Other highlights in the Jan. 17 JNCI

Over the 3 years of the study, all participants had several gastroscopies, or examinations of the stomach using a thin, lighted tube. During the gastroscopies, doctors took small tissue samples from specific areas of the stomach. The researchers found that antioxidant supplementation did not make a difference in the progression rate or regression rate of precancerous gastric lesions. "Supplementation with antioxidant micronutrients is not an effective tool for gastric cancer control in this high-risk population," the authors conclude.

"Disappointingly, this must be considered a negative trial," writes editorialist Philip R. Taylor, M.D., Sc.D., of the National Cancer Institute. "The way forward will require continued etiologic research to identify new modifiable factors, such as bioactive food components or other alterable environmental factors, as well as a search for beneficial associations with drugs. However, this overall effort should continue to emphasize randomized controlled trials as the most powerful and valid approach for testing specific prevention strategies and follow lessons and leads from the first generation of cancer prevention interventions."

Contact:

• Article: Martyn Plummer, International Agency for Research on Cancer, +33 (0)4 72 73 84 46,

• Editorial: National Cancer Institute Media Relations Branch, 301-496-6641,
  
  

Allergy Not Associated with Development of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Allergies and allergy-related conditions are not likely related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk, according to a new study. Some previous studies had suggested that allergies might protect against this cancer.

The body's allergic reaction to a substance includes an increase in specific types of immune cells. Some researchers have observed a possible association between allergies and reduced cancer risk and suggested that the allergy-induced immune response also might inhibit tumor growth. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system, is particularly sensitive to immune system changes, and earlier studies reported a decreased risk of this cancer among people with allergic rhinitis, hay fever, or food allergies. However, several other studies found no such association.