Body

Genome-wide association studies need larger sample sizes

While genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified several genetic risk factors for common cancers, their predictive power is limited by their small effect sizes, according to a new study published online May 26 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

In the past few years, several GWA studies have reported a large number of gene-disease associations with diverse cancers. But there is ongoing debate on the robustness of these studies and the expensive technology used to uncover the genetic associations.

AE-941, a standardized shark cartilage, does not improve lung cancer survival

The anti-cancer drug AE-941, a shark cartilage derivative, did not improve overall survival in patients with inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer, according to a study published online May 26 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Shark cartilage shows no benefit as a therapeutic agent for lung cancer

HOUSTON - In the first scientific study of its kind, shark cartilage extract, AE-941 or Neovastat, has shown no benefit as a therapeutic agent when combined with chemotherapy and radiation for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, according to researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute; the findings were first presented at the 43rd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Detection of breast cancer in screening mammography has improved over time

OAK BROOK, Ill. (May 26, 2010) – Researchers analyzing 2.5 million screening mammograms performed on nearly one million women found discrimination of cancerous from non-cancerous lesions improved over a nine-year period. Results of the study are published in the online edition of the journal Radiology.

Case study analyzes why, where and when of leading shark attack site

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Shark attacks are most likely to occur on Sunday, in less than 6 feet of water, during a new moon and involve surfers wearing black and white bathing suits, a first of its kind study from the University of Florida suggests.

Researchers analyzed statistics from shark attacks that occurred in Florida's Volusia County, dubbed the "Shark Attack Capital of the World," between 1956 and 2008. They also spent a year observing people between Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, said George Burgess, director of the International Shark Attack File at UF.

Study identifies promising treatment for aggressive lymphoma

CHICAGO -- New research illustrates that some patients with transformed lymphoma showed "remarkable" response to lenalidomide, an oral drug with few side effects.

The international study, involving 24 medical centers in the United States and Europe, will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (http://www.asco.org/) annual meeting June 4-8, 2010, in Chicago.

Discovery may lead to safer drinking water, cheaper medicine: Queen's University researchers

KINGSTON, ON – A discovery that may pave the way to helping reduce health hazards such as E. coli in water could also make chemicals and drugs such as insulin cheaper to produce and their production more environmentally friendly.

Milk & women: 2 glasses a day tones muscles, keeps fat away

HAMILTON, CANADA – Women who drink two large glasses of milk a day after their weight-lifting routine gained more muscle and lost more fat compared to women who drank sugar-based energy drinks, a McMaster study has found.

The study appears in the June issue of Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise.

Cancer paradox: Blocking tumor's 'death switch' paradoxically stops tumor growth

Every cell contains machinery for self-destruction, used to induce death when damaged or sick. But according to a new research study, a receptor thought to mediate cell suicide in normal cells may actually be responsible for the unrestrained growth of cancerous tumors.

Genentech uses Complete Genomics' human genome sequencing service to compare tumor and normal genome in patient with non-small c

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – May 26, 2010 – Complete Genomics Inc., a third-generation human genome sequencing company, today announced that Genentech Inc., a wholly owned member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), used the company's sequencing, bioinformatics and analytics services to sequence and compare a patient's primary lung tumor and adjacent normal tissue. Tumor-normal pairs like this allow researchers to compare the patient's genome before and after it was altered by the cancer; the patient's normal genome serves as the ideal control.

Some bisphosphonates users unfamiliar with drug's possible side effects on oral health

CHICAGO, May 26, 2010 – People undergoing bisphosphonate therapy to prevent or treat osteoporosis (a thinning of the bones) may be unfamiliar with the drug and possible adverse side effects on oral health, according to a study in the May issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA).