BIM expression in treatment-naive cancers predicts responsiveness to kinase inhibitors.

Cancers with specific genetic mutations are susceptible to selective kinase inhibitors. However, there is a wide spectrum of benefit among cancers harboring the same sensitizing genetic mutations. Herein, we measured apoptotic rates among cell lines sharing the same driver oncogene following treatment with the corresponding kinase inhibitor.

Genotypic and histological evolution of lung cancers acquiring resistance to EGFR inhibitors.

Lung cancers harboring mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) respond to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but drug resistance invariably emerges. To elucidate mechanisms of acquired drug resistance, we performed systematic genetic and histological analyses of tumor biopsies from 37 patients with drug-resistant non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) carrying EGFR mutations. All drug-resistant tumors retained their original activating EGFR mutations, and some acquired known mechanisms of resistance including the EGFR T790M mutation or MET gene amplification.

Isolation of circulating tumor cells using a microvortex-generating herringbone-chip.

Rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) present in the bloodstream of patients with cancer provide a potentially accessible source for detection, characterization, and monitoring of nonhematological cancers. We previously demonstrated the effectiveness of a microfluidic device, the CTC-Chip, in capturing these epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-expressing cells using antibody-coated microposts. Here, we describe a high-throughput microfluidic mixing device, the herringbone-chip, or "HB-Chip," which provides an enhanced platform for CTC isolation.

Pharmacotherapy to reduce visceral fat.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States. The accumulation of visceral adipose tissue, as opposed to subcutaneous fat, increases the risk of developing CVD and metabolic disease. Because visceral adipose tissue uniquely contributes to the pathophysiology of CVD and insulin resistance, waist circumference is now being considered as a more useful marker of potential health risks associated with overweight and obesity than body mass index.

Physician's guide to the new 2005 dietary guidelines: how best to counsel patients.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 encourage most Americans to eat fewer calories, be more active, and make wiser food choices. Health care providers can influence patients' food and activity choices by providing specific counseling and presenting straightforward information.

Expanding the limits of treatment--new strategic initiatives.

The perception that weight reduction is rarely successful is, in fact, a misperception. Between 1999-2000 and 2001-2002, there were no significant changes among adults in the prevalence of overweight, obesity, or extreme obesity, or among children aged 6 through 19 years in the prevalence of at risk for overweight. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute defines successful long-term weight loss as an intentional reduction of 10% from baseline maintained for 1 year.