Health News

Gene Based Drug for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Researchers believe that targeting the cancer gene FLT3 could cure one type of leukemia, and say results from their research explain the failure of several drugs currently used. Scientists studying the genetic relationships involved in acute myeloid leukemia have used the genetic data produced in their research to refine the search for a new drug, and testing of one candidate is underway. Ask your oncologist about clinical trials available to you. The group from the University of California in San Francisco announced that the gene FLT3 was being investigated as a possible target...
Attacking Cancer at the Root
Leukemia research has had some of the best results for effective pharmaceutical treatment, with the majority of cancers going into remission. Scientists are now researching how to best attack that remaining stubborn minority of leukemias . As a cell matures, it changes from a very basic, undifferentiated cell to developing characteristics that make it easier to recognize, and susceptible to specialized targeted drugs such as Gleevec ( imatinib ). But cells early in the development process may be unaffected by cancer treatments. Ask your oncologist about beta catenin inhibito...
Best Treatments for Childhood Leukemia
Over the last few decades, the ability of doctors to successfully treat childhood leukemias has risen dramatically. For the small group of patients that don't respond to initial therapy, figuring out why has become an important research topic.
A Double Negative Effect on Lymphoma
Cancer cells are extremely versatile and adaptable. They find ways to wiggle out of any attempts to restrain them. Researchers are working with the very mechanism that cancer uses to avoid death to develop a potentially powerful therapy for lymphoma.
From Fish to Pharmacy
Genetic experiments have come a long way from growing peas. A new line of testing created a zebrafish with cells that can glow under certain conditions, which helps scientists figure out what drug is the best at killing cancer cells.
New Drug Target for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Researchers are always looking for new ways to selectively attack cancers while leaving healthy cells alone, as many of the most common treatments for cancer involve some unfortunate friendly fire.
Inflammation and Cancer
The link between inflammation and cancer has been used to advertise everything from fish oil to aspirin, but the science behind it can be murky. Some new research may show the mechanism behind the link.
Stemming the Return of Leukemia
Since the advent of targeted therapies, chronic myeloid leukemia ( CML ) has become easier to treat. And while the drugs usually put people into remission, the disease can return with full fury.
Different Leukemia, Different Treatment
Many genetic changes are involved in any given cancer, but some changes are very important to consider for chemotherapy. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is an example of a cancer where treatment can vary widely depending on the genetics involved.
Antidepressant Teams up Against Leukemia
Vitamin A derivatives, drugs known as retinoids , have been used successfully to treat certain types of leukemia. Not all forms of the disease respond to them, though. Scientists have discovered that adding another medication may overcome this resistance.