PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

Anti-inflammatory drug may fight breast cancer

IMPAKT Breast Cancer Conference

2011-05-08
(Press-News.org) The anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib may be a useful additional treatment for people with breast cancer, Dutch researchers report at the IMPAKT Breast Cancer Conference in Brussels.

The results of a randomized trial in 45 patients with primary invasive breast cancer showed that the drug --which is currently used to treat arthritis and other painful conditions-- clearly induced an anti-tumor response at the molecular level.

"This is exciting because it means that a medication already used to treat other diseases may be efficient in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer as well," said lead researcher Juergen Veeck, from Maastricht University Medical Centre in The Netherlands.

Celecoxib is a member of a class of drugs known as selective COX-2 inhibitors. These drugs directly target COX-2, an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain.

"We were pleased that the results from our clinical trial largely confirmed the existing data from several pre-clinical studies by showing that COX-2 inhibition leads to changes in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix biology in primary breast cancer tissues," Dr Veeck said.

His group studied patients who were scheduled to have surgery to remove their cancer. Prior to surgery, patients were randomly assigned to receive either 400 mg celecoxib twice daily for two to three weeks, or control treatment, which was either an inactive placebo or no treatment.

The researchers analyzed the expression of particular genes in samples from the tumors before and after treatment. Other tests were performed to determine changes in proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

After treatment 1,109 genes were significantly up-regulated and 556 genes were significantly down-regulated in celecoxib-treated breast cancer tissues when compared to control treatment, they found.

Genes involved in cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, extracellular matrix biology and inflammatory immune responses were particularly affected.

"Even short-term treatment with celecoxib sets up transcriptional programs supporting anti-tumor activity in primary breast cancer tissues," the researchers say.

The treatment period in this preliminary study was not long enough to see a significant change of tumor size or histological grade, Dr Veeck and colleagues note. "For now we can only speculate that a longer treatment with celecoxib would have resulted in measurable tumor shrinkage as well."

"Celecoxib and other 'coxib' drugs are generating some excitement as future breast cancer therapy since they are a well-established medication for other diseases, with relatively low toxicity and high safety profiles," Dr Veeck said.

"Until now, most clinical results suggested coxibs may be useful for cancer prevention. However, our study provides evidence that they may also be efficient as cancer treatments, at least in breast cancer."

Because there are close links between COX-2 expression and Her2 status and aromatase levels in breast cancer, the Dutch group suggests that researchers should now investigate coxibs in combination with trastuzumab or aromatase inhibitors.

Commenting on the study, which he was not involved in, Dr Stephen Johnston, from the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Cancer Research, noted that this small randomized clinical trial looked at changes in gene expression after short-term exposure to celecoxib, and anti-inflammatory drug that has been thought to have anti-cancer properties.

"The research used biopsies before and after 2 weeks of exposure to the drug or placebo to show the various genes that were altered by the drug, although these did not alter the way the cancer cells grew. Therefore, this can be a useful model in which to test exactly what a drug does in human breast cancer tissue in-vivo."

INFORMATION:

END



ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Female-to-male transsexual people have more autistic traits

2011-05-08
Domenico Di Ceglie, Director of Training and Research at the Gender Identity Development Service at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust in London, commented: "These are important findings in the field of gender incongruence, which need to be replicated. The awareness of the presence of autistic features may help these young people to explore the reasons behind their perceptions, and help them make more informed decisions about treatment." Emma Martin, who runs a Gender Identity Support and research group in Little Downham, UK, welcomed the new findings, and ...

New biosensor modelled on the immune system can detect, track and guide the clean-up of oil spills

2011-05-08
A new biosensor which uses antibody-based technology has been shown to detect marine pollutants such as oil cheaper and faster than current technology. Tests of the new biosensor, published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, reveal how it could be used for the early detection and tracking of oil spills. The biosensor has been developed by researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and was tested in the Elizabeth River and Yorktown Creek which both drain into Virginia's Chesapeake Bay. "Our biosensor combines the power of the immune system ...

Spine Surgeon LA Launches New Website

Spine Surgeon LA Launches New Website
2011-05-08
Spine Surgeon LA, the leading spine surgery specialists in the state of California has recently launched their website at the URL www.spinesurgeonla.com Spine Surgeon LA is a medical hub wherein they treat and address several different types of spine problems. These spine problems include: Bulging Disc, Herniated Disc, Spine Scoliosis, Pinched Nerve, Spine Stenosis, Bone Spurs, and Spine Tumors among others. In their new website, spinesurgeonla.com, you may click on these common spine problems and then get a chance to read some information about them so that you may ...

Drug-resistance fears for deadly fungal disease

2011-05-08
Deadly human fungal infections caused by certain strains of Aspergillus fungi appear to be developing resistance to current drug treatments at an alarming rate, say scientists. University of Manchester researchers, working with colleagues in Newark, USA, have developed a new test that can not only better diagnose Aspergillus infection, but can also spot signs of antifungal resistance to azoles – the class of drugs used to treat patients with aspergillosis. Using the new test, which uses direct molecular detection rather than culturing the fungus in a Petri dish, the ...

Is nuclear power fair for future generations?

2011-05-08
The recent nuclear accident in Fukushima Daiichi in Japan has brought the nuclear debate to the forefront of controversy. While Japan is trying to avert further disaster, many nations are reconsidering the future of nuclear power in their regions. A study by Behnam Taebi from the Delft University of Technology, published online in the Springer journal Philosophy & Technology, reflects on the various possible nuclear power production methods from an ethical perspective: If we intend to continue with nuclear power production, which technology is most morally desirable? On ...

NRL scientists achieve high temperature milestone in silicon spintronics

NRL scientists achieve high temperature milestone in silicon spintronics
2011-05-08
(WASHINGTON) -- Researchers in the Materials Science and Technology division of the Naval Research Laboratory have recently demonstrated electrical injection, detection and precession of spin accumulation in silicon, the cornerstone material of modern device technology, at temperatures up to 225 degrees Celsius. These results provide the first demonstration that spin accumulation in Si is viable as a basis for practical devices which meet the operating temperatures specified for commercial (85˚C), industrial (100˚C) and military (125˚C) applications. This ...

Pan American Metals of Miami Precious Metals Offer Investors Safe Haven from Inflation Fears in Medium to Long Term

2011-05-08
Pan American Metals of Miami (PAMOM), continues to provide opportunities for investment in the bullion markets. "Precious metals are tried and tested and provide investors with a safe alternative to low interest rates and decreasing currency values," says Bill Hionas, CEO of PAMOM. PAMOM deals in four precious metals; silver, gold, platinum and palladium. The current market is showing dips in all precious metal prices, providing savvy investors with a perfect opportunity to buy. "Long-term predictions remain optimistic for the precious metals market, ...

Worm discovery could help 1 billion people worldwide

Worm discovery could help 1 billion people worldwide
2011-05-08
Scientists have discovered why some people may be protected from harmful parasitic worms naturally while others cannot in what could lead to new therapies for up to one billion people worldwide. Parasitic worms are a major cause of mortality and morbidity affecting up to a billion people, particularly in the Third World, as well as domestic pets and livestock across the globe. Now, University of Manchester researchers have, for the first time, identified a key component of mucus found in the guts of humans and animals that is toxic to worms. "These parasitic worms ...

LateRooms.com - Enjoy Vatican Museums Under The Stars in Rome

2011-05-08
Anyone keen to see an age-old landmark from a different perspective should take advantage of the Vatican Museums Under The Stars experience in Rome. As the name suggests, it allows people to visit the attraction after sunset, with the first session taking place on May 6th. The activity, which sees the Vatican Museums staying open until 23:00 local time, is available every Friday from then on until October 28th 2011. In a statement, director of the venue Antonio Paolucci remarked: "The Pope, as the bishop of Rome, wishes to offer the most beautiful works of ...

Can one model the social deficits of autism and schizophrenia in animals?

2011-05-08
Philadelphia, PA - 5 May 2011 - The use of animal models to study human disease is essential to help advance our understanding of disease and to develop new therapeutic treatments. Social deficits are common in several psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Individuals with severe social dysfunction can experience significant difficulties with everyday functioning. Oxytocin and vasopressin are hormones that play key roles in emotional and social behaviors and bonding. Oxytocin has been suggested as a treatment to improve social ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

Twelve questions to ask your doctor for better brain health in the new year

Microelectronics Science Research Centers to lead charge on next-generation designs and prototypes

Study identifies genetic cause for yellow nail syndrome

New drug to prevent migraine may start working right away

Good news for people with MS: COVID-19 infection not tied to worsening symptoms

Department of Energy announces $179 million for Microelectronics Science Research Centers

Human-related activities continue to threaten global climate and productivity

Public shows greater acceptance of RSV vaccine as vaccine hesitancy appears to have plateaued

Unraveling the power and influence of language

Gene editing tool reduces Alzheimer’s plaque precursor in mice

TNF inhibitors prevent complications in kids with Crohn's disease, recommended as first-line therapies

Twisted Edison: Bright, elliptically polarized incandescent light

Structural cell protein also directly regulates gene transcription

Breaking boundaries: Researchers isolate quantum coherence in classical light systems

Brain map clarifies neuronal connectivity behind motor function

Researchers find compromised indoor air in homes following Marshall Fire

Months after Colorado's Marshall Fire, residents of surviving homes reported health symptoms, poor air quality

Identification of chemical constituents and blood-absorbed components of Shenqi Fuzheng extract based on UPLC-triple-TOF/MS technology

'Glass fences' hinder Japanese female faculty in international research, study finds

Vector winds forecast by numerical weather prediction models still in need of optimization

New research identifies key cellular mechanism driving Alzheimer’s disease

Trends in buprenorphine dispensing among adolescents and young adults in the US

Emergency department physicians vary widely in their likelihood of hospitalizing a patient, even within the same facility

Firearm and motor vehicle pediatric deaths— intersections of age, sex, race, and ethnicity

Association of state cannabis legalization with cannabis use disorder and cannabis poisoning

Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia and future neurological disorders

Adoption of “hospital-at-home” programs remains concentrated among larger, urban, not-for-profit and academic hospitals

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

[Press-News.org] Anti-inflammatory drug may fight breast cancer
IMPAKT Breast Cancer Conference