A platform for people who work in the area of cancer biology

• Mathieu Derouet

  Do cancer cells switch off their proliferation ability during invasion?

  I am wondering if cancer cells invading their micro-environment have the potential to proliferate as they invade or cancer cells can only either invade or proliferate. Thanks

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    Leon van kempen replied

    The changes that occur in the architecture of the cytoskeleton during proliferation are not compatable with those needed for migration/ invasion.

    1 hour ago
• Nina Dzhoyashvili

  What do you think about the controversial role of PlGF in angiogenesis? Does anti-PlGF therapy have significant role in the treatment of cancer?

  It is not yet certain about the role of PlGF in angiogenesis. Some scientists suppose that anti-PlGF therapy can amplify the effect of anti-VEGF treatment of cancer. However, others (Bais C, 2010) It is not yet certain about the role of PlGF in angiogenesis. Some scientists suppose that anti-PlGF therapy can amplify the effect of anti-VEGF treatment of cancer. However, others (Bais C, 2010) have shown that anti-PlGF plus anti-VEGF treatment didn't result in greater anti-human efficacy.
• Munvar Shaik

  Is breast cancer prevalence high in pre or post menopausal women ? why ?

  How breast cancer prevalence changes with the age and estrogen levels ? any one answer me PS: If any one related Breast cancer with Estrogen gene then I ll be happy
• Marcela Franco

  Viability assay for cancer cells forming spheroids?

  I am trying to use spheroids for anticancer drug screenings. I prepare them by seeding the cell suspension on agarose-coated wells. The problem is that when I do any viability assay which needs toI am trying to use spheroids for anticancer drug screenings. I prepare them by seeding the cell suspension on agarose-coated wells. The problem is that when I do any viability assay which needs to use a plate reader for the readout, I get a lot of background. Any suggestion on viability assays to be used as a readout using multicellular spheroids?

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    David De Semir replied

    You could try the cell counting kit-8 from Dojindo

    1 day ago
• Irham Hayati

  Carcinogenicity of DMBA

  Is there a trend in the type of cancer that is induced by DMBA? Why? And what concentration is needed to induce tumors in mice?

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    Krystyna Frenkel replied

    I agree with most ideas presented by Dr. Trosko. However, some important tumor promotional factors produced by tumor promoters or complete carcinogens, such as DMBA, were not even mentioned. It hasI agree with most ideas presented by Dr. Trosko. However, some important tumor promotional factors produced by tumor promoters or complete carcinogens, such as DMBA, were not even mentioned. It has been shown that chronic inflammation and oxidative stress it induces are important in carcinogenic processes. For example, oxidants can participate in and contribute to any stage of the multi-stage carcinogenic process, although the most evidence points to the tumor promotion stage as the main stage. Dr. Trosko said that genetic changes occur during the initiation stage when DNA is modified by an active form of a carcinogen, i.e. DMBA, forming mutagenic adducts with DNA bases. In contrast, according to Dr. Trosko, the promotional stage consists of epigenetic modifications but not hereditary changes. Again, experimental evidence points to hereditary changes induced by oxidized bases present in DNA as likely playing a role in carcinogenesis [Carcinogen-mediated oxidant formation and oxidative DNA damage. Pharmacol. Ther., 53(1): 127-166, 1992] in addition to or even preceeding epigenetic modifications. During oxidative stress, oxidants, i.e., hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen, and hydroxyl radicals, oxidize DNA bases and some of those oxidized products [8-oxo-2'-dG and its decomposition products; 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-dU] are known to cause mutations and their levels correlate with exposures according to epidemiological and experimental studies. Another DNA product (3-nitroguanine) also mediating a genetic change, is formed in DNA when peroxynitrite is produced by an interaction of superoxide anion radicals with nitric oxide under conditions of oxidative stress. Overall, I agree with Dr. Trosko that carcinogenesis is a very complex multi-stage process, but it is more complicated than that outlined above. Further, since it is a process that occurs in animals, one has to also consider a contribution of DNA repair as well as immune responses even when immunodefficient animals are utilized in the studies. These are even more important for human responses, which usually are more immunosufficient than specially-bred rodents.

    1 day ago
• Raziye piranlıoğlu

  How conduct a viability assay on cancer cells cultured in matrigel for spheroid formation?

  I have cultured cancer cell in matrigel for spheroid formation and I need to perform MTS for viability. But I do not know how to do it as the presence of matrigel may effect results. Is there anyI have cultured cancer cell in matrigel for spheroid formation and I need to perform MTS for viability. But I do not know how to do it as the presence of matrigel may effect results. Is there any approach or protocol you know?

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    Raziye piranlıoğlu replied

    Vasily Gelfanov , thank you for pdf.

    2 days ago
• Livingston Kingston

  Are there any researches going on to target the cancer stem cells?

  Cancer stem cells efflux any kind of chemotherapeutic drug. In order to overcome this, the drug efflux mechanism should be inhibited. I'm eager to know whether any research is going on to target suchCancer stem cells efflux any kind of chemotherapeutic drug. In order to overcome this, the drug efflux mechanism should be inhibited. I'm eager to know whether any research is going on to target such csc.

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    Lawence Helson replied

    Questions needing answers are i. whether there are different phenotypes characterizing the normal adult stem/progenitor cells in the brain(SVC and DG), fat tissue, H&N, pancreas the embryo, Questions needing answers are i. whether there are different phenotypes characterizing the normal adult stem/progenitor cells in the brain(SVC and DG), fat tissue, H&N, pancreas the embryo, tumors, and the embryo, ii. are there specific stem cell plasticities/migration associated with theirlocation iii, response to chemical stimulation in situ

    3 days ago
• Farid Menaa

  What could be the molecular mechanisms of aspirin as anti-cancer agent?

  Daily aspirin intake has been recently shown to be beneficial to treat cancers and lower the risk of cancers development. Nevertheless, aspirin can also cause hemorrhages and, in some specificDaily aspirin intake has been recently shown to be beneficial to treat cancers and lower the risk of cancers development. Nevertheless, aspirin can also cause hemorrhages and, in some specific clinical cases, should not be recommended. The molecular mechanisms involved in anti-cancer action of this compound are not elucided and it will be great to associate effects of aspirin with other potential anti-cancer effects of AINS and anti-coagulants (e.g. Heparin) to consider aspirin really as the promising anti-cancer drug of its category. Further, establishment of new formulations for aspirin to lower adverse effects of thic compound will be an important step

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    George Michalopoulos replied

    Please see recent paper of salicylates and AMPK activation

    Aspirin works through AMPK.pdf

    3 days ago
• Benny Burn

  SV40: Immortalization but NOT cancer

  How does transduction of SV40 T antigen to Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts (MEF SV40) cause immortalization but not cancer?

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    Shubham Pandey replied

    J Virol. 2009 Sep;83(17):8565-74. Epub 2009 Jun 10. Simian virus 40 small T antigen activates AMPK and triggers autophagy to protect cancer cells from nutrient deprivation. Kumar SH, RangarajanJ Virol. 2009 Sep;83(17):8565-74. Epub 2009 Jun 10. Simian virus 40 small T antigen activates AMPK and triggers autophagy to protect cancer cells from nutrient deprivation. Kumar SH, Rangarajan A. Source Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development, and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India. Hope this might be interresting for u!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    4 days ago
• Namjin Chung

  Which Xenograft mouse strains can be used for cancer immunology?

  What strains/genotypes of mouse are suitable for cancer immunology? I understand that BALB/c or B6 background with scid, athymic or other immune compromised mutants are often used in xenograftWhat strains/genotypes of mouse are suitable for cancer immunology? I understand that BALB/c or B6 background with scid, athymic or other immune compromised mutants are often used in xenograft studies for cancer biology. But to study the interactions between tumor and the immune system, these mice don't seem like a good choice.

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    Terry Pinfold replied

    I use NOD/SCID mice to study a xenograft cancer model for DFTD. In order to study immune system responses I must partially reconstitute their immune system with splenocytes from Balb/C mice. Do notI use NOD/SCID mice to study a xenograft cancer model for DFTD. In order to study immune system responses I must partially reconstitute their immune system with splenocytes from Balb/C mice. Do not use splenocytes from C57/BL6 as these will result in GVH rejection

    4 days ago
• Gamal Eldein Fathi

  Is p53 increased or decreased in cancer and is bcl-2 increased or decreased? Which is apoptotic and anti-apoptotic?

  I need your help in p53 and bcl-2 immunohistochemistry in breast tissue, I use the DMBA model for breast cancer treated with natural product.

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    Chandra Mohan replied

    Friends, I am giving a webinar on Angiogenesis: Its role in tumor growth and metastasis on May 24, 2012 at 9:30 am Pacific standard time (San Diego). If interested, here is the link to register andFriends, I am giving a webinar on Angiogenesis: Its role in tumor growth and metastasis on May 24, 2012 at 9:30 am Pacific standard time (San Diego). If interested, here is the link to register and have access. http://www.millipore.com/life_sciences/flx4/cancer_research_webinar

    4 days ago
• Krishnanand Mishra

  How does oxidative stress play a role in the development and growth of cancer cells? What happens when we change the redox status?

  Redox status play a role

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    Tarik Nasser replied

    dear colleges,the oxidation stress can be followed by measurement of blood for selenium and glutathione peroxidase,its also worth following the enzymatic activity .LEVELS OF MAGNESIUM IN BLOOD dear colleges,the oxidation stress can be followed by measurement of blood for selenium and glutathione peroxidase,its also worth following the enzymatic activity .LEVELS OF MAGNESIUM IN BLOOD ARE VERY IMPORTANT

    5 days ago
• Anirudh Kumar Satsangi

  Can Meditation combat onset of malignancy?

  All living beings – plants as well as animals, are made up of a large number of basic units called cells. A cell is the structural and functional unit of living beings. The adults human bodyAll living beings – plants as well as animals, are made up of a large number of basic units called cells. A cell is the structural and functional unit of living beings. The adults human body contains 100 trillion cells. All these cells can trace their origins to a single cell – the fertilized egg i.e. zygote. The zygote passes through a period of rapid cell division. This process of cell division is called mitosis. This results in the formation of millions of cells from a single zygote. After the period of initial rapid division some cells start undergoing changes in their size, shape and contents in preparation of the work they will undertake later. This is called differentiation. Differentiation specializes the cell and enables it to carry out specific functions. These specialized cells come together to form tissues which together form organs and these go on to form various systems in the body. Once the cells differentiate they usually stop dividing. WE STILL DO NOT KNOW HOW THESE CONTROL S WORK. However, this tight control over cell division in some cells is lost and they start dividing indiscriminately to form a mass of cells which is called a tumour. They are of two types benign tumours and malignant tumours. Now the question is what is this ‘control’? Is this control involuntary and independent of nervous system? Is this control stops after the cell division stops or continues till the death of an individual? A recent study suggests that cells chat with one another, discussing what they will become – a neuron or a hair, bone or a muscle. David Sprinzak, Tel Aviv University suggests cells know when to chat and when to shut up and let other cells carry on. Sprinzak working with California Institute of Technology researchers, has uncovered the mechanism that allows cells to switch from sender to receiver mode or vice versa, the Journal Public Library of Science Computational Biology reports. This breakthrough opens the way to develop cancer drugs that target these transactions and halt production of cancer cells. I have already stated that the ‘control referred to above is involuntary. Can this be maintained? How can we ensure that the tight control over cell division is not lost so that the chances of onset ’of cancer is eliminated ? Although not very much sure, the role of meditation should be viewed as a health promoter. There are three aspects of health – promotive , preventive and curative aspect of heath. Meditation promotes good health conditions. Meditation enables us to exercise voluntary control over involuntary functions of the body. THUS MEDITATION CAN HELP US COMBAT MALIGNANCY.

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    Anirudh Kumar Satsangi replied

    Infections cause 1 in 6 cancers worldwide. New study say 1.9 m cases a year are tied to infections which are preventable. One in five cancers in India are being caused by infections with viruses,Infections cause 1 in 6 cancers worldwide. New study say 1.9 m cases a year are tied to infections which are preventable. One in five cancers in India are being caused by infections with viruses, bacteria and parasites. “Infections with viruses, bacteria and parasites are one of the biggest and preventable causes of cancer worldwide. Application of public health methods for infection prevention, such as vaccination, safer injection practice or antimicrobial treatments could have a substantial effect on future burden of cancer worldwide”, said Catherine de Martel and Martyn Plummer from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, France, lead authors of the study. Interestingly, common view is that cancer is a non-communicable disease (NCD). The study authors added, “The 2011 UN high level meeting on NCD highlighted the growing global agenda for prevention and control of NCDs. But although cancer is considered a major NCD, a sizable proportion of its causation is infection and simple non-communicable disease paradigm will not be sufficient”. Godard Danaei from Harvard School of Public Medicine added, “Their estimates show the potential for preventive and therapeutic programmes in less developed countries to significantly reduce the global burden of cancer and disparities across regions and countries.” Now the question is what infections really are? Can anyone of us be spared of infection? Two things are essential for infectious illness. Firstly, a human body which is ‘ready’ for illness (i.e. whose resistance is low), and secondly, a sufficient number of microbes. If we imagine that in an auditorium a shower of microbes rains evenly down on a hundred people for a whole hour, thirty people would be completely unaffected, fifty would become slightly ill, and twenty seriously ill. This has nothing to do with virulence of the germs, but only with the powers of resistance (immunity) or readiness for illness of the individual people. Increased virulence or numbers of germs would, of course, alter the percentage. If there is some way to strengthen immunity system? During meditative calm, the muscles are soft and without tension, and brain waves slow down to a serene state of emotional and mental calm. This is the Alpha state in which the brain’s rhythms slows down to 8 to 14 cycles per second, the two halves of the brain are in balance, and we are less aware of the body or our surroundings. In this the immune system is strengthened, the body is better able to heal itself and the mind able to be both creative and intuitive. In a study carried out by Dr. H.K.Sahib (1986), Immunologist, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, it was found that yogis, who practice meditation were less prone to infections even if they lived in places exposed to malarial, bacterial and viral contaminants as compared to individuals afflicted by nervous disorders. His study further reveals that a person who is usually depressed is more susceptible to infectious disease. During this study it was found that endorphin (a body made tranquillizer) was stimulated during meditation and this substance had a strong influence on the body’s immune system. Thus a communication link exists between the nervous and immune system (neuroimmunology).

    5 days ago
• Krishnanand Mishra

  Why there is a need of heterogeneity in cancer cells. Nevertheless, cancer originated from same lineage of cells

  We know that cancers have heterogeneous population
• William Jackson

  Animal fats and proteins for 'cancer fighting' diets

  All cancer fighting diets are alkalising, and many are in addition vegan. (e.g. Gerson, Budvig ....) My questions: Why are animal fats excluded from cancer fighting diets? Why are animal proteinsAll cancer fighting diets are alkalising, and many are in addition vegan. (e.g. Gerson, Budvig ....) My questions: Why are animal fats excluded from cancer fighting diets? Why are animal proteins excluded from cancer fighting diets? If not all animal fats and proteins are detrimental: Specifically which fatty acids and amino acids are detrimental? Or, are other components of animal products the problem?

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  • 
    William Jackson replied

    Interesting article here: http://rawfoodsos.com/2010/07/07/the-china-study-fact-or-fallac/

    8 days ago