The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important chemotherapeutic target for tyrosine kinase inhibitors and antibodies that block the extracellular domain of EGFR. »
05/01/10

Galectin-3 belongs to a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins whose function is not fully characterized. However, it is believed to play a role in adhesion, proliferation and apoptosis in solid tumors. We aimed at investigating galectin-3 expression in bladder cancer. »
04/17/10

The insulin-like growth factor receptor I (IGF-IR) plays an essential role in transformation by promoting cell growth and protecting cancer cells from apoptosis. »
06/01/10

The present gold standard for bladder cancer is Mycobacterium bovis, Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy. But it has a non-responder rate of 30-50% and side effects are common. Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota has been reported to reduce the incidence of recurrence in bladder cancer patients and to cure tumor-bearing mice. »
03/01/10

CD44v6 is a cell surface protein involved in cell migration, cell adhesion, tumor progression and metastatic spread. We evaluated its role as a molecular marker for urothelial bladder cancer. »
06/01/10

Low circulating levels of vitamin D affect colorectal cancer risk. The biological actions of the hormonal form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), are mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which heterodimerizes with retinoid X receptors (RXR). »
02/15/10

Irinotecan (CPT11) treatment significantly improves the survival of colorectal cancer patients and is routinely used for the treatment of these patients, alone or in combination with other agents. However, only 20% to 30% of patients show an objective response to irinotecan, and there is great need for new molecular markers capable of identifying the subset of patients who are unlikely to respond. »
04/15/10

The phosphorylation state of Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) plays a role in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Within cells, cyclin dependent kinases (cdks) phosphorylate Rb in response to growth stimulatory signals, whereas protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) dephosphorylates Rb when cells stop proliferating or undergo apoptosis in response to anti-proliferative or stress signals. »
05/01/10

The WISPs (Wnt-inducted secreted proteins, WISP-1, WISP-2 and WISP-3) are part of the CCN family. These molecules are known to play a diverse role in cells but their role in cancer cells remains controversial. »
05/01/10

Experimental evidence has revealed that several thymidylate synthase (TS) DNA polymorphisms modulate gene expression, which, in turn is known to be down-regulated by oestrogen receptor subtypes. Consequently, this process might be influenced by female hormones. »
05/01/10