February 2008 "For patients with kidney cancer or gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) treated with sunitinib (Sutent), the heart failure risk in real-world use may be higher than expected, researchers said here". ASCO GU meeting Telli ML, et al "Cardiotoxicity associated with the cancer therapeutic agent sunitinib malate" ASCO GU Meeting 2008. www.medpagetoday.com LIFE EXTENSION WEEKLY UPDATE EXCLUSIVE, April 2002 New hypothesis of kidney cancer development points to lipid peroxidation as culprit The April 2002 issue of the journal Cancer Causes and Control published a hypothesis that renal cell cancer is caused by the oxidation of fats and consequent formation of harmful byproducts that damage DNA, initiating cancer. The cause of this form of cancer has been unknown. Researchers at the University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center developed their hypothesis from the observation that obesity and hypertension were independent, major risk factors for the development of renal cancer. Both conditions are associated with lipid disturbances and increases in lipid peroxidation. This peroxidation results in the formation of conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides and degradation products such as aldehydes and isoprostanes which damage DNA in the kidneys. The failure of repair to the damaged DNA causes mutations in pro-cancer oncogenes, or in tumor suppressor genes, both of which can transform normal cells to cancer cells. The researchers cite evidence from various studies to support their hypothesis, noting that lipid peroxidation in primary renal cell carcinomas is higher than in surrounding tissue; that conditions associated with an increase in renal cell cancer, such as smoking, hysterectomy with ovary removal, and diabetes, all are associated with elevated lipid peroxides, and that in epidemiologic studies, consumption of foods high in antioxidants is associated with a lower risk of the disease. In one study cited, vitamin E, a well known antioxidant, prevented DNA adduct formation and renal cell cancer in rats. The authors conclude that dietary antioxidants such as vitamin E may help prevent renal cell cancer by inhibiting lipid peroxidation in the target cells. They write that if their hypothesis proves to be correct, the administration to individuals with kidney cell cancer or who are at high risk of agents capable of decreasing lipid peroxidation at the target site could substantially lessen the population burden of this disease. Thanks to lef.org Life Extension Foundation Ivanhoe.com National Kidney Cancer Foundation,7/02 Cryoblation for Kidney Tumors 2/04 National Cancer Institute Study J Nutr & Env Med, 3/03 Decreased need for dialysis Acetyl Cysteine /CardioEvents/Renal Failure Cisplatin & Glutathione:Assessments LINK Their 1999 conference offered a full day on complementary/alternative therapies. Intl J Cancer, 1/04 Am Urological Assoc, 5/04 Hum Exp Toxicol, 4/03 Inhibition of 2-stage Renal Carcinogenesis Nigella sative (herb) Main constituents of Nigella sativa J Urology, 8/05 Posted October, 2005 JAMA, 9/06 J Evid-based CAM, 9/05 By Bruce Chabner, MD Editor-in-Chief, The Oncologist, 5/05 Intl J of Cancer, 1/07 Int J Cancer 2007 Abstract S52, 2007 December 2007 Heart failure associated with sunitinib Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.