Positive Feedback And Tumorigenesis, A Vicious Circle That Promotes Cell Proliferation
Cancer cells are essentially immortal. The acquisition of an unlimited capacity to divide the process of immortalization is a central event in the genesis of tumors. Normally, cells are subject to stringent mechanisms which control their proliferation. Together these ensure that pre-malignant cells are induced to enter a senescent, non-dividing state or to undergo apoptosis, i.e. commit suicide. A research team led by Professor Heiko Hermeking and Dr. Antje Menssen from LMU's Institute of Pathology has now discovered how the regulatory protein c-MYC subverts these controls, thus facilitating the growth of tumors.
Detecting Cervical Cancer - HPV DNA Test Is Best
Final results of the POBASCAM trial reveal that for women aged 30+, the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test is the optimum cervical cancer screening option. The HPV DNA test prevents more cervical cancers than cytology alone, and detects lesions which cause cervical cancer earlier. Study results provide the strongest evidence to date in favor of using this test in national screening programs. The trial is published Online First in The Lancet Oncology. In an associated comment, Hormuzd Katki and Nicolas Wentzensen from the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA, explain: "POBASCAM reinforces findings from cohort studies, clinical trials, and routine clinical practice by providing overwhelming evidence of the benefits of inclusion of HPV testing in screening programs.
Previously Unconnected Molecular Networks Conspire To Promote Cancer
An inflammation-promoting protein triggers deactivation of a tumor-suppressor that usually blocks cancer formation via the NOTCH signaling pathway, a team of researchers led by scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reports in Molecular Cell. Working in liver cancer cell lines, the team discovered a mechanism by which tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFО ) stimulates tumor formation, said senior author Mien-Chie Hung, Ph.D., professor and chair of MD Anderson's Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology.