Monthly Archives: May 2012

Scientists have uncovered genetic signs that could help doctors predict how breast cancer patients will respond to chemotherapy. Researchers led by McMaster University biochemist John A. Hassell found two sets of genes that could indicate the presence of higher levels of two proteins targeted by commonly used chemotherapy drugs. They reported their results in a paper published Thursday in the journal BMC Medical Genomics. Hassell and his colleagues focused on the enzyme TOP2A or the protein beta-tubulin, which are targeted by anthracycline and taxane chemotherapy drugs, respectively. Without those targets, the chemotherapy won't work. The researchers built their 'gene expression signatures' by looking at the expression levels - how often the genes are transcribed - of genes that correlated with the expression levels for the genes encoding TOP2A and beta-tubulin. Follow us If the signature indicates a patient's tumor is making a lot of TOP2A and beta-tubulin, there's a good chance that chemotherapy will be more effective. And on the flip side, if a patient's genetic signature indicates that chemotherapy wouldn't be as successful, doctors can avoid giving the patient a treatment that would do more harm than good. Using data for a group of 488 breast cancer patients, Hassell … Continue reading →

May 11, 2012 Connie K. Ho for RedOrbit.com Researchers at Loyola University Chicagos Stritch School of Medicine have found that patients see both benefits and risks from direct-to-consumer genetic tests. Dr. Katherine Wasson, a specialist on the ethics of direct-to-consumer genetic tests, and colleagues conducted the experiment. The study, published in the American Journal of Bioethics Primary Research, showed that the patients were concerned about the end game of the genetic test results. There are a few companies, such as 23andMe, deCODE Genetics and Navigenics, that currently test consumers for single gene disorders like cystic fibrosis; complex disorders with multiple genes like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; traits like hair color, eye color, and baldness; as well as allergies to drugs like Coumadin for a fee ranging from $100 to $1,500. Normally, consumers can order these tests directly and receive the exams without having to go through a health-care professional like a geneticist or a genetic counselor. In the study, the researchers conducted four focus groups with 29 participants who were primary care patients at Loyola University Medical Center. After they received information about the direct-to-consumer genetic testing, they were to give their opinions on the exams. The focus groups … Continue reading →

Public release date: 11-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: Dianne G. Shaw dgs@med.unc.edu 919-966-7834 University of North Carolina School of Medicine Cancer therapies targeting specific molecular subtypes of the disease allow physicians to tailor treatment to a patient's individual molecular profile. But scientists are finding that in many types of cancer the molecular subtypes are more varied than previously thought and contain further genetic alterations that can affect a patient's response to therapy. A UNC-led team of scientists has shown for the first time that lung cancer molecular subtypes correlate with distinct genetic alterations and with patient response to therapy. These findings in pre-clinical models and patient tumor samples build on their previous report of three molecular subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer and refines their molecular analysis of tumors. Their findings were published in the May 10, 2012 online edition of the Public Library of Science One. Study senior author, Neil Hayes, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine, says, "It has been known for about a decade of using gene expression arrays that "molecular subtypes" exist. These subtypes have molecular "fingerprints" and frequently have different clinical outcomes. However, the underlying etiologies of the subtypes have not been … Continue reading →

By Cathy C. Yamsuan Philippine Daily Inquirer Former President Joseph Erap Estrada had always maintained that giving generously to friends and forgiving opponents are the secrets to staying young. But time has a way of catching up with even the most formidable leading men. Since he entered national politics 25 years ago, Estrada has struggled with the attributes of old ageweight gain, a painful knee here, a cataract there. He needed some kind of elixir of youth to put to right what nature has put asunder. And to get back on his feet in time to serve the people, he said which has no age limit. So he did it, and is very open about it. What is it? At the prodding of friends, the 75-year-old Estrada flew to Frankfurt, Germany, last month to undergo fresh cell therapy (also known as stem cell treatment), an innovative albeit controversial procedure where fresh cells from donor animals are injected into the human body to treat diseases or reverse the aging process. Fresh cell therapy operates under the principle of like heals like. The fresh cells from a donor animals organ are infused into the human counterpart. Substances in the donors blood are … Continue reading →