Research

Kudos to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for organizing some of the most innovative research endeavors in the field of breast cancer research. Last year they revamped their research program that addresses the reality of research in this area: it takes more than a one-time, one year grant to a researcher in order to move the needle.

A new study that appeared in the June 24th issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute describes a newly discovered portion of chromosome 8 that appears to have five regions that are associated with different types of cancers. The region, called 8q24, has no known genes (and is known as a gene desert).

A recent article in Forbes describes the race underway by pharmaceutical companies to develop the “next big thing” in cancer therapies. It is a race that we want them to win, of course. This article provided some interesting insight into the different approaches that many are taking as well as the downside that some see as a result of their actions.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation recently announced that is has awarded more than $100 million in grants this year to a number of researchers whose major research focus is to reduce deaths from breast cancer in the next 10 years.

That morning cuppa joe might actually do more for women that wake them up. So says a report from researchers at Lund University and Malmo University in Sweden. After studying more than 460 women, they found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day can either reduce the total risk of developing breast cancer or delay its onset. The research findings relate to a particular variant of a certain gene that a woman has.