April 21, 2010 (New York, NY) - Experts from The Cancer Institute at NYU Langone Medical Center presented new research findings at the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research in Washington, DC. The conference was held from April 17-21, 2010, and scientists from the Cancer Institute discussed various topics such as the role of MicroRNAs as mediators of melanoma metastasis to the brain and the use of radiation and chemotherapy before breast cancer surgery.
Identification of miRNAs that Contribute to Melanoma Brain Metastasis
Abstract 1946
Authors: Avital Gaziel and Eva Hernando
Brain metastasis occurs in a large proportion of metastatic melanoma patients and is associated with a dismal prognosis. The molecular mechanisms that govern melanoma traveling to the brain remain poorly understood. However, scientists at NYU Langone Medical Center have found that specific MicroRNAs (miRNAS) may be important mediators of melanoma metastasis to the brain. Using an in vivo model of melanoma brain metastasis, NYU Langone researchers confirm the capacity of specific miRNA alterations to promote melanoma cells' ability to reach the brain. These results may help expand the understanding of the mechanisms that control melanoma brain metastasis, potentially revealing novel therapies for patients whom no viable approaches are currently available.
Learn more: Mon, Apr 19, 10:40 - 10:55 AM
1946 - Identification of miRNAs that contribute to melanoma brain metastasis [1]
Acrolein-deoxyguanosine DNA Adduct Formation and Lung Cancer
Abstract 4700
Authors: Yu Hu, William Rom, Harvey I. Pass, Moon-Shong Tang
Cigarettes smoke contains 1,000 to 10,000 times more of the chemicals acrolein (Acr) and crotonaldehyde (Crot) than polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-the first carcinogen discovered in cigarette smoke. The deposits of PAHS in the p53 gene, a gene that regulates cells and aids in tumor suppression, have long been shown to cause lung cancer in cigarette smokers. In this study, scientists found that the level of Crot in smokers with lung cancer is significantly higher than that in non-smokers with the disease - with the levels of Acr in smokers with lung disease just slightly higher than that in non smokers with the disease.
Learn more: Tue, Apr 20, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
4700/9 - Acrolein-deoxyguanosine DNA adduct formation and lung cancer [2]
Preoperative Concurrent Paclitaxel and Radiation in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC): Five-year Outcomes of 105 Patients
Abstract 5639
Authors: Sylvia Adams, Martin Donach, Stella Lymberis, Baljit Singh, Tsivia Hochman, Judith D. Goldberg, Silvia C. Formenti
Patients with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC) or stage III breast cancer, usually receive only chemotherapy prior to surgery -- then radiation after surgery. But a long term study by NYU Langone researchers has found there may be a benefit to using the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel in conjunction with radiation before surgery to improve 5 year survival outcomes. Researchers found that the 34 percent of patients studied had a pathological response with a 5-year estimated overall survival rate of 71.6 percent -- and an estimated 5 year disease free survival rate of 61.4 percent. This novel approach presents another option for patients with LABC and a chance for significantly improved 5 year estimated overall survival.
Learn more: Wed, Apr 21, 8:00 - 11:00 AM
5639/5 - Preoperative concurrent paclitaxel and radiation in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC): Five-year outcomes on 105 patients [3]
Inhibition of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) Increases the Therapeutic Benefit of Radiotherapy in a Murine Mammary Tumor Model
Abstract 1395
Authors: Sophie F. Bouquet, Karsten Pilones, Sandra Demaria, Mary Helen Barcellos-Hoff
Transforming growth factor beta, or TGFß, is a molecule found in every cell of the human body that safeguards our cells from disease and tissue damage. However, during radiation therapy for cancer, TGFß is altered and can cause damage to DNA - affecting cell signaling which can in turn suppress the immune system and promote tumor growth. Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center investigated the benefits of using an injectable TGFβ inhibitor to improve the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy in a highly metastatic breast cancer mouse model. Study results show, that the use of a TGFß inhibitor in combination with radiotherapy, increases the response of cancer cells to radiation. In addition, the TGFß inhibitor served as a protective benefit for normal tissue. NYU Langone researchers believe that the use of TGFß inhibitors during radiotherapy for breast cancer may help improve patient outcomes with the potential for curing the disease.
Learn more: Mon, Apr 19, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1395/6 - Inhibition of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) increases the therapeutic benefit of radiotherapy in a murine mammary tumor model [4]
ACR Major Symposia Talks by NYU Cancer Institute Experts:
Modulating Innate and Adaptive Immunity through the Manipulation of Dendritic Cells
Presentation Time: Sunday, April 18, 2010, 1:10 PM - 1:30 PM
Author: Nina Bhardwaj, MD, PhD, professor of Medicine, Pathology and Dermatology
The Signaling Landscape of Oncogenic Ras
Presentation Time: Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 11:30 AM -11:50 AM
Author: Dafna Bar-Sagi, PhD, professor of Biochemistry
eIF4E in Breast Cancer is a Master Regulator of Tumor Cell Invasion Through Increased Translation of β1 Integrin mRNA and TGFβ Activation
Presentation time: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 12:55 PM - 1:15 PM
Author: Robert J. Schneider, PhD, professor of Microbiology and Radiation Oncology, Albert B. Sabin Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Pathogenesis
Meet the Expert Sessions:
Advances in Imaging Immune Responses In Vivo
Presentation Time: Saturday, April 17, 2010, 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Author: Michael Dustin, PhD, professor of Pathology, Irene Diamond Professor of Immunology
New Concepts Talks:
Molecular Pathways of Urothelial Tumorigenesis Based on Genetically Engineered Models
Presentation Time: Sunday, April 18, 2010, 4:35 PM - 4:50 PM
Author: Xue-Ru Wu, MD, professor of Urology and Pathology
Novel Platforms for the Early Detection and Prognostication of Mesothelioma
Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 11:45 AM -12:05 PM
Author: Harvey I. Pass, MD, professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Surgery
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About NYU Langone Medical Center:
NYU Langone Medical Center is one of the nation's premier centers of excellence in healthcare, biomedical research, and medical education. For over 168 years, NYU physicians and researchers have made countless contributions to the practice and science of health care. Today the Medical Center consists of NYU School of Medicine, including the Smilow Research Center, the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, and the Sackler Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences; and the NYU Hospitals Center, including Tisch Hospital, a 705-bed acute-care general hospital, Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, the first and largest facility of its kind, and NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, a leader in musculoskeletal care, a Clinical Cancer Center and numerous ambulatory sites.
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