Renal cancer drug temsirolimus shows promise against mesothelioma

Denver, Colo. (May 1, 2011) — A drug commonly used to treat kidney cancer may increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy for mesothelioma, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

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Researchers find that aspirin reduces the risk of cancer recurrence in prostate cancer patients

PALM BEACH, FL (May 1, 2011)––Some studies have shown that blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, can reduce biochemical failure––cancer recurrence that is detected by a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level––the risk of metastasis and even death in localized prostate cancer. These studies, although very telling, have all emphasized the need for more data. Now, with researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center having concluded the largest study on this topic, and there is substantial data suggesting that aspirin improves outcomes in prostate cancer patients who have received radiotherapy.

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Mayo Clinic finds new genetic cause of neurodegeneration

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered two mutations responsible for a devastating neurological condition they first identified 15 years ago. The researchers say their study — appearing in Nature Genetics — has revealed a new neural pathway that may help understand a variety of similar conditions.

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Gene therapy shows promise against age-related macular degeneration

BOSTON (April 29, 2011) — A gene therapy approach using a protein called CD59, or protectin, shows promise in slowing the signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a new in vivo study by researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine. Led by senior author Rajendra Kumar-Singh, PhD, the researchers demonstrated for the first time that CD59 delivered by a gene therapy approach significantly reduced the uncontrolled blood vessel growth and cell death typical of AMD, the most common cause of blindness in the elderly. The study was published on April 28 in PLoS ONE.

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US Appeals Court opens federal funding for stem cell research

The U.S. Federal Court of Appeals has overturned an August 2010 ban on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, paving the way for broader exploration of how stem cells function and how they can be harnessed to treat a wide range of currently incurable diseases.

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Investigational agent shows promise in reducing spread of prostate cancer

Washington, DC – A drug developed to treat Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare childhood cancer, may also help prevent human prostate cancer from spreading, as seen in new lab studies say researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC).

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Researchers discover mechanism that could convert certain cells into insulin-making cells

Findings of UCLA study hold promise for fight against diabetes

Simply put, people develop diabetes because they don’t have enough pancreatic beta cells to produce the insulin necessary to regulate their blood sugar levels.

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Melatonin might help in controlling weight gain and preventing heart diseases associated with obesity

University of Granada researchers have proven that melatonin –a natural hormone produced by the body– helps in controlling weight gain –even without reducing the intake of food–, improves blood lipid profile –as it reduces triglicerids–, increases HDL cholesterol and reduces LDL cholesterol.

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Folic acid for everybody — arguments in favor of food fortification

Neural tube defects in neonates are common in Germany compared with the rest of Europe. Extensive folic acid fortification of foods in Germany might prevent these in 100% of cases, Wolfgang Herrmann and Rima Obeid argue in this issue of Deutsches Ärzteblatt International (Dtsch Arztebl Int 2011; 108[15]; 254).

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Mutant mouse reveals new wrinkle in genetic code, say UCSF scientists

Call it a mystery with a stubby tail: an odd-looking mouse discovered through a U.S. government breeding program in the 1940s that had a short, kinky tail and an extra set of ribs in its neck – and nobody knew why.

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