ESMO announced the names of outstanding individuals who receive annual price -
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), the leading pan-European organization representing medical oncologists, announced the names of outstanding individuals who receive annual estimated prices of the Company, which will be presented at the ESMO Congress 2014, September 26 in Madrid.
Carsten Bokemeyer receive the ESMO Price for its commitment to accelerate the transition of finding cancer in a real advantage for patients
a world leader in the pathogenesis and biology of malignant germ cell tumors, Bokemeyer is Director of the Cancer Centre, University of Hamburg, one of the centers of excellence in oncology Germany. The discoveries of Bokemeyer include identifying early stages of malignant transformation of germ cells and mechanisms of resistance of these tumors to chemotherapy. He also developed novel therapeutic concepts with cytostatic drugs and immunotherapy in solid tumors.
Peter Boyle won the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award for his longstanding contribution to cancer epidemiology, education and prevention
global public health professor at the University of Strathclyde, or honorary visiting professor at Glasgow and Yale, Boyle is the founder and president of the Alliance for global prevention. He led the EUROCAN + PLUS project for the European Parliament to set priorities for cancer research in Europe and was editor of the World Cancer Report 08 and the state of Oncology 2013, highlighting the crisis cancer in the world more and more.
Heikki Joensuu recognized the Price Hamilton Fairley for his significant contribution to improving breast cancer and GIST diagnosis and care
Internationally known for his clinical and translational research, in 00 Joensuu found that imatinib is effective in GIST most advanced and 2011 revealed that adjuvant treatment, he improved disease-free survival and possibly overall survival. Joensuu became professor of oncology at the age of 37 years and is currently Academy Professor at the University of Helsinki and Director of Research at Helsinki comprehensive Cancer Centre.
The transmission of hepatitis B (HBV) infection from mother to child is reduced with disoproxil fumarate tenofovir (TDF) treatment in the third quarter of patients in chronic HBV pregnant with a high viral load, show the results of a trial conducted in China.
The study included 0 B e antigen of hepatitis (HBeAg) -positive pregnant women with HBV DNA levels more than 0,000 IU / mL. They were randomly assigned to receive either TDF 300 mg / day, from 32 to 34 weeks of gestation and up to 4 weeks after delivery or usual care without antiviral treatment. The women were followed through week 28 post-partum; All pregnancies were single question and all infants received HBV immunoprophylaxis.
In the analysis by intention to treat, which included all women, except those who withdrew consent before treatment begins, the TDF treatment significantly reduced the vertical transmission rates 28 weeks, with the transmission to 5% of 97 children, against 18% of the 100 children born to mothers who received usual care ( p = 0.007).
The results were similar in the per protocol analysis that excluded participants who withdrew consent, discontinued treatment for any reason or have been lost sight of. The mother-child transmission rate was 0% for the 92 children born to women TDF-treated and 7% for the 88 children of women not given antiviral treatment, a significant difference ( p = 0, 01).
Furthermore, during childbirth, 68% of 97 women who received TDF had HBV DNA levels less than 0 000 IU / ml - it was significantly higher than the 2% 100 women in the control arm ( p <0.001). However, there was no difference between groups regarding the loss or seroconversion of HBeAg surface antigen or hepatitis B at week 28, which, the authors say, is "not unexpected because patients received only about 12 weeks of antiviral therapy. "
in the article published in The New England Journal of Medicine Calvin Pan (NYU Langone Medical Center, USA) and his fellow researchers also report safety instructions in infants who were comparable between infants whose mothers did and did not receive TDF, including the incidence of congenital malformations or defects (2 vs 1%).
the maternal side effect profiles were generally similar between TDF and arms control, except that a longer proportion of TDF-treated women had high levels of creatine kinase (7 vs 0%; p = 0.006) during treatment and elevation of alanine aminotransferase after stopping treatment (45 vs 30%; p = 0.03).
researchers believe that TDF "can be useful to prevent mother to child transmission, which is a crucial step towards the global eradication of HBV and a reduction in the incidence of liver cancer."
TIM-family proteins also have the ability to block the release of HIV and other viruses -
TIM-family proteins also play a role in Ebola and other infections viral
a family of proteins that promotes the entry of the virus into cells also has the ability to block the release of HIV and other viruses, University of Missouri researchers have found.
"This is a surprising discovery that offers new perspectives for our understanding not only of HIV infection but also that of Ebola and other viruses," said Shan-Lu Liu, MD, Ph.D., associate professor in the school of MU Department of molecular Microbiology and immunology in medicine.
the study was recently published in Academy Acts national science . Liu, corresponding author of the study, is also an investigator with the life sciences Center at MU Christopher S. Bond.
estimated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one million Americans are currently living with AIDS. AIDS, which is the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a condition characterized by progressive failure of the immune system. it is caused by human virus type 1 immunodeficiency (HIV-1).
When HIV-1 or any virus infects a cell, it replicates and spreads to other cells. One type of cell protein - T cell immunoglobulin and mucin the field, or TIM-1 - has previously been shown to promote the entry of certain highly pathogenic viruses in host cells. Now, MU researchers found that the same protein has a unique ability to block the release of HIV-1 and Ebola virus.
"This study shows that the TIM proteins keep the viral particles to be released by the infected cell and instead of keeping them attached to the cell surface," said Gordon Freeman, Ph.D., associate professor of medicine at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard medical School who was not affiliated with the study. "This is true for several important enveloped viruses, including HIV and Ebola. We may be able to use this knowledge to slow production of these viruses."
Under the supervision of Liu Minghua Li, a graduate student in pathobiology MU Zone Program, conducted a series of experiments that revealed the ability of the protein to inhibit HIV-1 release, resulting decreased production and viral replication.
HIV-1 attacks cells that are vital for the body's immune system such as T lymphocytes These cells play an important role in the response of the body to infection, but the HIV- 1 disrupts the cells' ability to defend against infection. When the virus enters a host cell it infects the cell and replicates, producing viral particles that spread and infect other cells. The researchers found that the viral particles budding from trying, or leave the infected cell, the TIM-family protein located on the cell surface can bind to lipids on the surface of the viral particle.
these lipids - known as phosphatidylserine (PS) - are normally present on the inner face of the cell membrane, but can be exposed to the outside during a viral infection. When the TIM family in contact with the PS proteins, viral particle becomes attached to the host cell, maintaining the particle to be released from the cell. Because the TIM family and PS proteins are present on the surface of the cell and the viral particle, the viral particles become stuck to each other, forming a network of viral particles accumulated on the surface of the host cell rather than be released to infect other cells.
using biochemical and molecular electron microscopic approaches, the researchers observed the interaction TIM and PS in human cells. The next step for the researchers to study the biological significance of TIM-family proteins in animals and patients and to determine the fate of the infected cell once it builds up an accumulation of viral particles.
"We are not at the point of reaching a conclusion as to whether this is positive or a negative factor," said Liu. "However, this discovery strengthens our ultimate goal of understanding the biology of TIM-family protein and potentially develop applications for future antivirus treatment."
Researchers find distinct differences are not identical between the retrovirus -
In the most comprehensive study of its kind, researchers at the Institute of Molecular Virology and School of dentistry at the University of Minnesota report that most types of retroviruses have non-identical virus distinct structures.
researchers analyzed seven different retroviruses, including two types of HIV-1 and HTLV, a virus that causes leukemia T cell They also examined retroviruses that infect birds, mice, chimpanzees and fish, which can cause cancer or immunodeficiency.
"Each type of retrovirus has distinct structural characteristics and each assembles viral particles differently," said Louis Mansky, Ph. D., director of the Institute of Molecular Virology, who is also a member of the Centre Masonic cancer. "Most researchers assume that all retroviruses are like HIV, but they are not. We can not take a one-size-fits approach when studying retroviruses and discover new strategies for antiviral treatment or vaccines. "
Mansky team looked at the behavior of Gag retroviral proteins, which cause the formation of retrovirus particles. Once the virus enters a cell, reverse transcriptase converts the viral RNA into DNA, which then creates the Gag protein.
Understanding the nature of the interactions of Gag proteins with each other and how the shape of structures will help scientists better understand how and why the virus works. It will also identify ways to target the virus and prevent it from infecting a cell first.
The study examined the size of virus-like particles, cell distribution and morphological characteristics of three distinct base by microscopy techniques.
The team noted that:
- HIV-1 and HIV-2 Gag proteins that assemble retrovirus-like particles with structures and sizes, which implies that 'there are differences in how the two types of HIV form new viral particles. -. HIV and HTLV-1 particles are distinct from each other in appearance, which also suggests fundamental differences in the assembly of viral particles
"We found significant differences between the retrovirus" said Jessica Martin, Senior Ph.D. student at the Department of Pharmacology and senior author of the study. "A parallel comparative study evaluating Gag retroviral proteins and intermediate virus particles of this size and scope has never been done before."
The team was surprised to find that one of retroviruses, the golden skin of sarcoma virus (WDSV) does not easily produce a particulate disease virus can affect anything from 1 to 30 percent walleye in a population, depending on the location. This research could help scientists better understand how aquatic disease control.
"Our study helps to highlight the importance of serendipity basic scientific research," said Mansky. "We wanted to learn more about the differences between the two major human retroviruses, namely HIV and HTLV, which we did, but our results also point to significant differences between light any type of retrovirus that could inform not only the treatment of human viral diseases but may also affect aquatic health in fishing. "
the study findings will help provide a basis for studying the differences between the retroviruses, including HIV.
"The scientific community can build on our findings to develop new antiviral treatments, and hopefully determine how to stop these viruses cause fatal diseases in humans such as cancer and AIDS," Mansky said.
Scientists find that the DNA repair drug could help treat leukemia, other cancers -
A team of scientists led by Research Associate Professor Motomi Osato and Professor Yoshiaki Ito Singapore Institute of cancer sciences (CSI Singapore) at the national University of Singapore (NUS) found that a drug originally designed to kill a limited type of cancer cells to repair defects DNA could be used to treat leukemia and other cancers.
The new study suggests that treatment with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and standard chemotherapy drugs might be more effective in the fight against leukemia. In the same study, the researchers found that inactivation of genes RunX cause DNA repair defects and promotes the development of leukemia and other cancers. The study was published online in the leading journal Cell Reports last month.
Unlike other cancers that are most commonly seen in the elderly, leukemia is known for its high prevalence among young people. There has been little progress in the treatment of leukemia. Chemotherapy with or without transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells remains the current standard of care, resulting in a rate of about 50 percent recovery. The genes of the RUNX family are among the most commonly inactivated genes in leukemia and other cancers. Previous studies, RUNX1 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in leukemia and RUNX3 is involved in the development of the disease.
In this study, the research team also showed the link between genes RunX family and the path of human rare congenital disease called Fanconi anemia for the first time. The disease is caused by mutations in one of the 15 genes responsible for repair of a specific type of DNA damage. In the early stages of this study, the researchers found that deficiency RUNX resulted in an inability to produce blood cells and a massive expansion of abnormal hematopoietic cells. They recognized that these clinical manifestations are symptoms of Fanconi anemia and began to investigate the functions of RunX in this DNA repair pathway.
Other research has shown that RunX proteins play an essential and central role in the way of Fanconi anemia by facilitating the recruitment of a protein involved in the repair of DNA damage called FANCD2 to DNA damage sites. This unknown relationship between RUNX and Fanconi anemia prompted the research team to test the possibility that PARP inhibitors, a drug originally designed to kill a limited type of cancer cells to repair defects DNA, could be applied in the treatment of leukemia and cancers with RUNX alterations. These types of cancer were previously not thought to have DNA repair defects. Researchers have shown that the drug was effective in the treatment of leukemia and other cancers in cell culture experiments.
Dr. Osato said, "Common sense is often a veil that prevents us from understanding the truth. PARP inhibitors have been with us for some time, but nobody has made their application for leukemia. Our study has highlighted the possibility of more effective treatment using combination therapy with PARP inhibitors that can potentially be extended to other types of common cancers. "
The team is conducting further testing drug efficacy with xenograft models as a preclinical study.
inherited mutations in DNA repair genes may predispose to prostate cancer metastatic -
inherited mutations in the genes that work to repair DNA may contribute to cancer metastatic prostate most recognized previously, according to a study today in the New England Journal of Medicine. Although uncommon in the general population, the heritable mutations in specific types of gene repair of DNA, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are known to predispose to prostate cancer. However, the rate of these mutations in men with metastatic prostate cancer previously unknown.
This revolutionary study found that more than 10 percent of men with aggressive prostate cancer that has spread outside the prostate have inherited mutations in DNA repair genes - more than four times the rate of the general population and more than twice the rate of men with localized prostate cancer. Men with such mutations could benefit from a targeted treatment already approved for patients with ovarian cancer with these mutations, such as PARP inhibitors or platinum drugs.
Dr. Peter Nelson, a member of human biology, clinical research and public health sciences divisions at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and lead author and correspondent of the study commented: "The result is surprising and important for men with prostate cancer this information can prioritize certain therapies. It is also important for the family members as they may have inherited a gene that predisposes them to develop the one of several types of cancer and increased awareness could improve early detection and treatment. These results present a compelling argument for updating guidelines on prostate cancer include germline DNA testing as a part of standard treatment for men with metastatic prostate cancer. "Dr. Nelson is also a professor of medical oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and an oncologist specializing in therapies for cancer early prostate and advanced, pathology and genome sciences at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
the main results of the study revealed that 11.8 percent of men with metastatic prostate cancer, regardless of age or family history of prostate cancer, deleterious germline mutations in one of the 20 DNA repair genes studied. Men with prostate cancer metastatic were five times more likely to have these inherited mutations in DNA repair genes as the general population. In particular, men with advanced prostate cancer had a risk 18 times higher a carrier of a BRCA2 mutation than men without prostate cancer.
Dr. Colin C. Pritchard, Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine Department, and deputy director of the Genetics and Tumor Laboratory solid at Washington University School of Medicine is the first author of the study . "We were delighted to learn how high the percentage of inherited mutations of DNA repair gene in men with metastatic prostate cancer because the potential benefits of genetic testing. We already know a lot about some DNA repair genes such as BRCA2, but for others, we are just beginning to understand how germline mutations contribute to the risk and selection of optimal treatment of prostate cancer. Since these men are considering test themselves, it is important to note that all DNA repair genes are the same, and clinical genetic testing requires specialists to ensure proper guidance, accurate detection of mutation, and the results are correctly interpreted and communicated . "
project pooled the results of 692 men with metastatic prostate cancer included in seven case series in several institutions, including Fred Hutch and the University of Washington through the support of StandUp2Cancer and prostate cancer Foundation. Each site conducted the independent detection of mutations in DNA repair genes 20 using next generation sequencing tests.
As mutations in certain DNA repair genes predispose to other types of cancer, including breast, ovary and pancreas, the family members of cancer patients metastases prostate with inherited mutations may be offered genetic testing, counseling and enrollment in research studies, if any.
Dr. Heather H. Cheng, assistant professor of medical oncology at the University of Washington and deputy member of the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is also co-author of the study, and leads a new clinical genetics of prostate cancer at SCCA to advise men with prostate cancer on genetic testing and how the results can help to adapt their treatment options.
An important strength of these results is that the men included in the study were not chosen because of their family history of prostate cancer or age, and different genetic tests have produced the same percentage of men who have inherited mutations.
Scientists are exploring ways to customize the radiation dose given to lung cancer patients -
Manchester scientists working on how to safely increase the dose radiation therapy given to patients with lung cancer - potentially offer an improved local control and survival.
The standard treatment for non-small lung cancer cells is small locally advanced a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Traditionally this is provided in a one-size-fits manner, but the radiation dose can not always be enough to stop tumor growth.
The possibility of increasing the radiation dose to the cancer tissue of a patient varies and depends on the size and location of the tumor relative to sensitive organs such as the spinal cord and lung . Now researchers from the University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust - both part of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre - discussed ways to customize and increase the dose to the tumor while minimizing the effects on tissues healthy.
Dr. Corinne Faivre-Finn, a researcher at the University of Manchester and an honorary consultant at The Christie, who led the study, said: "Current standard options for the treatment of cancer non-small cell lung are associated with poor survival. We wanted to see if more advanced planning and radiation treatment delivery methods could potentially allow an increase in radiation dose. "
the group used data 20 lung cancer patients to examine whether recent radiation therapy technology - intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) -. Could be used to increase the radiation dose in lung tumors without damaging healthy organs
Their treatment planning methods ensured a safe radiation dose was delivered to surrounding organs at risk. In an article recently published in the journal Clinical Oncology, they show that IMRT has enabled an increase in radiation dose for non-small lung cancer.
"Our exploratory study suggests that the use of IMRT may allow the radiation dose to be increased :. Calculations indicate that it could lead to a 10% improvement in tumor control We start a new clinical trial, funded by Cancer Research UK, investigating the delivery of this custom IMRT treatment in patients with cancer non-small cell lung cancer. We hope to demonstrate that the increase dose delivered to the tumor will improve survival, "said Dr. Faivre-Finn.
the germ line genetic screening necessary for men with prostate cancer metastatic -
Men with metastatic prostate should be considered for genetic testing germ repair genes DNA, regardless of age or family history, according to a team of researchers from Memorial Sloan Kettering cancer Center (MSK), Fred Hutchinson cancer Research Center, cancer Institute Dana-Farber, University of Washington School of Medicine, University of Michigan, and the research Institute of the Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital.
in a study published online in the New England Journal of Medicine July 6, researchers have shown an association between cancer and mutations advanced prostate in repair genes DNA and found that these mutations are much more often in advance as opposed to localized disease (11.8 percent against 4.6 percent).
people have shown for germ cell cancer predisposing mutations may serve as sentinels that identify high risk families. For example, those who had a DNA repair defect, a very high proportion had a first degree relative with cancers other than prostate cancer compared to the group who did not repair mutations DNA. The identification of a mutation in the DNA repair gene germline provides essential information for parents, and for the patient, causing a cascade of tips to identify cancer susceptibility and deploy risk reduction strategies in family members. Thinking beyond the present and looking for opportunities to prevent the next generation of cancer, this work will create a major paradigm shift.
"With the exception of certain cancer syndromes in children, prostate cancer is the most heritable of human malignancies," said Michael F. Walsh, MD, co-principal author of the study and a geneticist and pediatric oncologist at MSK. "Historically, the main advantage to identify the mutations that cause cancer is prevention and early detection in families. Now we can use inherited genomic information to target the treatment with specific therapies proven effective in those with specific genomic subsets of prostate cancer. "
MSK researchers used powerful new resource Niehaus MSK Center for Inherited cancer genomics to explore genomic and clinical links between mutations in the DNA repair gene and cancer advanced prostate.
"These results are interesting for two reasons," explained Kenneth Offit, MD, MPH, chief of the clinical genetics Service, head of Niehaus Center, and author co-main of the study. "First, these findings could change clinical practice because we now show that the tests of these DNA repair genes should be offered to all men with advanced prostate cancer. The second important conclusion is that we see clusters of cancers other than prostate, breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer in families that are not expected and that will boost research. "
prospective studies are needed to determine whether mutations in the DNA repair gene are predictive of clinical outcomes.
Access Pharmaceuticals concluded an exclusive license agreement with Norgine -
ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTCBB: ACCP), a biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it entered into a license agreement with exclusive Norgine BV, a specialty pharmaceutical company independent European leader for marketing MuGard in Europe. Under the terms of the license agreement, access will receive up to $ 10 million in milestone payments and a royalty in double figures climbing on net sales of the product of oral mucositis, MuGard in the licensed territories . Norgine will develop, manufacture and commercialize MuGard in the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Norgine expects MuGard launch in 2015.
Commenting on the news, Jeffrey Davis, CEO of Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. said, "Access is pleased to announce this partnership with Norgine, a European company specializing . foreground, as it further validates our business MuGard comprehensive strategy "He added:" with the supply of products in complementary therapeutic areas and an established presence in the cancer supportive care area, Norgine is an ideal partner for and we believe this partnership will drive the commercial adoption in Europe and to facilitate access to a proven treatment option to help protect patients from oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect. "
"this new partnership with access Pharmaceuticals Inc. is an excellent opportunity to ensure that cancer patients affected by oral mucositis MuGard can access to help manage this condition for which there are effective treatment options limited to ' said Peter Stein, CEO of Norgine. He continued, "This collaboration is further evidence of the commitment of Norgine acquire specialty pharmaceuticals to strengthen its portfolio."
Researchers develop new tests to predict therapy for women with ER + breast cancer -
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are teaming up with the industry and other academics to develop a rapid and inexpensive test to predict which women ER + breast cancer need chemotherapy and which need the most tolerable hormone therapy.
National Cancer Institute has awarded the group a five-year grant of $ 3.3 million to produce software that takes into account the minute characteristics in pathology images to distinguish between the two groups and develop an image based risk score.
Estrogen receptor-positive or ER +, is the most common form of breast cancer with nearly 1 million women worldwide diagnosed with the disease each year. Medical guidelines recommend chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, although the researchers estimate that more than half of women with ER + do not require or benefit from a harsh chemotherapy.
The only test to predict which women need chemotherapy costs about $ 4000 and takes up to two weeks to produce results. For many women, particularly in developing countries, the test is not a realistic option.
"With this technology, any woman with breast cancer is suspected will have a biopsy, the blades that can be scanned and analyzed for pennies on the dollar," said Anant Madabhushi, Professor F. Alex Nason II of biomedical engineering at Case Western Reserve and leader of the research.
"it will be particularly useful in low- and middle-income," said Madabhushi, who also directs the Center for case Western Reserve for Imaging and Computational Diagnostics custom and a member of the case Comprehensive Cancer Center. "If you can accurately determine the cancer does not require chemotherapy, you are not only saving the patient against the adverse effects of the therapy, but saving your resources."
Because images can be sent electronically worldwide, patients be able to receive their results in a day or even hours, saving weeks of worry, say the researchers.
academic work with Florida-based Inspirata Inc., to develop a way to translate and market the technology quickly.
Inspirata ensure that software development follows the protocols necessary for approval Food and Drug Administration of the United States. The company will work with researchers and plans to create a university pre-commercial prototype
Researchers will use slides from two clinical trials cooperative :. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project and to validate the tools they develop.
Scientists of the brain that might control the motivation of the person to exercise -
Scientists at the Children's Research Institute in Seattle have discovered an area of brain might control the motivation of a person to exercise and discover participate in other rewarding activities -. which may lead to improved treatments for depression
Dr. Eric Turner, principal researcher at the Center of the Seattle Children Research Institute for Integrative Brain Research, in collaboration with lead author Dr. Yun Wei (Toni) Hsu discovered that a small region of the brain - the dorsal medial habenula - the desire to exercise control mice. The structure of the habenula is similar in humans and rodents and the basic functions of regulation and mood motivation may be the same across species.
The exercise is one of the most effective non-pharmacological therapies for depression. Determine such specific brain region may be responsible for the motivation to exercise could help researchers develop more targeted, effective treatments for depression.
"Changes in physical activity and inability to enjoy the rewarding or pleasurable experiences are two characteristics of major depression," said Turner. "But officials ways of exercising motivation brain are not well understood. Now we can look for ways to manipulate the activity in this specific area of the brain without affecting the rest of the brain's activity. "
The study of Dr. Turner, entitled" Role of Dorsal medial Habenula in the regulation of voluntary activity, Motor Function, hedonic state, and primary building ", was released today by the Journal of Neuroscience and funded by the National Institute for health mental and the National Institute on drug abuse. The study used mouse models that have been genetically modified to block the signals of the dorsal medial habenula. In the first part of the study, Dr Turner's team collaborated with Dr. Horacio de la Iglesia, professor in the Department of the University of Washington biology, show that compared to typical mice, who like running in their exercise wheels, designed the mouse gene were lethargic and ran much less. Turner genetically modified mice have also lost their preference for sweet drinking water.
"Without a medial dorsal habenula operation, the mice became couch potatoes," said Turner. "They were physically able to run, but seemed motivated to do it." In a second group of mice, Dr. Turner the team activated the medial dorsal habenula using optogenetics - precision laser technology developed in collaboration with the Allen Institute for Brain Science. Mice can "choose" to activate this area of the brain by turning one of two response wheels with their paws. Highly preferred mouse turn the wheel which stimulated the dorsal medial habenula, demonstrating that this area of the brain is linked to a rewarding behavior.
Previous studies have attributed many different functions habenula, but the technology was not advanced enough to determine the roles of the different paragraphs of this region of the brain, including the dorsal medial habenula.
"traditional methods of stimulation could not isolate this part of the brain," said Turner. "But advanced technology at the Children's Research Institute in Seattle made discoveries as possible."
As a professor at the University of Washington Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Turner treats depression and hope that this research will make a difference in future patients' lives.
"Working in mental health can be frustrating," said Turner. "We have not made much progress in developing new treatments. I hope more we can learn about how the brain works more, we can help people with all kinds of mental illness. "
Chromatrap benefit ratios of ChIP technology in the search for ground breaking -
Chromatrap reports 3 other client documents published in various journals evaluated by peers, how prestigious citing its solid state chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) proprietary technology has enabled innovative research.
A recent study published in Drug Metabolism & Deposition look the role of structural changes chromatin in the regulation of ontogenesis of human CYP3A .
The article found that variable trajectories in the development of drug-metabolizing enzymes have contributed to differences between individuals susceptibility to chemical toxicity and adverse drug reactions, particularly in the early stages of life. The document examines the currently known factors associated with these inter-individual differences may be involved. Looking CYP3A4 and 3A7 discerned regulatory areas in individuals of different ages, histone modifications can be used for research on the structural dynamics of chromatin as elucidated using ChIP kits Chromatrap.
Search results published in the Journal of Immunology consider how alcohol moderately and HSF1 induces hsp70 stress protein and inhibits the pro-inflammatory cytokines resulting from tolerance to endotoxin . Researchers examine how binge or moderate exposure to alcohol leads to host defenses against infection impaired. This sensitivity appears to be due to compromised innate immune response. The study explores the molecular mechanism by which alcohol mediates immunosuppression this, but reached no firm conclusion. The Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School show herein mechanistic role that cell stress proteins HSF1 and playing in hsp70 inhibition of alcohol mediation / MyD88 pathway TLR4.
A third document, Biochim Biophys Acta published, examines the results of research by the Centre for Molecular Medicine at the Xiangya Hospital in China who studied 'FOXM1 receiver and co-regulate androgen CDC6 gene transcription and DNA replication in cancer cells in the prostate ". cancer cells Studying prostate (CaP) The team examined the regulation of E2F and AR (androgen receptor) in the transcription CDC6, a key component of DNA replication initiation mechanism . FOXM1, which is a specific transcription factor of cellular proliferation, stimulated the transcription CDC6 in cooperation with RA, in addition to having an effect on E2F pathway. Both overexpression and knockdown approaches were used
Launched worldwide in 2012 -. Chromatrap ® ChIP technology of solid state was shown by an increasing number of research groups around the world to be more effective than conventional methods based heel. Indeed, the porous polymer in the solid phase functionalized with either protein A or G, provides a larger surface area for binding of the antibody to chromatin with very low nonspecific binding. In addition, it uses an approach of the spin column, providing high speed, the process and postponement advantages over sepharose beads or magnetic. DNA pull down with Chromatrap ® is up to 25 times longer than conventional methods, while the signal to noise ratio for DNA enrichment is 2 to 3 times better, even with low chromatin samples between 50 ng to 3000ng immunoprecipitation.
Memorial Hermann, MD Anderson associate to provide breast screening services in Greater Houston -
Memorial Hermann Health System and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced a new partnership to provide a new level of screening for breast specialist in a care center network of the community in the greater Houston area.
from the end of November, MD Anderson will become the exclusive provider of professional breast radiology services to five Memorial Hermann 10 breast care centers located in Memorial City, The Woodlands, Northeast, Southwest and Sugar Land.
over time, the network will be extended to Memorial Hermann locations in Katy, Pearland, Pasadena, Upper Kirby and Northwest. In addition, the expansion planning is underway for centers in Cypress, South Katy and Spring.
Under the agreement, the breast screening network will provide screening and diagnostic services, using existing Memorial Hermann facilities and technical resources, including equipment and personnel. Scholarships trained, radiologists of subspecialists in MD Anderson will interpret images screening or diagnosis, perform biopsies when needed and consult with patients and doctors.
The University of Texas Board of Regents approved the deal on Aug. 21 at its regular meeting.
"Memorial Hermann and MD Anderson share a commitment to providing high quality cancer care to the communities in our region," said Dan Wolterman, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System. " our partnership will combine the proximity and advanced technologies for breast imaging centers with Memorial Hermann interpretation and consulting expertise of world-renowned MD Anderson cancer, allowing our institutions to provide patients with unparalleled access for imaging specialist services in close to home. "
Memorial Hermann and MD Anderson partnership is designed to expand access to high-quality screening, specialist breast care and research in community settings, while giving patients the flexibility and convenience of staying close to home through the expansive network Memorial Hermann.
"We are delighted to join with Memorial Hermann, one of the nation's leading health care organizations to deliver high quality care in the Collaborative for women across the region Houston, "said MD Anderson President Ronald A. DePinho, MD" prevention, early detection, risk reduction, education and awareness are key elements of our mission. This collaboration allows us to take our expertise screening more women, which can take comfort in knowing their imaging will be done by radiologists who have dedicated their careers to care for cancer patients. "
Researchers receive grant to test rechargeable transcutaneous implant that provides HIV prevention drugs -
A research team Houston Methodist received a grant of nearly 4 million $ to test rechargeable transcutaneous implant which administers pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs for patients at risk of HIV exposure.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded Alessandro Grattoni, Ph.D., of several million grant over five years to improve the nanochannel distribution system (NDS) which provides an extended and constant release of drugs without the use of pumps, valves or a power supply.
Grattoni, chairman of the Department of Nanomedicine in Houston Research Institute Methodist, led the project, which has already demonstrated in pilot studies that the device has successfully published tenofovir alafenamide as, preventive pre-exposure prophylaxis over 21 days in animal models. NIAID funded the research will aim for large nanochannels in the NDS to allow a 60-day drug delivery.
Grattoni, also director of the Center for Nanomedicine space in Houston Methodist, the device will be tested in three of the 10 research projects planned aboard the international space station over the next five years.
many high-risk patients have already Truvada, a combination therapy of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine in helping to prevent HIV-1 infection. However, the Centers for Disease Control says poor patient adherence is an ongoing challenge. Grattoni implantable device performs the drug delivery by sustained control of diffusion through the nanochannel membranes designed to be close to the size of molecules of drug released. PDN is implanted under the skin and filled through a port as required. If successful, the research will be the next step in the clinical trials of patients.
The World Health Organization estimates nearly 37 million people worldwide living with HIV / AIDS, and about 2 million newly infected people worldwide in 2014.
in addition to HIV prevention drugs Grattoni and team tested more than 50 drugs in the device. The larger goal is to prove that the technology is flexible and applicable to a variety of treatments, including hormone replacement, cancer prevention and treatment, mental disorders, substance abuse and metabolic syndrome.
MIT researchers produce liver tumors in mice - adults
The sequencing of the genomes of tumor cells revealed thousands of mutations associated with cancer. One way to discover the role of these mutations is to breed a strain of mice that carry the genetic defect - but breeding of these mice is an expensive long-term process
Now, MIT researchers found an alternative .: They have shown that a gene editing system called CRISPR can introduce carcinogenic mutations in the livers of adult mice, allowing scientists to detect these mutations much faster.
in a study appearing in the Aug. 6 issue of Nature , the researchers generated liver tumors in adult mice by disrupting the tumor suppressor genes p53 and PTEN. They are currently working on ways to provide the components necessary for CRISPR other organs, allowing them to investigate the mutations found in other types of cancer.
hundreds "The sequencing of the human tumors revealed oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in different combinations. The flexibility of this technology, as delivery is better in the future, give you a way to test very these combinations quickly, "says the Institute Professor Phillip Sharp, author of the paper.
Tyler Jacks, director of MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and David H. Koch Professor of Biology, is the senior author of the paper. The main authors are Koch Institute postdocs Wen Xue, Sidi Chen and Hao Yin.
gene disruption
CRISPR based on the cellular machinery that bacteria use to defend themselves against the virus infection. The researchers copied this bacterial system to create complex editing gene that include an enzyme called DNA-cutting case.9 linked to a short RNA strand guide which is programmed to bind to a specific sequence of the genome, called case.9 where to make its cut.
In some cases, the researchers simply snip a portion of a gene to disrupt its function; in others, they also introduce a DNA template strand that encodes a novel sequence to replace the deleted DNA.
To investigate the potential utility of CRISPR to create cancer mouse models, the researchers used the first knockdown p53 and PTEN, which protect cells from becoming cancerous by controlling cell growth. Previous studies have shown that genetically engineered mice with mutations in these two genes will develop cancer within a few months.
The studies of these genetically modified mice have given many important discoveries, but the process requires introduction of mutations in embryonic stem cells, can take more than a year and costing hundreds of thousands of dollars . "It is a very long process, and the genes that you work longer and more complex it becomes," said Jacks.
Using enzymes targeted cases to cut extracts of p53 and PTEN , researchers capable of disrupting both genes in about 3 percent of liver cells, enough to produce liver tumors within three months.
many possible models
the researchers also used CRISPR to create a mouse model with an oncogene called beta-catenin, which makes them more likely to become cancer cells if additional mutations occur later. to create this model, researchers had cut the normal version of the gene and replace it with an overactive form, which managed about 0.5 percent of hepatocytes (cells that make up the bulk of the liver).
ability to not only remove genes but to replace them with modified versions "really opens up all sorts of new possibilities when you think about the types of genes that you would mutate in the future," said Jacks. "As long as the function of loss and gain of function are possible."
Using CRISPR to generate tumors should help scientists to study how quickly the different genetic mutations interact to produce cancer, and the effects of potential drugs on tumors with a specific genetic profile.
"This is a game changer for the production of modified strains of human cancer," says Ronald DePinho, director of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, who was not part of the team research. in gene function completely ablation "CRISPR / case.9 offers the possibility in the adult mouse. Improvement potential of this powerful technology will be realized with improved delivery methods, the test CRISPR / case.9 efficiency in other organs and tissues, and the use of CRISPR / case.9 in tumor prone environments. "
in this study, the researchers presented the genes necessary for CRISPR by injections into the veins in mice tails. Although this is an effective way to get the genetic material in the liver, it would not work for other organs of interest. However, nanoparticles and other delivery methods being developed for DNA and RNA may be more effective to target other organs, says Sharp .
moderate caloric restriction in healthy non-obese people reduces chronic inflammation -
Eating less may help us lead longer, healthier, according to new results a large multicenter study, led by researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA Human nutrition Research Center on aging at Tufts University. The paper, published in Aging , reveals that restricting calories by 25 percent among non-obese healthy people over two years, while maintaining protein, vitamins and adequate intake of minerals can significantly lower markers of chronic inflammation without negatively affecting other parts of the immune system.
"Previous studies in animals and simple organisms models over the past 85 years have supported the idea that calorie restriction can increase the lifespan by reducing inflammation and other factors risk of chronic disease, but with mixed results as to whether it has a negative or no effect on immune cell-mediated responses, "said first and corresponding author Simin Nikbin Meydani, DVM, Ph.D., Human nutrition Director Jean Mayer USDA Research Center on aging at Tufts (HNRCA) and the director of the nutritional immunology laboratory. "This study is the first to examine the effects of two years on healthy individuals, Normal- or slightly over-weight and observed that caloric restriction reduces inflammation without compromising other key functions of the immune system such as antibody production in response to vaccine. "
Chronic inflammation has been shown to create succession of destructive reactions that damage cells, thus playing a major role in the development of age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease and dementia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seven of the 10 leading causes of death in 2010 were chronic disease, heart disease and cancer represents almost 48 percent of all deaths. The CDC also reports that year 86 percent of all health spending was for people with one or more chronic conditions.
After six weeks of basic tests, which included metabolic measurements to determine total spending daily energy and blood collection to assess inflammation and markers of cell-mediated immunity, 220 eligible individuals were randomized into two groups and further stratified by site, sex, and body mass index.
the control group maintained their normal diet for the duration of the study, while the test group was provided with the support to maintain a diet high in satiety limiting calories 25 percent, including personalized behavioral counseling. The test group was also given multivitamins and minerals to prevent micronutrient deficiencies. To maintain a 25 percent calorie calorie requirements of the test group was reduced to three times through the two-year study to coincide with their weight loss on the basis of body fat, and calculations muscle mass.
inflammation and immunity biomarkers were measured at baseline, 12 months and 24 months. Vaccine response was determined at the end of the study. As an indicator of susceptibility to infectious diseases, cell-mediated immunity was measured as the antibody response to three vaccines and skin tests, white blood cells in the blood, and self-reported disease. Furthermore, the inflammation was controlled using common levels of inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein, TNF alpha, and the serum leptin.
The research team found that the test group had a significant and persistent reduction in inflammatory markers with no discernible difference in immune responses in the control group at the end of 24 months. However, while reducing weight, body fat, and leptin levels were most pronounced at 12 months, they are not accompanied by a significant reduction in C-reactive protein and TNF alpha, both indicators of inflammation, up to 24 months. This delay suggests that long-term calorie restriction, at least 24 months, induces other mechanisms that may play a role in reducing inflammation.
"This may be one of the non-genetic response most powerful to slow aging, increase the duration of our health and the quality of our lives," added Meydani of HRNCA. It is also a professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, School of Medicine at Tufts University, and a faculty member of the immunology program at the Sackler School of Graduate Studies of Science biomedical at Tufts.
"These changes limited calories suggest a change towards a healthy phenotype given the established role of inflammation in the development of cardiovascular disease, cancer and aging. With all of today's fitness and biometric measurement technology available to the public, it is certainly possible for the average person to maintain a 10-15 percent calorie restriction as a strategy for long-term health benefits, "said co-author Luigi Fontana, MD, Ph.D., professor of medicine and nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Brescia (Italy).
Skin aging secret may be in the glycans and trace elements creams -
For decades, dermatologists have been looking for the genetic cause of aging skin so that the perfect antidote could be developed. During the examination of genes and proteins, a difference between young and older looking skin was not found. Now, dermatologists have a new theory -. The skin aging secret may be in the glycans, which are sugars on the cell surface
board certified dermatologist Zoe Draelos, MD, FAAD, consulting professor at Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, discusses the latest developments in anti-aging material, including glycans and micronutrient creams creams.
What is the theory behind glycans and anti-aging, and how glycans creams work? Dr. Draelos said glycans levels of a person change during their lives. For example, one of the most common glycans of the body is glucose, and Dr. Draelos said glucose levels drop by about 50 percent from 30 years to 60 years In addition, existing glycans can not not function as well as they once did.
"theory is that the glycan change and loss that occurs with skin cells from aging lead to not recognize or communicate with each other with the same force they did in their youth, "said Dr. Draelos." This may be the reason for aging skin does not heal as well or make collagen as easily as in the past, "said Dr. Draelos.
Dr. Draelos said the purpose of glycans creams is to provide sugars or transform existing sugars to enable older cells to behave like younger cells. In theory, this would allow the skin to produce more collagen and heal better after injuries, including burns and cuts. Dr. Draelos noted an additional benefit of glycans creams is that they are considered safe to apply on the skin because sugars are the fuel of the body.
However, Dr. Draelos noted current research has not shown that glycans creams can affect the skin to the extent that the glycans of skin cells start acting younger. "The theory behind the impact of glycans on the fight against aging is still in its infancy," said Dr. Draelos. "Currently, there are other more proven treatments on the market, such as retinoids, but new research will provide additional targets for anti-aging strategies."
Are there wider implications of this research? "have known us for a long time that sugars are important for the body because they are used to distinguish normal cells, which must be preserved, from infected cells, cancer cells, or any cell that is not everything absolutely correct and must be destroyed, "said Dr. Draelos.
Dr. Draelos said glycans may hold the secret not only to aging of the skin, but other changes occurring in the body. Each cell of the body of sugars on it, so that Dr. Draelos said glycans therapies may have a role in preventing and treating cancer and infections as well as skin conditions.
what are the most promising micronutrients for anti-aging? micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that are essential for human survival. Although necessary in our diet, said Dr. Draelos micronutrients are also popular additives in anti-aging skin care products because micronutrients are important in the body for healthy skin by preventing oxidative damage. There are recommended daily allowances for each of these micronutrients, but no evidence exists that increased consumption has anti-aging benefits. As vitamins A, C and E are generally included in anti-aging products as antioxidants, Dr. Draelos said some anti-aging creams now include metals such as copper, which is necessary in the production of collagen, or selenium, which works as an antioxidant by an alternative route.
"Although research has shown that metals such as selenium and copper have skin benefits when included in our diet, effectively adding these metals to a care cream skin can be a challenge because the micronutrient application to the skin may not be as effective as when it is consumed, "said Dr. Draelos.
Dr. Draelos recommends people see a board certified dermatologist if they have questions on the selection of anti-aging products. "I tell all my patients that protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to prevent the signs of aging - wear sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 30 or more, seek shade and cover up, "said Dr. Draelos." There is so much diversity in anti-aging products as it is in people's skin. A dermatologist can provide personalized recommendations. "
One type of immunotherapy that has shown promise against cancer could also be used against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
in a study published July 11 in the peer-reviewed Journal of Virology , researchers from the UCLA AIDS Institute and the AIDS Research Center revealed that recently discovered potent antibodies can be used to generate a specific type of cell known as antigen receptor chimeras, or RAC, which can be used to kill cells infected with HIV-1.
RAC are artificially created immune T cells that have been modified to produce receptors on their surface that are designed to target and kill specific cells containing viruses or tumor proteins. chimeric receptors are being researched on how immunotherapy gene can be used to fight against cancer. But they could also be used to create a strong immune response against HIV, said Dr. Otto Yang, professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and corresponding author of the study .
Although the immune system of the human body first responds to and attack HIV, pure virus attack - its ability to hide in the different T cells and replicate quickly - possibly use and destroys the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to a variety of infections and diseases. The researchers looked for ways to strengthen the immune system against HIV, and now it seems RAC could be a weapon in this fight.
"We took new antibody production and artificial engineered T cell receptors to reprogram killer T cells to kill cells infected with HIV," said Yang, who is also director of the vaccine and research of the pathogenesis of AIDS Institute and the AIDS research Center. "others have used antibodies against cancer antigens to T cell receptor against the artificial cancer and showed that this is useful in the treatment of cancer. "UCLA is the first to design the strategy for HIV.
Although the approach of the receivers has been in use for almost 10 years to the fight against cancer, it ' is the first attempt to use the technique to treat HIV since 15 years ago, when experiments were unsuccessful. the new research is different because it takes advantage of new antibodies that have been discovered in recent years. In previous tests, the researchers used an early type based antibody that was not. This approach, however, was abandoned because it was clinically ineffective.
Here, the researchers used seven recently discovered "neutralizing antibodies broad spectrum" that have the ability to link multiple strains of invading viruses, in contrast to previously isolated antibodies that tend to some BIND strains. These antibodies were redesigned artificial cell CAR-T receivers to have activity against the major strains of HIV. in laboratory tests, the researchers found that all seven had various ability levels to direct the killer T cells to proliferate and kill and suppress viral replication in response to cells infected with HIV.
Yang noted that "what works in a test tube does not necessarily work in a person," the next step is to find strategies to put these receptors in humans. But this therapy shows enough promise to go ahead with further research.
Study links proteins involved in cell division in insulin signaling -
The proteins that play a key role in the timing of cell division as clear moon in regulation sugar levels in the blood, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found.
"The main part of insulin signaling has been known for decades, and no new major regulations were found in recent years. Defying the odds, we have identified a large, new mechanism regulating this important cell signaling pathway, "said study senior author Dr. Hongtao Yu, professor of pharmacology at UT Southwestern and an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).
study , published online today in cell , found that three proteins "spindle checkpoint" long associated during cell division are at the center of the newly identified mechanism that regulates signaling the insulin, said Dr. Yu, who holds the Chair Emeritus Serena S. Simmons in immuno-pharmacology and cancer. a Michael L. Rosenberg Scholar in Medical Research
The World Health Organization estimates that diabetes - a serious metabolic disease public health problem - affects over 400 million people worldwide. The condition disrupts the body's ability to keep blood sugar (glucose) in balance. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels throughout the body.
There are two main forms of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but is unable to answer, a condition called insulin resistance, said Dr. Eunhee Choi, researcher in the Yu laboratory and lead author of the study.
It has long been known that insulin sends signals outside towards the inside of the cell by insulin receptors located on the cell surface. receptors have two "arms" that extend outside of the cell and two "arms" that reach the interior of the cell, Dr. Choi said.
Under normal conditions, insulin is secreted after a meal and binds to insulin receptors throughout the body. This operative connection receptors, which then send signals within the cells to be taken, or clear glucose from the bloodstream, keeping blood glucose levels in balance. Once the receivers did their job, they are drawn into the cell in a process called endocytosis so new receivers can take their place on the surface of the cell in an elegant process and timed precisely which is repeated several times a day Dr. Yu said.
His laboratory studies another process - cell division with its careful partitioning of the genetic blueprint contained in the chromosomes -. when scientists came to an unexpected link between the two fundamental processes
"when studying the functions of spindle checkpoint proteins known to regulate chromosome segregation during cell division, we discovered unexpectedly these cell division proteins can moonlight to regulate the endocytosis of insulin receptors, "said Dr. Yu.
He explained that the three proteins they studied are crucial for precise timing of the separation of chromosomes during cell division. If the cells are unable to divide at just the right time, the resulting daughter cells will have the wrong number of chromosomes, a condition called aneuploidy that often occurs in cancer cells, he said.
the Yu laboratory, who studied spindle checkpoint control in cell division protein for over a decade, studied mice missing one of three proteins (p31 comet ) in their liver. Researchers should whether a potential model of aneuploidy and possibly cancer, diabetes but instead, the mice developed.
The further investigation, they found that the three proteins that are essential for the time of cell division also seem to affect the metabolism via the calendar, particularly through their impact on the receivers insulin, he said. Mice that lack p31 comet in the liver can not keep insulin receptors on the cell surface, due to premature endocytosis.
"Our study provides an example of how an entire branch of key regulatory proteins important biological processes (cell division) can be enlisted to control other biological processes (insulin signaling). Similar molecular interactions between these proteins are used in both cases, with remarkable mechanistic parallel, "said Dr. Yu, adding that these findings may have implications in deciphering the molecular basis of type 2 diabetes, in which insulin is produced, but patients fail to respond to the hormone for reasons that are actively considering.
"It will be interesting to examine whether insulin receptor endocytosis premature arising from defective p31 Comet contributes to insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes" he said. Future studies are planned to explore that possibility.
Seven physicians receive ASTRO grants to advance research in oncology radiation -
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected seven major doctors to receive a total $ 675,000 in cash and prizes to advance research in oncology. The ASTRO Junior Faculty Price research training career, ASTRO Residents / Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant and / Radiation Oncology Institute ASTRO (ROI) Fellowship of the comparative effectiveness used to fund studies into the radiation and cancer biology, radiation physics, translational research findings / research on health services and comparative research of effectiveness in radiation oncology. Recipients will be recognized at the 56th Annual Meeting of ASTRO, September 14-17, 2014 at Moscone Center in San Francisco.
"the high-quality research is essential to the advancement of radiation oncology and provide the best possible treatment for our patients," said ASTRO President Colleen AF Lawton, MD, Fastro. "ASTRO is proud to support these seven outstanding researchers in their work to improve radiation oncology and treatment against cancer. "
the ASTRO Junior Faculty career research training Award provides $ 100,000 per year for two years to two winners ($ 0,000 to each recipient) to support the careers of promising junior faculty by providing the opportunity for time spent working on research projects in radiation oncology, biology, physics services or outcomes / health. recipients must be board eligible physicians, physicists in radiation oncology or radiation biologists during the first three years of their appointment of junior faculty
both winners ASTRO 2014 junior research training career faculty are :.
• Bryan Allen, MD, PhD, of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. Dr. Allen is working to determine whether pharmacologic ascorbate can be used to modulate the sensitivity of chemoradiotherapy in non-small lung cancer and thus be used to improve outcomes in the treatment of lung cancer.
• Stephen Shiao, MD, PhD, of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Shiao studying the mechanisms by which blocking the interleukin (IL) -4, a cytokine that controls the development of macrophages that suppress the immune response being, improves the response of the solid tumor to radiotherapy treatment.
The ASTRO Residents / Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant price of $ 25,000 for one-year projects for residents and fellows who intend to pursue careers focused on basic science or clinical research in radiation oncology services.
The three 2014 grant recipients are:
• Zachary Morris, MD, PhD, of the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin. Dr. Morris compares the efficacy of the combinations of radiation, an antibody specific for the tumor that causes cytotoxicity dependent cell-mediated antibody and a checkpoint inhibitor with regard to the control of local sites, remote ( not radiated) and reintroduced disease to evaluate the immune response to these treatments. Previous research suggests radiation can compliment immunotherapies improving immune responsiveness of tumor cells.
• You Dan, MD, of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Dr. Dan examines inhibition of miR-21, an oncogenic microRNAs to overcome treatment resistance and sensitize tumors to DNA damaging agents in the radioresistant breast cancer.
• Todd Aguilera, MD, PhD, Stanford Cancer Center in Stanford University, California. Dr. Aguilera is studying why tumor immunity often does not occur in a context of checkpoint blockade and evaluates the bystander effects of radiation which, when combined with radiation, can lead to immune responses in tumors untreated.
The ASTRO / ROI comparative effectiveness research Awar provides for $ 50,000 per year for two years to two researchers ($ 100,000 for each beneficiary) who will conduct comparative effectiveness research to examine the treatment of radiation oncology. Fellows are board-certified physicians or board eligible in radiation oncology when the price starts and focus on academic radiation oncology
The two 2014 recipients are :.
• Benjamin Smith, MD, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Smith is working to enhance and personalize the selection of local therapy in elderly women with localized estrogen receptor positive breast cancer by comparing the quality of life outcomes for patients treated with four local therapy options: lumpectomy with whole breast irradiation, brachytherapy with lumpectomy, mastectomy and lumpectomy without radiation with endocrine therapy alone.
• James Murphy, MD, MS, of the University of California, San Diego. Dr Murphy examines hypofractionated radiation models of the breast, the study of the comparative effectiveness and evaluation of patient characteristics and suppliers associated with the use of hypofractionated against the standard fractionated radiotherapy.
Menopause symptoms: can a health professional help? An interview with Dr Heather Currie -
Interview by April Cashin-Garbutt , MA (Cantab)
Dr. Heather Currie [1945015leadersd'opinion] SERIES ... insight of world AOS leading experts
what is a recent survey shows the number of British women who consult a health professional about their symptoms of menopause?
survey showed that only 50% of women consulted a symptom of health, despite the fact that many women said their symptoms had a significant impact on their professional life, social life, family life and sex life.
In our survey, 35% of women reported menopause significantly affected their work. He has affected their operation, performance and trust.
If women do not have significant symptoms are too bothersome, then it, AOS ok if they do not have to ask for help. However, it's not just the fact that 50% did not seek help, it is the number of women who had symptoms that affected, but apparently does nothing about it.
Does the investigation is why women do not seek help?
He did. Some women do not think the symptoms were pretty bad and some of them felt they had just put up with it and just accepted as a normal part of life.
Some women felt that if they go to the GP, all that would happen would be that they would be offered hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and many women have expressed concern about the use of HRT.
Have you been surprised by these results?
Given the NICE guidance for menopause were released in November and generated a lot of media coverage in the UK, we, AOD hoped more women claiming they were looking for help and recognition and support of information out there for them, but the survey highlighted the scale of the educational challenge remains to ensure that women aren, AOT suffer in silence.
Can you please preview the recently published guideline on the diagnosis and Nice menopause management?
There are different sections. The first concerns the importance of women to obtain information. He is aware that women and health professionals have received very mixed messages over the years, whether from research studies or media reports. There has been much confusion about the effects of menopause and how long the effects can last as well as the benefits and risks of different treatments.
see Guideline Nice
women should have access to accurate information , which is why we have developed websites and updated resources, including online resources. We, AOVE provided many tools to help women get the right information.
The next thing is stressing the importance of individualized because no two women are the same . How menopause affects women and what are the rules for the different changes or dietary treatments and lifestyle, is very individual. Moreover, even within a woman, it is important to know the stages of menopause and how menopause affects sound may change over the years, which in turn also affects its needs treatment.
Regarding the diagnosis of menopause, the message is simple for women aged over 45 who have symptoms of menopause as a change in periods or periods of absence, we n does not need to do a blood test. In the past, blood tests were often made to measure hormone levels and we believe that for many women, it is not necessary. As well as the cost of the blood test, there is also the need for further consultation to discuss the results, which means that it is often a delay in the start of management because they expect results. The practical thing is to do blood tests to diagnose menopause less.
There are tips on women being aware of the recommendations on diet and lifestyle changes, both to reduce early symptoms and also to improve their long term health. The information is needed to help women understand the stages to go through perimenopause and menopause, the range of symptoms that can occur and what treatment options are available.
For the treatment of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood and low recommendation is to offer HRT. For most women, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.
There are also some details about the benefits and long-term treatment of risks, but the first symptoms, the clear message is to offer HRT. At present, there are many women experience symptoms that have a great impact on their lives and who could benefit from treatment, but access to treatment because of the perceived risks of HRT.
One of the resources we 've developed is a Infogram on perceived risks and also the great thing women worry about, what is the risk of breast cancer. We compiled a very useful chart that shows the number of women and waiting estimated breast cancer associated with HRT, and its association with alcohol consumption, particularly obesity, which is a risk factor much greater than the use of HRT. message about breast cancer is that HRT does not cause cancer, but can promote the growth of cancer cells that are already present in some women.
Regarding the duration of treatment of another message is that there is no arbitrary limit. Often in the past, if women took HRT, they were told they would have to stop at some point. In fact, it is the woman. If taken for the symptoms, you can never predict how long the symptoms last, so you can not predict how long the treatment will be required.
The British Menopause Society website is intended for health professionals, but we added in the first ten messages to summarize the NICE guideline to help people access information.
do you think these guidelines will encourage women to seek help?
is the first thing most women to get information. However, there is concern that primary care in the UK is under enormous pressure, so we do not want people to think that we encourage many more women to go to their GP and GPs will be even more flooded.
The point is that if women have access to information using, for example, the various resources available to help them, so if they go to their health care professional, they can have a discussion much more useful. You can not cover all of the information that is needed in a short appointment, therefore, inevitably, that could lead to another appointment. However, if women can already be informed when they go, they can have a more informed discussion, which can be really useful.
Once women got the information, it may be that some of them are actually able to make diet and lifestyle changes and perhaps all that is necessary. However, if they need treatment, then they would need to go to a health care professional to have that prescribed or they may want to have another discussion. Anyway, it would be useful for them to have some information first.
How do you plan to raise awareness of the Nice guideline?
the launch of the campaign in May was the first part of the awareness and we want to continue to provide education. We provide the education of health professionals across the UK Menopause Society. We have a whole program of scheduled meetings and a publication that goes out to all our members.
For women, the campaign has received much media attention. It was great, but we also have things to come in long lead publications, so we have other stories of menopause that are coming over the next few weeks and months or more. We hope that the use of our websites and range of websites increase. We also use social media, just to keep the message. It is a case of type drip feeding the message really keep up consciousness; not only aware of the NICE directive, but awareness of the importance of menopause.
What misconceptions that people have about menopause?
First of all, I think many women focus on the symptoms and they expect that the majority of women who have hot flashes and sweats. One misconception is that it is about hot flashes and sweats and what we are trying to educate people about is that menopause is all about a lack of estrogen. Women organisms, AOS become weak on estrogen because in the majority of cases, our ovaries cease to function. In some women, the ovaries can be removed or could be affected by other treatment, but regardless of the type of menopause, it is, it, AOS all related to the lack of estrogen.
What strengthened our survey is that there are often symptoms that women do not expect such as low mood, sleep disturbance, and joint pain, even if they are also very common. We try to get people to understand other effects of estrogen deficiency. Also, because we are living longer, we are going to live longer with the consequences of estrogen deficiency.
When people focus only on flushes and sweats, they don, AOT include subsequent effects. Women often experience vaginal dryness and discomfort and bladder problems such as urinary tract infections and going to the toilet more often or more urgent and all these things can be related to the lack of estrogen. The lack of estrogen also affects our bone and heart health. Therefore, the misconception that it is about hot flashes and sweats, means that we lack all other important information.
I think the other misconception is that the first symptoms only last a short time, so we saw a lot of women who just put up with it, thinking, "Oh , it will be fine. it will not last long. "However, we now know that for many women, these symptoms start early can last long. The first symptoms are resolved in many cases, but we know women in their 70s 80 and still have them.
in addition, among women whose symptoms do not resolve, then they think, "Well, I 'm through menopause now. "If you focus only on shutdown periods, hot flashes and sweats, then you do not have this understanding that the body is changing, and our bones and heart health, and therefore we have need to stop smoking, increase exercise and lose weight, if any, to also improve the long-term health.
There are not really such thing as "I'm through menopause now." It is really thinking, "Okay, I stopped to have flashes, but my body is still low on estrogen. What can I do to help this? "
Regarding salaries, the biggest misconception is that HRT is risky and dangerous, when in fact, for most women, there more benefits than risks.
what are the benefits and risks of HRT?
the great advantage is that it is still the most effective treatment to control symptoms that occur due to estrogen deficiency. We know it is good for bone health, and if HRT is taken, it can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. Although he didn, AOT come from the NICE Directive, another point is that there is more evidence suggesting that there could be a benefit on heart health if HRT is started early in the menopausal stage
See HRT Guide
We used believe that 15 years ago, and women often took HRT for this service, even if they didn 't have symptoms. However, a publication that has changed that view on HRT was an American study which was published in 02. Since then he has been re-analyzed several times and people are back to thinking that HRT is in the early probably protective against heart disease. It was seen as a risk, but in fact it is probably more likely to be an advantage.
It is well established and very slightly increased risk of having a DVT or blood clot when taking the form of HRT tablets, so for women with risk factors for people, like being overweight, we recommend the use of estrogen is absorbed through the skin, which is either in the form of a patch or gel. Administration by this route has not the same effect on our coagulation system.
Then, the big concern is the risk of breast cancer. Current understanding is that HRT does not cause breast cells to turn into cancer, but some types of HRT can promote the growth of cancer cells that are already there if taken for more than five years after age 50 years
The important point here is that we have identified. All women have a risk of breast cancer for individual baseline; two women have different risks of developing breast cancer. It is a myth that HRT causes cancer. It can promote the growth of cancer cells already present in very small numbers in some women. However, there are certain types of HRT and, against this are the advantages that we have described.
What needs to be done to educate women about the information and support available?
We want to get the word out there as much as possible. There was a lot of press interest in May, which was fantastic and a little since then, so it continue. There are possibilities of radio programs and I was on one of our television program recently, which was great.
We have various avenues for the use of social media. We're just trying many different ways to get the message to women. There are websites that I just mentioned and I also publishes a magazine Questions of menopause.
We are pleased to work with patient organizations. Since last week, we heard a couple of people who are eager to start group sessions for women, we are also happy to help with. We help in any way we can really.
What do you think the future of the management of menopausal symptoms?
I believe that HRT has many benefits. Not all women would be advised to take HRT. For many women, simple things such as diet and lifestyle changes can really make a big difference, but for those who want specific treatments, I will always think I have a lot of myths about the risk of dissipating and that we must give women accurate information so they can make informed choices. At present, many women still make decisions based on old information or the myths that I have just mentioned.
Since we know the consequences of estrogen deficiency, it makes sense to have a useful treatment that will bring estrogen back and replace what our bodies have stopped producing. We know there are many benefits. We know it's not perfect; I do not think that any medicine is perfect, but now there is research looking at how we can maximize the benefits and absolutely minimize risk.
The risks are already very small, but there is more interest in different ways of replacing estrogen as safely as possible. We need more scientific research on this subject, but we have new preparations that will hopefully begin to appear.
Diet and lifestyle are extremely important. There are alternatives that can be helpful, perhaps then we need more research on them. There was a concern about the standardization of products and the products we buy over the counter are not regulated in the same way as prescription drugs. We could do with more information about these preparations, so that we are able to trust what is in them. We still need more research.
What, AOS your vision for the British Menopause Society?
The objective of the British Menopause Society is to support and educate health professionals. In the UK, the majority of care is provided in primary care, so that in primary care, we would like to be a general basic understanding of menopause and treatment options that the Nice Directive has given us.
We just need to continue to provide simpler versions of it. The complete document is huge and busy doctors and nurses in practice it is unlikely to read it, so we have provided a summary and key messages. It is about women getting consistent information. How are they notified should not depend on where they live or who they see. Although we must individualize, there are some basic messages we want to be consistent.
One aim of the British Menopause Society is to support education in primary care, but we will be like a menopause specialist service within each region. Some women may have complex medical histories that could mean side effects of treatment, in this case, it needs to be someone that primary care can refer. Whether it refers to the patient, whether e-mail advice, a phone call or anything, support must be provided at a specialist level.
What we want to do is work in the country, looking at how we can help people get the proper education. We have training courses to get to this level of specialist, so that there can be specialized services within each region. To do this, we must also work with commissioning groups. It's part of the idea to raise awareness of the menopause, to try to promote the funding to provide these services.
Where can readers find more information?
is the British site Menopause Society, which is intended for healthcare professionals, but it is also related to the concerns of women's health, which is patient charitable arm of Menopause Society in the UK.
In addition, there are issues of menopause and publish a magazine as well. It is quite a new website called managemymenopause.co.uk, giving women a more suitable information. This allows people to put in their history, their situation and then print more than one sheet of individualized advice.
For women who have premature menopause, there is a support group called Daisy Network, which is specifically for young women. They are all linked together and complement each other. They all offer something different and we do not mind that women use. They might want to look at all and they are all really helpful resources.
About Dr Heather Currie
Dr Heather Currie, Gynecologist Specialist partner in Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Scotland, specializing in menopause, pre menstrual syndrome and subfertility . Chief co-editor of Reproductive Health Post, the Journal of the British Menopause Society (BMS) BMS Chairman Director and Managing Menopause Matters Ltd which manages the award winning website www.menopausematters.co.uk and publishes the award-winning menopause Matters magazine. Author of the award-winning book, menopause, handy answers and many original papers and articles in scientific journals.
Results: Oxidative stress predicts hip fracture in postmenopausal women -
Oxidative stress is a significant predictor of hip fracture in postmenopausal women, according a new study by the University of Cincinnati (UC) epidemiologists.
research, appearing online ahead of print in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research , was directed by Tianying Wu, MD, PhD, assistant professor at the UC College of Department medicine environmental health and Shuman Yang, a postdoctoral fellow in the department. They collaborated with researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School.
"To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study among postmenopausal women showing that oxidative stress was a significant predictor for hip fracture," said Wu, the corresponding author of the study.
Oxidative stress is defined as a physiological stress on the body that is caused by the cumulative damage caused by free radicals, which are not sufficiently neutralized by antioxidants. The free radicals are unstable molecules which react with other substances in the human body to cause damage to cells or organs.
Oxidative stress occurs naturally, but environmental factors such as natural and artificial radiation, toxins in the air, food and water and various sources such as tobacco smoke can add the overall charge and defeat the antioxidant defenses of the body.
researchers assessed oxidative stress by measuring fluorescent oxidation products (FLOP) in blood plasma. FLOP reflects a mixture of oxidation products of lipids, proteins and DNA and can be measured by a fluorescent spectrophotometer.
The researchers studied participants in the health study of nurses that began in 1976 with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Participants are nurses who regularly respond to questionnaires and submit samples.
The researchers studied 996 women aged 60 or over to the collection of baseline blood (1989-190). FLOPS plasma were measured at three wavelength excitation / emission: 360/420 nm (nanometers), named FlOP_360; 320/420 nm, named as FlOP_320; and 400-475 nm, named FlOP_400.
FlOP_360 represents the oxidation products which are generated from oxidized phospholipids or oxidation products of lipids reactive with proteins. FlOP_320 is formed when the products of oxidation such as lipid hydroperoxides, aldehydes and ketones react with DNA in the presence of metals. FlOP_400 reflects the interaction between the malondialdehyde (a marker specific for the oxidation of lipids), proteins and phospholipids.
Of the three wavelengths, the researchers found that FlOP_320 products baseline predicts future risk of hip fracture in the study cohort. (No association was found with FlOP_360 and FlOP_400.) Increase FlOP_320 was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture; women in the top 30 percent of FlOP_320 readings were found to have 2.67 times the risk of hip fractures from those in the bottom of 30 percent.
"Because FlOP_320 is generated in the presence of metals, its strong association with hip fractures may reflect co-existing effect of reactive oxygen species and heavy metals," said Wu which notes that other FLOP products can be generated without metals.
Hip fracture is associated with a substantial cost, and a higher risk of disability, comorbidities and mortality than other fractures. Fracture risk assessment current uses traditional risk factors such as age and the presence of osteoporosis, but Wu sees FlOP_320 play an important role in the risk assessment.
"If our results are confirmed by other studies, the addition of this marker in the existing fracture assessment model may improve the prediction of hip fracture in postmenopausal women", they say she.
anaerobic bacteria injections can reduce tumors in rats, dogs and humans -
At the bottom of most tumors are areas that remain untouched by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Those annoying spots lack of blood and oxygen needed for traditional therapies work, but provide the perfect target for a new cancer treatment using bacteria that thrive in low oxygen conditions. Now, researchers have shown that injection of a weakened version of one of these anaerobic bacteria - the microbe Clostridium novyi -. Can reduce tumors in rats, pet dogs, and a human
The results of BioMed Valley Discoveries and a national team of collaborators show that C. novyi -NT a Version without the ability to do certain toxins can act as a new type of "biosurgery" eat away tumors in hard to reach places. Tumor tissue excise bacteria in an accurate localized that spares surrounding normal tissue. The study - which represents a new take on an approach first tried it a century ago - indicates that further testing of this agent in selected patients is warranted
"We are encouraging signs that this bacteria could be used to. treat some inoperable tumors, and that could give hope to some patients who do not have other options, "said Saurabh Saha, MD, Ph.D, researcher longtime cancer to BioMed Valley Discoveries and lead author of the study. "But we are still in the early stages, and need to assess the safety and efficacy of treatment, as well as exploring how it works in combination with other treatments against cancer."
The study was published Aug. 13, 2014, in Science Translational Medicine .
The idea of using bacteria to fight back against cancer dates to the 180s, when the cancer researcher William Coley noticed that some patients who developed postoperative infections went into remission or have even been cured of their disease. Despite the initial promise of the approach, progress was slow for the next century.
More than a decade ago Bert Vogelstein, MD, a cancer researcher at Johns Hopkins Medical School and one of the co-authors study tested a number of microbes before determine a particularly promising called Clostridium novyi . Because C. novyi is extremely sensitive to oxygen, it would push inside the core poor in oxygen tumors, but stop once it has reached healthy tissue. In previous studies, Vogelstein and colleagues tame bacteria further by removing its ability to toxins and then injected intravenously to experimental animals. Although bacterial treatment had dramatic effects in a third of mice and rabbits, no complete responses were seen in dogs with naturally occurring cancers.
Dr. Saha and colleagues BioMed Valley Discoveries wondered whether this failure was due more to the route of administration of the therapy itself. A problem with the intravenous administration is the low proportion of spores that are actually tumors. The researchers hypothesized that the injection of spores directly into tumors not only overcome this problem, but may also trigger localized inflammatory and immune responses against tumor cells.
The researchers tested C. novyi -NT injection directly bacteria in tumors in pet dogs with naturally occurring cancers and whose owners volunteer for trial . Each dog received one to four cycles of the new treatment, consisting of a single injection of 100 million spores directly in the target tumor. Sixteen dogs evaluated after treatment, three had significant shrinkage of their tumors and three had tumors that were completely destroyed.
The next step was to try the treatment in humans. The first patient to enroll in the Phase I Investigational study was a 53 year old woman with retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma whose disease despite eight cycles of chemotherapy and radiation, had spread to her liver, lungs, abdomen, arm and the shoulder. The researchers injected 10,000 spores in metastatic tumor of the right shoulder of the patient. Within days, analysis and CT biopsies showed that the bacteria had infiltrated the tumor and began to destroy the tumor cells. Weeks later, a follow-up MRI revealed a significant amount of the tumor has been destroyed. As a result of the treatment, the pain to the patient's shoulder subsided and she was able to move his arm again.
Studies in other patients are currently ongoing at multiple sites to test the safety and effectiveness of this new approach. Although these results are preliminary, the researchers believe that C. novyi -NT could be part of a new arsenal of immunotherapies that the first immune system of a patient in the fight against cancer.
"Previous preclinical studies have shown that in the process of destruction of the cancer tissue C. novyi -NT generates a powerful innate immune response, which also contributes to the destruction localized tumor, "said Dr. Saha. "The hope is that C. Novyi -NT will be a useful adjuvant for new immune checkpoint inhibitors that can block the ability of tumors to evade a host immune response mediated. It will be interesting to see if a combination of both approaches could destroy the tumors not only at the injection site, but also to all other sites where the cancer may have spread through the body. "
Dr Heather Currie, Gynecologist Specialist partner in Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Scotland, specializing in menopause, pre menstrual syndrome and subfertility . Chief co-editor of Reproductive Health Post, the Journal of the British Menopause Society (BMS) BMS Chairman Director and Managing Menopause Matters Ltd which manages the award winning website www.menopausematters.co.uk and publishes the award-winning menopause Matters magazine. Author of the award-winning book, menopause, handy answers and many original papers and articles in scientific journals.