New measure may aid treatment planning, future studies for broad range of tumors Newswise BOSTON A new measure of the heterogeneity the variety of genetic mutations of cells within a tumor appears to predict treatment outcomes of patients with the most common type of head and neck cancer. In the May 20 issue of the journal Cancer, investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary describe how their measure was a better predictor of survival than most traditional risk factors in a small group of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. "Our findings will eventually allow better matching of treatments to individual patients, based on this characteristic of their tumors," says Edmund Mroz, PhD, of the MGH Center for Cancer Research, lead author of the Cancer report. "This method of measuring heterogeneity can be applied to most types of cancer, so our work should help researchers determine whether a similar relationship between heterogeneity and outcome occurs in other tumors." For decades investigators have hypothesized that tumors with a high degree of genetic heterogeneity the result of different subgroups of cells undergoing different mutations at different DNA sites would be more difficult to … Continue reading →

If you underwent a genetic test for a heart condition, but the test also revealed that you have a high risk of colon cancer, would you want to know? A respected scientific society says your doctor should tell you, but the group is receiving criticism for its recommendation that "incidental findings" of genetic tests be shared with patients. Incidental findings are unexpected results, unrelated to the reason for testing. What to do with these findings has been a controversial issue for adults undergoing genetic testing, as well as children. In March, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) released guidelines saying that when patients receive genetic testing for any medical reason, they should be screened for mutations in an additional 57 genes, including mutations that strongly increase the risk of breast, ovarian and colon cancer. The ACMG argues that doctors have an obligation to look for and report these mutations because there are ways that people can act to reduce their of developing a medical disorder. However, some researchers and bioethicists say the new recommendations go too far, and take away patients' rights to refuse medical information they do not wish to know. Informed consent A crucial part … Continue reading →

Stem Cell Breakthrough Summarized by OHSU's Dr. Shoukhrat Mitalipov Scientists at Oregon Health Science University and the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) have successfully reprogrammed human skin cells to b... By: OHSUvideo … Continue reading →

Scientists, for the first time, have cloned embryonic stem cells using reprogrammed adult skin cells, without using human embryos. But even so, the procedure raises ethical issues. When the research group at Oregon Health and Science University announced on May 15 that it had turned human skin cells into embryonic stem cells for the first time it caused quite a commotion. The reactions ranged from horrified at the apparent breach of an ethical taboo, to amazement over this scientific breakthrough. The procedure isn't new. The research group, headed by Shoukhrat Mitalipov, succeeded in producing so-called pluripotent stem cells, meaning cells that are capable of developing into any kind of tissue, using adult, rather than embryonic, stem cells. The process used by Mitalipov is an important step in research because it does not require killing a human embryo that is, a potential human being to create transformative stem cells. Significant step forward The technique involves transplanting an individual's DNA into an egg cell that has been stripped of genetic material a variation of a method known as somatic cell nuclear transfer. "A thorough examination of the stem cells derived through this technique demonstrated their ability to convert just like normal embryonic … Continue reading →