Humphrey Center News: Spring 1989 v. 4, no. 1

Newsletter of the Hubert H. Humphrey Cancer Research Center at Boston University School of Medicine

Humphrey Center News: Winter 1990 v. 5, no. 2

Newsletter of the Hubert H. Humphrey Cancer Research Center at Boston University School of Medicine

Humphrey Center News: Spring 1991 v. 6, no. 1

Newsletter of the Hubert H. Humphrey Cancer Research Center at Boston University School of Medicine

Humphrey Center News: Fall 1989 v. 4, no. 2

Newsletter of the Hubert H. Humphrey Cancer Research Center at Boston University School of Medicine

Humphrey Center News: Spring 1988 v. 3, no. 1

Newsletter of the Hubert H. Humphrey Cancer Research Center at Boston University School of Medicine

Humphrey Center News: Spring 1990 v. 5, no. 1

Newsletter of the Hubert H. Humphrey Cancer Research Center at Boston University School of Medicine

Comprehensive genomic characterization defines human glioblastoma genes and core pathways.

Human cancer cells typically harbour multiple chromosomal aberrations, nucleotide substitutions and epigenetic modifications that drive malignant transformation. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) pilot project aims to assess the value of large-scale multi-dimensional analysis of these molecular characteristics in human cancer and to provide the data rapidly to the research community. Here we report the interim integrative analysis of DNA copy number, gene expression and DNA methylation aberrations in 206 glioblastomas--the most common type of adult brain cancer--and nucleotide sequence aberrations in 91 of the 206 glioblastomas. This analysis provides new insights into the roles of ERBB2, NF1 and TP53, uncovers frequent mutations of the phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase regulatory subunit gene PIK3R1, and provides a network view of the pathways altered in the development of glioblastoma. Furthermore, integration of mutation, DNA methylation and clinical treatment data reveals a link between MGMT promoter methylation and a hypermutator phenotype consequent to mismatch repair deficiency in treated glioblastomas, an observation with potential clinical implications. Together, these findings establish the feasibility and power of TCGA, demonstrating that it can rapidly expand knowledge of the molecular basis of cancer

An overall strategy based on regression models to estimate relative survival and model the effects of prognostic factors in cancer survival studies.

Relative survival provides a measure of the proportion of patients dying from the disease under study without requiring the knowledge of the cause of death. We propose an overall strategy based on regression models to estimate the relative survival and model the effects of potential prognostic factors. The baseline hazard was modelled until 10 years follow-up using parametric continuous functions. Six models including cubic regression splines were considered and the Akaike Information Criterion was used to select the final model. This approach yielded smooth and reliable estimates of mortality hazard and allowed us to deal with sparse data taking into account all the available information. Splines were also used to model simultaneously non-linear effects of continuous covariates and time-dependent hazard ratios. This led to a graphical representation of the hazard ratio that can be useful for clinical interpretation. Estimates of these models were obtained by likelihood maximization. We showed that these estimates could be also obtained using standard algorithms for Poisson regression

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer framework 2015

Overview The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework (the Framework) provides high-level guidance and direction for the many individuals, communities, organisations and governments whose combined efforts are required to address disparities and improve cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This Framework is designed to complement and enhance national, jurisdictional, regional and local efforts to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer outcomes, including cancer plans and related policies, frameworks and action plans. It sets out priority areas for action, and allows the flexibility for jurisdictions, communities and organisations to address those priorities in ways that suit their local context and local needs. This Framework encompasses the full continuum of cancer control, including cancer prevention, screening and early detection, diagnosis and treatment, palliative care and survivorship; and the policy, systems, research and infrastructure that surround these service areas