European Journal of Cancer: Highlights of Issue 37:08

Increased incidence of thyroid cancers in the UK following the Chernobyl accident?

In this issue, Cotterill and colleagues present data on the incidence of thyroid cancers in young adults (<25 years of age) from a population-based study in the North of England for the period of 1968-1997. Their data suggests that there may be an increased incidence in the areas that were most heavily contaminated, such as Cumbria. However, as discussed by Charles Stiller in an accompanying editorial, these results must be assessed with care, not least due to the small numbers in the subgroups as well as in the earlier time periods that were used as comparisons. However, Mr Stiller suggests that either by broadening the geographical area and/or studying the same population for a longer period of time some of these problems might be circumvented. He also feels the UK would be well placed to carry out such studies due to the present practice whereby registration data is automatically sent to the National Health Service Central Registers. However, he feels that future data protection legislation may well threaten such studies, but that is another debate!

The importance of diet

There is increasing evidence that diet is an important factor when assessing the risk of developing cancer. In this issue, Dr. Greenwald provides a comprehensive review of this field, from epidemiological studies to molecular biology data linking dietary intake and certain genetic polymorphisms with the risk of cancer. These studies provide evidence suggesting some dietary constituents have a carcinogenic effect, such as alcohol and red meat, whilst others, such as oleic acid, may have a protective effect. He discusses current knowledge as to the mechanisms of these effects and ongoing chemoprevention trials used to test the effects of potential dietary interventions. Although the evidence is often not clear-cut, by the use of data from various sources and building on current knowledge, Dr. Greenwald hopes that nutritional science can move on from being 'largely observational' to focusing on 'cause and effect'.

New biovector for cytokine treatment of tumours

Cytokines are often administered in the treatment of tumours as they can boost the immune system. However, as with any drug delivery system, there are commonly problems with the correct tissue distribution or rapid clearance of the agent. Viral vectors have been able to overcome some of these problems, but have safety and economic issues associated with them. In this issue, El mir and colleagues have used a new biovector, Supramolecular Biovector (SMBV TM)KY, to administer interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the treatment of adenocarcinomas in mice. These vectors consist of discretely sized, ionically charged, cross-linked polysaccharide cores surrounded by lipid membranes and allow both the slow release of IL-2 and a modified biodistribution. The authors found that IL-2 adsorbed to these biovectors was more effective in reducing pre-established tumours, as well as providing some protection against tumour rechallenge, than free IL-2 treatment.

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