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Most Common Brain Cancer May Originate In Neural Stem Cells
Findings in mice suggest greater hope for targeting brain cancer, but also greater caution in pursuing stem cell treatments for degenerative diseases

Lawsuit Filed Over Gene Patent
A group of cancer patients, genetic researchers and professional pathologist organizations has filed a lawsuit against Myriad Genetics and the U.S. Patent Office over the patent of two genes associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, the New York Times reports. According to the Times, the government more than 10 years ago granted Myriad the patent on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as the company"s genetic test that measures a patient"s risk for the cancers.The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and is believed to be the first of its kind, the Times reports. The lawsuit challenges the decision to grant patents on genes to Myriad and companies like it. The plaintiffs say that patents on genes restrict medical and research efforts, while companies like Myriad have said that the patent system supports innovation by giving them a temporary monopoly after they make a discovery, thereby rewarding prior investment in research and development.Wendy Chung, the director of clinical genetics at Columbia University and a plaintiff in the case, said, "With a sole provider, there"s mediocrity." The plaintiffs say that BRCA testing would improve with market competition. Furthermore, some plaintiffs argue that certain natural materials cannot be patented. Jan Nowak, president of the Association for Molecular Pathology and a plaintiff in the case, said, "You can"t patent my DNA, any more than you can patent my right arm, or patent my blood."To date, two government panels, including the National Research Council, found no evidence that gene patents result in significant impediments to research or medical care (Schwartz, New York Times, 5/13).
News of the day
Going To Work When Sick May Lead To Future Absences
Employees who often go to work despite feeling sick have higher rates of future work absences due to illness, according to a study in the June Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, official publication of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM).
Oncology

Response To Carotid Endarterectomy Audit

Joe Korner, Director of Communications at The Stroke Association said: "This audit shows that there is still a long way to go to make sure people get urgent preventative treatment that could prevent a catastrophic stroke. As people become more aware of stroke symptoms through the FAST advertising, it is vital that the NHS treats all types of stroke, including those with short-lived symptoms known as transient ischaemic attack or TIA, as emergencies when people call 999. Thousands of lives are at stake. Your risk of stroke is highest in the first 48 hours after a TIA and prompt surgery on the carotid artery could save thousands of people from going on to have a severe stroke. Too few people are getting this surgery, and many people are having it too late to make any difference. The Stroke Association wants to see substantial progress in the coming months to remove all of the delays in treating TIA. What is needed has already been outlined in the National Stroke Strategy and NICE Guidelines. We urge all parts of the health service to make the changes needed to prevent thousands of people from having a stroke in the coming year." The Stroke Association


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