Design of Image-guided, Photo-thermal Controlled Drug Releasing Multifunctional Nanosystem for the Treatment of Cancer Stem Cells – Biochemistry

MENTOR: Dr. Zhen Cheng, Stanford University

“I was surprised by the survival rate of patients who had undergone current cancer therapy.”

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for initiating and driving tumor growth yet are often resistant to current cancer therapies. In her research, Angela Zhang aimed to design a CSC-targeted, gold and iron oxide-based nanoparticle with a potential to eradicate these cells through a controlled delivery of the drug salinomycin to the site of the tumor. The multifunctional nanoparticle combines therapy and imaging into a single platform, with the gold and iron-oxide components allowing for both MRI and Photoacoustic imaging. This nanosystem could potentially help overcome cancer resistance, minimize undesirable side effects, and allow for real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy.

Angela, a senior, is interested in nanomedicine and molecular imaging because they allow her “to transform my interests in physics, chemistry, and biology into solutions for current health problems.” She won the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2011 Grand Award and the ISEF 2010 Grand Award (both for medicine and health science), and a trip to attend the Taiwan International Science Fair awarded by the National Taiwan Science Education Center. Angela planned and executed a fundraiser that raised over $5,000 a year for the Monta Vista Interact International Night and has participated in the Jade Ribbon Youth Council to raise awareness about Hepatitis B. She plays golf and the piano and would like to major in chemical or biomedical engineering or physics. She is a 2010 Siemens Competition Regional Finalist who put in 1,000 hours on her current project. Angela hopes to become a research professor.

-via Siemens and George Washington University

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“It is important that we remain vigilant in making safe decisions when it comes to the sun.  Sadly, approximately 65 percent of melanomas—the most serious form of skin cancer and one of the fastest growing cancers in the U.S.—are attributed to ultraviolet exposure,” said Dr. Allan Halpern, member of the MRF’s Scientific Advisory Committee and Chief of the Dermatology Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  “Too many people mistakenly view wearing sunscreen as a blank check for spending unlimited time in the sun.  Sunscreen is just one component of sun safety.”

The MRF recommends the following sun safety practices for all skin types to help prevent skin cancer:

• Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin—even on cloudy days—using a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
• Re-apply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.
• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Do not burn.  Severe sunburns, especially during childhood, increase your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancer.
• Avoid intentional tanning and indoor tanning beds. Current research indicates there is no way to get a tan through ultraviolet radiation without increasing the risk for skin cancer.
• Consider using a sunless self-tanning product if you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, but continue to use sunscreen.
• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements.  Don’t seek the sun.

Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers worldwide and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes.  In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, more than 62,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with invasive melanoma this year, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths.

About Melanoma Research Foundation

The Melanoma Research Foundation is the largest private, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States.  The Foundation is committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma. The Foundation also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, while acting as an advocate for the melanoma community to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure.  The MRF Web site is the premiere source for melanoma information seekers.  More information is available at www.melanoma.org.

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From what I understand, and based on what friends have commented, this is the best form of cancer that she could have gotten, as it is easily treatable.

It turns out that there are many resources available online.  After I twittered about this, someone who blogged about his own journey with Thyroid Cancer contacted me with his link, to help out.  Thyroid Cancer patients seem to have a camaraderie online, which is great.

Thyroid Cancer Blog – This is the blog of the man that had contacted me.  It’s detailed without being overly graphic.  In fact, it has pictures of a sleeping puppy on many of the pages.  It’s well put together, and even includes a community forum.

ThyCa – Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association – With lots of information and resources for survivors as well as newly diagnosed patients, this is a terrific resource.

MedicineNet: Thyroid Cancer – Questions and Answers about Thyroid Cancer.

American Thyroid Association – The ATA is the leading organization focused on thyroid biology and the prevention and treatment of thyroid disorders through excellence and innovation in research, clinical care, education, and public health.

Mayo Clinic: Thyroid Cancer – Information and Resources

National Cancer Institute: Thyroid Cancer – Information about Thyroid Cancer, including up-to-date statitistics and facts about the cancer.  They also have a section on Thyroid Cancer Treatment that you may find helpful.

EndocrineWeb: Thyroid Cancer – A very useful website that includes information on all forms of Thyroid Cancer, and goes in-depth on all of them as well.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

There are four types of thyroid cancer, and some are more common than others.

• Papillary and/or mixed papillary/follicular ~ 78% [Click here to see specifics]
• Follicular and/or Hurthle cell ~ 17% [Click here to see specifics]
• Medullary ~ 4% [Click here to see specifics]
• Anaplastic ~ 1% [Click here to see specifics]

-via endocrineweb

Do you have any other resources, or stories about Thyroid Cancer in your life?  Feel free to comment below!

Update: My sister’s surgery lasted twice as long as the longest estimate of an hour and a half.  Turned out to be a bigger tumor than initially thought.  She’s home now, recovering from the surgery, and will still have the same work done later on.

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Cancer Research UK recommends that people of all ages stay away from sunbeds, which create UV rays that can be up to 10 times stronger than the sun.  With death tolls among all ages accounting for 1,800 each year, that should be more than enough to convince people to stay away.  If not, experts warn that malignant melanoma rates will rise by the year 2024 and become the fourth most common cancer for both men and women of all ages.  Cases are expected to rise from around 9,000 each year to more than 15,500.

Remember, this is in the UK, which has a population of around 60 million.  The US has a population of more than 280 million, so the number of cases are likely much higher.

The deadliest form of skin cancer has now become the most common kind of cancer for women in their 20s – according to the latest figures from Cancer Research UK which launches its 2009 SunSmart campaign today.

Almost every day of the year in the UK a woman between 20 and 29 is diagnosed with malignant melanoma – the potentially fatal form of skin cancer. In this age range there are twice as many cases of melanoma as there are of breast cancer.

Latest figures show* around 340 women in their 20s were diagnosed with melanoma in a single year.

And for women in their thirties melanoma has risen to be the third most common cancer after breast and cervix.

Around 50 women under the age of 40 die from melanoma each year. Overall the disease kills around 1800 people every year but rates are predicted to rise.

By the year 2024 Cancer Research UK statisticians predict that malignant melanoma will be the fourth most common cancer for men and for women – of all ages – rising from around 9,000 cases diagnosed each year now to more than 15,500.

Experts believe that binge tanning, usually on foreign holidays and increasing use of sunbeds are prime reasons for the alarming rise in this life-threatening disease.

Caroline Cerny, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign manager, said: “Spending time on sunbeds is just as dangerous as staying out too long in sun. Sunbeds don’t offer a safe way to tan. The intensity of UV rays in some sunbeds can be more than 10 times stronger than the midday sun.

“Excessive exposure to UV damages the DNA in skin cells which increases the risk of skin cancer and makes skin age faster.

“But, importantly, if people take care not to burn in the sun and don’t use sunbeds the majority of malignant melanoma could be prevented.”

A Cancer Research UK survey of 4000 people last year revealed that one woman in three had used a sunbed. And research shows that using sunbeds under the age of 35 can increase the risk of melanoma by 75 per cent.

The survey also found that 80 per cent of sunbed users first used a sunbed under the age of 35.

Jenna Gurney, now 28, from London, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma when she was 21. She had used sunbeds twice a week since she was 16, regularly topping up her tan. A mole on her stomach got bigger and started to grow flaky so her GP advised it should be removed. She was shocked to be diagnosed with melanoma and had to endure an operation to remove her lymph nodes under her arms.

“When I was a teenager, my friends and I used sunbeds all the time. It was just so important to have a tan all year round and to top it up for nights out,” said Jenna, an administrator.

“When I used sunbeds I used an intensifier cream instead of any kind of protective sun lotion. On holiday I did put on sun lotion but never worried about regularly reapplying it or using a high factor.

“Even though the risks were at the back of my mind, I’m just one of those people who think it will never happen to me. If I could go back and have my time again I would never use sunbeds. I wouldn’t want to go through the stress and worry of having cancer for the sake of a tan.

“I’ve always liked the look of a healthy glow but I am now really careful in the sun, stay in the shade and religiously apply sun lotion. Now I use fake tan products.”

“It’s only been since my cancer diagnosis that I understand the serious consequences of using sunbeds and spending too much time in the sun. I hope my story will make others aware of the risks of melanoma from using sunbeds.”

A recent study** found that nine per cent of 11-17 year old girls have used a sunbed.

Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of health information, said: “It is extremely worrying to see that so many young girls are using sunbeds. Young skin is delicate and so easily damaged by the sun. Damage from UV builds up over time. Every time young people use a sunbed they are harming their skin and increasing their risk of skin cancer.”

For more information on Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign visit www.sunsmart.org.uk

*Latest available figures from 2005

**Cancer Research UK and Department of Health study 2008

SUNBEDS AND LEGISLATION:

In Scotland legislation has been passed to ban under 18s from using sunbeds and for all sunbed salons to be supervised and proper information provided to customers. This has yet to be implemented. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there is public concern about the issue but no existing plans for legislation.

SKIN CANCER FACTS

The most common kind of skin cancer is non-melanoma skin cancer. More than 75,000 cases are registered each year in the UK but it is estimated that the actual number is at least 100,000.

Around 9000 cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed each year in the UK. Incidence rates of this form of skin cancer have quadrupled since the 1970s. Around 2000 people a year die from malignant melanoma.

SKIN CANCER: CAUSES + RISKS

Excessive UV exposure is the main cause of both kinds of skin cancer. Other factors that increase skin cancer risk are:

• People with light eyes or hair, who sunburn easily or do not tan
• People with a lot of moles, unusually shaped or large moles or a lot of freckles
• A history of sunburn doubles the risk of melanoma
• Using sunbeds
• Family history of skin cancer

Finding skin cancer early saves lives.

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The main problem with platelets, is that they only last five days.

David Dokelman is a man that donates platelets, in memory of his son Andrew.  Andrew Dokelman was only eight years old when he fell ill with cancer of the soft tissue and required regular blood transfusions.  He lost his battle with cancer, but his father was inspired by the generosity of others to become a donor.

“Andrew was receiving platelets and I wondered where they came from,” he said.

“I thought they were made, but then I realised people were donating them – that is why I have been donating since then.

“I am just hoping I am helping other people,” he said.

“People were kind enough to help my son when he was ill. I wish more people donated.

“I just want to go out and shout to people about donating.

“Because I am an old git it takes me an hour and 10 minutes to donate,
but when I was a bit younger it took under an hour. It doesn’t hurt at
all.”

Who can donate?  The following requirements must be met for donations.

-via BBC News

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A woman who, in her 50s, died of leukemia had donated cells for the research. The scientists sequenced all of the DNA from both her cancer cells and her own normal, healthy skin cells. From there, they were able to identify ten mutations that occurred only within the cancer cells. These mutations were spurring abnormal growth, preventing the cells from suppressing that growth, and enabling them to fight off chemotherapy.

To read more on the study, visit the New York Times. It’s a very exciting development that has a lot of potential to change the world.

“It would be nice to have this kind information on every patient we treat.”

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While 95% of the women surveyed linked excess alcohol to liver disease, and 71% were aware it lead to a heightened risk of liver cancer; 82% of women were not aware of the connection to breast cancer.

There are many different risk factors for the development of breast cancer, from family history to obesity.  But the connection between alcohol and breast cancer is well established.

Women who drink a single large glass of wine per day, 21 units of alcohol per week, increase the lifetime risk by a fifth.  Two glasses each night boosts it by a third.  And three big glasses equals more than a fifty percent increase.

Dr Sarah Cant, from the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: “Although many factors might affect our risk of getting breast cancer, limiting how much we drink is one thing we can do to try to reduce that risk – it’s never too late to change your drinking habits.”

-via BBC News

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Scientists are reporting today that they have overcome a major obstacle to using a promising alternative to embryonic stem cells, bolstering the prospects for bypassing the political and ethical tempest that has embroiled hopes for a new generation of medical treatments.

The researchers said they found a safe way to coax adult cells to regress into an embryonic state, alleviating what had been the most worrisome uncertainty about developing the cells into potential cures.

[...]

Scientists last year shook up the scientific and political landscape by discovering how to manipulate the genes of adult cells to revert them into the equivalent of embryonic cells — entities dubbed “induced pluripotent stem” or “iPS” cells — which could then be transformed into any type of cell in the body. Subsequent work has found that the cells can alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and sickle cell anemia in mice.

But the first iPS cells were created by ferrying four genes into the DNA of adult cells using retroviruses, which can cause cancer in animals. There was also concern because the viruses integrated their genes into the cells’ DNA in the course of transforming them. In the new work, Hochedlinger and his colleagues used a different type of virus, known as an adenovirus, which does not integrate its genes into a cell’s DNA and therefore is believed to be harmless, to ferry the same four transformative genes into the DNA of mouse skin and liver cells.

-via Washington Post

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They believe that their work could lead to another alternative to human embryos as a source for therapeutic stem cells. The researchers say that it will be at least five years before practical medical applications result from the findings.

-via BBC News

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The simple fact is that the overall effect of the vaccines on the cervical cancer they are supposed to treat is still unknown.

It costs about $400 to $1000 for the three necessary doses of the vaccine, and there is no proven length to the immunity, nor is there any information as to whether or not you’ll need any additional shots. If that’s not enough, it only protects against some of the viruses that cause cervical cancer.

There are also some pretty major side effects.

FDA records reveal that, since Gardasil’s approval, nearly 9,000 girls had “bad health events” after receiving their shots. These included 78 reported outbreaks of genital warts, 18 deaths and six cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome, which can result in paralysis. It is unknown whether there are unseen side effects, like decreasing the body’s ability to fight off other strains of the HPV virus.

So, is it really worth it? Really?

-via ABC News

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