ScienceDaily: Bladder Cancer News

Telerobotic system designed to treat bladder cancer better

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:26:26 EDT

Engineers and doctors have designed a robotic surgery system specifically designed to treat bladder cancer, the sixth most common form of cancer in the US and the most expensive to treat.

Genetic alterations linked with bladder cancer risk, recurrence, progression, and patient survival

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:40:40 EDT

A new analysis has found that genetic alterations in a particular cellular pathway are linked with bladder cancer risk, recurrence, disease progression, and patient survival. The findings could help improve bladder cancer screening and treatment.

Millions of people in Asia potentially exposed to health risks of popular herbal medicines

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:04:04 EDT

Scientists are warning that millions of people in Asia may be exposed to risk of developing kidney failure and bladder cancer by taking herbal medicines that are widely available in Asia. The medicines, used for a wide range of conditions including slimming, asthma and arthritis, are derived from a botanical compound containing aristolochic acids.

New study points to the aggressive potential of small kidney tumors, advocates treatment

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 19:05:05 EDT

Small kidney tumors have an aggressive potential and should be treated, according to a the results of a large multicenter study.

Traceable nanoparticles may be the next weapon in cancer treatment

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:06:06 EST

Small particles loaded with medicine could be a future weapon for cancer treatment. A recently-published study shows how nanoparticles can be formed to efficiently carry cancer drugs to tumor cells. And because the particles can be seen in MRI images, they are traceable.

Cell scaffolding protein fascin-1 is hijacked by cancer

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:18:18 EST

A protein involved in the internal cell scaffold is associated with increased risk of metastasis and mortality in a range of common cancers finds a meta-analysis. The protein, fascin-1, is involved in bundling together the actin filaments which form the internal scaffolding of a cell and are involved in cell movement.

Bone marrow cells used in bladder regeneration

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:42:42 EST

A new approach to bladder regeneration uses bone marrow cells to recreate the organ's smooth muscle, vasculature and nerve tissue.

New study of the molecular roots of recurrent bladder infections could lead to a vaccine

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:39:39 EST

Urinary tract infections are the second most common bacterial infection in humans, and many of them are recurrent. A new study reveals the cellular and molecular basis of recurrent bladder infections and suggests possible treatment strategies, such as vaccines, to prevent this common problem.

Got to go? Scientists figure out how you know

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:28:28 EST

Help is on the way for overactive bladder or incontinence. According to new research the epithelium, a layer of cells lining the bladder's surface, senses bladder fullness through proteins called integrins. As the bladder becomes full, the epithelium stretches and becomes thinner, activating the integrins, which sends information to nerves and other cells. This research may help design drugs that target this mechanism to treat incontinence and overactive bladder.

Body's ibuprofen, sparc, reduces inflammation and thus bladder cancer development and metastasis

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:57:57 EST

Cancer researchers are increasingly aware that in addition to genetic mutations in a cancer itself, characteristics of the surrounding tissue can promote or suppress tumor growth. One of these important tissue characteristics is inflammation – most cancers prosper in and attach to inflamed tissue and so many cancers have developed ways to create it.

Smoking intensity and cancer markers predict seriousness of bladder cancer

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:25:25 EST

Smoking not only causes bladder cancer -— it also affects its course, in that people who smoke more have greater likelihood of developing more aggressive and deadly disease. A new study also found that a panel of bladder cancer markers can predict which particular cases are at the highest risk for a fatal outcome.

Microscopic blood in urine unreliable indicator of urinary tract cancer

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:12:12 EST

Microscopic amounts of blood in urine have been considered a risk factor for urinary tract malignant tumors. However, only a small proportion of patients referred for investigation are subsequently found to have cancer. A new study reports on the development and testing of a Hematuria Risk Index to predict cancer risk. This could potentially lead to significant reductions in the number of unnecessary evaluations.

Gene variation may shape bladder cancer treatment, study suggests

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:38:38 EST

Patients who have inherited a specific common genetic variant develop bladder cancer tumors that strongly express a protein known as prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA), which is also expressed in many pancreatic and prostate tumors, according to new research.

Cancer diagnosis later in life poses significant risk to offspring, study suggests

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 19:57:57 EST

Relatives of family members diagnosed with cancer are still at risk of the disease even if the diagnosis came at an older age, a new paper suggests.

Popular pain relievers may reduce risk of bladder cancer

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 13:29:29 EST

Researchers have found that duration of ibuprofen use was associated with a reduced risk of bladder cancer in patients in northern New England, which has a high mortality rate of this disease.

High levels of vitamin D in plasma protects against bladder cancer

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:14:14 EDT

High levels of vitamin D are associated with protection against bladder cancer, according to a study by molecular biologists and epidemiologists.

New drug delivery system for bladder cancer using nanoparticles

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:29:29 EDT

Scientists have shown in experimental mouse models that a new drug delivery system allows for administration of three times the maximum tolerated dose of a standard drug therapy for advanced bladder cancer, leading to more effective cancer control without increasing toxicity.

Depression, shortened telomeres increase mortality in bladder cancer patients

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:18:18 EDT

Low depressive symptoms and a longer telomere length are compelling factors that contribute to a prolonged life for bladder cancer patients, according to researchers.

Two components of red meat combined with alteration in DNA repair increase risk for bladder cancer

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:39:39 EDT

Two components of red meat -- dietary protein and dietary iron -- may combine to form powerful carcinogens, N-nitroso compounds, which increase risk for bladder cancer. Moreover, individuals with reduced ability to reverse the effects of N-nitroso compounds because of a genetic variation in their RAD52 gene could be at particularly high risk.

Depression and shortened telomeres increased bladder cancer mortality

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:39:39 EDT

The combination of shortened telomeres, a biological marker of aging associated with cancer development, and elevated depression significantly impacted bladder cancer mortality, according to new data.

Marathon runners may be at risk for incontinence

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:28:28 EDT

While many marathon runners may be preoccupied with shin splints, chafing and blisters come race day, one thing they may not consider is their bladder health.

Like prostate cancer, bladder cancer patients may benefit from anti-androgen therapy

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:25:25 EDT

Bladder cancer patients whose tumors express high levels of the protein CD24 have worse prognoses than patients with lower CD24. A new study shows that CD24 expression may depend on androgens – and that anti-androgen therapies like those currently used to treat prostate cancer may benefit bladder cancer patients.

Lack of oxygen in cancer cells leads to growth and metastasis

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:35:35 EDT

The proteins HIF-1a and CD24 have both been implicated in the aggressive characteristics of hypoxic cancers. A new study shows that HIF-1a drives CD24 overexpression, and that CD24 then drives aggressive tumor features.

Chemotherapy-resistant cancer stem cell could be 'Achilles' heel' of cancer

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:21:21 EDT

Scientists have discovered a subpopulation of cells that display cancer stem cell properties and resistance to chemotherapy, and participate in tumor progression. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new tests for early cancer diagnosis, prognostic tests, and innovative therapeutic strategies, they report.

Ovarian cancer cells hijack surrounding tissues to enhance tumor growth

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:14:14 EDT

Researchers have discovered that ovarian cancer cells activate the HOXA9 gene to compel stromal cells to create an environment that supports tumor growth.

Overactive bladder linked to sleep apnea in women

Sun, 02 Sep 2012 18:49:49 EDT

Sleep apnoea in women has been linked to overactive bladder syndrome in a new study.

Diabetes drugs prescribed to more than 15 million Americans raises risk of bladder cancer

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:54:54 EDT

A popular class of diabetes drugs increases patients’ risk of bladder cancer, according to a new study that found that patients taking thiazolidinedione (TZDs) drugs – which account for up to 20 percent of the drugs prescribed to diabetics in the United States -- are two to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who took a sulfonylurea drug, another common class of medications for diabetes.

Childhood obesity linked to cancer risk

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 13:46:46 EDT

Researchers have found that obesity in adolescence, defined as a Body Mass Index in the 85th percentile and above, has a direct link to the incidence of bladder, urinary tract, and colorectal cancers in adulthood.

Some diabetes drugs may increase risk of bladder cancer

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:17:17 EDT

An increased risk of bladder cancer is linked to the use of pioglitazone, a medication commonly used to treat Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

Multiple sclerosis patients have lower risk of cancer

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:33:33 EDT

Multiple sclerosis patients appear to have a lower cancer risk, according to a new study.

Possible new cancer treatment identified

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:07:07 EDT

New research findings show how it may be possible to render cancer tumors harmless without affecting the other cells and tissues in the body. The findings apply to cancers including breast, lung and bowel cancer. Many of the most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer have serious side effects because they not only affect the cells in the cancer tumor, but also the cells in the rest of the body.

Researchers create cellular automation model to study complex tumor-host role in cancer

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:29:29 EDT

To better understand the role complex tumor-host interactions play in tumor growth, researchers have developed a cellular automation model for tumor growth in heterogeneous microenvironments.

Major study stops bladder cancer from metastasizing to lungs

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:02:02 EDT

A new study shows that the protein versican aids bladder cancer metastasis to the lungs and that high levels of versican are associated with poor prognosis in bladder cancer. The study also shows that versican signaling is reduced by adding RhoDGI2 or by blocking CCL2, leading to decreased bladder cancer metastasis to the lungs.

Protein that functions in normal breast may also contribute to breast cancer metastasis

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:49:49 EST

The trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) protein protects and maintains the integrity of the epithelial surface in the normal breast. New research has found that while TFF3 protein expression is higher in well-differentiated low grade tumors and therefore associated with features of a good prognosis, it has a more sinister role in breast cancer invasion and metastasis.

Collaborative research sheds light on new cancer stem cell therapies

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:54:54 EST

New anti-cancer research has led to the development of a novel class of chemical inhibitors that specifically target cancer cells with pluripotency.

Concept of 'overactive bladder' serves commercial interests rather than patient interests, experts say

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:54:54 EST

Experts question the concept of the ‘overactive bladder syndrome’. According to researchers, the definition of this syndrome is mostly beneficial to those with commercial interests, while from the patient perspective and for the development of treatments, it may be detrimental.

Major variation in bladder cancer subtype trends highlights need for focused research

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:17:17 EST

A major study of 128,000 patients has found significant differences between the most common cancer tumors growing inside and on the surface of the bladder. Papillary transitional cell carcinoma rose by 56% between 1973 and 2007 and non-papillary transitional cell carcinoma fell by 53% over the same period, suggest that they may be two disease entities with different causes. This significant finding underlines the importance of future research differentiating between these two subtypes.

High fluid intake appears to reduce bladder cancer risk

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:26:26 EDT

Drinking plenty of fluids may provide men with some protection against bladder cancer, according to a study.

New imaging agent improves detection of bladder cancer, experts say

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:23:23 EDT

A select number of medical centers in the U.S. are offering a newly approved optical imaging agent for the detection of papillary cancer of the bladder in patients with known or suspected bladder cancer.

New role of vascular endothelial growth factor in regulating skin cancer stem cells

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:43:43 EDT

One of the key questions in cancer is the identification of the mechanisms that regulate cancer stem cells and tumor growth. Researchers have now identified a new role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in regulating skin cancer stem cells.

Dioxin-like chemical messenger makes brain tumors more aggressive

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:26:26 EDT

Researchers have discovered a new metabolic pathway which makes malignant brain tumors more aggressive and weakens patients' immune systems. Using drugs to inhibit this metabolic pathway is a new approach in cancer treatment.

New understanding of role of telomeres in tumor growth

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:32:32 EDT

The first report of the presence of alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) in cancers arising from the bladder, cervix, endometrium, esophagus, gallbladder, liver, and lung was recently published. The presence of ALT in carcinomas can be used as a diagnostic marker and has implications for the development of anti-cancer drug therapies.

Cigarette smoking implicated in half of bladder cancers in women; Bladder cancer risk from smoking is higher than previously estimated, study confirms

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:23:23 EDT

Current cigarette smokers have a higher risk of bladder cancer than previously reported, and the risk in women is now comparable to that in men, according to a new study. While previous studies showed that only 20 to 30 percent of bladder cancer cases in women were caused by smoking, these new data indicate that smoking is responsible for about half of female bladder cancer cases.

Risk of bladder cancer from smoking greater than previously reported, new analysis indicates

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:23:23 EDT

An analysis of data that includes nearly 500,000 individuals indicates that the risk of bladder cancer among smokers is higher than reported from previous population data, and that the risk for women smokers is comparable with that of men, according to a new study.

Most common bladder cancer tumor sequenced

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:13:13 EDT

Scientists have conducted the first ever genetic sequencing of most common bladder cancer. Recognizing the genetic mutations that make bladder cancer cells different than their healthy neighbors may allow early genetic screenings for cancer and new therapies targeting cells with these mutations. In addition, the mutations the team found are similar to those recently discovered in a host of other cancers, implying a possible common denominator in the cause of cancer in general.

Improved radical surgery techniques provide positive outcomes for bladder cancer patients

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:36:36 EDT

Bladder cancer patients who have radical surgery at university hospitals can benefit from excellent local control of the disease, acceptable clinical outcomes and low death rates. Researchers studied 2,287 patients who had radical cystectomy surgery, where the bladder is removed, together with nearby tissue and organs as required.

Frequent mutations of chromatin remodeling genes discovered in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 14:39:39 EDT

New research provides a valuable genetic basis for future studies on transitional cell carcinoma, suggesting that aberration of chromatin regulation might be one of the features of bladder cancer.

Cancer mortality rates are higher in men than women in U.S., study finds

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:33:33 EDT

Overall cancer mortality rates are higher for men than women in the United States, according to a new study.

Nearly all patients with high-grade bladder cancer do not receive guideline-recommended care, study finds

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:14:14 EDT

A new study has found that nearly all patients with high-grade, non-invasive bladder cancer are not receiving the guideline-recommended care that would best protect them from recurrence, a finding that researchers characterized as alarming.

Possible way to make bladder cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:12:12 EDT

Researchers have discovered a way of sensitizing muscle-invasive bladder cancer cells so that they succumb to the toxic effects of chemotherapy.

Actos for diabetes? Medical societies respond to the FDA's safety announcement on the use of Actos

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:39:39 EDT

Experts urge diabetes patients to remain on their prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by their health-care provider.

Higher doses of radiation in fewer treatments proved safe, effective for low-risk prostate cancer, study finds

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:18:18 EDT

In a multicenter clinical trial, researchers have found that higher doses of stereotactic radiation therapy requiring fewer treatments are safe and effective for patients with low-to-intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

New made-in-Canada therapy for bladder cancer shows promising results

Tue, 24 May 2011 16:21:21 EDT

Clinical trials for a new bladder cancer therapy show promising interim results. Lead researcher Alvaro Morales says that the breakthrough using the drug Urocidin follows thirty years of his research in this important area.

Newer oral contraceptive as safe for gall bladder as older birth-control pills, study suggests

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:23:23 EDT

Drospirenone, the top-selling oral contraceptive marketed as Yaz or Yasmin in the US and Canada, doesn't carry any more risk of gall bladder disease than the older generation of birth control pills, despite claims by some consumers and lawyers in both countries, according to a new study.

Tracing cancer back to its source using computer dissection

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:38:38 EDT

A new computer-based system can distinguish between apparently similar secondary tumors and allow a cancer specialist to trace the metastases back to the site of the original cancer in the patient's body.

Genetic variation linked to longer telomeres and lower risk of bladder cancer

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:38:38 EDT

A common genetic variation links to both bladder cancer risk and to the length of protective caps found on the ends of chromosomes, scientists have reported.

Social class makes no difference to water contamination risk from chemicals formed in chlorinated water, Spanish study suggests

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:44:44 EDT

Wealthy, well-educated people who choose to drink bottled water rather than water from public supplies may be no less exposed to potentially cancer-causing water contaminants, according to new research.

Blood test may find markers of bladder cancer risk

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:23:23 EST

Exposures to harmful substances in the environment alters the methylation of DNA, potentially elevating the risk of developing cancer. A new blood test can detect the abnormal pattern of methylation associated with bladder cancer, suggesting that it may be possible to assess a person's susceptibility to the disease.

Common congenital defect a prickly problem for the kidney

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:09:09 EST

One of the most common congenital defects in humans is a kidney abnormality known as hydronephrosis. Hydronephrosis arises because the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder is impeded. By studying kidney development in mice, researchers have now identified a new cellular mechanism underlying hydronephrosis, something that they hope might lead to better therapeutics for the condition and improved diagnosis of its severity.

Gene test shows which bladder cancer patients may have cancer spread

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:23:23 EST

Cancer scientists have designed the first molecular test to predict which bladder cancer patients may have cancer involvement in their lymph nodes at the time of surgery -- which could help doctors determine which patients are good candidates for pre-surgical, or neo-adjuvant, chemotherapy.