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Last Updated: Nov 17th, 2006 - 22:35:04 |
Latest Research
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Haematology
High-dose Calcitriol (DN-101) with Docetaxel Reduced Thrombosis
A clinical trial of a biologically active metabolite of Vitamin D3 demonstrated an unanticipated reduction of thrombosis in cancer patients. Thrombosis is a serious complication in advanced cancers and affects between 15 and 20 per cent of all cancer patients.
Jun 3, 2006, 09:03
Latest Research
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Haematology
Blood-compatible nanoscale materials possible using heparin
Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have engineered nanoscale materials that are blood compatible using heparin, an anticoagulant. The heparin biomaterials have potential for use as medical devices and in medical treatments such as kidney dialysis.
May 7, 2006, 15:32
Latest Research
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Haematology
Potential of HOXB4 and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Expansion
Throughout life, the body's tissues are maintained and repaired by stem cells�self-renewing cells that differentiate into many mature cell types. Every day, for example, the human body makes billions of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets from hematopoietic (blood system) stem cells (HSCs) to replace cells lost by normal wear and tear.
May 4, 2006, 23:23
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Anaemia
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Deferasirox
Deferasirox may revolutionize the way chronic iron overload is treated
Those with severe chronic anemias need frequent blood transfusions to remain healthy, but such frequent transfusions can cause a potentially deadly buildup of iron in the body, leading to heart and liver failure. The traditional treatment to remove excess iron is so onerous that many patients choose to forgo it, putting their own lives at risk. The results of an international study on deferasirox, a new drug that may revolutionize the way chronic iron overload is treated, will be published in the May 1, 2006, issue of Blood, the official journal of the American Society of Hematology.
Apr 23, 2006, 18:23
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Thalassemias
Alpha-Thalassemia and Protection from Malaria
Over the course of human history, hundreds of thousands of genetic mutations have arisen in the global population. The most harmful ones usually disappear�by affecting an individual's �fitness,� i. e., the ability to reproduce, the mutations are lost before carriers can pass them on to their children�whereas most mutations are maintained in the population in low frequencies. Some mutations, however, can give the carrier such a large survival advantage that the mutations become positively selected for, leading to their presence in high frequencies in some populations.
Apr 21, 2006, 00:37
Latest Research
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Haematology
New research links αIIbβ3 to Glanzmann thrombasthenia
Studying receptors on the surface of blood platelets, sticky cells that cause blood to clot, has given one Rockefeller researcher new insight into potential causes and treatments for certain cardiovascular diseases. Barry Coller, David Rockefeller Professor and the university�s physician-in-chief, has been focusing on a rare disorder known as Glanzmann thrombasthenia, in which platelets lack one of two proteins. Together, the two proteins � αIIb and β3 � create a cellular receptor that�s involved in aggregating blood cells for coagulation; analyzing patients with the disorder previously led Coller to develop a novel therapy for heart-attack and stroke victims that targets this receptor.
Apr 20, 2006, 17:02
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Hemophilia
Hemophilia a silent killer
Even as the country focuses on headline-grabbing diseases, hemophilia, a little known blood disorder, is turning out to be a silent killer with over 50,000 people affected.
Apr 17, 2006, 14:08
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Thalassemias
MBD2 Protein mediates silencing of the fetal gamma-globin gene through DNA methylation
Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center researchers have identified the role of a protein in hemoglobin gene silencing that may one day be a potential target for the treatment of genetic blood disorders like sickle-cell anemia and beta-thalassemia on the molecular level.
Apr 11, 2006, 22:42
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Polycythemia
JAK2 Mutation in blood stem cells provides clues to polycythemia vera
A mutation in blood stem cells occurs in patients with a blood disorder called polycythemia vera (PV), scientists at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center at Stanford University School of Medicine have confirmed.
Apr 7, 2006, 04:02
Latest Research
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Haematology
Urinary infection could cause deep vein thrombosis
Those who suffer from severe urinary infection are more likely to develop deadly blood clots, says a new study.
Apr 1, 2006, 14:29
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Anaemia
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Darbepoetin Alfa
FDA approves extended dosing of Aranesp
Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), the world's largest biotechnology company, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved every-three-week dosing of Aranesp� (darbepoetin alfa) for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia (low red blood cell count) in patients with non-myeloid malignancies. Aranesp is the only erythropoiesis-stimulating agent approved by the FDA for every-three-week administration.
Mar 28, 2006, 19:59
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Anaemia
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Darbepoetin Alfa
Study Suggests Drug For Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia Can Be Effectively Administered Tri-Weekly
Parallel administration of chemotherapy and an anti-anemia drug called darbepoetin alfa every 3 weeks is safe and effective, according to a new study.
Feb 15, 2006, 20:01
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Hemophilia
Recombinant products are more safe for people with Bleeding Disorders
An international team of scientists, including a hematologist from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, has concluded that people with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia remain at risk from emerging infectious agents in plasma and blood transfusions. For this reason, recombinant therapies, that is, those produced in the laboratory, must always be an option.
Feb 14, 2006, 17:04
Latest Research
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Haematology
Challenging Existing Theories on Sepsis Syndrome
A Mayo Clinic research team has challenged the accepted theory on the cause of sepsis -- a condition in which the body's cells generate fever, shock and often death. Sepsis is thought to occur when poisons from bacterial infection interfere with the cells. The Mayo researchers challenge that long-held concept with a new theory in an opinion. Their findings suggest that sepsis begins with a change in certain cellular receptors that then provoke widespread inflammation, even in the absence of bacteria or their poisons.
Feb 8, 2006, 11:32
Latest Research
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Haematology
Synthetic heparin could replace animal-derived drug
Researchers have discovered an alternative way to produce heparin, a drug commonly used to stop or prevent blood from clotting. The findings could enable the current supply of the drug – now extracted from animal tissue – to be replaced or supplemented by the synthetic version. The new process also can be applied as a tool for drug discovery, according to the researchers.
Feb 7, 2006, 15:24
Latest Research
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Haematology
White Blood Cell Count, Inflammation Linked To Cancer Deaths
In a study of more than 3,000 older Australians, those with a higher white blood cell count, a sign of inflammation, were more likely to die of cancer, according to an article in the January 23 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Jan 25, 2006, 00:02
Latest Research
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Haematology
Xenopus eggs extract approach demonstrate Fanconi genes importance to DNA duplication and repair
A large, clawed frog is helping Oregon Health & Science University researchers gather a princely sum of knowledge on Fanconi anemia, a rare, genetic, cancer-susceptibility syndrome. Scientists in the OHSU School of Medicine's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are the first to report a new approach using eggs of the African clawed frog, which goes by the Latin name Xenopus laevis, to understand how the Fanconi anemia proteins ensure that DNA is replicated properly, according to a study published this month in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biology. The international team is led by the OHSU laboratory of Maureen Hoatlin, Ph.D. Using extracts from Xenopus eggs and chemically triggering DNA copying, the team showed that the Fanconi proteins function to prevent accumulation of breaks in DNA strands that arise even during normal replication. Fanconi anemia is thought to be the result of a defect in the Fanconi genes' ability to repair DNA damage.
Jan 24, 2006, 23:58
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Anaemia
Aranesp treatment achieved and maintained target hemoglobin levels and reduced incidence of red blood cell transfusions
Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), the world's largest biotechnology company, today announced interim results from the first multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 trial of Aranesp� (darbepoetin alfa) administered every three weeks in cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia. The study revealed that Aranesp increased and maintained patient hemoglobin levels to the target level of greater than or equal to 11 grams per deciliter (g/dL) and reduced the need for red blood cell transfusions by almost half compared to placebo. The data were presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 47th Annual Meeting and Exposition. (Abstract #3556)
Dec 14, 2005, 20:09
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Anaemia
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Darbepoetin Alfa
Interim Aranesp data suggest major response in anemic patients with MDS
Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), the world's largest biotechnology company, today announced updated interim data from a Phase 2 study evaluating the use of 500 mcg of Aranesp darbepoetin alfa) administered every three weeks to treat anemia in patients with a bone marrow disorder known as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Low-risk MDS patients receiving Aranesp every three weeks, who had no prior erythropoietic therapy, exhibited an overall response of 70 percent, increased hemoglobin levels and improvements in patient-reported fatigue.
Dec 13, 2005, 20:06
Latest Research
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Haematology
Secrets Behind Red Blood Cells Amazing Flexibility
A human red blood cell is a dimpled ballerina, ceaselessly spinning, tumbling, bending, and squeezing through openings narrower than its width to dispense life-giving oxygen to every corner of the body. In a paper published in the October issue of Annals of Biomedical Engineering, which was made available online on Oct. 21, a team of UCSD researchers describe a mathematical model that explains how a mesh-like protein skeleton gives a healthy human red blood cell both its rubbery ability to stretch without breaking, and a potential mechanism to facilitate diffusion of oxygen across its membrane.
Oct 25, 2005, 22:05
Latest Research
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Haematology
Anaemia Associated With Higher Risk of Geriatric Death
Elderly people with the lowest and highest hemoglobin concentrations (the component of red blood cells that carries oxygen) are at increased risk of death, according to a study in the October 24 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Increasing evidence indicates that anemia is common in the elderly population, but few studies have assessed the association of anemia with clinical outcomes, such as illness and death, according to background information in the article. Anemia is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a hemoglobin concentration of less than 12 g/dL (grams per one tenth liter) for women and less than 13 g/dL for men.
Oct 25, 2005, 05:22
Latest Research
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Haematology
C1173T Dimorphism in VKORC1 Gene Determines Coumarin Sensitivity & Bleeding Risk
One class of treatments commonly used for prevention and treatment of venous and arterial thrombosis is vitamin K antagonists (VKA), such as warfarin. The molecular target of these anticoagulants is the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex (VKORC) of which one component, VKORC1, was recently identified. The gene for this component is mutated in individuals with combined deficiency of vitamin K�dependent clotting factors type 2 or with warfarin resistance.
Oct 11, 2005, 14:10
Latest Research
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Haematology
Evaluating the ability of an investigational blood substitute PolyHeme�
The University of Kentucky is continuing to take part in a national clinical research trial, along with 22 other trauma centers across the country, to evaluate the ability of an investigational blood substitute to reduce mortality among severely injured trauma patients.
Sep 20, 2005, 22:07
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Hemophilia
Hybrid baculovirus treats hemophilia in mouse models
A virus that typically infects insects could help with the development of gene therapy treatment for Hemophilia A, a condition in which even a bump on the knee can cause serious internal bleeding in people.
Aug 23, 2005, 21:13
Latest Research
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Haematology
FANCM gene discovery sheds light on Fanconi's Anaemia
National Institute on Aging (NIA) researchers have discovered a new gene, FANCM, which sheds light on an important pathway involved in the repair of damaged DNA. Specifically, mutation in this gene is responsible for one of the forms of Fanconi anemia (FA), a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects children. Like many rare, inherited diseases, understanding this gene's role in the development of FA provides insights into other medical problems -- in this case, age-related conditions including ovarian and pancreatic cancers, as well as leukemia, the researchers said. Discovery of this gene and its protein provides a potential target for the development of drugs that can prevent or alleviate FA and a variety of cancers.
Aug 22, 2005, 21:31
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Hemophilia
Hope of an alternative treatment option for haemophilia sufferers
Haemophilia is a hereditary blood disease, primarily affecting males, where the blood fails to clot causing potentially life-threatening 'bleeds'. About one in 6000 Australian males is born with haemophilia in severe, moderate or mild form. People with haemophilia rely on intravenous infusion of recombinant Factor VIII clotting protein.
Aug 11, 2005, 03:01
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Hemophilia
Gene therapy to treat haemophilia
Cure achieved in dogs � are humans next?
Aug 10, 2005, 21:29
Latest Research
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Haematology
Study holds hope for next generation hemophilia treatment
Researchers have doubled the potency of a protein that drives blood to clot, according to research to be published in the July 26 edition of Biochemistry. The study results may have profound implications for the treatment of hemophilia, the inherited blood disorder that causes easy or excessive bleeding in 30,000 Americans.
Jul 22, 2005, 00:28
Latest Research
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Haematology
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Anaemia
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Darbepoetin Alfa
Interim data suggest major response with Aranesp(R) in anemic patients with MDS
Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN), the world's largest biotechnology company, today announced new interim data from a Phase 2 study evaluating the use of 500 mcg of Aranesp(R) (darbepoetin alfa) every three weeks to treat anemia in patients with a bone marrow disorder known as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The data were presented at the 17th International Symposium of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) in Geneva. (Abstract #02-007)
Jul 10, 2005, 20:17
Latest Research
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Haematology
HUSOFT study shows hydroxyurea is well tolerated in babies
HUSOFT extension study at St. Jude shows hydroxyurea is well tolerated in babies, works similarly as in older children, and may prevent sickle cell complications such as organ damage and stunted growth
Jun 17, 2005, 03:45
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