Colon cancer affects millions of individuals, and new research shows that most cases are linked to changes in a specific gene. The work examined variations in the genetic code in hundreds of tissue samples from cancer patients. The large majority of tissues had changes in the gene HNF4A, suggesting the malfunction of this protein might… [Continue Reading]
Compound Found in Curry Spice Slows Tumor Cell Growth
February 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A compound isolated from the spice turmeric blocks prostate cancer cell growth in mouse models, according to a recently published study. The molecule, called curcumin, is found in the curry spice, and appears to block the function of two proteins that the cells require to proliferate. Curcumin, an active component of the Indian curry spice… [Continue Reading]
Breast Cancer Cells Hijack Immune System to Metastasize
February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
How cancer cells leave a primary tumor site and migrate elsewhere in the body is a critical research question. New work has shown that a certain type of breast cancer, a lethal form which metastasizes rapidly, utilizes the immune system’s response to drive its own migration. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most lethal form… [Continue Reading]
Zinc May Play a Key Role in Regulating Breast Cancer Cell Growth
February 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The flow of zinc in and out of cells could have an impact on the way breast cancer cells grow, according to a new study. The research determined that changing levels and activity of zinc transporter proteins are linked to cancer development. Using drugs to modify the flow of zinc could be an effective way… [Continue Reading]
Soy Isoflavones Do Not Decrease Breast Cancer Cell Growth
February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
While eating whole soy has been touted as one way to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, taking supplements with compounds isolated from soy do not have the same effect. The new study assigned women to take soy isoflavone supplements or a placebo pill, and found no difference in breast cancer cell growth. In… [Continue Reading]
Anti-Cancer Vaccine In Development
January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have been taking a new approach to cancer treatment: tricking the immune system into recognizing tumor cells as foreign, and eliminating them. While current vaccines increase patient lifespan by only a few months, novel vaccines have shown promising results in animal models, and are being transitioned into clinical use. Scientists in Trinity College Dublin,… [Continue Reading]
Grape Seed Extract Kills Cancer Cells in Model Systems
January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a widespread type of cancer. Researchers studying the disease have found that compounds in grape seed extract can arrest the growth of cancer cells in the laboratory and in mouse models, suggesting the extract could be used to complement current treatments. Nearly 12,000 people will die of head… [Continue Reading]
Self-Screening Developed to Detect Virus Behind Cervical Cancer
January 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Women can effectively screen themselves for human papillomavirus, a leading cause of cervical cancer, according to a new study. Researchers in China examined the effectiveness of self-collected specimens of cervical cells. They found the approach was effective at detecting the virus, while minimizing the necessity of health professionals. Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing of self-collected specimens… [Continue Reading]
Yerba Mate Tea Contains Compounds that Kill Cancer Cells
January 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Yerba mate tea has been used in traditional medicine, and new research has shown that it contains active compounds that could fight cancer. A new study describes the activity of the isolated molecules, and their lethal effect on cancer cells in the laboratory. Could preventing colon cancer be as simple as developing a taste for… [Continue Reading]
Vegetable Compound Inhibits Pathways that Promote Colon Cancer Growth
January 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Luteolin, a molecule isolated from fruits and vegetables, is able to prevent the growth of cancer cells in the lab. The study has shown that the compound interferes with two key signalling pathways that the cancer cells require. Luteolin is a flavonoid commonly found in fruit and vegetables. This compound has been shown in laboratory… [Continue Reading]