NEWS
Years Before Myeloma, Blood Shows Changes
The vast majority of patients with multiple myeloma develop signature changes in their blood that can be identified years before symptoms of the cancer appear, new research suggests. Using rare prediagnostic blood samples, the researchers were able to detect this precursor stage in some patients up to a decade before multiple myeloma was diagnosed. The findings provide important clues for understanding how the disease begins and progresses, the study authors said. Read more > >
Possible Prostate Cancer Marker Found
The marker, a metabolite called sarcosine, may also play a role in the diseaseFertility Treatments Unlikely to Raise Ovarian Cancer Risk
A large Danish cohort study finds no convincing association between fertility drug use and risk of ovarian cancerLiver Cancer Incidence Continues Steep Climb
Most recent data show that hepatocellular carcinoma incidence has tripled since 1975, with the greatest increase occurring in the last 13 yearsCompounds Found in Green Tea Block Bortezomib
Researchers recommend avoiding green-tea supplements during bortezomib therapyGene Provides Target for Thyroid Cancer Treatment
An anti-cancer drug activates RhoB, a tumor-suppressor geneNew ASCO/AUA Guideline for Prostate Cancer Prevention
Men should discuss with their doctors whether 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may reduce their prostate cancer risk
COMMENTARY
Director's Update: Moving Ahead with the Stimulus Funds
With President Barack Obama's signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on February 17, 2009, came newfound hope in many circles that our economy can start down the road to recovery. As the President himself has said, it will not be easy. This recovery package is just the first step and, undoubtedly, just one of many interventions.The economic stimulus package presents a tremendous opportunity for the biomedical research establishment. Under the new law, NIH will receive approximately $10.4 billion for use in fiscal years 2009 and 2010, $8.2 billion of which is specifically tagged for research. Of that $8.2 billion, approximately $1.26 billion will go to NCI. NCI's leadership is working under an accelerated timetable to create a spending plan that meets the stimulus package goals. Read more > >
IN DEPTH
Special Report: Newly Discovered Mutation Found in More Brain Tumors
The genes IDH1 and IDH2 were frequently mutated in three types of gliomasFeatured Clinical Trial: Lenalidomide Maintenance Therapy for Multiple Myeloma
Can maintenance lenalidomide prevent recurrence or progression of multiple myeloma?Cancer Center Profile: Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center
Founded in 1997, this cancer research consortium integrates and builds upon the talent and resources of seven Harvard University-affiliated institutions
UPDATES
CMS Update
- CMS Proposes No Medicare Coverage for Virtual Colonoscopy
Cancer.gov Update
- Tainted Peanut Products Pose Special Concerns for Cancer Patients
Notes
- Cancer Community Loses Two Leaders
- Gail Selected for ASPO Award
- CCR's Gottesman Elected to AAM Board, Three Others Named AAM Fellows
- HINTS Identifies Hispanic Information-seeking Trends
The NCI Cancer Bulletin is produced by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which was established in 1937. Through basic, clinical, and population-based biomedical research and training, NCI conducts and supports research that will lead to a future in which we can identify the environmental and genetic causes of cancer, prevent cancer before it starts, identify cancers that do develop at the earliest stage, eliminate cancers through innovative treatment interventions, and biologically control those cancers that we cannot eliminate so they become manageable, chronic diseases.
For more information about cancer, call 1-800-4-CANCER or visit http://www.cancer.gov.
NCI Cancer Bulletin staff can be reached at ncicancerbulletin@mail.nih.gov.

