New research has found a way to boost the effectiveness of immune cells, making them more effective at clearing cancerous and foreign cells, such as bacteria. The method stimulates a particular receptor that signals the immune system to increase its activity. Researchers at Rutgers University have uncovered a new way to stimulate activity of immune… [Continue Reading]
Tumor’s Molecular Signature Can Predict Outcome of Chemotherapy
May 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Every cancer is unique, and individual tumors react highly variably to different treatments. This is likely due to their distinct molecular properties. Researchers are increasingly identifying tumor characteristics that indicate they are more or less susceptible to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a major first line defense against breast cancer. However a patient’s response is often variable… [Continue Reading]
Sequencing of Skin Tumor Genomes Reveals Their Molecular Characteristics
May 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A large new study has generated an enormous amount of molecular information about metastatic melanoma, a deadly type of skin cancer. Researchers have sequenced the genomes of over two dozen individual tumors. Differences between the tumors and normal cells are giving major insights on how skin cancer develops. Melanoma – the deadliest and most aggressive… [Continue Reading]
Exercise Boots Breast and Colon Cancer Survival Rates
May 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Getting regular exercise is significantly linked to better outcomes for breast cancer and colon cancer patients, a study has reported. A new analysis of a number of previous studies examining the issue supports the recommendation of physical activity to patients, according to the researchers, which brings to them both physical and mental benefits. Physical activity… [Continue Reading]
Rates of Vaccination Against Cancer-Causing Virus Dropping
May 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The rate of young women vaccinated against the virus that causes cervical cancer have significantly declined since the introduction of the vaccine, a new survey has revealed. Researchers are disheartened by the findings, noting that a quarter of a million women die of the cervical cancer every year. The proportion of insured girls and young… [Continue Reading]
Too Much Beta-Carotene Harmful for Health
May 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A sufficient level of vitamin A is essential for many aspects of health, but too much can cause significant damage. Beta-carotene was thought to be a safer form of the vitamin. However, new research shows that taking too much beta-carotene carries significant risks. New research suggests that there could be health hazards associated with consuming… [Continue Reading]
Key Gene Discovered That Drives Pancreatic Cancer Growth
April 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Scientists have discovered how a particular protein is critical to the survival of pancreatic cancer, suggesting new approaches to drug development to fight the disease. The protein changes the way the cells metabolize sugar, and without it, tumors in a mouse model shrink. Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have shown that advanced pancreatic cancers in… [Continue Reading]
Blood Test for Breast Cancer Under Development
April 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Levels of a protein found in the blood correlate with breast cancer, but normal levels of the protein vary significantly between individuals. One lab is trying to develop a test to get around this problem and non-invasively diagnose the disease at very early stages. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during… [Continue Reading]
Injectable form of Birth Control Increases Breast Cancer Risk
April 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A study of over one thousand women indicates that a certain injectable form of birth control doubles the risk of developing breast cancer, when used for longer than one year. The work suggests that women with an already increased risk, such as family history, should carefully consider their choice of hormonal contraception. The first large-scale… [Continue Reading]
Dietary Supplement Boosts Chemotherapy Effectiveness for Pancreatic Cancer
April 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A particular fatty acid has anti-cancer effects, according to new research. Scientists recently presenting their work have shown that gama-linoleic acid can synergize with the standard anti-pancreatic cancer drug to halt cell division and growth. The dietary supplement gamma-linoleic acid can inhibit the growth of a subset of pancreatic cancer cells and selectively promote cancer… [Continue Reading]