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Piney Woods: A Hot-Spot for Cancer Research

Annual Report - 1997-1998

The goal of scientists and supporting staff at M. D. Anderson's Science Park-Research Division is to develop rational - and practical - methods to prevent cancer.

From their laboratories and offices near Smithville in the piney woods of central Texas, they conduct research to understand what causes cancer. During the past year, they have reported advances that demonstrate the fundamental process of carcinogens, which are cancer-causing agents.

Those milestones include:

  • The first direct evidence that a major chemical carcinogen, benzopyrene, in cigarette smoke seeks out and damages the p53 gene in lung cells. This research confirms at the molecular level how smoking can cause lung cancer and offers new avenues for therapy and prevention.
  • In the area of genetic susceptibility, four investigators have recognized genes that predispose mice to leukemia, fish to melanoma and mice to non-melanoma skin cancer. Some genes may be important in cancer prevention.
  • Studies conducted by Dr. John Di Giovanni, ad interim director of the Research Division, have identified naturally occurring compounds - called coumarins - that are found in citrus fruits and cilantro and that block cancer induction in experimental animals. Since these compounds are ingested regularly in the human diet, they hold considerable promise as chemoprevention agents.
  • Early studies have shown that cancer may be prevented in mice by restricting calories.

This research compares the cancer preventive potential of a one-day fast each week to reducing daily calories by 30 to 40 percent.

"At the Science Park-Research Division, we have a group of premier scientists who work together in a unique environment that encourages collaboration with relatively few distractions. Our collaborative projects have allowed us to accelerate understanding the basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis and cancer prevention," says Dr. DiGiovanni, who holds the Ruth and Walter Sterling Professorship.

The animal studies conducted at the Research Division are supported by staff at the Science Park's Department of Veterinary Sciences located near Bastrop. This program provides specialized veterinary services, animal models and biologics for biomedical research at many institutions.

1997-1998 Contents

Making Cancer History Through Targeting and Partnering

Patient Care

Research

Education

Prevention

Outreach


© 2012 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center