Cancer Research:Cancer cells poised for growth when opportunity knocks ♦ Researchers find experimental drug for ovarian cancer ♦ Small RNA has big impact on prostate cancer microRNA,

Researchers find experimental drug can help fight debilitating side effect of ovarian cancer Women who have ovarian cancer often develop a condition called ascites, which is a buildup of fluids in the abdomen. A drug that inhibits a receptor called the ’Colony Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor’ reduces ascites with minimal side effects.

Cancer cells poised for growth when opportunity knocks Researchers have identified a mechanism that allows cancer cells to respond and grow rapidly when levels of sugar in the blood rise. This may help to explain why people who develop conditions in which they have chronically high sugar levels in their blood, such as obesity, also have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Small RNA has big impact on prostate cancer microRNA, miR-124, reduced tumor growth and increased cell death in castration-resistant prostate cancer, new research concludes. This small RNA fragment hit multiple targets, reducing androgen receptor signaling and reviving the potency of enzalutamide, a treatment for advanced prostate cancer. In addition, miR-124 impeded EZH2 and Src, proteins that contribute to treatment resistance.

Metabolic profiles distinguish early stage ovarian cancer with unprecedented accuracy Studying blood serum compounds of different molecular weights has led scientists to a set of biomarkers that may enable development of a highly accurate screening test for early-stage ovarian cancer.

Cancer Research: Increased meat consumption, linked to kidney cancer risk ♦ New link found in colon cancer, melanoma drug treatment ♦ Better test for prostate cancer

Increased meat consumption, especially when cooked at high temperatures, linked to elevated kidney cancer risk Diets high in meat may lead to an increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma through intake of carcinogenic compounds created by certain cooking techniques, such as barbecuing and pan-frying.

New link found in colon cancer, melanoma drug treatment New research findings show link a between colorectal cancer and melanoma drug treatment known as NT157. ancer is a highly complex disease in which the tumor recruits its surrounding tissue, as well as the immune system to support and promote its own growth. This realization explains why tumor therapy has been difficult for physicians. Researchers now realize that not only does the tumor need to be targeted, but also its microenvironment and the immune system, which is subverted by the tumor to support it.

Liquid biopsy of cerebrospinal fluid for more effective policing of brain tumors The exploitation of cerebrospinal fluid-derived circulating DNA as liquid biopsy promises a more accurate, effective and less invasive approach in unmasking the molecular characteristics of brain tumors.

New test for prostate cancer significantly improves prostate cancer screening A new study shows that a new test for prostate cancer is better at detecting aggressive cancer than PSA. The new test, which has undergone trial in 58,818 men, discovers aggressive cancer earlier and reduces the number of false positive tests and unnecessary biopsies.

Cancer Research: New treatment options for a fatal leukemia ♦ 'Major player' in skin cancer genes identified ♦ Non-genetic cancer mechanism found

Prostate cancer: Why some tumors are resistant to radiotherapy  Scientists believe they have identified how some tiny regulatory molecules in cells can make prostate cancers resistant to radiotherapy. It is hoped that this new development could pave the way for more effective treatments -- allowing a lower dose of radiotherapy to be used while prolonging the lives of thousands of men.

Gene therapy may improve survival of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer Use of gene therapy to deliver a protein that suppresses the development of female reproductive organs may improve the survival of patients with ovarian cancer that has recurred after chemotherapy, which happens 70 percent of the time and is invariably fatal.

New treatment options for a fatal leukemia In industrialized countries, acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common form of cancer in children. An international research consortium has now succeeded in decoding a specific form of this leukemia, which is regarded as incurable, and in obtaining insights for new therapeutic possibilities.

'Major player' in skin cancer genes identified A subgroup of genetic mutations that are present in a significant number of melanoma skin cancer cases has been defined by a multidisciplinary team of researchers. Their findings shed light on an important mutation in this deadly disease, and may lead to more targeted anti-cancer therapies

Non-genetic cancer mechanism found Cancer can be caused solely by protein imbalances within cells, a study of ovarian cancer has found. The discovery is a major breakthrough because, until now, genetic aberrations have been seen as the main cause of almost all cancer.