‘Basal-like’ breast cancer does not originate from basal stem cells

New research uncovers a case of mistaken identity that may have a significant impact on future breast cancer prevention and treatment strategies. The study, published by Cell Press in the September 3rd issue of the journal Cell Stem Cell, suggests that despite their “stem cell-like” characteristics, most aggressive breast tumors are not derived from normal mammary gland stem cells.

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New infrared light may open new frontier in fighting cancer, Tay Sachs

A “game-changing” technique using near infrared light enables scientists to look deeper into the guts of cells, potentially opening up a new frontier in the fights against cancer and many other diseases.

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Personalized medicine: Molecular imaging predicts treatment success in many cancers

Studies show molecular imaging’s benefits in the evaluation and successful treatment planning for a wide spectrum of diseases

Reston, Va.— A series of studies published in the September Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM) show that molecular imaging plays a critical role in the evaluation and treatment planning for a broad spectrum of cancers, including thyroid cancer and lymphoma.

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Microsoft Excel-based algorithm predicts cancer prognosis

Using readily available computer programs, researchers have developed a system to identify genes that will be useful in the classification of breast cancer. The algorithm, described in BioMed Central’s open access Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research will enable researchers to quickly generate valuable gene signatures without specialized software or extensive bioinformatics training.

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Novel nanotechnology collaboration leads to breakthrough in cancer research

Researchers clear hurdle on path toward gene-therapy treatment for disease

One of the most difficult aspects of working at the nanoscale is actually seeing the object being worked on. Biological structures like viruses, which are smaller than the wavelength of light, are invisible to standard optical microscopes and difficult to capture in their native form with other imaging techniques.

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TGen finds therapeutic targets for rare cancer in children

RNAi screening used for the first time to study Ewing’s sarcoma

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Aug. 31, 2010 — The first study of Ewing’s sarcoma that screened hundreds of genes based on how they affect cell growth has identified two potential anti-cancer drug targets, according to a scientific paper by the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) published this month in the journal Molecular Cancer.

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Increasing selenium intake may decrease bladder cancer risk

• 39 percent reduced risk seen in a meta-analysis.
• Selenium effects may vary according to individual’s characteristics.

PHILADELPHIA — A common mineral may provide protection against bladder cancer.

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Researchers to activate anti-cancer gene

Colon sloughs lining

The intestines have to work properly if we are to benefit from the food we eat. Digestive juices must be secreted, the food broken down into smaller components and then transported through the gut wall and onwards to muscles and organs. The lining of the gut is coated in epithelial cells, a specialised layer that produces mucous and hormones while keeping dangerous bacteria and toxins at bay. Close contact with pathogenic microbes and toxins means that the epithelial cells may mutate to form cancer. The small intestine therefore secretes the entire epithelial layer in the course of two to five days, while the large intestine takes three weeks to perform the same process.

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‘Co-conspirator’ cells could hold key to melanoma prediction, prevention

CORVALLIS, Ore. – New research on how skin cancer begins has identified adjacent cancer cells that scientists are calling “co-conspirators” in the genesis of melanoma, in findings that could someday hold the key to predicting, preventing and stopping this hard-to-treat cancer before it spreads.

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Researcher finds revolutionary way to treat eye cancer

Treatment may prevent blindness

AURORA, Colorado (August 27, 2010) – Rare but devastating, eye cancer can strike anyone at any time and treating it often requires radiation that leaves half of all patients partially blind.

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