Weekly Links - 1/14/2010
New research in the journal Science sheds light on how cells in the body flatten out as they adhere to internal bodily surfaces, which is the first step in processes included clot formation and the spread of cancer cells. Cell receptors called integrins spread the signal to flatten along the extracellular matrix of fibers, which is key to cell movement. The breakthrough could lead to the development of drugs to treat thrombosis, stroke, heart attack and the migration of cancer cells, said the study's lead researcher.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100114143319.htm
A new state agreement in Florida guarantees that major insurers in that state will continue to cover routine care for cancer patients who enter into clinical trials. Lack of insurance can be an impediment to participating in the trials, which are essential to the development of new cancer treatments. State Senator Don Gaetz was able to negotiate the deal with 90% of Florida's group insurance market, including Humana, BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United and more.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/1424009.html
A study out of Yale indicates that stress signals in the body can contribute to the growth of cancer cells. Research published in the journal Nature shows that emotional of physical trauma can create the stress signals, which can behave as a "pathway" between cancerous mutations. "A lot of different conditions can trigger stress signaling - physical stress, emotional stress, infections, inflammation - all these things. Reducing stress or avoiding stress conditions is always good advice," said Professor Tian Xu, a geneticist who led the study.
http://topnews.us/content/29867-stress-another-cause-cancer
Analysis of the human genome has uncovered a genetic variant associated with the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, according to a study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Because a large percentage of prostate cancers grow so slowly that they're never life-threatening, being able to predict the aggressiveness of a given cancer is crucial to determining the optimum course of treatment. "Our work is too early to say whether it will have a clinical impact," said a member of the research team. "But this demonstrates that such markers do exist, and by studying them we may be able to understand the biological pathways that contribute to making prostate cancer more aggressive."
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/634781.html
Finally, researchers out of New Zealand have presented their findings on a promising new lung cancer drug. The drug works by disrupting the blood vessels within the tumor to inhibit blood flow, and when added to traditional chemotherapy has been shown to extend patient survival time from a median of 8.8 months to 14 months. Some think the drug could be on the market by 2012.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/health/news/article.cfm?c_id=204&objectid=10620327
That's all for this week, but check back next Thursday for more news you can use!
--Cat
Posted by Marla | January 16, 2010 3:03 AM
My son, 28 years old, whose birthday is the same as yours, November 12th, was diagnosed with Non-Hotchkin's Lymphoma about three months ago and has been undergoing intense chemo therapy. He has a rare gene mutation which they have located on his 8th chromosome and therefore has to undergo an unusually intense treatment....one similar to what is known as Burkitt's lymphoma. He is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology who will be defending his dissertation this June. Before his next inpatient round of chemo on January 21st, he has been traveling throughout the U.S. with his dad, interviewing for his doctoral internships. His specialty is treating children and families of kids with brain injuries and physical disabilities. He is a bilingual therapist---fluent in Spanish. He was also born with Spina Bifida; wasn't supposed to walk....but he does. He's quite a survivor as you are. Would love to talk to you. You are quite an inspiration. L'Shalom, Marla (his mom)