In a sample of 18-year old males who smoked at least two packs of cigarettes daily and also drank alcohol regularly, a detailed sperm analysis showed significant chromosomal damage. The abnormalities included duplicates of chromosomes that children inherit from their father. Traits associated with abnormal transmission of these chromosomes include mental deficits and shorter life span. The study population was selected to eliminate variation that might come from different occupations, environmental exposure, and different ages of the subjects. This allowed researchers to focus on lifestyle as a health hazard.
Lung cancer is the most common cancer associated with tobacco smoking.
While treatment options are improving, the outlook for patients with this disease is still grim, and there is a dearth of effective chemotherapies to treat lung cancer that is inoperable or has spread to other parts of the body. Michael Kelner and colleagues at the University of California, San Diego, have developed novel chemotherapeutic agents, Illudins, a class of compounds isolated from the toxic Jack O'Lantern mushroom. Based on promising results from the phase I trial, NCI has agreed to sponsor up to 11 phase II trials at various NCI-designated Cancer Centers. Currently, Dr. Kelner is pursuing the development of even more potent and effective analogs that have the potential to increase oncologists' ability to combat this devastating disease as well as other cancers.