Mayo Clinic Cancer Center Research

Mayo researchers isolate compound that obstructs cell growth in multiple myeloma and other cancers fueled by certain proteins

Extract of coconut shrinks tumors by killing cancer cells

http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2008-sct/4794.html

Friday, May 09, 2008

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A natural compound extracted from the milk of coconuts has proven effective in curbing the uncontrolled growth of certain cancer tumors, according to researchers at Mayo Clinic.

A recently published study by Drs. A. Keith Stewart and Rodger E. Tiedemann of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center indicates that a substance called kinetin riboside, prevents new cell growth in tumors controlled by cyclin D proteins. (Cyclin D proteins are members of the cyclin family of proteins related to cell division.) Kinetin riboside is found in minute quantities in coconut milk and other natural plants and is related to the hormones that govern root growth in plants.

The results of the study were published in the May 1, 2008, issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The journal is published by the American Society for Clinical Investigation, founded in 1908 to recognize important advances in medical research. "Cyclin D is like the gas pedal for cell progression," Stewart said. "In cancer cells, too much cyclin is produced and overwhelms the cell, causing it to grow too quickly. Kinetin riboside appears to switch that process off."

Three closely related proteins called cyclin D1, D2 and D3 are found in all proliferating cell types and collectively control the progression of cells through their cell cycle. Since D-cyclin proteins are essential to cell division, they are implicated in certain types of cancer.

After screening more than 4,000 drugs and natural compounds for their ability to control cyclin, the study narrowed the possibilities to about 30. Eventually, Stewart and Tiedemann focused on only one—kinetin riboside—as a way to control the cyclin D proteins.

Kinetin riboside works by rapidly binding itself to the cyclin gene and switching off the normal progression of cell division. Laboratory tests on mice demonstrated some cancer cells died as a result of the process, causing tumors to shrink in size. Healthy body cells remained unaffected.

The Mayo study focused on cells found in multiple myeloma tumors, but Cyclin D1 and D2 is important in the progression of many other cancers, including breast, prostate, colon, parathyroid adenoma, certain lymphomas and melanoma.

"Kinetin riboside not only stops myeloma cells from growing, it kills large numbers of the tumor cells as well," Tiedemann says. "Its effectiveness in controlling cyclin holds the promise of a therapy for a number of different cancers."

The researchers are now focusing on developing modified versions of the compound that offer the same benefits but possess specific characteristics that make it more desirable for the development of clinical drugs.

More than 60,000 Americans have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. An estimated 15,000 new cases are reported each year and it accounts for a disproportionate 2 percent of all cancer deaths. The research was partially funded by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

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Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is one of only 39 U.S. medical centers that have been named as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center. To receive this designation, an institution must meet rigorous standards demonstrating scientific excellence and the ability to integrate diverse research approaches to address the problem of cancer. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is the only national, multi-site center with the NCI's Comprehensive Cancer Center designation. In Arizona, Mayo's clinical and research experts work together to address the complex needs of cancer patients, with a dedication to understanding the biology of cancer; discovering new ways to predict, prevent, diagnose and treat cancer; and transforming the quality of life for cancer patients today and in the future.
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May 2008 News

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/21/eveningnews/main4114975.shtml

Let there be no doubt where your cancer charity dollars can do the most good. Above is a link to a CBS news story about cancer drugs. The story ends with an interview with the founder of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and a brief expose of the organization. This organization deserves every spare charity dollar available and some deliberate ones too.

My mother died about 2 AM, April 16. She was 89 years old. She only drank cold water for two weeks and three days before her death. The primary official cause of death was heart failure. The secondary cause of death was pancreatic cancer. When the pain exceeds the ability of morophine to relieve it, an overdose ensues which stopps the heart. This is how many cancer patients die. Pancreatic cancer patients starve near to death. Hopefully this isn't too much reality TV for you. This is only the tip of the iceburg.

My monoclonal protein level was reduced down to about .65 mg/dl after one month of Revlimid only. I will go to Mayo Clinic the end of this month for my annual check up. I will find out if I can stay off decadron a while longer.