Researchers from the Mayo Clinic, University of South Florida,
and University of Torino employed substances called toll-like receptor agonists
to help a synthetic peptide vaccine raise the immune system response
against breast cancer tumors.
They used antibodies to blunt other aspects of the immune system
that might interfere with a strong killer T cell response,
improving the effectiveness of the vaccine.

The researchers studied both normal mice and
transgenic mice carrying an activated HER2/neu oncogene,
which has been linked to breast cancer in humans.

In order to get a protective immune response,
the transgenic mice were repeatedly given vaccine in combination with the toll-like receptor agonist or were given antibodies that blocked their protective T regulatory cells.

It showed some benefit against early stage spontaneous breast tumors.
when most mice have excessive and often precancerous breast tissue growth called hyperplasia

“Once tumors appear, only certain mice respond and there is only a delay in tumor growth

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1) Tykerb – A Hope
- approved by fda 13/3
- women who have received prior therapy with other cancer drugs,
including an anthracycline, a taxane, and trastuzumab (Herceptin).
- 8,000 to 10,000 women die from metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer each year.

- clinical trial on 400 women with advanced or
metastatic breast cancer that was also HER2 positive

- 50% , 200 ppl with Tykerb with capecitabine
- 50%, 200ppl only received capecitabine alone

Results :
the tumor response rate was higher in the group of patients
receiving Tykerb with capecitabine (24 percent vs. 14 percent

2) “Side Effect”
Side effect :included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash and hand-foot syndrome
which may include numbness, tingling, redness, swelling and discomfort of hands and feet.

3) ” Question ”

- occurring 4 months after the interim analysis
- consult your doctor about this latest drug
if it is suitable for you !

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It’s been a while since herceptin has been tested vigorously.We believe it will bring some hopes to breast cancer patients..

below is the story from cnn..
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — The Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve a breast cancer treatment from GlaxoSmithKline on Tuesday, analysts say.

The FDA is reviewing Glaxo’s (up $0.23 to $55.82, Charts) tykerb, a breast cancer pill for patients who were previously and unsuccessfully treated with Genentech’s (down $0.13 to $81.45, Charts) Herceptin, a $1.2 billion drug. There is little doubt that the agency will approve tykerb, since the drug was awarded fast-track priority status.

…

Breast cancer drug

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Vitamin B6 deficiencies have also been linked to the development of heart disease and cancer of the breast, uterus and prostate

You can read the rest of the article here

http://www.health24.com/dietnfood/You_are_what_you_eat/15-49-776,39148.asp

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You just have to change your lifestyle

*EAT A HIGH-FIBER, LOW-FAT DIET. Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day. Eat a diet rich in complex carbohydrates (fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes). Whole grains and legumes are high in fiber and include whole grain breads, pasta, rice, and cereals. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber moves food through the digestive track quickly taking pre-cancerous toxins with it.

*STOP SMOKING. Not only is smoking a risk factor for breast cancer (especially if smoking began at an early age), it is a primary cause for lung cancer. The nicotine and other poisonous chemicals in tobacco also greatly increase the risk of developing heart disease. Every time you light up, you hurt your lungs and heart. The longer you smoke, the worse the damage becomes.

*DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL. If you must drink, try to limit your intake to one glass a day. Alcoholic beverages contain calories but few nutrients and are harmful when consumed in excess. Women who have more than one drink per day develop cancer at a significantly higher rate than those who do not drink alcohol.

A diet low in fat reduces the risk of breast cancer and decreases the risk of obesity. Obesity plays a big part in breast cancer development. Fat tissue contains small amounts of estrogen and estrogen plays a major role in the development of breast cancer.

*EXERCISE. A regular physical fitness regimen, especially aerobic exercise (brisk walking), can reduce your risk for developing breast cancer. It is also a wonderful way to fight obesity and be healthier overall.

*AVOID HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY. Studies have proven there is a link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer. The estrogen and progesterone contained in HRT increase the risk factor. HRT’s can also cause mammograms to be less effective. If you are considering taking HRT, please consult with your physician to discuss the risks.

*BE AWARE OF YOUR FAMILY HISTORY. If you have a female member of your immediate family who has had or currently has breast cancer, it can increase your risk. Breast cancer can be genetic. However, just because someone in your family has breast cancer, does not mean you will have it. Make sure your physician knows your family history.

*DO A SELF-EXAM EVERY MONTH. Checking your breasts carefully every month does not help prevent breast cancer but it can help detect breast cancer early. The earlier it is found, the better the prognosis.

*HAVE A MAMMOGRAM REGULARLY. Like a self-exam, a mammogram will not prevent the development of breast cancer, but it can detect it early.

I hope you follow the methods suggested and have a healthy life in 2007

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Sheryl Crow: split and cancer have refined, not defined, me
Fametastic, UK - 1 hour ago
Sheryl Crow is trying to remain positive about her split from cyclist Lance Armstrong and fight against breast cancer earlier this year. …