Metastatic lymph nodes can be the source of distant metastases in mouse models of cancer
If confirmed in human patients, findings could indicate the need to treat lymph node metastases
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators finds that, in mouse models, cancer cells from metastatic lymph nodes can escape into the circulation by invading nodal blood vessels, leading to the development of metastases in other parts of the body. Their report appearing in the March 23 issue of Science adds evidence to the debate regarding the role of lymph node metastases in the spread of cancer.
Mass. General study reveals how MRSA infection compromises lymphatic function
Infections of the skin or other soft tissues with the hard-to-treat MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria appear to permanently compromise the lymphatic system, which is crucial to immune system function. In their report published online in Science Translational Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators describe finding that MRSA infection impairs the ability of lymphatic vessels to pump lymphatic fluid to lymph nodes in mouse models, which may contribute to the frequent recurrences of MRSA infection experienced by patients.
Article in Science Translational Medicine ...
Lymph node metastases may not always be the source of cancer's spread to other organs
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators has found that the traditional model for the spread of carcinoma, the deadliest form of cancer – from the primary tumor, to nearby lymph nodes, to other organs – may not apply in all cases. In their report in the July 7 issue of Science, the researchers describe finding ...
Immunosuppression underlies resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy
A Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) research team has identified a novel mechanism behind resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors – drugs that fight cancer by suppressing the formation of new blood vessels. In their report published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the team based in the Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology in the MGH Department of Radiation Oncology describes finding in mouse models how anti-angiogenesis treatment induces ...
Annual Report
The long-term goal of our research is to reveal the role of host-tumor interactions in the biology and therapeutic response of tumors and to translate this insight into improved cancer detection, prevention and treatment ...
Rakesh K. Jain receives National Medal of Science at the White House!
