Research conducted by International Agency for Research on Cancer show that persistent Schistosoma haematobium infection predisposes to the development of bladder cancer, especially bladder squamous cell cancer. According to World Health Organisation, over 200 million people in 76 countries suffer from schistosomiasis. Read full text »

Lung cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm in the world and the most frequent cause of cancer deaths among men and second after breast cancer among women. Tobacco smoking is the most important risk factor of cancer development. Asbestos, radon gas, genetic factors, air pollution and passive smoking also play a significant role. Adenocarcinoma, localized in peripheral parts of lungs, is the most often diagnosed cancer among women and non-smokers. Read full text »

The end of March and the beginning of April brought the discovery (1) of Texas scientists to light. The researchers tested a little known substance – gossypin – for its action against skin cancer cells. This naturally-occurring flavone was found to inhibit in vitro human melanoma proliferation. Scientists have also observed a unique mechanism that may be responsible for this effect. Furthermore, gossypin therapy, carried out on mice model, reduced the size of melanoma tumors and increased the survival rates. And this is not the only secret property that this flower-derived flavone has. Read full text »

Recently, it is a lot of talk about the impact of shift work on higher risk of malignant tumours. About 15-20% of the population of the European Union works in shifts [6]. Desynchronization of internal clock causes increased risk of breast, endometrial or colon cancer. Is it a fact that women are particularly vulnerable to the side effects of shift work? Read full text »

MicroRNAs are proteins non-coding RNA molecules of about 20-24 nucleotides length. Their function is to control the expression of other genes during transcription or posttranscriptionally. Distinct expression of certain classes of microRNAs in various conditions were detected, including certain types of cancer. MicroRNAs class let-7 has a function in many metabolic pathways, and their goal is the inhibition of cell proliferation. They inhibit the growth of tumors. Reduction of miRNA let-7 class in some types of tumors, such as lung cancer and breast cancer, was detected. Another type of miRNAs that can be used in cancer therapy is the miR-34. The use of miRNAs in cancer diagnosis and therapy is promising but requires further study.

Read full text »

Photodynamic therapy (called also PDT) is a treatment in which cancer cells previously sensitized to light can be destroyed by the radiation. This method is already used in Japan, USA, Canada, Australia and in Western Europe. Read full text »

PD-1 is a receptor which, through a variety of metabolic processes, leads to inactivation of T cells. In the therapy of the cancer, one of the promising new drugs is BMS-936 558, an antibody directed against PD-1 receptor. The effectiveness of the new therapy has been demonstrated in large randomized trials for renal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma. Currently, the drug is in the second phase of clinical trials (treatment of renal cell carcinoma). The obtained results are very promising, however the effect of the antibody must be evaluated in the further studies.

Read full text »

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Since the 70th, until the 90th twentieth century, a steady increase in the incidence of breast cancer could be observed. A breast cancer is now the cause of more than 450 000 deaths per year. Researchers from The Cancer Genome Atlas mapped genetically over 800 samples from different patients with breast cancer. The results were published in the Nature, 23 September 2012. The study takes into account the type and number of mutations, miRNA correlation with mutations, DNA methylation, and the number and type of amplified genes. Integrated molecular analysis of breast cancer broadens our knowledge of the disease and points to genetic factors affecting the formation and progression of cancer. Read full text »

The use of salicylic acid (ASA) reduces the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus, which is considered as the main factor affecting the occurrence of esophageal cancer. A study describing the dependence of the ASA use and the development of the Barrett’s esophagus was published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association. Read full text »

The introduction of electronic cigarettes has revolutionized the life of many smokers. Manufacturers and distributors are glorifying its safety compared to traditional tobacco products. The liquid vapour contains no tar particles or toxins unlike the tobacco smoke. Research carried out in Greece and presented at the Congress of Vienna casts a shadow on the phenomenon of e-cigarettes. Read full text »