They say this is a key step toward the creation of cancer vaccines. Unlike traditional vaccines, aimed at preventing a disease, most cancer vaccines would be given to people who already have cancer to spur the body's own natural defenses to wipe out rogue cells. The research led by Maurice Zauderer of Rochester University in New York focuses on antigens on the surface of cancer cells that som immune cells recognize as foreign. After identifying the antigens, scientists use genetic technology to make thousands of copies, provoking the immune system to mounting an aggressive assault on tumors. Early tests in mice have been promising, Zauderer said, noting human trials might begin within three years.
Doctors say they have a practical, low-cost alternative to synchrotrons for biomedical research.
The alternative is a new X-ray soure technology. The system can be used for conducting experiments that previously required large, expensive, immobile synchrotron machines, say researchers from JMAR Technologies, Inc. of San Diego, who developed the technology. Edmond Turcu, chief scientist for JMAR, said the availability of JMAR's PXS modules will aid advanced research into DNA, aging and the causes of cancer that previously could be conducted in a very limited number of facilities around the world. The PXS allows scientists to observe the repair process of the DNA that was damaged by the X-rays. During the repair process, the genes that are recognized and repaired, as well as the genes that earlier escaped detection and deteriorated, can be identified.