Black lung cancer patients have a different gene.  A lung cancer known as non-small cell lung tumors tend to have a different genetic makeup in Blacks than in Whites, which scientists say may explain why Blacks do not do as well in treatment as Whites, a new study found. Blacks with this type of lung cancer typically do not fare well, based on past studies. Blacks who have this type of lung cancer have a gene mutation that causes it to have fewer receptors that cause the cancer not to respond to the current treatments, according to researchers who presented their findings Nov. 13 at the 2008 Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium in Thoracic Oncology. “The findings of this study were surprising, since it was not expected that drug-sensitizing EGFR mutations would be so rare in this patient population,” study co-author Dr. Rom Leidner, a clinical fellow in hematology/oncology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, said in a news release. “African-American patients remain underrepresented in clinical studies in oncology, and therefore our knowledge base about how to modify our treatment strategies for this patient population remains poorly defined.” The study’s researchers said they hope their findings influence the design of future clinical studies and the future use of EGFR-targeted agents.  However, they said their efforts because they have a hard time finding enough African Americans to participate in clinical drug trials. The American Cancer Society has more about non-small cell lung cancer.
Vitamin C and E pills don’t fight cancer. Stop stuffing down vitamin pills, thinking they’ll protect you from cancer. There’s new evidence that they simply don’t work that way. Vital Signs has the latest research and what to do instead of popping pills.

Here’s help for saving Thanksgiving. With costs for the Thanksgiving meal up by at least 5 percent, and uncertainty about the economy looming over the holidays, eveyone is trying to cut expenses wherever they can. BET.com’s Body & Soul has some suggestions for saving Thanksgiving.

 Vigorous Exercise helps those with “fat gene.” Physical activity may reduce the risk of obesity in people with a genetic mutation that predisposes them to high body-mass index (BMI), says a U.S. study released Monday. Recent research has shown a link between BMI and variants of the fat mass and obesity associated with the FTO gene, reports HealthDay. The mutations connected with obesity occur are associated with a 3.9-pound increase in body weight, according to background information in the study. While lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise are important factors in weight control, it’s not exactly clear how they interact with genetics. In this study, researchers analyzed DNA samples from 704 healthy Amish adults, average age 43.6, and also conducted a series of physiological tests on the participants, including recording their physical activity over a seven-day period. Those in the “high-activity” group burned about 900 calories (860 for women) more than those in the “low activity” group, the researchers wrote. “High activity” amounted to three to four hours of moderate intensity physical activity such as brisk walking, housecleaning or gardening, the researchers wrote.

Exposure could affect prostate and brain of babies.
Plastic baby bottles cause more concern.  Baby bottles made of a certain plastic are causing “some concern” among government scientists, according to a new report. Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in many polycarbonate plastics, such as those used to make some plastic water and baby bottles, is a problem because of the effect it could have on the development of the prostate gland, brain and behavior effects in fetuses, infants and children, according to the final report released Monday by the National Toxicology Program. Scientists with the program have concluded that BPA has the potential to cause harm to human reproduction or development. They base their findings primarily on a review of scientific information on BPA. But the scientists warn that the results are not conclusive. “There remains considerable uncertainty whether the changes seen in the animal studies are directly applicable to humans, and whether they would result in clear adverse health effects,” said NTP Associate Director John Bucher, Ph.D. “But we have concluded that the possibility that BPA may affect human development cannot be dismissed.”

Plastic baby bottles cause more concern.  Baby bottles made of a certain plastic are causing “some concern” among government scientists, according to a new report. Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in many polycarbonate plastics, such as those used to make some plastic water and baby bottles, is a problem because of the effect it could have on the development of the prostate gland, brain and behavior effects in fetuses, infants and children, according to the final report released Monday by the National Toxicology Program. Scientists with the program have concluded that BPA has the potential to cause harm to human reproduction or development. They base their findings primarily on a review of scientific information on BPA. But the scientists warn that the results are not conclusive. “There remains considerable uncertainty whether the changes seen in the animal studies are directly applicable to humans, and whether they would result in clear adverse health effects,” said NTP Associate Director John Bucher, Ph.D. “But we have concluded that the possibility that BPA may affect human development cannot be dismissed.”

Is Vytorin safe? Federal drug safety regulators said Thursday they are investigating whether the cholesterol-lowering drug Vytorin can increase patients’ risk of developing cancer.  However, the Food and Drug Administration said patients should not stop taking Vytorin because the evidence of a cancer link is unclear. While one recent clinical trial indicated higher rates of cancer for patients taking the medication, two studies currently under way have shown no increased risk, the FDA said. Meanwhile, senior lawmakers in Congress issued a demand for data on the clinical trial that indicated a cancer risk, ScienceDaily is reporting.  Vytorin has been heavily promoted, particularly in African-American communities, as a novel way to reduce cholesterol. The drug is a combination of Zocor, a statin drug, which reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver, and Zetia, which limits the amount of cholesterol absorbed through the digestive system. But the combination became a focus of controversy after a study earlier this year showed it was no better at reducing the buildup of plaque in the arteries than the much cheaper generic, Zocor. Separately, on Thursday, leaders of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee asked the companies for extensive data on the clinical trial that indicated a possible cancer risk for Vytorin. Merck and Schering-Plough said they would cooperate with the panel. The companies defend the drug, saying it is effective at reducing cholesterol – its approved use.
How could Upshaw die so soon after diagnosis?

Vital Signs: Questions surface after football legend Gene Upshaw died this week of pancreatic cancer. How could he and others stricken with the disease die so soon after they are diagnosed? Vital Signs has answers.

He was the controversial leader of the players’ union

Gene Upshaw, an 11-time All-Pro NFL lineman and the executive director of the NFL players’ union, has died of complications from pancreatic cancer, The Associated Press reports. He was 63. A longtime on-the-field force for the Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Raiders, Upshaw was also the longest-tenured labor leader in sports. But it was in the latter job that drew the most criticism, as many players often contended that Upshaw was not as effective as he could have been in fighting for the rights of players, particularly those of older players, who had sacrificed their knees, necks and neglected families for the sake of the league. Critics noted that many of those older players have suffered life-altering ailments from their football days, a time before lucrative salaries and pensions, and should be better compensated. Upshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. He is survived by his wife, Terri, and sons, Justin, Daniel and Eugene Jr. Click to send condolences.