Stand Up To Cancer

New research in the journal Cell indicates that the presence of stored fats in the body may make cancer cells more aggressive. When the enzyme that breaks down these fats goes into "overdrive" in cancer cells, free fatty acids are released, which can promote cancer growth and progression. The researchers behind the study note that this could be the explanation for the established link between obesity and cancer.
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/634711.html

British scientists have uncovered several gene mutations linked to kidney cancer, providing evidence that this form of the disease, much like breast cancer, can be divided into subtypes requiring different methods of treatment. The good news is that the research opens the door for more tailored treatments for kidney cancer patients, and reinforces the case for more emphasis on personalized medicine when it comes to cancer.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6054A820100106

Researchers in Montreal have discovered a previously unsuspected link between two genetic pathways that act to suppress the growth of tumors. The breakthrough reveals that when one of the genes, PTEN, is absent, the other, PKR, loses its ability to inhibit protein synthesis, enabling cancers to grow. Remember our old friend the PI3K pathway, currently being studied by SU2C Dream Team scientists? The discovery could one day give a boost to PI3K-targeted treatment as well therapies for aggressive prostate cancers, brain cancers and melanomas.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107133401.htm

On a particularly cheery note for those facing prostate cancer, one new study shows that regular exercise can help prevent the incontinence issues that are sometimes a side-effect of surgery for the disease. Among 165 men who had their prostate glands removed, those who were not obese and getting regular exercise beforehand had the lowest occurrence of long-term incontinence; even among obese men, those who had been physically active before surgery were less likely to face the side effect a year after the procedure.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6063FX20100107

Finally, research out of the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center indicates that most breast cancer surgeons' practices do not follow standards associated with the best quality of care, including consulting with other specialists and providing patients with resources to help them make treatment decisions. Out of 318 surgeons in Detroit and LA, only 13% said they routinely consulted with a plastic surgeon; one-third said they discussed patients' treatment plans with medical or radiation oncologists; and one-third said their patients typically participate in patient decision support activities. The study did find, however, that these percentages tended to be much higher amongst surgeons who treated mostly breast cancer patients.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100105125840.htm

That's all for this week, but I'll be back next Thursday with more!

--Cat