Cancer - November 2014 Archives

ROCHESTER, Minn. — One of the family of drugs prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions is called TNF inhibitors. They act by dampening part of the immune system called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). In one of the balancing acts of medicine, the anti-inflammatory action of the drug also increases the risk for other conditions, in this case, a rare form of eye cancer, uveal melanoma. Mayo Clinic researchers make the case and alert physicians in an article in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.  Mayo researchers studied three patients — two women and a man — who were treated for inflammatory disease and developed melanoma tumors in one eye within a year to two of taking TNF inhibitors. While this type of condition is probably rare, according to the researchers, there might be an increased risk if the patient has a pre-existing nevus (freckle of the eye). The women had inflammatory bowel disease; the man had rheumatoid arthritis. The studies occurred between 2009 and 2013. Researchers say that patients considered for treatment with TNF inhibitors should first be given an eye exam to determine eye health, and any with existing conditions, such as choroidal nevus (lesions on the eye), should be monitored regularly to determine if any issues are developing. MEDIA CONTACT:  Robert Nellis, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-9258, newsbureau@mayo.edu

If you missed the program when it aired, you will find a podcast here.  November 15 2014. For more information about lung cancer screening ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouOpv_tEIsU   ROCHESTER, Minn. — A diagnostic test based on chromosomal rearrangements can trace the lineage of lung cancer to determine whether two separate lung cancers in the same patient are independent tumors or a tumor that has spread to another region of the lung, a Mayo Clinic study has found. For patients with multiple tumors, that distinction could mean the difference between early stage cancer that may be cured by surgery and incurable late-stage disease. The research is published this week in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. “Unfortunately, distinguishing between independent primary tumors and metastasis is a frequent dilemma for pathologists” says Marie-Christine Aubry, M.D., a Mayo Clinic pathologist and co-principal author of the study. “We need better tests to help the clinician match the treatment approach to the patient’s individual needs.” MEDIA CONTACT: Sam Smith, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu Journalists: Soundbites with Dr. Wigle are in the downloads.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: A week ago I woke up with some swelling inside my mouth near my jaw. It went away after an hour or so, but happened again two nights later. Could this be a blocked salivary gland? If so, what is the treatment for it?  ANSWER: It is possible that a blocked salivary gland could be causing your symptoms. But another disorder might be the source of the problem, too. Treatment for your condition will need to be based on the underlying cause. Make an appointment to see a doctor for an evaluation. Once the root cause is identified, your doctor can make a treatment plan that fits your situation. Your salivary glands make saliva. Saliva aids in digestion and keeps your mouth moist. You have three pairs of major salivary glands under and behind your jaw — parotid, sublingual and submandibular. You also have many other tiny salivary glands in your lips, inside your cheeks, and throughout your mouth and throat. Ducts connect to your salivary glands and drain saliva from them into your mouth and throat.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Researchers at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Jacksonville say they have identified first steps in the origin of pancreatic cancer and that their findings suggest preventive strategies to explore. In an online issue of Cancer Discovery, the scientists described the molecular steps necessary for acinar cells in the pancreas — the cells that release digestive enzymes — to become precancerous lesions. Some of these lesions can then morph into cancer. “Pancreatic cancer develops from these lesions, so if we understand how these lesions come about, we may be able to stop the cancer train altogether,” says the study’s lead investigator, Peter Storz, Ph.D., a cancer biologist. he need for new treatment and prevention strategies is pressing, Dr. Storz says. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive human cancers — symptoms do not occur until the cancer is well advanced. One-year survival after diagnosis is only 20 percent. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in this country. The scientists studied pancreatic cells with Kras genetic mutations. Kras produces a protein that regulates cell division, and the gene is often mutated in many cancers. More than 95 percent of pancreatic cancer cases have a Kras mutation. The researchers detailed the steps that led acinar cells with Kras mutations to transform into duct-like cells with stem cell-like properties. Stem cells, which can divide at will, are also often implicated in cancer. MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Punsky, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 904-953-0746. Email: punsky.kevin@mayo.edu