Journal of the National Cancer Institute
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Although there is no proven benefit associated with screening for lung cancer, screening programs are attracting many individuals who perceive themselves to be at high risk due to smoking. We sought to determine whether the risk of lung cancer varies predictably among smokers. ⋯ The risk of lung cancer varies widely among smokers. Accurate risk prediction may help individuals who are contemplating voluntary screening to balance the potential benefits and risks. Risk prediction may also be useful for researchers designing clinical trials of lung cancer prevention.
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J. Natl. Cancer Inst. · Mar 2003
Effects of interferon alpha on vascular endothelial growth factor gene transcription and tumor angiogenesis.
Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) has antiangiogenic activity, although the underlying mechanism of action is unclear. Because human neuroendocrine (NE) tumors are highly vascularized and sensitive to IFN-alpha, we investigated whether the therapeutic effects of IFN-alpha result from an inhibition of angiogenesis mediated by a decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression. ⋯ IFN-alpha confers its antitumor activity, at least in part, by its antiangiogenic activity, which results from Sp1- and/or Sp3-mediated inhibition of VEGF gene transcription.
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J. Natl. Cancer Inst. · Mar 2003
Effects of blocking platelet-derived growth factor-receptor signaling in a mouse model of experimental prostate cancer bone metastases.
Expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and activation (by autophosphorylation) of its receptor (PDGF-R), a tyrosine kinase, are associated with the growth of metastatic prostate tumor cells in the bone parenchyma. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor STI571 blocks the PDGF signaling pathway by inhibiting PDGF-R autophosphorylation. We examined the effects of STI571, given alone or with paclitaxel (Taxol), on tumor growth in a mouse model of prostate cancer metastasis. ⋯ Endothelial cells appear to express phosphorylated PDGF-R when they are exposed to tumor cells that express PDGF. Using STI571 to inhibit PDGF-R phosphorylation may, especially in combination with paclitaxel, produce substantial therapeutic effects against prostate cancer bone metastasis.
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J. Natl. Cancer Inst. · Mar 2003
Editorial Comment ReviewIs tamoxifen the Rosetta stone for breast cancer?