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This page shows you the latest news and research items in this category.

Occupational Exposure and Risk of Pediatric RetinoblastomaOccupational Exposure and Risk of Pediatric Retinoblastoma
What does the latest science tell us about the possible connection between mens' occupational exposures and the potential development of sporadic bilateral retinoblastoma in their children? Occupational and Environmental Medicine (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - June 12, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pediatrics Journal Article Source Type: news

Gene expression profiling identifies different sub-types of retinoblastoma
& C M McConville (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)
Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP - June 11, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: G KapataiM-A BrundlerH JenkinsonP KearnsM ParulekarA C PeetC M McConville Source Type: research

Evaluating the risk of extraocular tumour spread following intravitreal injection therapy for retinoblastoma: a systematic review.
CONCLUSIONS: Local and systemic tumour spread following IViT in cases of retinoblastoma is rare, and this risk is potentially reduced by the use of safety enhancing injection techniques. These results suggest that the risk of tumour spread should not preclude IViT use for carefully selected patients as part of multi-modal globe salvaging therapy. PMID: 23740960 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Ophthalmology)
Source: The British Journal of Ophthalmology - June 5, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Smith SJ, Smith BD Tags: Br J Ophthalmol Source Type: research

Phospho‐Rb (Ser780) as a biomarker in patients with cervical lymph node metastases from an unknown primary tumour: a retrospective cohort study
ConclusionThe retinoblastoma protein expression of metastatic lymph nodes represents an independent prognostic indicator in patients with cervical metastasis of unknown primary.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: Clinical Otolaryngology)
Source: Clinical Otolaryngology - June 4, 2013 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: G. C Park, M Lee, J.‐L. Roh, S.‐H. Choi, S.Y. Nam, S. Y Kim, K.‐J Cho Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

MRI in Retinoblastoma with Orbital Cellulitis
Retinoblastoma-associated orbital cellulitis is a well-recognized clinical entity. Inflammation of orbital soft tissues can clinically mimic extraocular tumor invasion, potentially affecting patient management decisions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an established modality for tumor staging and assessment of extraocular spread in advanced intraocular retinoblastoma. As far as we are aware, MRI findings in retinoblastoma-associated orbital inflammation have not been reported in the literature. Herein, we have described the MRI features of the orbit in retinoblastoma-associated cellulitis, and its role in differentiat...
Source: Ophthalmology - June 1, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Bhavna Chawla, Kavitha Duraipandi, Sanjay Sharma Tags: Reports Source Type: research

Spinophilin loss correlates with poor patient prognosis in advanced stages of colon carcinoma.
Conclusion. Our data suggest that Spn downregulation contributes to a more aggressive biological behavior induces chemoresistance and is associated with a poorer survival in patients with advanced stages of colorectal carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: PMID: 23729363 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)
Source: Clinical Cancer Research - May 31, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Estevez-Garcia P, Lopez-Calderero I, Molina-Pinelo S, Muñoz-Galvan S, Salinas A, Gomez-Izquierdo L, Lucena-Cacace A, Felipe-Abrio B, Paz-Ares L, Garcia-Carbonero R, Carnero A Tags: Clin Cancer Res Source Type: research

Phase II Trial of the CDK4 Inhibitor PD0332991 in Patients With Advanced CDK4-Amplified Well-Differentiated or Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma [Sarcomas]
Conclusion Treatment with the CDK4 inhibitor PD0332991 was associated with a favorable progression-free rate in patients with CDK4-amplified and RB-expressing WDLS/DDLS who had progressive disease despite systemic therapy. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)
Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology - May 29, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Dickson, Tap, Keohan, D'Angelo, Gounder, Antonescu, Landa, Qin, Rathbone, Condy, Ustoyev, Crago, Singer, Schwartz Tags: Chemotherapy, Translational Oncology, Rhabdo & Other Soft Tissue Sarcomas:, Sarcomas, Chromosomal Abnormalities, Oncogenes Source Type: research

Apoptosis: Direct action
Nature Reviews Cancer 13, 379 (2013). doi:10.1038/nrc3544 Author: Nicola McCarthy RB1, the gene that encodes the retinoblastoma tumour suppressor protein (RB), is mutated in one-third of human cancers. Although widely appreciated as a transcriptional coregulator, Jacqueline Lees and colleagues have found that RB also functions outside of the nucleus at the mitochondrial membrane. Recombinant (Source: Nature Reviews Cancer)
Source: Nature Reviews Cancer - May 24, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Nicola McCarthy Tags: Research Highlight Source Type: research

The genomic landscape of retinoblastoma: a review
Abstract Retinoblastoma is a paediatric ocular tumour that continues to reveal much about the genetic basis of cancer development. Study of genomic aberrations in retinoblastoma tumours has exposed important mechanisms of cancer development and identified oncogenes and tumour suppressors that offer potential points of therapeutic intervention. The recent development of next‐generation genomic technologies has allowed further refinement of the genomic landscape of retinoblastoma at high resolution. In a relatively short period of time, a wealth of genetic and epigenetic data has emerged on a small number of tumour samples...
Source: Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - May 22, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Brigitte L Thériault, Helen Dimaras, Brenda L Gallie, Timothy W Corson Tags: Review Source Type: research

Retinoblastoma
Media Type: Textbook Synopsis: The diagnosis and treatment of children with retinoblastoma have been incredibly successful since the past half century in improving survival and cure, eye preservation and, occasionally, functional vision in the affected eye (s). This book depicts a broad, comprehensive overview including differential diagnosis, natal/genetic testing and counseling, treatment, research, and future trends and research. It is essentially past, present and potential future of retinoblastoma. The editors enlisted 70 international specialists assumingly to ensure an unbiased book but weren’t completely success...
Source: American Journal of Ophthalmology - May 15, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Zélia M. Correa Tags: Book Reviews Source Type: research

Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the retina and ciliary body in dogs
We describe the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical features of primary intraocular primitive neuroectodermal tumors in eight dogs. Four of eight tumors exhibited histological features similar to human retinoblastomas characterized by Flexner–Wintersteiner rosettes, and fleurettes, and demonstrated variable immunoreactivity for retinal markers opsin, S‐antigen (S‐Ag) and interphotoreceptor retinoid‐binding protein (IRBP). All dogs with tumors displaying histological and immunohistochemical features of retinal differentiation were ≤2 years of age. All tumors diagnosed as medulloepitheliomas (n = 4) ...
Source: Veterinary Ophthalmology - May 15, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Daniel P. Regan, Richard R. Dubielzig, Caroline J. Zeiss, Brad Charles, Sarah S. Hoy, E. J. Ehrhart Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Link Suggested Between Tumor Suppressors And Starvation Survival
A particular tumor suppressor gene* that fights cancer cells does more than clamp down on unabated cell division -- the hallmark of the disease -- it also can help make cells more fit by allowing them to fend off stress, says a University of Colorado Boulder study. CU-Boulder Professor Min Han said the research team was interested in how a common tumor suppressor gene known as Retinoblastoma 1, or Rb, behaved under conditions of starvation... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - May 14, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer / Oncology Source Type: news

Second and subsequent tumours among 1927 retinoblastoma patients diagnosed in Britain 1951–2004
Second and subsequent tumours among 1927 retinoblastoma patients diagnosed in Britain 1951–2004 British Journal of Cancer advance online publication, May 14 2013. doi:10.1038/bjc.2013.228 Authors: A MacCarthy, A M Bayne, P A Brownbill, K J Bunch, N L Diggens, G J Draper, M M Hawkins, H C Jenkinson, J E Kingston, C A Stiller, T J Vincent & M F G Murphy (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)
Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP - May 14, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: A MacCarthyA M BayneP A BrownbillK J BunchN L DiggensG J DraperM M HawkinsH C JenkinsonJ E KingstonC A StillerT J VincentM F G Murphy Source Type: research

Autonomic cardio‐respiratory reflex reactions and superselective ophthalmic arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma
ConclusionAdverse cardio‐respiratory reactions are commonly observed in SOAC for retinoblastoma. We believe that the adverse clinical signs represent an autonomic reflex response, akin to the trigemino‐cardiac or oculo‐respiratory reflexes, and all patients should be considered at‐risk. Reactions occur only during second or subsequent procedures and can be life‐threatening. The routine use of intravenous atropine does not seem to have altered the incidence or severity of these reactions. Anesthetists and interventional neuroradiologists involved in SOAC must be vigilant to ensure adverse reactions, when they deve...
Source: Pediatric Anesthesia - May 13, 2013 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Trudie J. Phillips, Simon P. McGuirk, Hardeep K. Chahal, Judith Kingston, Fergus Robertson, Stefan Brew, Derek Roebuck, John L. Hungerford, Jane Herod Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Replication modes of Maize streak virus mutants lacking RepA or the RepA-pRBR interaction motif.
Abstract The plant-infecting mastreviruses (family Geminiviridae) express two distinct replication-initiator proteins, Rep and RepA. Although RepA is essential for systemic infectivity, little is known about its precise function. We therefore investigated its role in replication using 2D-gel electrophoresis to discriminate the replicative forms of Maize streak virus (MSV) mutants that either fail to express RepA (RepA(-)), or express RepA that is unable to bind the plant retinoblastoma related protein, pRBR. Whereas amounts of viral DNA were reduced in two pRBR-binding deficient RepA mutants, their repertoires of r...
Source: Virology - May 13, 2013 Category: Virology Authors: Ruschhaupt M, Martin DP, Lakay F, Bezuidenhout M, Rybicki EP, Jeske H, Shepherd DN Tags: Virology Source Type: research

Autonomic cardio-respiratory reflex reactions and superselective ophthalmic arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma.
CONCLUSION: Adverse cardio-respiratory reactions are commonly observed in SOAC for retinoblastoma. We believe that the adverse clinical signs represent an autonomic reflex response, akin to the trigemino-cardiac or oculo-respiratory reflexes, and all patients should be considered at-risk. Reactions occur only during second or subsequent procedures and can be life-threatening. The routine use of intravenous atropine does not seem to have altered the incidence or severity of these reactions. Anesthetists and interventional neuroradiologists involved in SOAC must be vigilant to ensure adverse reactions, when they develop, are...
Source: Paediatric Anaesthesia - May 13, 2013 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Phillips TJ, McGuirk SP, Chahal HK, Kingston J, Robertson F, Brew S, Roebuck D, Hungerford JL, Herod J Tags: Paediatr Anaesth Source Type: research

A case-control study of paternal occupational exposures and the risk of childhood sporadic bilateral retinoblastoma
Conclusions Our findings suggest a potential role of paternal occupational exposures to non-welding metals and perhaps pesticides in the aetiology of childhood retinoblastoma. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)
Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine - May 8, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Abdolahi, A., van Wijngaarden, E., McClean, M. D., Herrick, R. F., Allen, J. G., Ganguly, A., Bunin, G. R. Tags: Other exposures Workplace Source Type: research

p53 modulates HPV DNA amplification [Microbiology]
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) amplify in differentiated strata of a squamous epithelium. The HPV E7 protein destabilizes the p130/retinoblastoma susceptibility protein family of tumor suppressors and reactivates S-phase reentry, thereby facilitating viral DNA amplification. The high-risk HPV E6 protein destabilizes the p53 tumor suppressor and many other host proteins. However, the... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - May 7, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Kho, E.-Y., Wang, H.-K., Banerjee, N. S., Broker, T. R., Chow, L. T. Tags: Inaugural Articles Biological Sciences Source Type: research

RB goes mitochondrial [Perspectives]
The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor RB is well known for its capacity to restrict cell cycle progression at the G1/S transition of the cell cycle by controlling the transcription of cell cycle genes. In this issue of Genes & Development, Hilgendorf and colleagues (pp. 1003–1015) have identified a novel tumor suppressor function for RB independent of its role as a transcriptional regulator, in which RB directly activates the apoptosis regulator Bax at the mitochondria to promote cell death. (Source: Genes and Development)
Source: Genes and Development - May 7, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Attardi, L. D., Sage, J. Tags: Cell Death, Cancer and Disease Models Perspectives Source Type: research

The retinoblastoma protein induces apoptosis directly at the mitochondria [Research Papers]
The retinoblastoma protein gene RB-1 is mutated in one-third of human tumors. Its protein product, pRB (retinoblastoma protein), functions as a transcriptional coregulator in many fundamental cellular processes. Here, we report a nonnuclear role for pRB in apoptosis induction via pRB's direct participation in mitochondrial apoptosis. We uncovered this activity by finding that pRB potentiated TNFα-induced apoptosis even when translation was blocked. This proapoptotic function was highly BAX-dependent, suggesting a role in mitochondrial apoptosis, and accordingly, a fraction of endogenous pRB constitutively associated ...
Source: Genes and Development - May 7, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Hilgendorf, K. I., Leshchiner, E. S., Nedelcu, S., Maynard, M. A., Calo, E., Ianari, A., Walensky, L. D., Lees, J. A. Tags: Research Papers Source Type: research

Screening of RB1 Alterations in Brazilian Patients With Retinoblastoma and Relatives With Retinoma: Phenotypic and Genotypic Associations [Genetics]
Conclusions. Fifteen substitutions (4 intronic and 11 exonic) were identified as probably or likely pathogenic. Four of these 11 exonic substitutions were novel. Survival rates, however, were not affected by presence of these probably or likely pathogenic alterations, most of which not found in patients with retinoblastoma from other Latin American countries. These differences might be related to the different ethnic composition of the Latin American cohorts. Portuguese Abstract (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)
Source: Investigative Ophthalmology - May 7, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Barbosa, R. H., Aguiar, F. C. C., Silva, M. F. L., Costa, R. A., Vargas, F. R., Lucena, E., Carvalho de Souza, M., de Almeida, L. M., Bittar, C., Ashton Prolla, P., Bonvicino, C. R., Seuanez, H. N. Tags: Genetics Source Type: research

MiR-365b-3p, down-regulated in retinoblastoma, regulates cell cycle progression and apoptosis of human retinoblastoma cells by targeting PAX6
Highlights: Abstract: PAX6 contributes to the development and progression of retinoblastoma (RB), but the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of PAX6 expression is unclear. Here we found that microRNA-365b-3p (miR-365b-3p) is downregulated in human RB tissues. Ectopic expression of miR-365b-3p significantly attenuates cell growth, induces cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and cell apoptosis through inhibiting the expression of PAX6 by directly binding its 3′ untranslated regions. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-365b-3p upregulates p21 and p27 but downregulates cdc2 and Cyclin D1 protein levels. Elucidating the r...
Source: FEBS Letters - May 7, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Jianwen Wang, Xiaochun Wang, Guiling Wu, Dingshan Hou, Qi Hu Tags: Research Letters Source Type: research

Cell cycle regulation score predicts relapse‐free survival in non‐germinal centre diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients treated by means of immunochemotherapy
ConclusionThe prognosis of non‐GC DLBCL patients is progressively impaired with the accumulation of damage in different cell cycle–regulating pathways. (Source: European Journal of Haematology)
Source: European Journal of Haematology - May 3, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: Anna Kaisa Pasanen, Kirsi‐Maria Haapasaari, Jenni Peltonen, Ylermi Soini, Esa Jantunen, Risto Bloigu, Taina Turpeenniemi‐Hujanen, Outi Kuittinen Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Late effects of orbital enucleation and radiation on maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation: A clinical report
The retinoblastoma is one of the most common tumors of the eye diagnosed in childhood. The treatment for patients with retinoblastoma includes surgical removal of the lesion along with adjunctive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. If the tumor is controlled, these treatments can have secondary adverse effects pertaining to the growth and development of orofacial structures in young patients. This clinical report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient who underwent enucleation followed by radiation therapy and adjunctive chemotherapy to treat the primary diagnosis of retinoblastoma. This therapy resulted in a comb...
Source: Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry - May 1, 2013 Category: Dentistry Authors: Supanut Tummawanit, Binit Shrestha, Sita Thaworanunta, Theerathavaj Srithavaj Source Type: research

Outlook For Minority, Uninsured Pediatric Retinoblastoma Patients Worsened By Delays In Diagnosis
When the eye cancer retinoblastoma is diagnosed in racial and ethnic minority children whose families don't have private health insurance, it often takes a more invasive, potentially life-threatening course than in other children, probably because of delays in diagnosis, Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center (DF/CHCC) researchers report at the 26th annual meeting of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology being held in Miami, April 24-27... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - April 26, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Eye Health / Blindness Source Type: news

RB1 in cancer: Different mechanisms of RB1 inactivation and alterations of pRb pathway in tumorigenesis
Abstract Loss of RB1 gene is considered either a causal or an accelerating event in retinoblastoma. A variety of mechanisms inactivates RB1 gene, including intragenic mutations, loss of expression by methylation and chromosomal deletions, with effects which are species–and cell type‐specific. RB1 deletion can even lead to aneuploidy thus greatly increasing cancer risk. The RB1gene is part of a larger gene family that includes RBL1 and RBL2, each of the three encoding structurally related proteins indicated as pRb, p107, and p130, respectively. The great interest in these genes and proteins springs from their ability to...
Source: Journal of Cellular Physiology - April 18, 2013 Category: Cytology Authors: Riccardo Di Fiore, Antonella D'Anneo, Giovanni Tesoriere, Renza Vento Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

MicroRNA-495 inhibits proliferation of glioblastoma multiforme cells by downregulating cyclin-dependent kinase 6
Conclusions: This study revealed miR-495 is down-regulated in glioma tissues. Furthermore, miR-495 regulated CDK6 expression and involved in glioma cell growth inhibition, which indicated the possible role of miR-495 in tumor progression. (Source: World Journal of Surgical Oncology)
Source: World Journal of Surgical Oncology - April 17, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Shu-Mei ChenHua-Chien ChenShu-Jen ChenChiung-Yin HuangPin-Yuan ChenTai-Wei WuLy-Ying FengHong-Chieh TsaiTai-Ngar LuiChuen HsuehKuo-Chen Wei Source Type: research

Findings of perinatal ocular examination performed on 3573, healthy full-term newborns
Conclusion Ocular examination of healthy newborns leads to the detection of a significant number of ocular pathologies. The most commonly discovered ocular abnormality during examination of the newborns in this study is retinal haemorrhage. The long-term impact of these findings is unknown. Although presumed by some to benign, neonatal retinal haemorrhages due to birth trauma could be involved in altering visual development. Further work, including prospective examination of newborns with long-term follow-up, is needed and supported by our findings. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)
Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology - April 16, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Li, L.-H., Li, N., Zhao, J.-Y., Fei, P., Zhang, G.-m., Mao, J.-b., Rychwalski, P. J. Tags: Open access Original articles - Clinical science Source Type: research

AMPK Is Necessary to Maintain Glioblastoma Proliferation
In this study, we examined the role of AMPK in a mouse model of astrocytoma driven by oncogenic H-RasV12 and/or with PTEN deletion based on the common constitutive activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT cascades in human astrocytomas. We also evaluated the activity and role of AMPK in human glioblastoma cells and xenografts. AMPK was constitutively activated in astrocytes expressing oncogenic H-RasV12 in parallel with high cell division rates. Genetic deletion of AMPK or attenuation of its activity in these cells was sufficient to reduce cell proliferation. The levels of pAMK were always related to the levels of phosph...
Source: Cancer Research - April 15, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Rios, M., Foretz, M., Viollet, B., Prieto, A., Fraga, M., Costoya, J. A., Senaris, R. Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

Retinoblastoma with unusual association of postaxial polydactyly.
Conclusions: Postaxial polydactyly should be considered as an association of retinoblastoma. PMID: 23640512 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Ophthalmology)
Source: European Journal of Ophthalmology - April 15, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Mishra D, Ranjan P, Sinha BP, Baijal V, Bhadauria M Tags: Eur J Ophthalmol Source Type: research

A simple tool to improve pluripotent stem cell differentiation
We describe a method to help overcome restrictions on the differentiation propensities of human pluripotent stem cells. Culturing pluripotent stem cells in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) activates the retinoblastoma protein, increases the proportion of cells in the early G1 phase of the cell cycle and, in more than 25 embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell lines, improves directed differentiation into multiple lineages. DMSO treatment also improves differentiation into terminal cell types in several cell lines. (Source: Nature Methods)
Source: Nature Methods - April 14, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Sundari ChettyFelicia Walton PagliucaChristian HonoreAnastasie KweudjeuAlireza RezaniaDouglas A Melton Tags: Brief Communication Source Type: research

A systematic review of time to diagnosis in children and young adults with cancer
Conclusions Within the childhood and young adult population, TTD for cancer varies between diagnostic groups and with age at diagnosis in the majority of studies. In order that clear conclusions can be drawn from early diagnosis research in children and young adults, specific criteria identifying circumstances in which delay has occurred should accompany a defined time line to diagnosis or treatment in every study. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - April 12, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Lethaby, C. D., Picton, S., Kinsey, S. E., Phillips, R., van Laar, M., Feltbower, R. G. Tags: Oncology, Neurooncology Original article Source Type: research

UCLA researchers find potential link between auto pollution, some childhood cancers
Scientists from UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health led by Julia Heck, an assistant researcher in the school's epidemiology department and a member of UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, have found a possible link between exposure to traffic-related air pollution and several childhood cancers. The results of their study — the first to examine air pollution from traffic and a number of rarer childhood cancers — were presented on April 9 in an abstract at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C. For the study, the UCLA researchers utilized data on 3,...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - April 9, 2013 Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news

A palliative approach for rehabilitation of a pediatric patient with retinoblastoma
Himanshi Aggarwal, Pradeep Kumar, Raghuwar Dayal Singh, Sanjiv Kumar GuptaIndian Journal of Palliative Care 2013 19(1):67-70Retinoblastoma is a highly malignant neoplasm. Most of the cases are usually far advanced at the time of detection, requiring enucleation to salvage the child's life. However, the cosmetic rehabilitation of these patients should always be an integral part of their treatment, which helps in their re-integration in the society. This paper presents a case of 5-year-old patient who had undergone enucleation of her left eye due to retinoblastoma. A multidisciplinary approach, including ophthalmologi...
Source: Indian Journal of Palliative Care - April 8, 2013 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Himanshi AggarwalPradeep KumarRaghuwar Dayal SinghSanjiv Kumar Gupta Source Type: research

Non-invasive analysis of acquired resistance to cancer therapy by sequencing of plasma DNA
Nature advance online publication 07 April 2013. doi:10.1038/nature12065 Authors: Muhammed Murtaza, Sarah-Jane Dawson, Dana W. Y. Tsui, Davina Gale, Tim Forshew, Anna M. Piskorz, Christine Parkinson, Suet-Feung Chin, Zoya Kingsbury, Alvin S. C. Wong, Francesco Marass, Sean Humphray, James Hadfield, David Bentley, Tan Min Chin, James D. Brenton, Carlos Caldas & Nitzan Rosenfeld Cancers acquire resistance to systemic treatment as a result of clonal evolution and selection. Repeat biopsies to study genomic evolution as a result of therapy are difficult, invasive and may be confounded by intra-tumour heterogeneity. Recent...
Source: Nature AOP - April 7, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Muhammed MurtazaSarah-Jane DawsonDana W. Y. TsuiDavina GaleTim ForshewAnna M. PiskorzChristine ParkinsonSuet-Feung ChinZoya KingsburyAlvin S. C. WongFrancesco MarassSean HumphrayJames HadfieldDavid BentleyTan Min ChinJames D. BrentonCarlos CaldasNitzan Ro Tags: Letter Source Type: research

Non-invasive analysis of acquired resistance to cancer therapy by sequencing of plasma DNA
Brenton, Carlos Caldas & Nitzan Rosenfeld Cancers acquire resistance to systemic treatment as a result of clonal evolution and selection. Repeat biopsies to study genomic evolution as a result of therapy are difficult, invasive and may be confounded by intra-tumour heterogeneity. Recent studies have shown that genomic alterations in solid cancers can be characterized by massively parallel sequencing of circulating cell-free tumour DNA released from cancer cells into plasma, representing a non-invasive liquid biopsy. Here we report sequencing of cancer exomes in serial plasma samples to track genomic evolution of m...
Source: Nature - April 7, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Muhammed MurtazaSarah-Jane DawsonDana W. Y. TsuiDavina GaleTim ForshewAnna M. PiskorzChristine ParkinsonSuet-Feung ChinZoya KingsburyAlvin S. C. WongFrancesco MarassSean HumphrayJames HadfieldDavid BentleyTan Min ChinJames D. BrentonCarlos CaldasNitzan Ro Tags: Letter Source Type: research

Cell cycle regulation score predicts relapse‐free survival in non‐germinal center diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients treated by means of immunochemotherapy
ConclusionThe prognosis of non‐GC DLBCL patients is progressively impaired with the accumulation of damage in different cell cycle –regulating pathways.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: European Journal of Haematology)
Source: European Journal of Haematology - April 6, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: Anna Kaisa Pasanen, Kirsi‐Maria Haapasaari, Jenni Peltonen, Ylermi Soini, Esa Jantunen, Risto Bloigu, Taina Turpeenniemi‐Hujanen, Outi Kuittinen Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

E2f2 induces cone photoreceptor apoptosis independent of E2f1 and E2f3
& R Bremner (Source: Cell Death and Differentiation)
Source: Cell Death and Differentiation - April 5, 2013 Category: Cytology Authors: D ChenY ChenD ForrestR Bremner Tags: retinoblastoma E2f p53 cone photoreceptor retina Source Type: research

Results of a Multicenter Prospective Study on the Postoperative Treatment of Unilateral Retinoblastoma After Primary Enucleation [Pediatric Oncology]
Conclusion The survival rate of 100% was excellent, including 57% of patients who received no adjuvant therapy, suggesting that chemotherapy could be de-escalated in some patients, especially those with massive choroidal involvement. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)
Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology - April 5, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Aerts, Sastre-Garau, Savignoni, Lumbroso-Le Rouic, Thebaud-Leculee, Frappaz, Coze, Thomas, Gauthier-Villars, Levy-Gabriel, Brisse, Desjardins, Doz Tags: Retinoblastoma Pediatric Oncology Source Type: research

Opposing regulation of Sox2 by cell-cycle effectors E2f3a and E2f3b in neural stem cells.
Abstract The mechanisms through which cell-cycle control and cell-fate decisions are coordinated in proliferating stem cell populations are largely unknown. Here, we show that E2f3 isoforms, which control cell-cycle progression in cooperation with the retinoblastoma protein (pRb), have critical effects during developmental and adult neurogenesis. Loss of either E2f3 isoform disrupts Sox2 gene regulation and the balance between precursor maintenance and differentiation in the developing cortex. Both isoforms target the Sox2 locus to maintain baseline levels of Sox2 expression but antagonistically regulate Sox2 level...
Source: Cell Stem Cell - April 4, 2013 Category: Stem Cells Authors: Julian LM, Vandenbosch R, Pakenham CA, Andrusiak MG, Nguyen AP, McClellan KA, Svoboda DS, Lagace DC, Park DS, Leone G, Blais A, Slack RS Tags: Cell Stem Cell Source Type: research

MiR-223/Ect2/p21 signaling regulates osteosarcoma cell cycle progression and proliferation.
In this study we found that miRNA-223 was downregulated in both osteosarcoma patients' tumor tissues and osteosarcoma cell lines. Overexpression of miRNA-233 greatly inhibited the proliferation of Saos-2 cells. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry showed the arrest of cell cycle progression at the G1 phase. Further mechanistic study indicated that Ect2 was directly targeted by miR-223. Downregulation of Ect2 by miR-223 induces the expression of p21, p27 and the phospharylation of retinoblastoma, which are involved in the G1 block. We concluded that miR-223 functions as a tumor suppresser in osteosarcoma and miR-223/Ect2/p...
Source: Biomedicine and pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine and pharmacotherapie - April 3, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Xu J, Yao Q, Hou Y, Xu M, Liu S, Yang L, Zhang L, Xu H Tags: Biomed Pharmacother Source Type: research

Coactivation by pRB and E2F1
The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein pRB is conventionally regarded as an inhibitor of the E2F family of transcription factors. Conversely, pRB is also recognized as an activator of tissue-specific gene expression along various lineages including osteoblastogenesis. During osteoblast differentiation, pRB directly targets Alpl and Bglap, which encode the major markers of osteogenesis alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Surprisingly, p130 and repressor E2Fs were recently found to cooccupy and repress Alpl and Bglap in proliferating osteoblast precursors before differentiation. This raises the further question of whe...
Source: Cancer Research - April 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Flowers, S., Xu, F., Moran, E. Tags: Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology Source Type: research

Novel MEK inhibitor trametinib and other retinoblastoma gene (RB)‐reactivating agents enhance efficacy of 5‐fluorouracil on human colon cancer cells
Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer has become more complicated and diversified with the appearance of molecular‐targeting agents. 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) has been a mainstay of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, but it is still unknown whether the combining of 5‐FU with novel molecular‐targeting agents is effective. Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a direct target of 5‐FU, and the low TS level has been generally supposed to sensitize 5‐FU's efficacy. We therefore hypothesized that RB‐reactivating agents could enhance the efficacy of 5‐FU, because the RB‐reactivating agents could suppress the function of tran...
Source: Cancer Science - April 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Motoki Watanabe, Yoshihiro Sowa, Mayumi Yogosawa, Toshiyuki Sakai Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

[Comment] Role of MYCN in retinoblastoma
The discovery of proto-oncogenes transformed our insight into mechanisms of cancer. Subsequently, identification of the retinoblastoma gene (RB1) heralded the notion that malignant disease has a hereditary basis, by showing that both germinal and somatic acquisition of mutations in a tumour-suppressor gene causes tumorigenesis. Indeed, analysis of the latency of tumour onset had predicted—even before the culprit gene was found—that retinoblastoma would arise either through a single hit in the remaining normal allele in hereditary disease or by mutations in both alleles of individuals with acquired retinoblastoma. (Sour...
Source: The Lancet Oncology - April 1, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Dean W Felsher Tags: Comment Source Type: research

[Articles] Characterisation of retinoblastomas without RB1 mutations: genomic, gene expression, and clinical studies
Amplification of the MYCN oncogene might initiate retinoblastoma in the presence of non-mutated RB1 genes. These unilateral RB1+/+MYCNA retinoblastomas are characterised by distinct histological features, only a few of the genomic copy-number changes that are characteristic of retinoblastoma, and very early age of diagnosis. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)
Source: The Lancet Oncology - April 1, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Diane E Rushlow, Berber M Mol, Jennifer Y Kennett, Stephanie Yee, Sanja Pajovic, Brigitte L Thériault, Nadia L Prigoda-Lee, Clarellen Spencer, Helen Dimaras, Timothy W Corson, Renée Pang, Christine Massey, Roseline Godbout, Zhe Jiang, Eldad Zacksenhaus, Tags: Articles Source Type: research

A Multidisciplinary Approach for Management of Postenucleation Socket Syndrome with Dermis‐Fat Graft and Ocular Prosthesis: A Clinical Report
This article reports on a patient suffering from severe postenucleation socket syndrome after enucleation of the bulbus with postoperative irradiation of the orbit due to retinoblastoma and its subsequent management by a dermal‐fat graft and ocular prosthesis. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the usefulness of dermal‐fat grafting as a safe and stable orbital volume replacement following enucleation. (Source: Journal of Prosthodontics)
Source: Journal of Prosthodontics - April 1, 2013 Category: Dentistry Authors: Himanshi Aggarwal, Kamleshwar Singh, Pradeep Kumar, Habib A. Alvi Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Orbital retinoblastoma in an adult.
CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of retinoblastoma presenting as an orbital mass in adulthood and highlights the importance of considering this tumour in the differential diagnosis of an intraocular mass with orbital extension in an adult patient. PMID: 23514027 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Orbit)
Source: Orbit - April 1, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Chawla B, Hada M, Kashyap S, Bakhshi S Tags: Orbit Source Type: research

Identification of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas with active HPV16 involvement by immunohistochemical analysis of the retinoblastoma protein pathway
In conclusion, if only formalin‐fixed biopsy material is available, the marker combination high p16INK4a/low pRb is well suited to identify OPSCC with biologically active HPV16 which represent a distinct OPSCC entity with improved prognosis. (Source: International Journal of Cancer)
Source: International Journal of Cancer - March 29, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Dana Holzinger, Christa Flechtenmacher, Nataly Henfling, Ines Kaden, Niels Grabe, Bernd Lahrmann, Markus Schmitt, Jochen Hess, Michael Pawlita, Franz X. Bosch Tags: Infectious Causes of Cancer Source Type: research

Microbubble-Assisted P53, Rb, And P130 Gene Transfer In Combination With Radiation Therapy In Prostate Cancer.
Abstract Direct intratumoral (IT) injections of replication incompetent adenovirus expressing p53 and retinoblastoma family members pRb and p130 inhibit cancer growth in immune incompetent animals. Combination treatment of radiation therapy and direct IT injection of adenoviral vectors has been explored by others to enhance the therapeutic potential of gene transfer. A major challenge for gene transfer is systemic delivery of nucleic acids directly into an affected tissue. Ultrasound (US) contrast agents (microbubbles) are viable candidates for targeted delivery of genes administered systemically. Here we show th...
Source: Current Gene Therapy - March 25, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Nande R, Greco A, Gossman MS, Lopez JP, Claudio L, Salvatore M, Brunetti A, Denvir J, Howard CM, Claudio PP Tags: Curr Gene Ther Source Type: research

Hepatitis B virus X induces cell proliferation in the hepatocarcinogenesis via up‐regulation of cytoplasmic p21 expression
ConclusionsOur results suggest that HBx induces hepatocarcinogenesis via PKCα‐mediated overexpression of cytoplasmic p21 and IFN‐β suppressed these molecular events by shifting p21 to the nucleus.© 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S (Source: Liver International)
Source: Liver International - March 23, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Masahiko Yano, Shogo Ohkoshi, Yo‐hei Aoki, Hiromichi Takahashi, Sou Kurita, Kazuhide Yamazaki, Kenta Suzuki, Satoshi Yamagiwa, Ayumi Sanpei, Shun Fujimaki, Toshifumi Wakai, Shin‐ei Kudo, Yasunobu Matsuda, Yutaka Aoyagi Tags: Original Article Source Type: research