from entering it.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateMay 29, 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

Invasive skin cancer a growing problem in Hispanics

The incidence of invasive melanoma has significantly increased among Hispanic males in California between 1988 and 2001. The rate of invasive tumors greater than 0.75mm thick is particularly concerning, with a notable increase among Hispanic men compared to non-Hispanic whites.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJan 23, 2006

Skin cancers growing in young people – A case for prevention

A Mayo Clinic study found that basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumors are increasing in younger adults, with a significant surge in women over 30. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) diagnoses also rose sharply, especially among men and women in their late 30s. Long-term sun exposure and tanning bed use are major contributors to this trend.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateAug 9, 2005

Other highlights in the August 3 JNCI

Research has found a positive association between body mass index, fat-free mass, and waist circumference with an increased risk of myeloid leukemia. Additionally, modifications of the vimentin gene can be detected in fecal DNA of people with colon cancer, potentially serving as a biomarker for the disease.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 2, 2005

Early detection of thick melanomas

The number of new melanoma cases in the US increased 60% from 1988-1991 to 1996-1999, with thick melanomas primarily composed of nodular subtype. The study suggests that current early-detection educational programs may not be effective for detecting this aggressive type of melanoma.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJun 20, 2005

Self-assembled nano-sized probes allow Penn researchers to see tumors through flesh and skin

The researchers created nano-sized probes using emissive polymersomes that can optically image tissue structures deep below the skin, with potential to target multiple cancer cell-surface markers simultaneously. The probes use near-infrared light to produce a bright signal detectable through imaging systems.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2005

Stressed mice quicker to get skin cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that stressed mice develop skin cancer faster than non-stressed mice. Stress-reducing programs like yoga and meditation may help individuals at high risk for skin cancer stay healthy longer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateDec 8, 2004

Pioneering the basics for new kind of cancer vaccine

Scientists at Mayo Clinic develop novel approach to cancer vaccine that leverages inflammatory cell death to trigger a strong anti-tumor immune response, eradicating skin cancer tumors without triggering autoimmune disease. The breakthrough sheds light on a major obstacle in advancing cancer vaccine research from lab to human trials.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 1, 2004