July 2008 – Page 4 – Oral Cancer News

Gene found that limits alcohol risk

Source: The Observer (www.guardian.co.uk) Author: Denis Campbell As many as one in four Britons have a much-reduced risk of developing alcohol-related cancer thanks to their genetic make-up, scientists have discovered. Researchers have identified two genes that quickly flush alcohol out of the system, thus reducing its carcinogenic effect. People carrying one or both of the genes may have only half the chance of developing mouth, throat and oesophageal cancers that are strongly associated with drinking. The genes involved are rare versions of ADH7 and ADH1B. The ADH range of genes help the body to process alcohol. Everyone carries two versions of each of these genes, one inherited from each parent, but only 15 to 20 per cent of the UK population have ADH7, while around another 5 per cent have ADH1B. A study of 9,000 people has shown for the first time that people carrying one or both of these rare gene variants have a much lower risk of getting head or neck cancer than those who have the common versions. For example, those with ADH1B have only half the chance of developing such cancers and people with ADH7 are at a 32 per cent reduced risk. Researchers say the findings are significant because it is the first time they have pinned down genes that have a protective effect against alcohol. 'We don't know how the protection occurs, but we do now know that these genes have that effect, and that could be hugely useful in giving us a much [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-07-19T20:58:43-07:00July, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

A Cancer Cause You Need to Know About

Source: Reader's Digest (www.rd.com) Author: Julie Bain Reader’s Digest was way ahead of the curve when we published a small item in the “Medical Update” section three years ago about the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and some head and neck cancers. At a medical conference, I’d heard a researcher from Johns Hopkins present a report on the rise of certain oral cancers in young nonsmokers that seemed to be caused by this very common sexually transmitted virus. She called it a coming epidemic, and it really scared me. That was around the time of the debut of the vaccine Gardasil, designed to protect girls and young women from most of the types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. I kept asking myself, “Why are we only vaccinating girls from this dangerous virus that can be spread from any kind of sexual contact, including oral sex?” It didn’t make sense to me then, and it doesn’t make sense to me now. After we printed the short item about this in 2005, I waited for the media to catch on to the story. But the media didn’t. I watched for more research and thought about ways I could write about it. Then, in 2006, I was devastated to learn that my friend Steve Reynolds had been diagnosed with a stage IV squamous cell carcinoma at the base of his tongue. Throat cancer. Steve, a 40-something nonsmoker (below), couldn’t understand how this had happened to him—until the biopsy showed it was [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-07-19T21:00:16-07:00July, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Factors Associated With Severe Late Toxicity After Concurrent Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: An RTOG Analysis

Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 21 (July 20), 2008 Authors: Mitchell Machtay et al. Purpose: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) increases both local tumor control and toxicity. This study evaluates clinical factors that are associated with and might predict severe late toxicity after CCRT. Methods: Patients were analyzed from a subset of three previously reported Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) trials of CCRT for locally advanced SCCHN (RTOG 91-11, 97-03, and 99-14). Severe late toxicity was defined in this secondary analysis as chronic grade 3 to 4 pharyngeal/laryngeal toxicity (RTOG/European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer late toxicity scoring system) and/or requirement for a feeding tube 2 years after registration and/or potential treatment-related death (eg, pneumonia) within 3 years. Case-control analysis was performed, with a multivariable logistic regression model that included pretreatment and treatment potential factors. Results: A total of 230 patients were assessable for this analysis: 99 patients with severe late toxicities and 131 controls; thus, 43% of assessable patients had a severe late toxicity. On multivariable analysis, significant variables correlated with the development of severe late toxicity were older age (odds ratio 1.05 per year; P = .001); advanced T stage (odds ratio, 3.07; P = .0036); larynx/hypopharynx primary site (odds ratio, 4.17; P = .0041); and neck dissection after CRT (odds ratio, 2.39; P = .018). Conclusion: Severe late toxicity after CCRT is common. Older age, advanced T-stage, and larynx/hypopharynx primary site were strong [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-07-19T21:01:13-07:00July, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Treating A Common Side Effect Of Cancer Therapy

Source: North American Press Syndicate (www.napsnet.com) Author: press release Each year, millions of cancer patients successfully fight back against their disease with the help of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. But these treatments are not without potentially painful side effects. Fortunately, thanks to an advanced oral electrolyte solution, one of the most common side effects can be overcome. Oral mucositis (OM) affects more than 400,000 cancer patients each year-approximately 40 percent of cancer patients who receive chemotherapy, more than 70 percent of those undergoing conditioning therapy for bone marrow transplantation, and virtually all patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. OM usually manifests itself within seven to 14 days after initiation of therapy. Initial signs and symptoms include redness, swelling and ulceration of the mucosa. The condition can cause mouth pain, xerostomia (dryness of the mouth or throat) and difficulty eating and drinking, as well as difficulty with speech; these effects can significantly impact a patient’s weight, mood and physical functioning. “This extremely debilitating condition results from erosion of epithelial cells in the oral cavity [cells lining the surface of the throat and esophagus] during therapy, and often causes severe pain, difficulty eating and swallowing and greater susceptibility to infection,” explains Marilyn L. Haas, Ph.D., RN, CNS, ANP-C, nurse practitioner, Mountain Radiation Oncology. “For cancer patients at high risk of oral mucositis, Caphosol can be an important component of treatment.” Caphosol is an advanced electrolyte solution that has a favorable impact on the occurrence and severity of oral mucositis. [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-07-19T21:02:18-07:00July, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Smoking can cause 50 kinds of cancer diseases

Source: Associated Press of Pakistan (www.app.com.pk) Author: staff Smoking can ripe over 50 kinds of cancer diseases as if spreading 4700 chemical substances from a smothered cigarette and if prompt action is not initiated, the death rate would be increased up to ten million people by the year 2020 as result of the use of tobacco. Eminent cardiologist and Medical Superintendent Red Crescent Hospital Latifabad Dr. Fazal-ur-Rehman made this forecast while talking here on Tuesday. He said smoking is the single largest cause of many of diseases including cancer of different kinds, cardiac, tuberculosis, asthma, shrinking of mouth tissues and arteries and foot infections. With the smoking of 20 cigarettes, the user reduces his life of 5 hours and 40 minutes and its continuous use can diminish eight to ten years life of addict, he said. Dr. Rehman stated that according to statistics about five million people of the world have lost their lives in the year 2002 as a result of smoking. He said smoking enhances 25 percent more threat of lung cancer, which at present is on top as compared to other kinds of cancer. Smoking can also cause threat of ten percent more of oral cancer such as tongue, mouth and buckle cavity and 15 percent of other diseases including cardiac, tuberculosis, asthma, shrinking of mouth tissues and arteries, respiratory system and foot infections, he added. The cardiologist said 90 percent patients suffering lungs and oral cancer are the addicts of smoking, which he said is alarming [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-07-16T12:44:18-07:00July, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

This Mr. America still pumps iron and turns heads at age 75

Source: Orange County Register (www.ocregiter.com) Author: Courtney Perkes Bill Howard, a former Mr. America, wears a silver hair piece styled in a pony tail. He doesn't spend his days lifting at Muscle Beach anymore, so he buys his sun-kissed look at a tanning bed near his apartment in Costa Mesa. Howard turns 75 next week and he's still turning heads with his rippling biceps and bulging chest. In fitness and life, Howard has built himself up from nothing over and over again. But before he tells his story, he's got to work his arms. Howard arrives at Fitness Authority driving a red Chrysler with a vanity plate that reads "MUSCLEB." He's wearing what he calls his "show off" short denim shorts, and a black racer-back tank top. He keeps the same 8 a.m. lifting routine five mornings a week, isolating a different muscle group for an hour. As he does 12-rep sets of 100-pound bicep curls, he closes his eyes and grimaces and growls. His wrinkled face looks much older than his taut body. "I'm trying to make a statement," he says in his deep, booming voice. "We don't have to get old and decrepit." His friends revere him as a bodybuilding icon. "You look at the guy, you just go Holy Smokes," says Bernie Rubio, owner of Fitness Authority gym in Costa Mesa. "He was asked by Arnold to be in "Pumping Iron," but he went on his honeymoon instead. This guy was there. He was part of it." [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-07-16T12:37:04-07:00July, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Health Alert: Laser for tongue cancer

Source: www.wistv.com Author: Bryce Mursc A patient with a hard to reach tumor inside their throat can be a challenging problem for a surgeon. A new laser technology makes removing the tumors easier for everyone. Donald Mucker had a sore throat that wouldn't quit. "After a couple bouts with antibiotics, it was not getting any better. I could feel something," he explained. He had a cancerous tumor growing at the base of his tongue. Sue Yenchek had a sore throat and acid indigestion before her tongue tumor was discovered. "It was like every swallow hurt," she said. "Everything I ate hurt. It woke me up in the middle of the night." Traditionally, doctors would remove the hard to reach tumors with surgery through the patient's neck or jaw. "It was very, very challenging for those folks," says Doctor Guy Petruzzelli, who removed the tumors through the mouth, with a flexible fiber, that delivers CO2 or carbon dioxide laser energy. "It vaporizes and cuts tissue based on how close or far away the laser is from the tissue surface." The thin flexible fiber makes it easier to reach into narrow delicate spaces. "It actually allows us to bend the laser and actually work around corners and use the laser in a more precise way." The patient spends one night in the hospital and feels better fast. "I could swallow. I felt very little discomfort. It was amazing." "It was just minimal pain. I took some Vicodin for a day or two, [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-07-15T12:46:51-07:00July, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

On a long trip to beat cancer

Source: timesleader.com Author: Mike McGinley Dr. Loren Grossman and nine of his friends have ridden more than 6,000 miles in the past 10 years – all for a good cause. The area professionals – ranging from lawyers and doctors to retirees – began participating in the American Cancer Society Bike-a-Thon as a way to have fun with friends while helping to raise money to help find a cure for the disease. “You come home and you feel good about what you did,” Grossman said. “Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer.” The bike-a-thon, which takes place in Philadelphia, begins on the Ben Franklin Bridge and ends nearly 70 miles away at Buena Vista Camping Park in Buena, N.J. This year, Grossman said he’ll ride for all those having some type of oral cancer, because he’s a dentist who practices in Kingston. “A lot of people ride for someone,” he said. “Two years ago, my dad had a brain tumor, so we rode for him.” Because oral cancer is typically treatable if caught in the early stages, Grossman considers it a worthy cause. “We either ride for a survivor or someone suffering right now.” The other locals who ride include Leo Gutstein, Frank Hoegen, Bob Borwick, Ira Grossman, Monte Grossman, Bruce Lefkowitz, John Panzitta, Gerald Mihalik, Dan Fierman and Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton, who doesn’t participate in the group’s weekend activities, but makes the trip to Philadelphia for the bike ride. The men were scheduled to depart this morning; [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-07-24T21:07:29-07:00July, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Doctors praise Advexin in analyst call

Source: statesman.com Author: Lilly Rockwell Doctors who have used Advexin, a new head-and-neck cancer drug developed by an Austin biotechnology company, say the gene therapy that has yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration works, shrinking tumors in some patients that used the experimental therapy. In a conference call with industry analysts Thursday, Introgen Therapeutics Inc. defended its clinical trial data, saying Advexin is designed to work only on patients with the right genetic profile. Several doctors who have used the drug in clinical trials praised Advexin for successfully treating tumors, with one saying he has a patient who is now in remission after receiving Advexin for eight years. "Advexin was found to be an effective treatment that will have important implications for patients with head-and-neck cancer," said John Nemunaitis, a principal investigator of Introgen's phase III study and medical director at a cancer center in Dallas. Introgen has been developing Advexin for 14 years. The drug is designed to target the p53 tumor suppressor gene, boosting its levels in patients who don't have mutations in the gene. If approved, it would be used to treat patients with recurrent head-and-neck cancer. Eventually, Introgen said, the Advexin therapy could be used to treat diseases such as lung cancer. Introgen applied for FDA approval of Advexin on June 30. It is the first gene therapy drug submitted for FDA approval. The company has asked for priority review status, which could give Introgen an answer in less than six [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-07-11T03:51:30-07:00July, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Loyola cures cancer with cold

Source: westsuburbanjournal.com Author: Nicole Trottie A new treatment at Loyola Medical Center freezes throat cancer in its tracks. The new procedure, called cryospray ablation, demonstrated by nurses Tuesday and Loyola, uses nitrogen to freeze the inside of the throat and destroy cancer cells in Barrett’s esophagus, a rapidly increasing type of cancer. Patricia Carlson can’t remember ever feeling as optimistic about the future as she does today. Having a family history of cancer and being a long-time sufferer of Barrett’s esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition largely caused by acid reflux disease, Carlson worried for years about developing esophageal cancer, the fastest growing cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. “My reflux was so bad that I’d drink water and it wouldn’t go down. It would hang up and it would come right back up within minutes,” said Carlson about her condition in which acid from her stomach flows into her esophagus, dangerously altering its lining. “I was really afraid I was going to get esophageal cancer.” “I’m really happy with it,” said Carlson, whose Barrett’s was more than 77 percent eliminated after an initial treatment. “It’s given me a great sense of relief that something can actually be done that will be more permanent and complete than the other treatments.” Overall patients prefer the treatment over heat therapies previously used to treat Barrett’s. Angeline Johnson, of Woodridge, said the cold therapy was painless and “really is better.” Other previous methods of treatment included [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-07-10T21:28:29-07:00July, 2008|Oral Cancer News|