November 2006
Jefferson Scientists Find Tumor Suppressor Gene Also Protects Against Pre-Cancerous Development
(Published 11-2-2006) Cell biologists at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have provided
further evidence that a gene thought to play a role in suppressing tumors actually can protect against the development of
pre-cancerous cell growth as well. The researchers say that the gene, caveolin-1 (Cav-1), which they found in two major types
of breast cells, could be a potential target for future drugs aimed at preventing breast cancer.
Jefferson Researchers Find Nanoparticle Shows Promise in Reducing Radiation Side Effects
(Published 11-7-2006) With the help of tiny, transparent zebrafish embryos, researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas
Jefferson University and Jefferson Medical College are hoping to prove that a microscopic nanoparticle can be part of a “new
class of radioprotective agents” that help protect normal tissue from radiation damage just as well as standard drugs.
American Journal of Medical Quality Examines Causes and Costs of
Hospital-Acquired Infections
(Published 11-21-2006) A groundbreaking supplement in the December issue of the American Journal of Medical Quality finds
that hospital processes are the cause of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), resulting in losses for the hospital, payers
and, most importantly, patients. Three peer-reviewed articles break new ground regarding the cost and quality implications
of hospital-acquired infections.
Jefferson Scientists Find Aging Gene Also Protects Against Prostate Cancer Development
(Published 11-22-2006) Scientists at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have shown that
a gene that is involved in regulating aging also blocks prostate cancer cell growth. The researchers hope the newly found
connection will aid in better understanding the development of prostate cancer and lead to new drugs against the disease.
Delaware Valley Schweitzer Fellows Program Launched at Jefferson
(Published 11-28-2006) Delaware Valley Schweitzer Fellows Program Launched at Jefferson
The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, a nationally renowned organization dedicated to developing leaders in addressing the health
needs of underserved communities, has launched a major expansion of its local programs across the United States. The inaugural
expansion program will be established in the Delaware Valley, open to all academic healthcare programs in Southeastern Pennsylvania,
Southern New Jersey and Delaware. The Department of Health Policy at Thomas Jefferson University will serve as administrative
host of the Delaware Valley Schweitzer Fellows Program.
Caregiver Support Key to Improved Health, Fewer Nursing Home Placements, Jefferson Researchers Find
(Published 11-30-2006) Helping caregivers take care of themselves is key to enabling them to better deal with family members
with dementia, a recent study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers shows. In fact, those caregivers who were provided
extra, individualized support had less depression and were able to keep family members in adult day services – and out of
nursing homes – much longer than those who did not get the extra attention.
