Lani
01-06-2006, 11:52 AM
Subj:
BCN News: Fri, Jan 6, 2006
Date:
1/6/2006 9:27:06 AM Eastern Standard Time
From:
"'Steven C. Sickles'" <sickles@comcast.net>
To:
irh4dk@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
The BreastCancer.Net News for:
Friday, January 6, 2006
The BCN News is delivered daily to over 11,000 breast cancer patients, survivors and health professionals. Links to all these stories, along with an archive of 4,500+ other cancer-related news items, are available day in our Newsroom at:
http://www.breastcancer.net
BCN Corporate Sponsor of the Day
Breastlink: Optimal Breast Cancer Care®
support discussion forum online chat contact
The Breastlink Medical Group, founded in 1995 by Dr John S. Link, operates four unique breast cancer centers across Southern California, and was ranked by Self Magazine as one of America's 10 Best Breast Cancer Centers.
Breastlink aspires to be the best breast cancer treatment and service organization in the world, and one with a single goal — to deliver Optimal Care® to women. To this end they've assembled an excellent group of cancer doctors to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, for they believe Optimal Care® for women is best delivered through a team-based approach. Equally important members of the team are psychotherapists, social workers and patient advocates, because Optimal Care® constitutes treatment of the whole woman.
To find out more about Breastlink, including a look at their renowned team of specialists, an overview of their support services, and how to contact a breast center near you, please visit:
Breastlink.com
BCN Banner Sponsor of the Day
Apply today for NBCCF's Project LEAD®
March 22-26, 2006
Houston, Texas
APPLICATIONS DUE: January 22, 2006
Applications are now being accepted for the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund's premier breast cancer science course, Project LEAD®. Join over 1200 graduates of this intense 5 day training program designed for breast cancer advocates and study with highly motivated students from around the country. The curriculum, taught by renowned basic scientists, epidemiologists and clinicians focuses on the language and concepts of science, critical appraisal skills and strategies to maximize advocate influence on the research process.
The course will take place in Houston, Texas, March 22-26, 2006. Applications are available on NBCCF's website www.StopBreastCancer.org in the Education and Training section. The application deadline for the course is January 22, 2006, and a limited number of scholarships are available to students with demonstrated need.
To find out more, contact Helen Severson, 202-973-0596, or email hseverson@stopbreastcancer.org. NBCCF acknowledges the generous contribution of the Avon Foundation as the primary sponsor of Project LEAD®.
Index of Contents
Immune Substances May Help Antibody-Based Drugs Fight Cancer [Ohio State University / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Natural Killer Cells Produce T Cell-Recruiting Chemokines in Response to Antibody-Coated Tumor Cells [Cancer Research / Summary]
ABSTRACT: The Effects of Walking Poles on Shoulder Function in Breast Cancer Survivors [Integrative Cancer Therapies / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Breast carcinoma during pregnancy: International recommendations from an expert meeting [Cancer / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Video-assisted management of malignant pleural effusion in breast carcinoma [Cancer / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Does surgery induce angiogenesis in breast cancer? Indirect evidence from relapse pattern and mammography paradox [International Journal of Surgery / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Molecular Portraits and 70-Gene Prognosis Signature Are Preserved throughout the Metastatic Process of Breast Cancer [Cancer Research / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Down-Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Cell Growth Factor-C Expression Using Small Interfering RNA Vectors in Mammary Tumors Inhibits Tumor Lymphangiogenesis and Spontaneous Metastasis and Enhances Survival [Cancer Research / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Epimorphin Overexpression in the Mouse Mammary Gland Promotes Alveolar Hyperplasia and Mammary Adenocarcinoma [Cancer Research / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Tid1 Negatively Regulates the Migratory Potential of Cancer Cells by Inhibiting the Production of Interleukin-8 [Cancer Research / Summary]
ABSTRACT: The potential of proton beam radiation therapy in breast cancer [Acta Oncologica / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Use of Complementary Therapies Among Breast and Prostate Cancer Patients During Treatment: A Multisite Study [Integrative Cancer Therapies / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Reasons for and Characteristics Associated With Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adult Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review [Integrative Cancer Therapies / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Clinical trial accrual among new cancer patients at a community-based cancer center [Cancer / Summary]
Article Summaries
Immune Substances May Help Antibody-Based Drugs Fight Cancer [Ohio State University]
COLUMBUS , Ohio - A new study suggests that antibody-based cancer drugs might help patients more if they are given with substances that stimulate the immune system.
This new study is the first to indicate that the drug trastuzumab, also known as Herceptin, may work better when it is followed by injections of interleukin (IL) 2 or IL-12. Both substances trigger the activity of immune cells known as natural killer (NK) cells.
The research, by scientists at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, is published in the Jan. 1 issue of the journal Cancer Research.
The drug trastuzumab consists of an antibody that targets the protein HER2, which is present on cancer cells of many breast tumors. NK cells are the body's first line of defense against many infections, and they also attack tumor cells.
NK cells rush into action when they encounter bacteria or other foreign agents in the body that are coated with antibodies, large proteins released by immune cells in response to the presence of foreign material in the body.
Trastuzumab is used to treat advanced breast cancer cases that over-produce the HER2 protein. The drug coats the tumor cells with antibodies, but it is unclear exactly what happens next.
Presently, researchers believe that when the trastuzumab antibodies join with the HER2 protein, they trigger changes within the tumor cells that cause the cells to die or to grow more slowly. In this scenario, the immune system plays a relatively minor role in slowing the tumor's growth.
"But our results show that the immune system really can play an important role in this therapy and that the outcome of patients treated with antibody-based drugs might be improved by activating the patient's immune system with agents such as IL-12," says principal investigator William E. Carson, III, associate professor of surgery and director for clinical research at the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center.
First author Julie M. Roda, a graduate research associate in Carson 's laboratory, explained why this is so.
"The findings suggest that using trastuzumab and the IL-12 together makes the body think an infection is under way, and this activates cells of the immune system to eliminate tumor cells in the same way they would eliminate an infection," says Roda.
The investigators found that the combination of antibody-coated cells and IL-2 or IL-12 causes the NK cells to release substances that attract more potent immune cells - mainly killer T cells - thereby trigging a larger and more effective immune response against the tumor.
"Trastuzumab was not designed to mimic an infectious condition, but we think that's exactly what is happening," Roda says.
Carson, Roda and their colleagues came to their conclusions following several types of experiments.
For example, the researchers added human NK cells and IL-2 or IL-12 to cultures of breast-cancer cells with HER2 and coated with trastuzumab antibodies. In response, the NK cells produced a range of substances (known as cytokines and chemokines) known to attract killer T cells to sites of infection. When the experiment was repeated using cancer cells that lacked HER2 (and therefore were not coated with trastuzumab), however, the NK cells produced little of the T-cell-attracting substances.
The researchers also injected IL-12 and trastuzumab-coated mouse-tumor cells into mice and found that it raised the blood levels of the immune-stimulating substances produced by NK cells.
In addition, the researchers analyzed plasma samples from 15 patients with different types of cancer who were participating in a phase-I clinical trial of trastuzumab plus IL-12. The samples showed short-term increases in immune-stimulating substances produced by NK cells, and long-term increases in three patients who responded to the therapy.
"This is a preliminary study and the findings must be verified," Carson says, "but overall, the evidence supports the use of immune-stimulating agents in patients who receive antibody-based drugs such as trastuzumab."
BCN News: Fri, Jan 6, 2006
Date:
1/6/2006 9:27:06 AM Eastern Standard Time
From:
"'Steven C. Sickles'" <sickles@comcast.net>
To:
irh4dk@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
The BreastCancer.Net News for:
Friday, January 6, 2006
The BCN News is delivered daily to over 11,000 breast cancer patients, survivors and health professionals. Links to all these stories, along with an archive of 4,500+ other cancer-related news items, are available day in our Newsroom at:
http://www.breastcancer.net
BCN Corporate Sponsor of the Day
Breastlink: Optimal Breast Cancer Care®
support discussion forum online chat contact
The Breastlink Medical Group, founded in 1995 by Dr John S. Link, operates four unique breast cancer centers across Southern California, and was ranked by Self Magazine as one of America's 10 Best Breast Cancer Centers.
Breastlink aspires to be the best breast cancer treatment and service organization in the world, and one with a single goal — to deliver Optimal Care® to women. To this end they've assembled an excellent group of cancer doctors to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, for they believe Optimal Care® for women is best delivered through a team-based approach. Equally important members of the team are psychotherapists, social workers and patient advocates, because Optimal Care® constitutes treatment of the whole woman.
To find out more about Breastlink, including a look at their renowned team of specialists, an overview of their support services, and how to contact a breast center near you, please visit:
Breastlink.com
BCN Banner Sponsor of the Day
Apply today for NBCCF's Project LEAD®
March 22-26, 2006
Houston, Texas
APPLICATIONS DUE: January 22, 2006
Applications are now being accepted for the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund's premier breast cancer science course, Project LEAD®. Join over 1200 graduates of this intense 5 day training program designed for breast cancer advocates and study with highly motivated students from around the country. The curriculum, taught by renowned basic scientists, epidemiologists and clinicians focuses on the language and concepts of science, critical appraisal skills and strategies to maximize advocate influence on the research process.
The course will take place in Houston, Texas, March 22-26, 2006. Applications are available on NBCCF's website www.StopBreastCancer.org in the Education and Training section. The application deadline for the course is January 22, 2006, and a limited number of scholarships are available to students with demonstrated need.
To find out more, contact Helen Severson, 202-973-0596, or email hseverson@stopbreastcancer.org. NBCCF acknowledges the generous contribution of the Avon Foundation as the primary sponsor of Project LEAD®.
Index of Contents
Immune Substances May Help Antibody-Based Drugs Fight Cancer [Ohio State University / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Natural Killer Cells Produce T Cell-Recruiting Chemokines in Response to Antibody-Coated Tumor Cells [Cancer Research / Summary]
ABSTRACT: The Effects of Walking Poles on Shoulder Function in Breast Cancer Survivors [Integrative Cancer Therapies / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Breast carcinoma during pregnancy: International recommendations from an expert meeting [Cancer / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Video-assisted management of malignant pleural effusion in breast carcinoma [Cancer / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Does surgery induce angiogenesis in breast cancer? Indirect evidence from relapse pattern and mammography paradox [International Journal of Surgery / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Molecular Portraits and 70-Gene Prognosis Signature Are Preserved throughout the Metastatic Process of Breast Cancer [Cancer Research / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Down-Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Cell Growth Factor-C Expression Using Small Interfering RNA Vectors in Mammary Tumors Inhibits Tumor Lymphangiogenesis and Spontaneous Metastasis and Enhances Survival [Cancer Research / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Epimorphin Overexpression in the Mouse Mammary Gland Promotes Alveolar Hyperplasia and Mammary Adenocarcinoma [Cancer Research / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Tid1 Negatively Regulates the Migratory Potential of Cancer Cells by Inhibiting the Production of Interleukin-8 [Cancer Research / Summary]
ABSTRACT: The potential of proton beam radiation therapy in breast cancer [Acta Oncologica / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Use of Complementary Therapies Among Breast and Prostate Cancer Patients During Treatment: A Multisite Study [Integrative Cancer Therapies / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Reasons for and Characteristics Associated With Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adult Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review [Integrative Cancer Therapies / Summary]
ABSTRACT: Clinical trial accrual among new cancer patients at a community-based cancer center [Cancer / Summary]
Article Summaries
Immune Substances May Help Antibody-Based Drugs Fight Cancer [Ohio State University]
COLUMBUS , Ohio - A new study suggests that antibody-based cancer drugs might help patients more if they are given with substances that stimulate the immune system.
This new study is the first to indicate that the drug trastuzumab, also known as Herceptin, may work better when it is followed by injections of interleukin (IL) 2 or IL-12. Both substances trigger the activity of immune cells known as natural killer (NK) cells.
The research, by scientists at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, is published in the Jan. 1 issue of the journal Cancer Research.
The drug trastuzumab consists of an antibody that targets the protein HER2, which is present on cancer cells of many breast tumors. NK cells are the body's first line of defense against many infections, and they also attack tumor cells.
NK cells rush into action when they encounter bacteria or other foreign agents in the body that are coated with antibodies, large proteins released by immune cells in response to the presence of foreign material in the body.
Trastuzumab is used to treat advanced breast cancer cases that over-produce the HER2 protein. The drug coats the tumor cells with antibodies, but it is unclear exactly what happens next.
Presently, researchers believe that when the trastuzumab antibodies join with the HER2 protein, they trigger changes within the tumor cells that cause the cells to die or to grow more slowly. In this scenario, the immune system plays a relatively minor role in slowing the tumor's growth.
"But our results show that the immune system really can play an important role in this therapy and that the outcome of patients treated with antibody-based drugs might be improved by activating the patient's immune system with agents such as IL-12," says principal investigator William E. Carson, III, associate professor of surgery and director for clinical research at the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center.
First author Julie M. Roda, a graduate research associate in Carson 's laboratory, explained why this is so.
"The findings suggest that using trastuzumab and the IL-12 together makes the body think an infection is under way, and this activates cells of the immune system to eliminate tumor cells in the same way they would eliminate an infection," says Roda.
The investigators found that the combination of antibody-coated cells and IL-2 or IL-12 causes the NK cells to release substances that attract more potent immune cells - mainly killer T cells - thereby trigging a larger and more effective immune response against the tumor.
"Trastuzumab was not designed to mimic an infectious condition, but we think that's exactly what is happening," Roda says.
Carson, Roda and their colleagues came to their conclusions following several types of experiments.
For example, the researchers added human NK cells and IL-2 or IL-12 to cultures of breast-cancer cells with HER2 and coated with trastuzumab antibodies. In response, the NK cells produced a range of substances (known as cytokines and chemokines) known to attract killer T cells to sites of infection. When the experiment was repeated using cancer cells that lacked HER2 (and therefore were not coated with trastuzumab), however, the NK cells produced little of the T-cell-attracting substances.
The researchers also injected IL-12 and trastuzumab-coated mouse-tumor cells into mice and found that it raised the blood levels of the immune-stimulating substances produced by NK cells.
In addition, the researchers analyzed plasma samples from 15 patients with different types of cancer who were participating in a phase-I clinical trial of trastuzumab plus IL-12. The samples showed short-term increases in immune-stimulating substances produced by NK cells, and long-term increases in three patients who responded to the therapy.
"This is a preliminary study and the findings must be verified," Carson says, "but overall, the evidence supports the use of immune-stimulating agents in patients who receive antibody-based drugs such as trastuzumab."