Kaposi’s Sarcoma:

Caused by Herpes 8: Caused by Herpes 8 virus which is spread by kissing. Of 36 gays infected without sarcoma, virus in 30% of saliva vs. 1% anal and genital. When present levels much higher in saliva than semen. Kaposi’s occurs almost exclusively in AIDS. NEJM 11/9/00

Kidney

propose in the April issue of Cancer Causes & Control that the root of the enigmatic cancer lies in a process called lipid peroxidation: the oxidation of fatty acids. obesity and hypertension, known risk factors for kidney cancer include cigarette smoking, diabetes, male gender and, among women, oophorectomy (undergoing removal of the ovaries) and parity (giving birth to numerous children). 30,000 cases, 12,000 deaths annually. 50% increase since 1970.

Laryngeal

Micronutrients Good: Italian-Swiss 527 patients cancer of larynx, 1297 subjects admitted for acute, non-neoplastic diseases as controls. Significant inverse relations emerged between laryngeal cancer risk and intake of vitamin C (OR = 0.2), beta-carotene (OR = 0.2), alpha-carotene (OR = 0.3), lutein/zeaxanthin (OR = 0.4), vitamin E (OR = 0.4), beta-criptoxanthin (OR = 0.4), folic acid (OR = 0.4, thiamin (OR = 0.4), glutathione (OR = 0.5), reduced glutathione (OR = 0.6), vitamin B6 (OR = 0.6) and potassium (OR = 0.6). Direct associations were found with zinc (OR = 1.5) and vitamin D (OR = 1.8). Cancer Causes Control. 2003 Jun;14(5):477-84

Leukemia

Folate Prenatally Averts Child Leukemia: 83 kids with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were compared to 166 controls. ALL is the most common child cancer and associated parental exposure to toxins and infectious agents, genetic variations, etc. dozens of factors examined. Strong relationship with not taking folate supplements in pregnancy. Lancet 12/8/01

Blood Cell Transplants Better: Blood cell transplants gave better survival for leukemia and other blood cancers than bone marrow transplants. 172 patients in Seattle blood cell transplants restored WBCs in 16 days vs. 21 for bone marrow. NEJM 1/18/01.

Gleevec for CML: Standard treatment for adult CML is interferon. For failures, bone marrow transplants may help, but risky. Stem cell transplants may also help. Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec by Novartis) for people with chronic myelogenous leukemia has 92% 2 year survival for interferon failures, a dramatic improvement. NEJM 2/28/02. 4500 cases per year with 20% annual death rate among interferon failures.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Helped by Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor: CEP-701 appears to cancel out the effect of mutations of the FLT3 gene, a primary culprit in an aggressive, treatment-resistant form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 40% of AML patients have FLT3 mutations, and most of them will not be cured using current therapies. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, so-called because of their ability to block specific cell signaling proteins. Mutant FLT3 uses its tyrosine kinase portion to signal leukemia cells to grow and also to prevent them from dying. Hopkins, Blood 6/1/02

Child Risk Increases with Parental Age & Being First Born: 88 per cent higher for children whose mothers gave birth at over 40 years of age, compared to mothers aged 25 to 29. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) accounts for about a quarter of childhood cancers, with about 400 cases per year in the UK. Father’s age also a factor but less so. A second child was found to have an eight per cent lower adjusted risk of ALL compared with an only child. By the sixth child, the risk was halved. Study of 3000 cases. Richard Sullivan, International Journal of Epidemiology (vol 30, p 1428)

Liver

Hepatocellular Cancer: Most hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is caused by hepatitis B and C. There are 350,000 cases world-wide annually, especially China and Asia with 7,000 in US. 80% have cirrhosis due to chronic viral hepatitis. Haemochromatosis increases death although iron depletion before cirrhosis was helpful. Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is strong risk factor with risk ratio for HCC greater than 100 for those HBsAg positive at start of study. Newly infected adults less likely to become chronic carriers than young children. Adults who experience acute HBV infection and recovery have little if any increase risk of HCC. Up to half the HCC in US may be due to HCV. Chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon decreases the risk of HCC if the patient responds to treatment. Lancet ’99;353:1253-7

Hepatocellular Cancer Up in US: Due to higher rates of Hepatitis B and C from 1960-85, and a 10-30 year latency period, hepatocellular cancer rates have increased from 1.4/100000 to 2.4. (NEJM ’99;340:745-50) Rates is higher in males and blacks each by a factor of 3. Nearly 4 million are infected with HCV and hepatocellular cancer will develop in 6-7%.

Cancer of the Liver: Vitamin K Prevented Liver Cancer is Viral Hepatitis: In a DB PC study of 40 women with viral liver cirrhosis, only 2 of 19 women on 45 mg/d of vitamin K2 vs. 9 of the 19 women on placebos. On multivariate analysis with adjustment for age, alanine aminotransferase activity, serum albumin, total bilirubin, platelet count, alpha-fetoprotein, and history of treatment with interferon alfa, the risk ratio for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients given vitamin K2 was 0.13 (95% CI, 0.02-0.99; P =.05). Role of vitamin K2 in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in women with viral cirrhosis of the liver. Habu D, Shiomi S, Tamori A, Takeda T, Tanaka T, Kubo S, Nishiguchi S. Osaka City University. JAMA. 2004 Jul 21;292(3):358-61

Lung

Prospective Study Find Fruits, Vegetable Help: Male smokers southwestern Finland. Of the 27,084 male smokers aged 50-69 years who completed the 276-food item dietary questionnaire at baseline, 1,644 developed lung cancer during up to 14 years of follow-up. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was associated with a lower lung cancer risk (relative risk = 0.73). Lower risks of lung cancer were observed for the highest versus the lowest quintiles of lycopene (28%), lutein/zeaxanthin (17%), beta-cryptoxanthin (15%), total carotenoids (16%), serum beta-carotene (19%), and serum retinol (27%). These findings suggest that high fruit and vegetable consumption, particularly a diet rich in carotenoids, tomatoes, and tomato-based products, may reduce. Dietary carotenoids, serum beta-carotene, and retinol and risk of lung cancer in the alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene cohort study. Holick CN, Michaud DS, Stolzenberg-Solomon R, Mayne ST, Pietinen P, Taylor PR, Virtamo J, Albanes D. Am J Epidemiol 2002 Sep 15;156(6):536-47

Tomato, Lettuce, Cheese, Carrots, Margarine Help: Protective effects against lung cancer were observed for high consumption of tomatoes, (odds ratio (OR) = 0.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-0.6), lettuce (OR = 0.6; 95% CI 0.3-1.2), carrots (OR = 0.8; 95% CI 0.5-1.1), margarine (OR = 0.7; 95% CI 0.5-0.8) and cheese (OR = 0.7), Case-control 500 non-smoking cases 1000 controls Cancer Causes Control 2000 Jan;11(1):49-58; Similar results in 242 Polish women with lung CA vs controls with carrots most protective, followed by all vegetables, then margarine. Acta Oncol 2002;41(4):389-94. 27,000 American smokers with 1600 developing lung CA in 14 year f/u similar for carotenoid fruits and vegetables especially for tomatoes. Yale, Am J Epidemiol 2002 Sep 15;156(6):536-47

Apples, Onions, White Grapefruit Help: Case control study of 582 lung CA and 582 cancer-free by U Hawaii. J Natl Cancer Inst 2000;92:154-60

Miso, Pickles Bad, Soy Good: A Japanese study of 333 cases vs. 666 controls found increased risk with miso and pickles more than once a month. Soy 1-2/week was protective RR 0.63, as was daily tofu 0.55 in males and 0.14 in females. Lung Cancer 1999 Sep;25(3):147-59

26 Genes Found Abnormal Activity: 14 genes that are over-expressed - meaning they are too active - in lung cells stricken by cancer. They also identified 12 genes that are under-expressed. Neoplasia 6/02. Ohio State researchers hope to find early abnormalities for early detection.

Incense Causes High Levels Carcinogens: Ta Chang Lin, National Cheng Kung Univ. Inside the Taiwanese temple, they found very high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a large group of highly carcinogenic chemicals that are released when certain substances are burnt. Total levels of PAHs inside the temple were 19 times higher than outside and slightly higher than at the intersection. A PAH called benzopyrene, which is thought to cause lung cancer in smokers, was found in very high quantities inside the temple. Levels were up to 45 times higher than in homes where residents smoked tobacco, and up to 118 times higher than in areas with no indoor source of combustion, such as cooking fires. BBC 8/2/01. Irish minister concerned about incense in Catholic churches. BBC 8/23/03 

Radon Gas Especially Harmful to Smokers: An analysis of 13 case-control studies of residential radon and lung cancer from nine European countries covering 7148 cases of lung cancer and 14 208 controls found that the risk of lung cancer increased by 8.4% per 100 Bq/m³ increase in measured radon (P = 0.0007). In the absence of other causes of death, the absolute risks of lung cancer by age 75 years at usual radon concentrations of 0, 100, and 400 Bq/m³ would be about 0.4%, 0.5%, and 0.7% for lifelong non-smokers, and about 25 times greater (10%, 12%, and 16%) for cigarette smokers. This means that radon in responsible for about 2% of all deaths from cancer in Europe, although getting rid of smoking would also eliminate most of the radon deaths. Radon in homes and risk of lung cancer: collaborative analysis of individual data from 13 European case-control studies. S Darby et al. BMJ  1/29/2005;330:223. Radon in ordinary homes is causing about 9% of lung cancer deaths each year in Europe, which is 2% of all cancer deaths. Radon is formed from the natural disintegration of uranium, which is present in ordinary surface rocks and in soil. Radon that diffuses into the atmosphere usually disperses rapidly but it can accumulate indoors, especially in small buildings such as houses. 

Melanoma

Having More Children Protects Against Melanoma: A higher risk of reproductive system disorders, (which include benign tumors, endometriosis, dilation and curettage, hysterectomy, and other disorders requiring gynecologic biopsies) exist among women with cutaneous melanoma as compared to women with skin cancers: The odds ratio (OR) is 3.2, p = 0.049; as compared to a random sample of women with no melanoma or skin cancers, the OR is 3.9, p = 0.021. Confirming the observations of others, the authors found that melanoma was associated with red hair. The data also confirmed the finding that melanoma is associated with significantly fewer pregnancies. The mean numbers of pregnancies in the melanoma group is 1.83  compared to 2.99 in the skin cancer group and 2.93 in the random sample (p less than or equal to 0.05). Reproductive factors and melanoma of the skin among women. Wyshak G, Frisch RE, Albright NL, Albright TE, Schiff I. Harvard. Int J Dermatol. 1989 Oct;28(8):527-30

Vegetable Nutrients Help Protect Against Melanoma: In a study of newly diagnosed patients with melanoma (n = 502) and controls (n = 565), persons in high versus low quintiles of energy-adjusted vitamin D, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, and lycopene had significantly reduced risk for melanoma (ORs < or = 0.67), which remained after adjustment for presence of dysplastic nevi, education, and skin response to repeated sun exposure. Addition of micronutrients from supplements did not add an additional reduction in risk. High alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk for melanoma.

Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Some Weedkillers and Pesticides Increase Lymphoma: NHL increasing in many countries. Certain fungicides and herbicides are associated with increased risk. Highest was 4-chloro-2-methyl phenoxyactic acid (MCPA) RR 2.7, a weed killer. Cancer ’99;85:1353-60

SV40 Virus Linked to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: 42% of 154 lymphomas in both HIV-1 and HIV uninfected individuals had simian virus 40 and none of colon or breast cancer controls or non-malignant lymphoid samples. Few positive for both EBV and SV40, although 39% HIV and 15% non-HIV Non-Hodgkins were EBV positive. No herpes type 8. SV40 probably causal. HHV-8 associated with multicentric Castleman’s disease and primary effusion lymphoma, often in cases with profound immunosuppression. Non-hodgkins 4^th cause US cancer deaths with 55000 cases per year. Common in HIV patients. SV40 also found in some brain and bone CA and mesotheliomas. Millions of people received SV40 in polio shots between 1955 and 1963. 11% non-HIV people SV40 positive, some born after 1963. Lancet 3/9/02

NSAID, Aspirin Linked: 7 year follow-up study of 27,000 women with 131 cases non-hodgkin lymphoma found a 97% increased risk with those consuming the most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, RR 1.97 Int J Cancer 2003;106:784-788.

Psoriasis Linked: Severe psoriasis increased the risk of lymphoma and skin cancer. Univ. Pennsylvania researchers found twice the risk in patients with psoriasis as with controls with slightly elevated risks for milder psoriasis. UV light treatment can raise the risk of melanoma. 6/14/01 Arch Derm

NHL Only Major Cancer Increasing: Of the top ten U.S. cancers, only NHL death continues to increase and at a rate of 1.8% per year after increasing during the 1980’s at 2.7% per year. Melanoma rates have been increasing even faster, but result in 70% fewer deaths and just failed to be in the top 10. J Natl Ca Inst 91:675-701 4/21/99.

Animal Products Increase, Vegetables Decrease Lymphoma Risk: Foods high in animal protein, saturated fat, eggs and dairy lead to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), while diets high in dietary fiber -- tomatoes, broccoli, mixed lettuce salad with vegetables, cauliflower, etc.-- were associated with a reduced risk of NHL. 601 Connecticut women, ages 21-84, diagnosed with NHL, using a Food Frequency Questionnaire of the frequency and portion size for 120 foods and beverages were compared to 717 matched controls. Two other studies of American women have similar findings. Tongzhang Zheng. Yale. Amer J Epid. 3/9/04

Cancer: Milk, Liver Increased Cancers in Study: An Italian matched control study with 158 Hodgkins, 429 non-Hodgkins lymphomas, 141 multiple myelomas and 101 sarcomas with over 1000 controls found RR highest tertile milk consumption 1.8 for NHL and 1.9 for sarcoma. Liver RR 1.8 HD, 1.6 NHL, 2.0 myeloma; Ham RR 1.7 HD; Butter RR 2.8 myelomas. Greens 0.4 for myeloma and whole grains 0.4 for NHL and 0.2 sarcomas. Coffee and alcohol not associated. Tavani, Milan, Nutr Cancer ’97;27:256

Oral Cancer

Lycopene Supplement Helped Mouth Pre-Cancerous Leukoplakia: In a 3-month DB PC study of 58 patients with pre-cancerous leukoplakia, lycopene 4 mg b.i.d. and 2 mg b.i.d. did better than placebo (P<0.01). The response, assessed histologically, after the 8-mg lycopene treatment was significantly better than that from 4 mg lycopene (P<0.05) and than the response seen in the control group (P<0.001). Oral lycopene - an efficacious treatment for oral leukoplakia? Zakrzewska JM. Queen Mary's School of Dentistry, London UK. Evidence-Based Dentistry (2005) 6, 17-18.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian CA Increased by Meat, Butter, Whole Milk, Eggs, Lactose, Cholesterol; Decreased by Greens: Ovarian cancer is a major killer of women in the U.S. with 14,500 dying annually. There is a five fold international variation, low in Japan and high in US with increases when Japanese move to America. In a huge 13 year Japanese follow-up study of 142,857 women, researchers found meat intake was associated with increased ovarian cancer. In a 20 year 7^th Day Adventist follow-up study in the U.S., researchers found eggs (3/week or more) and fried foods were associated with increased ovarian cancer. The Iowa Women’s Health Study of 29,083 with a 10 year follow-up found that the highest quartile lactose consumption had a relative risk (RR) of 1.60, cholesterol RR 1.55, and eggs 2/week RR 1.90. Greens were best being linked to a major decrease in ovarian cancer, RR 0.44. Other research in 27 countries has found increases with increased milk/lactose intake but two case control studies found whole milk consumption had a high RR while skimmed milk was protective. Several studies have found high meat and butter increase ovarian cancer considerably.

Folate May Decrease Ovarian Cancer in Drinking Women: In a follow-up study of 60,000 Swedish women, women who drank two alcoholic drinks per week or more and were in the highest quarter in folate consumption (over 203 microg/day) had a 74% decreased risk of ovarian cancer compared to drinking women who had the lowest intake of folate.  There was no impact on non-drinkers.  Other research has already shown that dietary folate levels are inversely related to the risk of breast and colorectal cancer. Alicja Wolk, Karolinska Institute. J Natl Cancer Inst 2004;96:396-402.

Cholesterol Increases Ovarian Cancer; Vegetables, Vitamin E, Beta-carotene, B-Complex Decrease: In a case-control study 442 cases of ovarian cancer and 2,135 matched controls, compared with women in the lowest quartile of cholesterol intake, those in the second, third, and fourth quartiles had a multivariate adjusted odds ratio of OR 1.12, 1.20, and 1.42, (P = 0.031). Higher egg consumption was associated with a nonsignificant increase in ovarian cancer risk. The ORs for ovarian cancer were 0.77 and 0.76 in the highest quartile of total vegetable and cruciferous vegetable intake as compared with the lowest quartile. Women who took supplements of vitamin E, beta-carotene, and B-complex vitamins for > or =10 years had ORs of 0.49, 0.31, and 0.61, respectively. There was no association of ovarian cancer risk with dietary fat intake, including saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, fruit, dairy products, meat products, fish, chicken, grain products, nut products, baked desserts, margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and supplement of multiple vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium. A case-control study of diet and the risk of ovarian cancer. Pan SY, Ugnat AM, Mao Y, Wen SW, Johnson KC; Canadian Cancer Registries Epidemiology Research Group. Ontario, Canada. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004 Sep;13(9):1521-7.