74 new susceptibility genes found for breast, ovarian and prostate cancer

74 new susceptibility genes found for breast, ovarian and prostate cancer

In the largest cancer genotyping study to date, an international team of scientists spanning more than 160 research groups has identified 74 new genetic regions associated with breast, ovarian or prostate cancer—a near doubling of the number of susceptibility loci linked to these three hormone-related cancers.  Read more

Rallying for the future of medical research: Q&A with Jon Retzlaff

Rallying for the future of medical research: Q&A with Jon Retzlaff

Less than a month from now, science advocates hope to bring thousands of people together on the Carnegie Library Grounds at Mt. Vernon Square in Washington, DC,  to stand together in the Rally for Medical Research. The move is, in large part, a response to the latest development in the US budget battle, in which the government has implemented massive cuts, known as sequestration, to most federal programs starting 1 March. The sequestration’s $1.6 billion cut to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) translates to over 5 % spending cut to federally-funded medical research. These cuts come at a time when the NIH’s budget has been steadily declining for the past ten years.  Read more

From tumors to tapeworms: parasite’s genome points to new uses for cancer drugs

From tumors to tapeworms: parasite’s genome points to new uses for cancer drugs

Commonly used cancer drugs could be repurposed to help eliminate tapeworm infections, according to the first full genome analysis of the human gut pathogen.  Read more

Anemia drug recalled amid safety concerns in dialysis patients

Vials of Omontys

After less than a year on the market, a long-acting anemia drug called Omontys (peginesatide), a once-monthly injection used by people with chronic kidney disease, was recalled over the weekend, after US regulators received 19 reports of severe allergic reactions, including some deaths. Shares of Affymax, the Palo Alto, California–based company behind the product, were down 85% today on the news.  Read more

Antibody–drug combo approved for fighting breast cancer

Antibody–drug combo approved for fighting breast cancer

Drug regulators in the US have already approved a handful of drugs for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease in which a cell surface protein known as human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2, or HER2, is elevated. Although most women with this type of cancer respond well to at least one of the existing anti-HER2 therapies, some individuals with HER2-positive breast tumors develop drug resistance and remain unresponsive to further treatment. For these women, a new drug combination approved earlier today offers hope.  Read more

Mutations that drive early-onset prostate cancer identified, pointing way to specific treatments

Mutations that drive early-onset prostate cancer identified, pointing way to specific treatments

Prostate cancer affects an estimated one in every six males who live past the age of 70, making it the most common type of cancer among men worldwide. The majority of prostate cancer cases occur in men 65 years of age or older, but about 2% of cases occur in those under the age of 50—and these early tumors are particularly aggressive. Until now, scientists didn’t know whether the mechanisms that give rise to prostate cancer in the younger men were different from those in seniors.  Read more