Colon-cancer genes and brain tumors

Article Abstract:

People with familial adenomatous polyposis develop many colorectal polyps that can lead to cancer. They are also more likely to develop cancer in other parts of the body. The condition is caused by a mutation in the APC gene. A 1995 report indicates that a condition called Turcot's syndrome can be associated with mutations in this gene and in other genes responsible for repairing DNA. People with Turcot's syndrome have brain tumors in addition to multiple colorectal polyps. The researchers found that these patients had a much higher risk of developing a brain tumor than the general population. The role the APC gene plays in the body is not known, but it seems reasonable that the defective gene may also cause brain tumors. Some of the patients in the study had defects in the hMLH1 and hPMS2 genes, which are involved in DNA repair. These patients most likely had hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer.

Editorial, Genetic aspects, Brain tumors, Polyposis, Familial, Familial polyposis

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Leukocyte reduction and ultraviolet B irradiation of platelets to prevent alloimmunization and refractoriness to platelet transfusions

Article Abstract:

Leukocyte reduction or ultraviolet B irradiation appear to be effective in allowing chemotherapy patients with low blood platelet levels to benefit from platelet transfusions. These techniques either remove or inactivate proteins on platelets that promote antibody formation, which might reduce the effectiveness of the transfusions. Researchers studied these techniques in 530 chemotherapy patients, 131 of whom received untreated platelets and served as the control group. Forty-five percent of the control group produced anti-platelet antibodies that affected the treatment compared to 17% to 21% of those who received treated platelets.

Care and treatment, Evaluation, Complications and side effects, Cancer patients, Irradiation, Blood platelets, Thrombocytopenia, Acute leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute myelocytic leukemia, Irradiation (Radiation exposure), Platelet transfusion

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A nuclear receptor to prevent colon cancer

Article Abstract:

A nuclear receptor for hormones may be involved in the link between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer has been linked to a mutation in the APC gene. When the APC gene mutates, it produces excess amounts of a protein that in turn stimulates the production of the PPARdelta receptor. This is a hormone receptor in the nucleus of cells. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit PPARdelta, thereby counteracting the stimulation of PPARdelta caused by the APC mutation. This leads to the natural death of the cell, a process called apoptosis.

Health aspects, Research, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents

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