It takes more than one punch to fight tumors. Often, tumors have more than one way of surviving, and attacking the tumor alone is not enough. Now, in a new study, University of Missouri researchers have developed a new non-toxic treatment that effectively reduces breast cancer cells, by combining a small molecular drug that targets tumor cells with an antibody that causes selective shutdown of tumor blood vessels.

In 50 percent of breast cancer cases, a mutated protein, known as p53, is present. Previous research has indicated that when p53 is functionally abnormal, tumor cells are prolific and develop quickly. PRIMA-1, a small molecular drug, targets and returns normal function to the mutated p53, but PRIMA-1 alone is not enough to stop tumor growth. Proliferating blood vessels supply oxygen and other nutrients that the tumor needs to grow. However, a specific antibody, 2aG4, has the ability to destroy these blood vessels and prevent future growth. According to the MU research team, no one has previously tried to attack tumor cells by targeting mutated p53 and the tumor-associated blood vessels with this combination of PRIMA-1 and 2aG4.

“Tumors are entities that want to live,” said Salman Hyder, professor of biomedical sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center. “They adapt under conditions that would cause anything else to die. In order to effectively treat tumors, treatments must attack the breast tumor cells and the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the tumor. Treatment strategies in our study that targeted both areas resulted in improved and more potent responses.”

In the pre-clinical trials, mice bearing tumors of human origin were given the drug combination to combat tumor growth. After four weeks of treatment, the mice that were given the combination showed a dramatic decrease in the development of tumors and had better results than the mice that were given only one of the compounds. In addition, the treatment combination proved to be non-toxic as the mice maintained their body weight and displayed few side effects.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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“Mutated p53 in tumor cells plays a key role in promoting tumor cell survival and tumor cell resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. The mutated protein is found in 50 percent of breast cancer cases,” Hyder said. “The results of this study are very promising and show the possibility of broad anti-cancer potential.”

The study, “Targeting Mutant p53 Protein and Tumor Vasculture: an Effective Combination Therapy for Advanced Breast Tumors,” was presented at the 98th Annual American Association of Cancer Research Meeting. It was co-authored by Hyder ’s colleagues at MU: Yayun Liang, research assistant professor in the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center; Cynthia Besch-Williford, associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine; Indira Benakanakere, post doctoral fellow; and by Philip Thorpe from University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.

Source: Kelsey Jackson
University of Missouri-Columbia Toolmex Machinery, specializing in ruggedly built long-bed Manual Plus CNC lathes, will demonstrate its newest MN/CNC lathes at IMTS 2008 in Chicago, September 8-12. Throughout the show, Toolmex visitors will be able to inspect several top-quality long bed MN/CNC lathes under power and discuss a unique program now offered by Toolmex.

“Build Your Own Turning Solution” is the cornerstone behind the new Toolmex philosophy, which gives customers the benefit of tailoring each Toolmex lathe to their specific application requirements. Numerous features beyond the standard options are configurable, allowing customers to maximize productivity and results for optimum compatibility between machine and application.

At the show, Toolmex associates will be on hand to educate visitors on a choice of performance levels that will best serve their individual production needs from the leading (German / Japan quality) TUR-MN series lathes to their new Asian (Taiwan) standard performance line. Show attendees will also be able to take part in live demonstrations of the newest generation Manual Plus CNC controls offered by the world’s top builders-Fanuc and Siemens-and discover the best solution for their company.

At Booth A8535 in the Metalcutting Pavilion, show visitors can discover how Toolmex builds powerful solutions for companies requiring additional customizations. With available machine sizes from toolroom class (18″ swing) up to huge roll turning applications (over 98″ dia), long beds 60″ to 720″ bc, higher spindle speeds up to 2500 rpm, large 3.5″ to 17.6″ spindle bores and models designed to handle parts up to 50 tons bc, Toolmex can fashion the best combination of features to suit the particular requirements of almost any shop.

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TUR lathes (CNC, MN and Manuals) are stocked for fast delivery, always include the Toolmex comprehensive one-year warranty and are backed by experienced factory service engineers. With over 5,000 Toolmex lathe installations in the USA, local references and demonstrations will be supplied on request. Toolmex continues to be the leading specialist in heavy-duty lathes.

Come to IMTS Booth A-8535 and learn how to build your own solution with Toolmex heavy duty lathes!

For more information, visit www.ToolmexMachinery.com or call (800) 323-3480.

About Toolmex Machinery Exceptional quality and enduring value have made Toolmex Machinery (a Toolmex Corporation Group) successful since 1975. As renowned specialists in European-built medium and heavy-duty Manual Plus CNC long bed lathes, Toolmex has over 10,000 installations nationwide. Toolmex lathes are designed for heavy, yet high precision work and offer high HP and large spindle bores. We offer a full line of 22″ - 118″ swing lathes (most with our exceptional TRI-V bedway design), Fanuc or Siemens CNC packages, custom enhancements, factory direct support and a vast assortment of options. Toolmex Machinery and our authorized distributors strive to offer one of the best after-sale support programs in the industry including engineers/service technicians, one-year warranty and a computerized multi-million dollar spare parts & options center. For more information, please call (800) 323-3480 or visit our website at www.ToolmexMachinery.com

Press Contact: Siobhan Cogswell, Marketing Coordinator siobhan.cogswell@toolmex.com

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