Cancer Research

Recent research done on a plants stem cells revealed an astonishing process that makes plants very unique. The group of stem cells found in plants help produce new tissue for the plant as it grows over time. A mutation in the DNA of these stem cells would be fatal to the tree for tousands of years. Now here comes the interesting part, researchers experimentally damaged the DNA of these stem cells and observed that the cells detected this damage and "triggered the death" of the cell itself. In result preventing the cell from creating damaged DNA over and over again. 

During the past few days, news media has inundated the U.S. public with word that for the first time in 20 years, a government task force has changed course in its recommendations for breast cancer screening.

On the surface, that doesn't seem like an earth-shattering story. Guidelines are routinely revised and updated based on available evidence. But the new recommendations go against entrenched medical practice and advice, and the firestorm the change caused shows no signs of flickering out, and is pitting two government groups against each other.

Cancer research took a fascinating step forward thanks to recent research by a collaborative group from Boston; a step that, if it pans out, could impact a wide swath of cancer drug development. The research is still in its early stages - mouse models - but the potential implications led to a great deal of media coverage. Just a few examples:

• "Scientists have found a way to disarm a protein thought to play a key role in leukaemia and other cancers," from NHS (UK)

People living in volcanic areas may face a higher risk for thyroid cancer, says a new study published online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

While the increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed to more sensitive screening, recent evidence suggests that this may not be the only cause. Various environmental factors, such as those associated with volcanoes, have not been excluded as risk factors.

The authors point out that a volcanic environment—which can produce toxic compounds that are suspended particulate matter and gases and elements that may pollute the water—could increase the incidence of thyroid cancer; however, the mechanism by which it affects risk is unknown.

Patients with early stage, non-small cell lung cancer who are not able to undergo surgery, now have a highly effective treatment option. Physicians say that option, radical stereotactic radiosurgery performed with CyberKnife, leads to a 100 percent overall survival after three
years in patients with good lung function before treatment. These results were presented today at the annual CHEST meeting in San Diego.

For patients with small tumors characterized as early-stage disease, surgical removal of the affected lobe (lobectomy) is the standard of care. However, surgery is sometimes not an option because of other pre-existing medical conditions such as emphysema or heart disease.

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg say they have discovered a new cancer gene related to adenoid cystic carcinoma,  a slow-growing but deadly form of cancer. The research group can now show that the gene is found in 100% of these tumors, which means that a genetic test can easily be used to make a correct diagnosis.

The newly discovered cancer gene is what is known as a fusion gene, created when two healthy genes join together as a result of a chromosome change.

Cancer research needs more basic research likely to have the biggest impact on combating the disease in the next few decades but currently research funds are focused on new drug development, says professor Richard Sullivan of the King's Health Partners Integrated Cancer Centre who spoke London told Europe's largest cancer congress, ECCO 15 – ESMO 34 , in Berlin today.

The World Health Organization predicts that the number of people worldwide living with cancer will rise from about 28 million today to about 75 million in 2030.

Antioxidants cause cancer. Or at least that is the headline you may read in some less reputable sources of science news, reporting this study out this week in Nature. Before you go rushing off to toss out your Teavana supercharged antioxidant green tea and your expensive GNC herbal supplements, let's take a closer look at what the research shows. (Well, to be frank, you can go throw out those supplements, and only keep your tea if you enjoy drinking it.)

 Tulsi ( Ocimum sanctum ) has potential as anticancer plant.


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