Cancer Research Journal » Skin Cancer

Young Widow Raises Cancer Awareness at NASCAR Races

Lisa — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:58:47 +0000

Lori Hamilton, the 33-year-old widow of NASCAR champion Bobby Hamilton, Sr, is turning her grief into something positive by raising cancer awareness at racetracks around the country.

Lori’s husband died in 2007 of neck cancer at the age of 49. Lori says that neither she nor Bobby gave any thought to annual screenings before his diagnosis at 47. They also had no idea that more than 7,000 Americans die of head and neck cancers annually.

Bobby’s cancer was discovered when he went to see a dentist to get a wisdom tooth removed.

But now she knows early detection plays a crucial role in cancer survival and she’s spreading the word at locations where there’s plenty of people to listen to her message: NASCAR races. While she travels the circuit she speaks to race fans and visits surrounding clinics encouraging adults to get screened for head and neck cancers every year, raising awareness about the symptoms, and reassuring the reluctant that detection is easy and painless. At the Kansas Speedway, health professionals from the University of Kansas Hospital offered free cancer screenings before the start of the race. As Lori explains,

“At a racetrack, we have a captive audience of 80,000 people. If we can reach a third of them, maybe it can make a difference.”

Lori Hamilton
Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Advocate

A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University found HPV-related oral cancers alone nearly doubled between 1973 and 2004. If you’d like to learn more about head and neck cancers you can visit Cancer.Net, a web site containing information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Source: CNN

Technorati Tags: cancer advocacy; otolaryngology; squamous cell carcinoma

Fungal Extract Fights Four Common Cancers

Lisa — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:14:32 +0000

A study led by the Methodist Hospital Research Institute indicates extracts from a tropical fungus called Phellinus linteus may combat breast cancer.

Methodist Hospital’s results add to previous research suggesting the yellow mushroom is also effective for slowing lung, prostate and skin cancers.

Phellinus linteus grows on the bark of mulberry trees and has been used in Chinese medicines for hundreds of years. Methodist’s investigation suggests the powdered extracts from the mushroom block AKT enzymes involved in the development of blood vessels that feed tumors. As the study’s lead author said,

“We saw a number of positive results from our investigation of aggressive human breast cancer cells, including a lower rate of uncontrolled growth of new cancer cells, suppression of their aggressive behavior and the formation of fewer blood vessels that feed cancer cells essential nutrients.”

Dr Daniel Sliva
Methodist Research Institute

Dr Sliva emphasized that more studies will need to done to determine if the extract if safe and effective for treating cancer patients. Citing health and quality concerns, he also urged patients to avoid buying untested commercial mushroom powders.

If you’d like to learn more about the breast cancer study, the findings have been published in the March 25, 2008, online edition of the British Journal of Cancer.

Source: Daily Mail

Melanoma Treatment Trials Halted by Pfizer

Lisa — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:13:21 +0000

Pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) has announced they’re discontinuing Phase III clinical trials on tremelimumab, an experimental treatment for melanoma.

The company terminated the trials because their research indicates the developmental drug is no more effective than existing chemotherapies already approved to treat the potentially deadly skin cancer.

A representative from Pfizer Global Research and Development called tremelimumab’s trial results disappointing, but said the corporation remains committed to investigating new treatment options for melanoma patients.

If you’re a patient or health professional in the US who’d like to learn more about other therapies already approved for melanoma, you can visit the National Cancer Institute’s Melanoma Home Page.

Source: PharmaTimes.com

Related Podcast: Melanoma from the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center

Technorati Tags: cutaneous malignancy; oncology; New London, Connecticut

John Wayne Ties CCR9 to Metastatic Melanoma in GI Tract

Lisa — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:03:13 +0000

Research conducted by the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) at Saint John’s Health Center indicates the receptor protein CCR9 may promote the spread of melanoma to the small intestine.

Unlike other cancers, melanoma skin cancer commonly metastasizes to the lower bowel and, until recently, scientists were at a loss to explain the connection. JWCI’s study suggests the merging of CCR9 with CCL25 proteins produced in the gastrointestinal tract to fight inflammation may be what’s triggering melanoma migrations to the small intestine.

Using molecular biology and immunostaining techniques, the JWCI scientists were able to locate CCR9 in 88 of 102 metastatic melanomas in the small intestine. In contrast, none of the 96 melanomas which spread to other organs contained CCR9.

The researchers also found they could chemically inhibit the metastatic properties of CCR9-positive melanoma cells using specific substances. This discovery offers hope for developing treatments to target CCR9 so the spread of melanoma to the small intestine can be slowed or prevented — it may also help doctors identify which patients face the greatest risk. As one JWCI scientist explained,

“This is a unique demonstration of signaling, or the attraction of melanoma to a specific distant organ site. If we can identify patients’ melanomas that have these specific receptors, then we’ll know they have a high propensity to metastasize to the small intestine.

Dave S.B. Hoon, PhD
Director, Department of Molecular Oncology, JWCI

Results of the study are published in February 1, 2008, issue of Clinical Cancer Research.

If you’d like additional information on melanoma, you can visit the American Academy of Dermatology web site.

Source: BusinessWire

Related Podcast: An Update on Melanoma from Yale Cancer Center Answers

Technorati Tags: cancer research; NIH-funded; internal medicine; duodenum; colon cancer; Santa Monica, CA

Free Downloads for Bladder and Skin Cancer Patients

Lisa — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:16:06 +0000

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 67,000 new cases of bladder cancer and over one million cases of skin cancer were diagnosed last year. And once those patients heard that distressing news, they were each faced with the challenge of choosing the right treatment option for their condition.

To help patients and their caregivers make an informed choice, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) is offering new brochures explaining various treatment options available for bladder cancer and skin cancer patients in the United States.

The brochures, which are part of ASTRO’s award-winning public awareness campaign, educate patients on the different types of radiation therapy available for these common cancers as well as giving expert tips on caring for your body while undergoing treatment.

These resources are available at no cost on-line so patients can familiarize themselves on radiation therapy before they meet with their doctors to discuss their treatment options. As one physician explained,

“Deciding on a course of treatment can be a confusing and trying time for a cancer patient. The more patients educate themselves, the more they will be able to understand the different options that their doctor is presenting to them.”

Greg Patton, MD
Radiation Oncologist, Rose Quarter Cancer Center
and Chair, ASTRO Communications Committee

ASTRO offers 14 educational brochures in English plus 8 publications available in Spanish and Arabic. All materials can be downloaded for free at www.RTAnswers.org. Healthcare providers and cancer support groups can also order hard copies of the publications in bulk at www.astro.org/shop.

Source: ASTRO News Release

Related Links: Siteman Cancer Center; UroToday

Related Podcast: Not Safe from the American Academy of Dermatology

Technorati Tags: radiotherapy; melanoma; basal cell carcinoma; genitourinary cancer; hematuria

Supercomputer Helps Supersize Cancer Research at Hormel

Lisa — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:33:00 +0000

The process of conducting cancer research is getting faster for a group of University of Minnesota scientists.

Representatives from the Hormel Institute announced they’ve purchased an IBM (NYSE: IBM) Blue Gene supercomputer capable of processing 5-6 trillion operations a second – a speed that’ll allow Hormel to triple the number of research projects it undertakes. As one Hormel official explained,

“You use other methods for the research, it will take years. But with this technology it will only take a few days. It will incredibly accelerate our research capabilities.”

Dr Zigang Dong
Executive Director, Hormel Institute
University of Minnesota

Blue Gene supercomputers are currently in operation at 20 major research institutions, including Harvard and Princeton.

Hormel’s acquisition is part of major laboratory expansion project which includes new equipment and accommodations for 100 additional scientists. The facility’s grand opening is scheduled to take place October 3, 2008, to coincide with a worldwide cancer research conference.

Hormel is already conducting studies on breast cancer and skin cancer.

Source: Minnesota Public Radio

Related Links: marketwire.com; wcco.com; Top500.org

Technorati Tags: Austin, Minnesota; The Hormel Foundation

Many Transplant Patients Oblivious to Skin Cancer Risks

Lisa — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:37:31 +0000

Thanks to modern medicine, more than 220,000 organ transplant recipients are living in the United States today. Unfortunately, many of those transplant patients will soon be facing another challenge — skin cancer.

Skin cancer rates in the organ transplant population have continued to grow over recent years, reaching rates up to 200 times greater than in other populations of the same age. A new study suggests one reason for the alarming increase is transplant patients aren’t aware they’re at risk.

A recent Saint Louis University School of Medicine study revealed many organ transplant patients leave the hospital without knowing they’re at increased risk for skin cancer and, even worse, many aren’t finding out until it’s too late.

Patients taking immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ rejection after a heart, kidney, liver, lung or other solid organ transplant are highly susceptible to sun damage. Because immunosuppressive medications allow skin cancers to spread quicker, proper sun protection and regular skin cancer screenings by a dermatologist are recommended.

However, statistics gathered from Saint Louis’ two-page survey of 298 organ transplant patients indicated 73 percent were not informed about their skin cancer risk, only 28 percent regularly wore sunscreen, and just 14 percent had received the recommended annual skin exam.

And this lack of proper precautions is having a deadly effect. In separate studies, as many as 82 percent of kidney transplant patients developed skin cancer within 20 years and over one-quarter of deaths which occurred four years after heart transplant surgery were caused by the disease. As one researcher pointed out, these findings highlight the need for a comprehensive education program for transplant patients. As she explained,

“Because the time around an organ transplantation is consumed with the more pressing issues of rejection and infection patients cannot be expected to recall information regarding the risks of sun exposure. Clearly, another method of informing patients of this risk is needed, preferably one involving dermatologists, who can assist the transplant team with strategies to educate and treat this high-risk patient population.”

Summer R. Youker, MD, FAAD
Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology
Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Results of the research were presented at the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held February 1-5, 2008, in San Antonio, Texas.

Source: Medical News Today

Technorati Tags: St Louis, MO; melanoma; basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; oncology; Prednisone; Cyclosporine; Tacrolimus; Mycophenolate; Mofetil; Azathioprine; Rapamycin; sirolimus

MMS May Help Men With Rare Penile Cancer

Lisa — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:35:04 +0000

According to an article published in UroToday, a tissue sparing procedure called Moh’s Micrographic Surgery, or MMS, may help men with certain forms of penile cancer.

MMS, already a proven therapy for some skin cancers, involves intra-operative microscopic examination of sectioned tissue by a specially trained dermatologic surgeon. The surgery maximizes the amount of normal penis tissue preserved while eradicating the malignant tumor, but the method is time intensive and requires close follow-up by an experienced urologist.

Serious complications such as meatal stenosis can occur and the recurrence rate is relatively high, however, long term progression and survival rates were close to those found in patients treated with more aggressive surgical interventions.

Penile cancer is relatively rare in the United States, but it is often lethal because men with the disease frequently refuse conventional treatment methods that require a partial or total penectomy.

The procedure is not recommended for all forms of penile cancer, but it may provide a way for some patients to treat the disease without undergoing the psychological effects associated with penis removal.

Source: UroToday.com

Tags: squamous cell carcinoma; urology; urethra; genitourinary

Korean Doctors Concerned About Asian Tanning Trend

Lisa — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:14:07 +0000

The growing popularity of tanning in East Asia has Korean dermatologists keeping a close eye on skin cancer rates.

Although the number of skin cancer cases reported in Asian countries is still relatively low when compared to the United States and Australia, statistics from the Korea Central Cancer Registry show incidences of the disease have more than doubled since 1995.

Until recently, traditional Asian cultures preferred lighter porcelain complexions, but now beaches and tanning salons in cities like Hong Kong and Singapore are packed with people bronzing their bodies under ultraviolet rays.

Experts report that the vast majority of new skin cancer cases in Korea are being diagnosed in males. They speculate it’s because cosmetic products containing sunscreen are helping protect more females from the cumulative effects of sun exposure. Still, it may take quite a while for doctors to determine the full impact of the current suntan craze. As one physician put it,

“It takes a long time to cause skin damage, as people get older there is a high chance to develop skin cancer.”

George Li
Plastic Surgeon
Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong

If you’d like to learn more about what you can do to help protect yourself from this common cancer, you can find additional information on the following web sites:

Cancer Council Australia

National Human Genome Research Institute (US)

Skin Cancer Foundation (US)

Source: washingtonpost.com

Related Links: abc.net.au; The Arizona Republic

Triptolide Could Help Treat Pancreatic Cancer

Lisa — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:30:08 +0000

Research conducted at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center has found that a natural compound helps break down treatment-resistant pancreatic cancer.

The compound, known as triptolide, is a toxic agent which has been used as a natural medicine in China for hundreds of years.

In the Minnesota study, Ashok Saluja, PhD, discovered triptolide had the ability to invade heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) which serves as a survival mechanism for cancer cells. Results of experiments with mice showed those who received triptolide experienced decreased cancer growth and significantly fewer invasions into the spleen, liver, kidney and small intestine.

Other reports have indicated triptolide may also be an effective therapy for breast cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma and stomach cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is usually well advanced when it is detected and difficult to treat. Approximately half of the 37,000 people diagnosed annually in the United States die within four months of discovering they have the disease.

Dr Saluja and his team hope to refine the compound so clinical trials on patients with cancer of the pancreas can begin.

Findings from the study are published in the October issue of Cancer Research, a journal from the American Association for Cancer Research.

Source: University of Minnesota Cancer Center News Releases

Tags: Selwyn M. Vickers MD; University of Minnesota Academic Health Center; William E Grizzle; University of Alabama, Birmingham; tripterygiuym wilfordii; Rajinda K Dawra, PhD; biochemistry