Helicobacter: new name, new hypothesis involving type of gastric cancer
Article Abstract:
Helicobacter pylori (formerly known as Campylobacter pylori) is an organism found in people with stomach and duodenal ulcers and gastritis (irritation of the stomach). It is also associated with a type of gastric cancer. A study of tissue specimens removed from 59 patients who underwent removal of the stomach for cancer was carried out at Stanford University. The specimens were classified as intestinal-type or diffuse-type cancer: 33 of the 37 intestinal-type specimens contained Helicobacter pylori, in both cancerous and non-cancerous tissue. Conversely, the bacteria was identified in only 7 of 22 diffuse-type cancer specimens (22 percent, compared with 89 percent). While intestinal-type cancer seems to be the product of chronic inflammation, the diffuse type is thought to be of genetic origin. It has been suggested that the intestinal type, which is more common, could be eliminated by the use of antibiotics and bismuth. To evaluate the possibility of this, a study is underway in Colombia, a country with a high incidence of gastric cancer. The effects of treatment with antioxidants (vitamin C and beta carotene) are compared with the effects of antibiotic treatment. It appears that infection early in childhood is a major predisposing factor to later gastric cancer. In this context, Helicobacter pylori is seen as a cofactor in the development of cancer, exerting its effects when other irritating stimuli are chronically present. Thus, identification of the organism in people at high risk for stomach cancer may become a valuable screening approach. But Helicobacter pylori is also commonly present in people at low risk, with no apparent significance with respect to cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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New light on skin cancer mechanisms
Article Abstract:
Ultraviolet light may cause immune system suppression. UV radiation studies found that urocanic acid present in the outer layer of skin appears to control the immune response of skin cells burned by the sun. The immune system initially reacts against burned skin cells. Urocanic acid probably then shuts off the assault to prevent the body from attacking its own tissues. But if skin cells become overly sunburned and a malignancy forms, the cancer cell is not attacked by the immune system because urocanic acid has shut off the immune response, allowing the tumor cell to survive. Because of these studies, most sunscreens no longer contain urocanic acid. Eating habits and genetics may also contribute to skin cancers and melanomas caused by excessive exposure to the sun.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Better Cancer Patient Care Requires Systemic Changes
Article Abstract:
A report issued by the Institute of Medicine criticizes the existing health care system for cancer patients. Many cancer patients do not receive effective treatments, but the reason for this is not always known. Pain control is notoriously inadequate. The major problem is that there is no national cancer care program in the US. Studies have documented the regional variations in health care in the US. Even patients with private insurance do not always get the best care. The report includes suggestions for improving this situation.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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