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Brain tumor growth requires abnormal neighbors

Researchers developed a mouse model of neurofibromatosis 1 to study brain tumor growth, finding that tumors require permissive environments. Astrocytes with both copies of the Nf1 gene lacking in surrounding cells were found to develop into tumors, highlighting the importance of location in cancer development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 15, 2003

Childhood leukemia survivors not receiving radiation have same life expectancy as general population

A long-term follow-up study of childhood ALL survivors found that those who did not receive brain radiation had comparable survival rates, employment, and marital rates to the general population. However, those who received brain radiation had a slight increase in death rate due to second cancer and higher unemployment rates.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 13, 2003

Heat zapps bone tumors

A study published in the Journal of Vascular Interventional Radiology suggests that percutaneous radiofrequency ablation can be an effective treatment for osteoid osteomas, with all eight patients achieving complete pain relief. The use of CT fluoroscopy enhanced imaging guidance improved precision and success rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMay 12, 2003

Presence of certain tumor markers for melanoma could signal best results for vaccine

A recent study by the American Association for Cancer Research found that patients with advanced melanoma expressing higher levels of melanoma-associated antigens (MAAs) experienced significantly improved survival outcomes. The study suggests that these tumors may be more responsive to immunotherapy, such as vaccines against melanoma.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 15, 2003

JCI Table of Contents, January 2, 2003

Researchers found that nicotine stimulates lung epithelial cells to activate a molecular pathway promoting cell growth and survival. This activation undermines the body's natural defense mechanism against cancer. The study suggests reconsidering the risk-benefit ratio of nicotine-based quitting aids.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2003

Signaling pathway in melanoma could provide target for diagnosis, prevention and treatment

A study by Emory University scientists identified the MAP kinase signaling pathway as a key player in early melanoma development. The researchers found that this pathway is abnormally activated in early melanomas, but not in precancerous moles. This finding has implications for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 5, 2002

UF develops radiation-targeting system

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new radiation-targeting system that uses advanced imaging and optic guidance techniques to precisely target tumors. The system, now commercially available, aims to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues and potentially improve cure rates.