(Press-News.org) Researchers from McGill University's Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre (GCRC), the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI MUHC), the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School have discovered a gene signature that can accurately predict which breast cancer patients are at risk of relapse, thereby sparing those who are not from the burdens associated with unnecessary treatment.
For years, clinicians have been faced with the problem that breast cancer cannot be treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. Some cancers respond to specific treatments while others do not. Close to 50 per cent of breast cancer patients belong to a group – defined as "estrogen receptor positive/lymph node negative (ER+/LR-)"– that is at low risk of relapse. The majority of patients in this group may not require any treatment beyond the surgical removal of their tumour, while a small minority should receive additional treatment.
"The added information provided by our test would enable oncologists to identify those at very low risk of relapse, for whom the risk-benefit ratio might be in favour of withholding chemotherapy, and to identify patients in this low-risk group who would benefit from more aggressive treatments," explains Dr. Alain Nepveu, GCRC and RI MUHC researcher and co-author of the study. "Since many treatments are associated with short- and long-term complications including premature menopause, cardiotoxicity and the development of secondary cancers, risks must be balanced against the potential benefit for each patient to avoid unnecessary suffering, needless expense and added burdens on the health-care system."
While more research is required before the test would be ready for market and incorporated into existing diagnostic procedures, Nepveu suggests it has the potential to be commercialized within five years.
INFORMATION:
Aside from Nepveu, authors include Laurent Sansregret (GCRC and McGill's Dept. of Biochemistry; currently at Cancer Research UK London Research Institute); Charles Vadnais (GCRC and McGill's Dept. of Biochemistry); Julie Livingstone (GCRC and McGill Centre for Bioinformatics); Nicholas Kwiatkowski (Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute and Dept. of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School); Arif Awan (GCRC and McGill's Dept. of Biochemistry); Chantal Cadieux (GCRC and McGill's Dept. of Biochemistry); Lam Leduy (GCRC) and Michael T. Hallett (GCRC and McGill Centre for Bioinformatics).
These findings were published in a recent issue the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). For the abstract, please visit: www.pnas.org/content/early/2011/01/14/1008403108.short
New test discovered to better predict breast cancer outcomes
Gene expression signature identified that can accurately assess which patients are at risk of relapse
2011-01-28
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Notre Dame biologists call for regulation of rare plant sales
2011-01-28
People are increasingly obtaining endangered or threatened plants, often illegally, and moving them outside their native range, according to an article in the journal Nature by Patrick Shirey and Gary Lamberti in the department of biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame.
According to their research last year, nearly 10 percent of the 753 plants listed as threatened and endangered under the US Endangered Species Act are being sold — or, at least, advertised — online. Many buyers are horticulturalists who want flowers for their gardens. But increasingly, anecdotal ...
Protein related to aging holds breast cancer clues
2011-01-28
The most common type of breast cancer in older women — estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER/PR) positive breast cancer — has been linked to a protein that fends off aging-related cellular damage.
A new study led by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center researcher David Gius, M.D., Ph.D., now shows how a deficiency in this aging-associated protein may set the stage for these tumors to develop.
The findings, published in Molecular Cell, provide information that could assist in the screening, prevention and treatment of these common age-related cancers.
While the young are ...
Retired NFL players misuse painkillers more than general population
2011-01-28
AUDIO:
In this year's Super Bowl, many players with the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers may decide to "gut it out " and do whatever they can to play in the...
Click here for more information.
Retired NFL players use painkillers at a much higher rate than the rest of us, according to new research conducted by investigators at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
The researchers say the brutal collisions and bone-jarring injuries ...
Prompt Proofing Blog: 10 Easy Steps to Writing Effective Web Content
2011-01-28
In today's business world, your website is basically your calling card. It is often the first impression someone gets of your business and its products or services. The writing on your website obviously contributes a large part of the overall impact your site has, along with, of course, graphic design and layout. In this week's blog post we run through a few of the top priorities any business owner should have when designing or revising their website copy. Of course, if you want a professional to take care of this for you, don't hesitate to contact us at Prompt Proofing ...
Talent Packed 888poker Team Lands on Aussie Shores
2011-01-28
888poker online qualifiers and VIP players from all over the globe have touched down in Melbourne to play in the southern hemisphere's most glamourous poker tournament, the Aussie Millions.
The 888poker team, lead by captain Shane Warne, will experience the trip of a life time and a shot to win part of what is expected to be a $7M+ prizepool.
888poker sister brand, 888sport is running betting markets on the outright winner of the Aussie Millions which includes odds on all the pros and celebrities known to be playing in the Aussie Millions main event, including 888poker ...
Haihaisoft DRM-X 3.0 Releases Android DRM Support Protected PDF on Android
2011-01-28
Users just need to download and install Haihaisoft Reader for Android apk installer to view the protected PDF. The software size is about 1.05 MB.
Android OS smartphones ranked first among all smartphone OS handsets sold in the U.S. Haihaisoft DRM-X 3.0 with Android support helps content providers reach more Android Mobile and Tablet customers, and enable content providers securely distribute their eBooks worldwide.
Android DRM support will be available in DRM-X 3.0 Enterprise Account.
Haihaisoft also announces will release HUPlayer for Android in the near future ...
De Anza, NSDAR Hosts History Contest Award Ceremony and Colonial Tea
2011-01-28
The De Anza Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), will host an Award Ceremony and Colonial Tea on Saturday, February 5, 2011, 1:00 p.m., The Church of the Nativity located at 6309 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. The prestigious, nationally recognized American History Essay Contest for the 2010-2011 academic year includes 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade student Finalists who submitted winning essays on a historically significant topic relating to an American milestone. The awards ceremony will include music, a color guard provided by ...
Merrill Brink International Enhances iTrac Translation Management System (TMS)
2011-01-28
Merrill Brink International (www.merrillbrink.com), a leading global provider of language solutions for global companies, today announced its Version 2.8.4 product update release for Merrill Brink's iTrac Translation Management System (TMS). The new updates will increase security, enhance client reporting and improve integration with Merrill Brink's Web-based translation management system.
Merrill Brink's iTrac is a secure Web-based client portal interface that helps users manage their translation project details from initial estimate to translation, delivery and billing. ...
Renowned Relationship Expert Shares Ways to Shape-up Relationships in 2011
2011-01-28
Dr. Patty Ann Tublin, a world-renowned relationship expert who helps couples achieve happiness and intimacy, has just released a new article on her web site. The article, "3 Easy Ways to Shape-up Your Relationship This New Year," is available now at http://www.drpattyann.com/Newsletters/1-7-10.html
In the article, Dr. Patty Ann gives couples three easy ways to reignite their relationships this New Year, including prioritizing their relationship, bringing back the romance and speaking politely to each other.
"The New Year is a great time to revisit how important our ...
TestCountry Expands Operation into United Kingdom
2011-01-28
TestCountry.com today announced that it has expanded operations with a local partner in the UK, to market and sell drug test kits and other diagnostic test kits in the United Kingdom.
The concerns of drug abuse are universal. Since 2001, TestCountry has offered parents, educators and employers affordable drug test kits to accurately ascertain the presence of cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, barbiturates and many other abused drugs and medications. Now the company has expanded into the United Kingdom with the launch of a new franchise.
"This is our first ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Unlocking the mysteries of the human gut
High-quality nanodiamonds for bioimaging and quantum sensing applications
New clinical practice guideline on the process for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of cognitive impairment or dementia
Evolution of fast-growing fish-eating herring in the Baltic Sea
Cryptographic protocol enables secure data sharing in the floating wind energy sector
Can drinking coffee or tea help prevent head and neck cancer?
Development of a global innovative drug in eye drop form for treating dry age-related macular degeneration
Scientists unlock secrets behind flowering of the king of fruits
Texas A&M researchers illuminate the mysteries of icy ocean worlds
Prosthetic material could help reduce infections from intravenous catheters
Can the heart heal itself? New study says it can
Microscopic discovery in cancer cells could have a big impact
Rice researchers take ‘significant leap forward’ with quantum simulation of molecular electron transfer
Breakthrough new material brings affordable, sustainable future within grasp
How everyday activities inside your home can generate energy
Inequality weakens local governance and public satisfaction, study finds
Uncovering key molecular factors behind malaria’s deadliest strain
UC Davis researchers help decode the cause of aggressive breast cancer in women of color
Researchers discovered replication hubs for human norovirus
SNU researchers develop the world’s most sensitive flexible strain sensor
Tiny, wireless antennas use light to monitor cellular communication
Neutrality has played a pivotal, but under-examined, role in international relations, new research shows
Study reveals right whales live 130 years — or more
Researchers reveal how human eyelashes promote water drainage
Pollinators most vulnerable to rising global temperatures are flies, study shows
DFG to fund eight new research units
Modern AI systems have achieved Turing's vision, but not exactly how he hoped
Quantum walk computing unlocks new potential in quantum science and technology
Construction materials and household items are a part of a long-term carbon sink called the “technosphere”
First demonstration of quantum teleportation over busy Internet cables
[Press-News.org] New test discovered to better predict breast cancer outcomesGene expression signature identified that can accurately assess which patients are at risk of relapse