HOME >> BIOLOGY >> NEWS
Scientists identify cells that lead to retinoblastoma

(Toronto - June 14, 2004) - Scientists at Toronto Western Hospital have discovered the specific cells in the eye that develop into retinoblastoma, the most common eye cancer in young children. The research suggests that these cells already have cancer-like properties, a finding that explains why retinoblastoma occurs in children while other cancers such as colon and lung cancer occur in adults, developing after decades. Featured as the cover story in the June issue of Cancer Cell, this discovery paves the way for developing new treatments for retinoblastoma that target these first cancerous cells, thereby avoiding the difficult side effects that patients suffer from treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

"From the first cancerous cell to the malignant tumour, there are a chain of events that must occur for a person to develop cancer, which must overcome each one of the body's natural protective barriers that guard against tumour growth," explains Dr. Rod Bremner, the study's lead author and senior scientist with the division of Cell and Molecular Biology at the Toronto Western Research Institute, the research arm of Toronto Western Hospital. He is also affiliated with the hospital's Vision Science Research Program, and is associate professor with the department of Ophthalmolgy and Vision Science at the University of Toronto. "For a number of years, it's been known that retinoblastoma develops more quickly and with fewer number of events than typical adult cancers, but until now, it wasn't clear why."

Dr. Bremner and his colleagues discovered that the genetic mutation associated with retinoblastoma removes some of body's protective barriers at a cellular level. The result is that specific retinal cells are predisposed to becoming tumours since they already have tumour-like properties, including the ability to bypass cell death - a special mechanism that causes cells to self-destruct if they begin dividing uncontrollably, as happens w
'"/>

Contact: Jennifer Kohm
jennifer.kohm@uhn.on.ca
416-603-5323
University of Toronto
14-Jun-2004


Page: 1 2

Related biology news :

1. Scientists to prototype cyberinfrastructure for research and education access to ocean observatories
2. Scientists sequence genome of kind of organism central to biospheres carbon cycle
3. Scientists find nanowires capable of detecting individual viruses
4. Scientists discover potential new way to control drug-resistant bacteria
5. Scientists explore genome of methane-breathing microbe
6. Scientists decipher genetic code of biothreat pathogen
7. Stuck on you: Scientists lay bare secrets of bacterial attachment proteins
8. Scientists discover proteins involved in spread of HIV-1 infection
9. Scientists fear new Ebola outbreak may explain sudden gorilla disappearance
10. Scientists reinvent DNA as template to produce organic molecules
11. Scientists visualise cellular handmaiden that restores shape to proteins

Post Your Comments:
*Name:
*Comment:
*Email:
TAG: Scientists identify cells that lead retinoblastoma

(Date:5/18/2013)... FL (May 18, 2013) An increasing number ... require interventions to resolve, according to research presented ... one study targeting obesity, researchers at the Cleveland ... a unique pattern of exhaled breath compared to ... volatile organic compound levels that can be correlated ...
(Date:5/17/2013)... (May 18, 2013) The AGA Research Foundation announced ... the relationship between the gut microbiota, one of today,s ... disease. , The AGA Research Awards Panel selected ... Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, as ... Dr. Chan will receive $25,000 of funding, commencing in ...
(Date:5/17/2013)... of the South, but the night belongs to the amphibians. ... from the humidity and the sounds of wildlife. , ... toads and salamanders, is the center of amphibian biodiversity in ... auditorium for their symphonic choruses, the scientists of the U.S. ... front-row seats. , Amphibians, which rely on water ...
Breaking Biology News(10 mins):New research identifies risks, interventions for children's GI health 2New research identifies risks, interventions for children's GI health 3New gut microbiome research to explore red meat -- colorectal cancer pathway 2Front-row seats to climate change 2Front-row seats to climate change 3Front-row seats to climate change 4
(Date:5/17/2013)... May 17, 2013 Topricin Pain ... Inc., has been listed among nationally recommended over-the-counter ... initiative conducted by "U.S. News" Health in collaboration ... the “No. 1 Pharmacists Recommended designation” in ... national OTC brands, and is the only homeopathic ...
(Date:5/17/2013)... Dr. Sparano is Professor of Medicine and ... Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Associate Chairman of ... He is also Associate Director for Clinical Research ... Breast Cancer Working Group, a multidisciplinary group of physicians ... also serves as Vice Chair of the National Cancer ...
(Date:5/17/2013)... May 17, 2013 Oven Industries Inc. ... The 5R6-900 temperature controller has many user-friendly benefits. Contained ... into the wall as a self-contained temperature control ... distinctive detail makes the device unique, as well as ... can also be used universally, which allows the user ...
(Date:5/17/2013)... when the transplant recipient,s immune system identifies the transplanted ... previously thought that T cells, the immune cells that ... as chemokines in order to migrate to the transplanted ... Clinical Investigation , Fadi Lakkis and colleagues at the ... stimulation of T cells is not required for migration. ...
Breaking Biology Technology:Pharmacists' Picks: Topical BioMedics' Topricin Listed on Top Recommended OTC Health Products 2Joseph A. Sparano, MD, Named Vice Chair of ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group 2Joseph A. Sparano, MD, Named Vice Chair of ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group 3New Temperature Control Products Announced by Oven Industries Inc. 2
Cached News: