“Diabetes Drug Kept Breast Tumors Away in Mice - ABC News” plus 4 more

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• Diabetes Drug Kept Breast Tumors Away in Mice - ABC News
• Breast Preservation Foundation Urges Washington Policymakers to ... - Genetic Engineering News
• Annual Race for the Cure moves to new day, new course Downtown - Evansville Courier-Press
• Breast Cancer Survivors Praise House Committee Action as Vital to ... - Genetic Engineering News
• Diabetes drug also kills cancer stem cells - United Press International

Diabetes Drug Kept Breast Tumors Away in Mice - ABC News Posted: 14 Sep 2009 11:48 AM PDT CHICAGO (Reuters) - Adding the common diabetes drug metformin to chemotherapy helped shrink breast cancer tumors faster in mice and keep them away longer than chemotherapy alone, raising hope for a more effective way to treat cancer, U.S. researchers said on Monday. They said metformin appeared to target breast cancer stem cells -- a kind of master cancer cell that resists conventional treatment and may be the source of many tumors that grow back. "What's exciting here is we now have something that is mechanistically a different kind of killer of cancer that can synergize with chemotherapy," Kevin Struhl of Harvard Medical School, whose study appears in the journal Cancer Research, said in a telephone briefing. Many teams have been looking for ways to destroy the master cancer cells in the hope of making cancer easier to cure.Last month, a team at the Broad Institute of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology reported that a chemical called salinomycin could kill breast cancer stem cells. What is different with his study, Struhl said, is that metformin is a widely used drug with a long safety track record. "There are tens of millions of people who take this drug," he said. "Although our studies are limited to mice and cells, metformin has a history of anti-cancer effects," he said. Metformin has already been shown to reduce the risk of some cancers, including pancreatic and breast cancer, in large studies of people with diabetes. Struhl said metformin's affect on cancer stem cells appeared to be separate from its ability to help the body use insulin and lower blood sugar -- which also can improve breast cancer survival. His team studied metformin and the cancer drug doxorubicin in lab dishes and found they killed both human cancer stem cells and non-stem cancer cells. Mice that had tumors and got metformin and chemotherapy were less likely to have tumors grow back two months after treatment compared with mice that got chemotherapy alone. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Breast Preservation Foundation Urges Washington Policymakers to ... - Genetic Engineering News Posted: 14 Sep 2009 11:48 AM PDT Email Print Share More News Sep 14 2009, 2:46 PM EST Breast Preservation Foundation Urges Washington Policymakers to Consider Public Health Education Programs in Health Care Reform Discussions News source: Business Wire Amidst the ongoing health-policy debate, Los Angeles surgeon Joel Aronowitz, M.D., founder of the Breast Preservation Foundation, furthered his organization's health education and quality of care mission by meeting Washington policymakers to discuss how health care reform can help breast cancer patients be informed of all their treatment choices and have access to more advanced techniques like skin-sparing mastectomy. As the clinical chief of the Plastic Surgery Division at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Dr. Aronowitz often witnesses the emotional suffering of breast cancer patients who continue to needlessly undergo transverse mastectomy when more advanced and accepted techniques like skin-sparing mastectomy are available and would effectively treat cancer without disfigurement. "Breast cancer patients will continue to suffer needlessly if they are not informed of all available surgical choices, including skin-sparing mastectomy, an alternative to traditional mastectomy which continues to leave patients with terribly disfiguring scars," said Dr. Aronowitz, who published a 2008 study finding that more than one-third of his home state's breast surgeons still do not utilize the skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) technique. "Because more women are surviving breast cancer, we should recognize the validity in women wanting better cosmetic results from breast cancer surgery. Of growing concern is the fear of disfigurement that might prevent many women from undergoing mammography screenings for early detection," he added. In President Obama's recent health care address to a joint session of Congress, he highlighted many of the shortfalls that have long affected the American public's ability to receive quality care, among them unaffordable insurance premiums and dropped coverage. Many lawmakers are also aware that a lack of public health education programs prevents patients from making informed decisions about their care and treatment, prompting some states and policymakers to consider legislation that would make funding available for such programs. During his Washington visit, Dr. Aronowitz met with several congressional offices, including that of Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida), Representative Dean Heller (R-Nevada), Representative Henry Waxman (D-California) as well as the offices of U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein (both D-California). In March, Wasserman Schultz publicly revealed her own battle with breast cancer having undergone seven surgeries in 2008 while maintaining her duties as a member of the House. She has been active in promoting early screening through The Early Act, a bill for breast cancer education and awareness. About Skin-Sparing Mastectomy A skin-sparing mastectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery, is a way to treat cancer and save the breast skin. In so doing it causes much less scarring than a traditional mastectomy. The skin-sparing procedure removes cancerous breast tissue through a small incision usually around the areola area of the nipple. The surgeon leaves most of the breast skin, creating a natural skin envelope, or pocket, that is filled with a breast implant or with the patient's own tissue from another part of her body. The skin-sparing technique significantly improves the cosmetic outcome and gives the best option for reconstruction. About Breast Preservation Foundation The Breast Preservation Foundation's (BPF) mission is to educate women about skin-sparing mastectomies and its advantages for an overall better cosmetic result. The BPF's goal is to inform and empower women to ask more questions before having a potentially disfiguring biopsy, lumpectomy and traditional mastectomy. The BPF advocates that women insist their breast surgeon recognize the importance of preserving the breast which can improve their quality of life after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. For more information about skin-sparing mastectomies, breast cancer survival and the Breast Preservation Foundation, please visit www.BreastPreservation.org. Email Print Share More News This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Annual Race for the Cure moves to new day, new course Downtown - Evansville Courier-Press Posted: 14 Sep 2009 11:48 AM PDT Go Takayama / Courier & Press Breast cancer survivors march into the main stage during the survivor recognition parade. What: Race for the Cure, a fundraising event that includes both a 5K run/walk and a one-mile walk. When: Saturday. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Cancer survivor parade/recognition at 8 a.m., aerobic warmup at 8:30 a.m. 5K race begins at 9 a.m. and 1-mile walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Registration: $30 for adults, $15 for ages 12 and younger. Participants can opt to pay an extra $5 to receive a chip that accurately records their race time. VIP- and Pink Ribbon Club-level registration available for $100 and $250, respectively. Parking: Available throughout Downtown. Or, park in one of three designated race lots (at Mead Johnson, the Civic Center and the former Welborn Baptist Hospital) and ride a shuttle bus to the race site. Bicycle parking available at the Integra Bank parking lot at the corner of Third and Locust streets. Extras: A Puttin' on the Pink pre-race party will take place at Ri Ra Irish Pub from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Friday. Music by the All Put Together Band (6-8 p.m.) and The Pits (8:30-11:30 p.m.), appetizers from 8 to 9:30. Admission is $7. * "Survivorpalooza" lounge area for cancer survivors and their guests will be located in Old National Bank's cafe and adjacent patio area. * From 6 to 11 a.m. on race day, women can volunteer to donate blood to the Komen Tissue Bank at Indiana University's Simon Cancer Center to advance breast cancer research. Donations are sought from both healthy women and those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Details: Call Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Evansville affiliate office at (812) 962-2202 or visit its Web site, www.komenevansville.org. Online race registration is available. Even if you consider yourself a seasoned veteran of Race for the Cure, this year's event will be a whole new experience. Many aspects of this year's race are different — new route, different race day, even different race T-shirts. Previously, the race — a fundraiser for breast cancer group Susan G. Komen for the Cure — had been held on a Sunday in the commercial neighborhood around Eastland Mall. ELISA PETERSEN / Courier & Press archives Survivors are recognized before the 10th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in 2007 in Evansville. This year's race takes place Saturday in Downtown Evansville. The routes, which include both a 5K (3.1-mile) and a 1-mile course, begin and end on Evansville's Riverfront. "We're just very excited about moving Downtown," said Sheila Seiler, executive director of Susan G. Komen's Evansville affiliate. Evansville's affiliate covers 28 counties in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, and the local Race for the Cure typically draws participants from all 28 counties, Seiler said. Just more than 18,000 runners and walkers participated in last year's race. The 5K route begins at the corner of Veterans Parkway and Cherry Street, near the Riverfront Pagoda. From there, the route passes by historic homes along Riverside Drive and Second Street, through several neighborhoods including Haynie's Corner, down Main Street's walkway and past landmark buildings including The Centre, the Civic Center, the old Courthouse and the Coliseum. The 1-mile route spans Cherry, Second and Court streets. Both routes end on Riverside Drive just east of Court Street. "I think people are just going to love the route," said Mary-Beth Owen of Evansville, who helped plan the new course. "We tried to hit as many of the highlights of the Downtown area as possible." Because the new route passes through several residential neighborhoods, organizers have worked with affected neighborhood associations to let them know about traffic closures and other race issues that will affect residents. As a side benefit, some of the race-route residents have gotten into the spirit of the event, said Julie Blevins of Evansville. As one of the race's planners, one of Blevins' tasks was to make contact with businesses and residents along the race route. Blevins said some neighbors plan to decorate their homes and yards, while others have agreed to serve as "intersection marshals" who will stand along the race route to direct traffic and assist race participants. Other new aspects of this year's Race for the Cure include: n The chance for women to assist medical research by donating a small amount of blood and filling out a questionnaire for the Komen Tissue Bank at the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center. Both healthy women and women with cancer can donate. The national Susan G. Komen organization selects one Race for the Cure event each year to host blood collection, Seiler said, and Evansville was chosen this year because of the area's historically strong support for the cause. n The option of paying $5 extra for a timing chip that provides an accurate record of the racer's finishing time. n Shuttle buses running from three separate locations: Mead Johnson, the former Welborn Baptist Hospital site and the Civic Center. n A bicycle patrol staffed by volunteers who will answer questions about parking, directions and race information. n Long-sleeved T-shirts for all adult participants . Last year's race raised $804,000 for breast cancer education, research, screening and treatment. Up to 75 percent of money raised locally stays in the local community. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Breast Cancer Survivors Praise House Committee Action as Vital to ... - Genetic Engineering News Posted: 14 Sep 2009 11:34 AM PDT Email Print Share More News Sep 14 2009, 2:30 PM EST Breast Cancer Survivors Praise House Committee Action as Vital to Health Care Reform News source: Business Wire The Breast Cancer Survivor Coalition for Advancement, Reform and Equity (Because we Care) today praised a House of Representatives committee for adopting an amendment to the "America's Affordable Health Choices Act" (H.R. 3200) that would remove barriers to care for breast cancer survivors. "The committee's amendment would help many estimated one in 12 women1 that will develop breast cancer in their lives to recuperate more fully, more rapidly and more easily," said Because we Care member Chris Webb, Manager of Government Affairs and Compliance for Amoena USA Corporation. "Including this provision in the final health reform bill is a significant step forward in improving the country's health care system on behalf of women facing breast cancer surgery." Under current law, Medicare will reimburse women who have had breast cancer surgery for a post-surgical camisole, which aids recuperation, only after surgery has been performed, and only during a 48-hour window. As these garments should be applied before survivors leave the hospital, many women on Medicare cannot obtain reimbursement for the post-surgical camisole before surgery, effectively depriving them of the benefits that post-surgical camisoles offer for recuperation. If the House committee amendment sponsored by U.S. Representatives Betty Sutton(D-OH), Phil Gingrey, M.D.(R-GA) and Gene Green(D-TX) is included in the legislation that the President signs into law, women that undergo breast cancer surgery, and who are Medicare patients, will be able to fill a prescription for a post-surgical camisole to aid her recovery before going to the hospital, and that prescription will be reimbursed by Medicare. The Because we Care coalition urges breast cancer survivors, health care providers, members of the business community and other advocates to contact their U.S. Representative and urge him/her to ensure that the Sutton-Gingrey-Green amendment is included in the health reform legislation to be considered by the full House of Representatives in the near future. To assist individuals with this important advocacy effort, sample e-mails and phone scripts are posted on www.becausewecarecoalition.com. Contact information for individual United States Representatives is available at http://www.house.gov/. About Because we Care The Breast Cancer Survivor Coalition for Advancement, Reform and Equity (Because we Care) is a national organization on a mission to enhance breast cancer survivors' access to high-quality prosthetics and related post-surgical items. To accomplish the mission Because we Care is educating public policymakers on problems and solutions in the areas of insurance coverage of, and access to, breast prosthetic health care. Because we Care members include a patient advocates, physicians, business groups, non-profit organizations and others across the United States. Because we Care is on the Web at www.becausewecarecoalition.org. 1 Source: American Cancer Society Email Print Share More News This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Diabetes drug also kills cancer stem cells - United Press International Posted: 14 Sep 2009 11:27 AM PDT BOSTON, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've found that in human breast cancer cell tumors in mice, a diabetes drug worked better than chemotherapy in prolonging remission. Researchers led by Harvard Medical School Professor Kevin Struhl said the mice appeared tumor-free for two months after treatment before the end of the experiment. The drug, metformin, appears to selectively kill cancer stem cells in culture dishes and in mice. The scientists said their findings provide additional rationale for testing metformin in combination with chemotherapy in people with breast cancer and perhaps other cancers. The scientists said their findings add to a growing body of preliminary evidence in cells, mice, and people that metformin may improve breast cancer outcomes in people. In the new study, the diabetes drug seemed to work independently of its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar and insulin levels, all of which are also associated with better breast cancer outcomes, the researchers said. The study that included Heather Hirsch and Dimitrios Iliopoulos, along with Dr. Philip Tsichlis of Tufts University Medical Center, is reported in the early online edition of the journal Cancer Research. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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