Trio of genes plays role in breast ca mets to brain

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Oncology NEWS InternationalOncology NEWS International Vol 18 No 7
Volume 18
Issue 7

Cell surface coating may play a major role in the spread of breast cancer to the brain, according to a study out of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Three genes-COX2, HB-EGF, and ST6GALNAC5-have been found to mediate the metastasis of breast cancer to the brain, reported lead author Joan Massagué, PhD, and colleagues (Nature online, May 6, 2009)

Cell surface coating may play a major role in the spread of breast cancer to the brain, according to a study out of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Three genes-COX2, HB-EGF, and ST6GALNAC5-have been found to mediate the metastasis of breast cancer to the brain, reported lead author Joan Massagu, PhD, and colleagues (Nature online, May 6, 2009).

COX2 and HB-EGF induce cancer cell mobility and invasiveness, while ST6GALNAC5 provide cells with the capability of exiting the blood circulation and passing through the blood-brain barrier, they explained. The researchers isolated cancer cells that preferentially targeted the brain from patients with advanced disease.

Articles in this issue
Letrozole appears less detrimental than tamoxifen to cognitive function in breast ca
Accelerated whole-breast irradiation does more with less after lumpectomy
RIBBON-1 results bolster bevacizumab as add-on to standard Rx for metastatic breast cancer
PET/CT Indicates if Early Neoadjuvant Rx is Making the Grade in Sarcoma Patients
Less is more when it comes to serial CA125 testing in ovarian cancer
Treatment varies widely in chronic myeloid leukemia
Should expectant management serve as the primary treatment option in prostate cancer?
Oncology takes blame for rising healthcare cost
Healthcare advocates call for universal coverage, acknowledge challenges
NSABP chair admits ‘failure’ in C-08 trial, denies defeat
Gemcitabine, capecitabine regimens equal in breast ca mets
Study ties survival to inflammatory markers in breast cancer
Canadians rally for national standards for breast ca testing
Trio of genes plays role in breast ca mets to brain
Micromet BiTE antibody eliminates leukemia cells
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