Policy recommendations for addressing privacy challenges associated with cell-based research and interventions.

Background: The increased use of human biological material for cell-based research and clinical interventions poses risks to the privacy of patients and donors, including the possibility of re-identification of individuals from anonymized cell lines and associated genetic data. These risks will increase as technologies and databases used for re-identification become affordable and more sophisticated. Policies that require ongoing linkage of cell lines to donors' clinical information for research and regulatory purposes, and existing practices that limit research participants' ability to control what is done with their genetic data, amplify the privacy concerns.

Is there a human homologue to the murine proteolysis-inducing factor?

Purpose: A tumor-derived proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF) is suggested to be a potent catabolic factor in skeletal muscle of mice and humans. We aimed to establish the clinical significance of PIF in cancer patients and to elucidate its structural features.

Experimental Design: PIF was detected in human urine using a monoclonal antibody (mAb) and related to clinical outcomes.

Effect of fish oil on appetite and other symptoms in patients with advanced cancer and anorexia/cachexia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Purpose: To determine whether high doses of fish oil, administered over 2 weeks, improve symptoms in patients with advanced cancer and decreased weight and appetite.

Patients And Methods: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to fish oil capsules or placebo. Appetite, tiredness, nausea, well-being, caloric intake, nutritional status, and function were prospectively assessed at days 1 and 14.