ProOnc Dx Cancer Diagnostics by Prometheus Laboratories Inc

ProOnc TumorSource Dx identifies the tissue-of-origin of a metastatic tumor.
The test identifies 25 different tumor types, including colon, liver, brain,
breast, kidney, lung, ovary, pancreas, prostate and testis, and measures the
expression level of 48 microRNA biomarkers. ProOnc TumorSource Dx uses a
proprietary classifier to assign a primary site to the cancer sample based on
the microRNA expression in the tumor and may become a critical tool in the
detection of cancer of unknown primary (CUP).



ProOnc Squamous Dx classifies non-small cell lung carcinoma tumors into two
histological groups: cancers of squamous histology and non-squamous cancers.
The test measures the expression level of a squamous microRNA biomarker to
differentiate patients that have squamous cell carcinoma of the lung from
patients that have non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.


ProOnc Mesothelioma Dx is a cutting-edge molecular diagnostic test that uses
microRNA to differentiate malignant pleural mesothelioma from peripheral
adenocarcinoma of the lung and metastatic carcinomas involving the lung and
pleura.


"MicroRNAs are small, non-coding sequences of RNA that are critically
important in many biological and pathological processes," said Harvey Pass,
M.D., Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Director of the Division of
Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology at New York University Langone Medical
Center and its NYU Cancer Institute. "The sensitivity and specificity of
microRNA-based diagnostics should enable clinicians to differentiate
particular cancer tissues with increased confidence, which may ultimately
guide medical oncologists to deliver the safest and most efficacious therapy
for their patients."


For more information about ProOnc Dx tests, please call (877) 378-4919 or
visit www.prometheusoncology.com.


Prometheus acquired exclusive U.S. rights to ProOnc TumorSource Dx, ProOnc
Squamous Dx and ProOnc Mesothelioma Dx from Rosetta Genomics (Nasdaq: ROSG) in
April 2009. The tests are offered as miRview mets, miRview squamous and
miRview meso outside of the U.S. In addition, Prometheus and Rosetta are
collaborating to develop two new microRNA-based gastroenterology tests.


About Prometheus


Prometheus Laboratories Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical and diagnostic
company committed to developing and commercializing novel pharmaceutical and
diagnostic products to help physicians individualize patient care. Prometheus
is a leader in applying the principles of personalized medicine to the
diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and is applying these
principles to oncology. Its strategy includes the marketing and delivery of
pharmaceutical products complemented by proprietary diagnostic testing
services. By integrating pharmaceutical products and diagnostic testing
services, Prometheus believes it can address the full continuum of care,
thereby providing physicians with a comprehensive solution to treat chronic
diseases. Prometheus' corporate offices are located in San Diego.


ProOnc TumorSource Dx, ProOnc Squamous Dx and ProOnc Mesothelioma Dx are
trademarks of Prometheus Laboratories Inc. miRview mets, miRview squamous and
miRview meso are trademarks of Rosetta Genomics Ltd.


SOURCE Prometheus Laboratories Inc.

Pete De Spain, Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications of
Prometheus Laboratories Inc., +1-858-587-4117, pdespain@prometheuslabs.com; or
John F. Kouten, Chief Executive Officer of JFK Communications, Inc.,
+1-609-514-5117,


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The toxic mineral asbestos

The toxic mineral asbestos was widely used in various industries throughout the 20th century, including the automotive industry. Exposure to asbestos is linked to the development of serious illnesses including mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs.
Mesothelioma patients may take decades to demonstrate symptoms of the cancer, allowing it to progress and spread inside the body. Those who were exposed to asbestos while working in the automotive industry prior to the 1980s may only now begin to express mesothelioma symptoms.

Asbestos exposure often occurred in the automotive industry because the mineral was commonly used in many different auto parts including brake pads and linings, gaskets and hoodliners. Exposure occurs when the asbestos-containing materials are damaged, releasing toxic fibers into the air.

Once the particles are airborne, those nearby may inhale or ingest the fibers into the body where they may become lodged in organs or cavities. Overtime, inflammation or infection occurs and mesothelioma disease develops.

The danger of exposure in the automotive industry was heightened since the function of brakes and clutches hinge on abrasion, causing the constant release of toxic asbestos fibers. Asbestos particles are then trapped inside the brake housing or clutch space, released only when a worker replaces or repairs the part.

If a mechanic was exposed to asbestos on the job and wore work clothing home, family members and friends may also have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos fibers were often transported into the homes of workers on their clothing, skin and hair.

Since 1940, an estimated 6 million mechanics have been exposed to asbestos in brakes, resulting in approximately 580 asbestos-related cancer deaths annually. Unfortunately this number is expected to rise as more workers exposed to asbestos begin to demonstrate symptoms of an asbestos-related illness.

Those who worked in the automotive industry are encouraged to schedule regular checkups with a doctor and inform a physician of previous exposure to asbestos. Though a cure does not exist, early diagnosis of mesothelioma may yield greater treatment options for mesothelioma patients.

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Mesothelioma lawyer Tips before hiring a attorney

Mesothelioma cancer is a serious affair,’ says the mesothelioma lawyer. “Especially for those who are infected due to asbestos exposure and for the family members of the victim.”

The mesothelioma law suit is the answer to their prayers as treatment of mesothelioma is costly and drains out the resources of the person who is bed ridden and undergoing therapies in hope that this treatment could cure the ailment. The hiring of mesothelioma lawyer for the claim of compensation from the people responsible for the present health status is the only option left for the victim and their families.

Replying to question of the correspondent, on the sidelines of lawyers association meeting, the mesothelioma attorneys explain what question the victim of mesothelioma cancer should ask their lawyers before finally trusting them with the task of filing for compensation claim.

The questions which the lawyers suggested to be asked are:

a) About the legal options that are available to the patient t against the injuries received by the patient
due to his exposure to asbestos
b) The importance of the exposure, whether at the job site or at home?
c) Will it be easy to prove the irresponsibility of the asbestos company, where he was formerly employed.
d) How will the case be filed? Whether, in the form of a class action lawsuit with other patients? or as an
individual?
e) How will the cost, expanses and the fee will be paid?
f) How long will the lawsuit take to complete?

A selection of a specialized mesothelioma lawyer is the key point. Before selecting a lawyer, a meeting with the selected lawyer is essential, so that the guidelines be worked out, complications of the case be solved and a proper plan be set up for lodging the lawsuit.
Authorization to post is granted subject to giving link back to Mesotheliomacancernews.com

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Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment Alert For Beer Prevent Cancer?

Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment Alert: Could Beer Prevent Cancer? t’s no secret that college kids love beer. But at Rice University, a group of students are taking their love for brew to another level.

The creators of “BioBeer” are working on a special formula that contains a chemical known as resveratrol, which has been shown to reduce cancer in laboratory animals. Also found in wine, resveratrol may also reduce heart disease.

Peter Nguyen, a Rice grad student, suggested that his team add resveratrol to beer as a joke. But after some discussion and research, team member Thomas Segall-Shapiro, a junior, thought “You know, we could actually do this.”

There is extensive research available on the effects of resveratrol, and a few research teams have previously attempted to genetically modify yeast (which is necessary for brewing beer) with resveratrol-related genes. So far, the Rice team has been focused on creating a genetically modified strain of yeast that will be used to ferment the beer while also producing resveratrol. The first few batches of beer brewed will likely contain some less-than-appetizing chemicals that are necessary for subsequent testing and experiements.

According to Segall-Shapiro, these chemical “markers” will be rid of before the beer is ready to drink. “In short, it will be a long time before anybody consumes any of this,” he stated.

The delay in brewing beer that’s ready to drink, said Segall-Shapiro, is due to the fact that “there’s only one genetically modified strain of yeast that’s ever been approved for use in beer, period.” This has prompted the Rice team to try and create a strain of their own.

Resveratrol is a naturally-occurring compound that, in some cases, may have anti-inflammatory effects, and may also prevent the development of cancer and heart disease. While studies of resveratrol have yet to be conducted on humans, many already take resveratrol in supplement form. In France, where resveratrol supplements are quite popular, some believe that resveratrol is a key part of the “French paradox,” or much-debated observation that the French in general experience lower rates of heart disease despite a diet known to be high in saturated fats.

For patients who may be predisposed to certain forms of cancers, resveratrol may be an important discovery. Individuals who have a history of breast cancer, for instance, or those who have been exposed to asbestos and are now considered to be at risk of developing mesothelioma cancer may one day benefit from resveratrol.

Mesothelioma is a fatal form of cancer caused exclusively by previous asbestos exposure. In the UK, thousands die from mesothelioma each year, as there is no known cure. Mesothelioma takes decades to develop and is particularly aggressive. While certain conventional cancer treatment methods, such as chemotherapy and the use of the drug Alimta® have been known to extend the life of some mesothelioma patients, oncologists like Dr. Robert Winter of Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, England continue to work towards finding a mesothelioma cure.

And while cures for various forms of cancer may be years away, the team at Rice University is doing their part to impact the future of cancer research and treatment. Rice faculty advisor Jonathan Silberg believes that the BioBeer team is gaining important skills for their future careers in the fields of genetics and biology.

Original story courtesy of the Rice University website.

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