Scientists at Duke Cancer Institute have found that a blood test for LDH levels could help doctors prescribe the best treatment for patients with advanced kidney cancer. The common enzyme, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), helps the body convert food to energy and is released when cells die or suffer injury. High LDH levels have been linked … Continue reading Blood Test for LDH Levels Could Guide Treatment of Kidney Cancer
Genetic Mutations Linked to Childhood Kidney Cancer, Wilms Tumor
A team of international researchers led by the Institute of Cancer Research in the UK have found two regions of the human genome linked to increased risk for the most common form of childhood kidney cancer, Wilms tumor. Scientists have suspected a genetic role in the rare disease because it can occur in siblings and … Continue reading Genetic Mutations Linked to Childhood Kidney Cancer, Wilms Tumor
Potential Kidney Cancer Therapy Starves Cancer Cells of Glucose
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a drug called STF-31 that starves and kills some kidney cancer cells by cutting off their energy supply of glucose. STF-31 works by binding to a particular glucose transporter. Testing in mice inhibited glucose transport by about half and resulted in slowed tumor growth with limited … Continue reading Potential Kidney Cancer Therapy Starves Cancer Cells of Glucose
Src Gene May Be Key to Helping Kidney Cancer Patients
Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University Knight Cancer Institute have found that a gene called Src plays a role in helping some kidney cancers grow. The researchers are now looking at existing, approved drugs that may inhibit Src activity in cancer cells. In addition, they have developed a method of identifying patients that could … Continue reading Src Gene May Be Key to Helping Kidney Cancer Patients
Top Kidney Research Breakthroughs of the Week 12/17/10
This was an exciting week for kidney research and therapy breakthroughs! Here are the top 4. Novel Virus-Based Gene Therapy for Metastatic Kidney Cancer Developed at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center Blood Test for Cystatin C Can Predict Complications of Kidney Disease National Kidney Foundation Study Reveals that Lupus is More Lethal Form of … Continue reading Top Kidney Research Breakthroughs of the Week 12/17/10