A recent study provides new evidence that some types of cancer may have similarities with wound healing, demonstrating that during both processes many of the same genes are regulated in a coordinated manner.

However, the study also revealed distinct gene expression patterns, or signatures, that appear to represent the point where the two processes diverge.

This study is the first to compare and analyze the gene expression patterns of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and gene expression during recovery from ischemia-induced damage to the kidney (renal wound healing). The study was led by Dr. Joseph Riss of the Laboratory of Biosystems and Cancer in NCI's Center for Cancer Research.  Read more  



Guest Update by Dr. Sanya Springfield

Disparities Summit Offers Real Answers to Real Problems

During major meetings and conferences, it's easy to find ourselves caught up in the moment. Amid supportive colleagues, dramatic presentations, and positive pronouncements, we embrace the spirit of the gathering and find a wellspring of enthusiasm and energy for tackling the challenges that lie ahead. But the real test is what happens when the meeting is over. Will we keep our commitment and resolve when we return home and are faced with the realities that can sap that enthusiasm and energy?

If what happened here last week at the Cancer Health Disparities Summit is any indication, I don't think we have to worry about losing our momentum on this issue. I'm convinced that we're on course to reduce and eventually eliminate cancer health disparities - and our determination is stronger than ever.

The summit, sponsored by NCI and the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) of the National Institutes of Health, was something special. I believe the meeting ignited a fire to intensify our efforts going forward. I also think it sharpened our focus about what we need to do and how to do it and - most importantly - helped solidify our efforts by bringing us together to discuss commonalities and shared experiences.  Read more  

The NCI Cancer Bulletin is produced by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI, which was established in 1937, leads the national effort to eliminate the suffering and death due to cancer. Through basic, clinical, and population-based biomedical research and training, NCI conducts and supports research that will lead to a future in which we can identify the environmental and genetic causes of cancer, prevent cancer before it starts, identify cancers that do develop at the earliest stage, eliminate cancers through innovative treatment interventions, and biologically control those cancers that we cannot eliminate so they become manageable, chronic diseases. For more information on cancer, call 1-800-4-CANCER or visit http://www.cancer.gov. NCI Cancer Bulletin staff can be reached at ncicancerbulletin@mail.nih.gov.