Author: Editor

– Target Enrollment of 450 Achieved Early Due to High Demand – – Topline Results Expected in 2023 – Dendreon Pharmaceuticals, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company and pioneer in the development of immunotherapy, announced early completion of patient enrollment of its Phase 3 ProVent clinical trial. More than 450 subjects were randomized in the large-scale clinical trial, which is evaluating the effectiveness of sipuleucel-T (PROVENGE®) in reducing disease progression in men with early-stage prostate cancer on active surveillance (AS). “The rapid pace of enrollment in the ProVent trial is a significant milestone for Dendreon, and underscores a strong interest by patients…

Douglas G. McNeel, MD of @UWCarbone discusses the phase II trial of a DNA vaccine encoding in patients with nonmetastatic, castration-sensitive prostate cancer. ______ Read here: https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.19.01701?journalCode=jco&

National Comprehensive Cancer Network expands resources to meet growing utilization of cell-based cancer treatments. Today, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) published new NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT), also known as stem cell transplant or historically as bone marrow transplant. This new resource provides step-by-step information on best practices in evaluating patients for hematopoietic cell transplantation and managing complications afterwards. This type of specialized treatment is increasingly common, occurring approximately 22,000 times a year in the United States in people with various malignancies, most commonly for blood-related cancers.[1] “Establishing NCCN Guidelines for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation…

Katherine Clifton @katherineclift4 of @WUSTL answers a common question regarding using an anti-EGFR resistance mechanism: are these gene fusions targetable? __________ Read here: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/PO.19.00141

Katherine Clifton, MD @katherineclift4 of @WUSTL discusses actionable fusions as an anti-EGFR resistance mechanism. __________ Read here: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/PO.19.00141

A comparison of the Pinktober and Movember movements reveals that reach and engagement do not always lead people to research screening options A new study published in Lancet Oncology shows that health awareness campaigns ‘ internet success may not always translate into increased interest in related health behaviors. USC’s Keck School of Medicine researchers compared Pinktober and Movember, two month-long cancer awareness programs focused on six years of web traffic data of similar online popularity. Google Trends search data patterns were analyzed for specific keywords associated with each campaign and the health behaviors that should result from increased awareness. For…

Studies show that proton therapy compared to traditional radiation increases overall survival in patients with inoperable liver cancer and recognizes predictors that reduce complications in the liver. Two new studies support and inform the use of proton radiation therapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, a common but often fatal type of liver cancer with limited treatment options. One research (Sanford et al.) shows that proton radiation is capable of increasing overall survival with decreased toxicity compared to traditional photon radiation. A second study (Hsieh et al.) identifies predictors that may result from radiation treatments to reduce liver damage. These…

Nicklas Oscarsson of @goteborgsuni on how oxygen in hyperbaric chamber provides relief after radiotherapy affects clinicians and treatment today. ________ Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the pelvic region, a study shows, can relieve self-reported symptoms and side effects of radiotherapy against cancer. Most patients reported reductions in vomiting, urinary incontinence and discomfort following 30–40 sessions in a hyperbaric chamber. “This treatment is highly effective for the majority of the patients” states Nicklas Oscarsson, first author of the article, a doctoral student in anesthesiology and intensive care at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and senior consultant at Angered Hospital. Radiation therapy…

Company Commences First-in-Human Study at Multiple Academic Sites in United States Oct. 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Linnaeus Therapeutics, Inc. (Linnaeus), a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel small molecule oncology therapeutics, today announced that it has dosed the first patient in its phase 1/2 clinical trial of LNS8801 in patients with advanced solid and hematologic cancers. This marks the first time any company has dosed a patient in a clinical trial specifically targeting the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). The initiation of the study follows U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of…

Nicklas Oscarsson of @goteborgsuni answers frequently asked questions regarding oxygen in hyperbaric chamber provides relief after radiotherapy. __________ Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the pelvic region, a study shows, can relieve self-reported symptoms and side effects of radiotherapy against cancer. Most patients reported reductions in vomiting, urinary incontinence and discomfort following 30–40 sessions in a hyperbaric chamber. “This treatment is highly effective for the majority of the patients” states Nicklas Oscarsson, first author of the article, a doctoral student in anesthesiology and intensive care at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and senior consultant at Angered Hospital. Radiation therapy is part…

Nicklas Oscarsson of @goteborgsuni explains oxygen in hyperbaric chamber provides relief after radiotherapy. ___________ Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the pelvic region, a study shows, can relieve self-reported symptoms and side effects of radiotherapy against cancer. Most patients reported reductions in vomiting, urinary incontinence and discomfort following 30–40 sessions in a hyperbaric chamber. “This treatment is highly effective for the majority of the patients” states Nicklas Oscarsson, first author of the article, a doctoral student in anesthesiology and intensive care at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and senior consultant at Angered Hospital. Radiation therapy is part of many cancer treatment…

EU approval based on JAVELIN Renal 101 trial results demonstrating significant improvement in progression-free survival with BAVENCIO in combination with axitinib compared with sunitinib.  Combination regimen approved across all IMDC prognostic risk groups and irrespective of PD-L1 expression.  EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, USA and Canada, and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced that BAVENCIO ® (avelumab) in combination with axitinib has been approved by the European Commission (EC) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The approval was based on promising interim results from the Phase III JAVELIN…

Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  (NYSE AMERICAN: ATNM) (“Actinium”) today announced key interim findings from the pivotal Phase 3 SIERRA trial of Iomab-B, including feasibility and safety data, at 50% of total patient enrollment. The SIERRA trial (Study of Iomab-B in Elderly Relapse/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia) is a 150-patient, 1:1 randomization Phase 3 pivotal trial that is studying Iomab-B (Iodine-131 apamistamab) compared to physician’s choice of salvage chemotherapy in patients age 55 and above with active, relapsed or refractory AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). These interim data provide information on safety and feasibility of using Iomab-B to enable a BMT (Bone Marrow Transplant), the only curative treatment…

Evidence from the lead program showed that glucocorticoids promote the growth of prostate tumor cells, stimulate androgen-regulated gene expression and stimulate enzalutamide resistance, which ORIC-101 has completely reversed. Second program data showed that small molecule inhibition of CD73 fully restored proliferation and cytokine production of T cells with AMP/adenosine suppression.  ORIC Pharmaceuticals, a privately held, clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing treatments that address mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, presented new preclinical data on its lead program ORIC-101 – a selective and potent glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist in Phase 1b – and its CD73 inhibitor program – an orally bioavailable small…

Greg Delgoffe, PhD @delgoffelab of @PittTweet explains how the dual-function virus designed to killing tumors is affecting clinicians today. ________ Viruses designed to kill cancer cells are already used to treat one skin cancer and are commonly studied in other cancers. A new study shows that oncolytic viruses known as viruses can be enhanced further to improve the body’s immune response to tumors. The researchers found that this new type of oncolytic virus can simultaneously kill the cancer cells and provide tumor immune cells with a hormone that they need to perform their own cell killing functions. The dual-function virus…

Greg Delgoffe, PhD @delgoffelab of @PittTweet explains the dual-function virus designed to killing tumors and helping immune cells. __________ Viruses designed to kill cancer cells are already used to treat one skin cancer and are commonly studied in other cancers. A new study shows that oncolytic viruses known as viruses can be enhanced further to improve the body’s immune response to tumors. The researchers found that this new type of oncolytic virus can simultaneously kill the cancer cells and provide tumor immune cells with a hormone that they need to perform their own cell killing functions. The dual-function virus was…

Steven Mansoor, MD @mansoor_steven of @OHSUSOM describes what is next and how this protein associated with many disease is visualized for the first time will affect clinicians today. __________ New drugs can be motivated by understanding how receptors of P2X7 proteins function.  Scientists first noticed how a protein associated with various health issues functions at the molecular level. The breakthrough, that one day could inspire new drugs to treat inflammation, coronary artery disease, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and more, has been published today in the Cell journal. Research assistant at Oregon Health & Science University Alanna McCarthy, B.S., and scientist at…

Steven Mansoor, MD @mansoor_steven of @OHSUSOM answers common questions involving a protein associated with many disease is visualized for the first time. __________ New drugs can be motivated by understanding how receptors of P2X7 proteins function.  Scientists first noticed how a protein associated with various health issues functions at the molecular level. The breakthrough, that one day could inspire new drugs to treat inflammation, coronary artery disease, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and more, has been published today in the Cell journal. Research assistant at Oregon Health & Science University Alanna McCarthy, B.S., and scientist at OHSU Steven Mansoor, M.D., Ph.D., used…

Steven Mansoor, MD @mansoor_steven of @OHSUSOM explains a protein associated with many disease is visualized for the first time. ___________ New drugs can be motivated by understanding how receptors of P2X7 proteins function.  Scientists first noticed how a protein associated with various health issues functions at the molecular level. The breakthrough, that one day could inspire new drugs to treat inflammation, coronary artery disease, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and more, has been published today in the Cell journal. Research assistant at Oregon Health & Science University Alanna McCarthy, B.S., and scientist at OHSU Steven Mansoor, M.D., Ph.D., used cryoelectron microscopy to…

New drugs can be motivated by understanding how receptors of P2X7 proteins function.  Scientists first noticed how a protein associated with various health issues functions at the molecular level. The breakthrough, that one day could inspire new drugs to treat inflammation, coronary artery disease, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and more, has been published today in the Cell journal. Research assistant at Oregon Health & Science University Alanna McCarthy, B.S., and scientist at OHSU Steven Mansoor, M.D., Ph.D., used cryoelectron microscopy to obtain a protein receptor’s 3D structure and observe its inner working. The protein receptor they studied is a protein of…

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the pelvic region, a study shows, can relieve self-reported symptoms and side effects of radiotherapy against cancer. Most patients reported reductions in vomiting, urinary incontinence and discomfort following 30–40 sessions in a hyperbaric chamber. “This treatment is highly effective for the majority of the patients” states Nicklas Oscarsson, first author of the article, a doctoral student in anesthesiology and intensive care at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and senior consultant at Angered Hospital. Radiation therapy is part of many cancer treatment procedures for organs like the heart, cervix, ovaries, and colon. In the lower abdomen,…

Bradley E. Bernstein, MD @BradEBernstein @willflavahan of @MassGeneralNews answers how this affects clinicians on the cause of drug resistance found in a form of intestinal tumor. __________ Most cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a form of soft tissue cancer (sarcoma), are caused by gene mutations that can be treated effectively with drugs that inhibit the action of enzymes which promote rogue cancer. But an estimated 10% to 20% of GISTs do not have any mutations detectable or targeted. Scientists in a partnership on cancer research in the Boston area have now explained mechanisms that allow the production of these…

Most cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a form of soft tissue cancer (sarcoma), are caused by gene mutations that can be treated effectively with drugs that inhibit the action of enzymes which promote rogue cancer. But an estimated 10% to 20% of GISTs do not have any mutations detectable or targeted. Scientists in a partnership on cancer research in the Boston area have now explained mechanisms that allow the production of these hard-to-treat cancers and have identified approaches in laboratory experiments that could lead to successful new therapies. The research, a joint effort by scientists at the Massachusetts General…

Bradley E. Bernstein, MD @BradEBernstein @willflavahan of @MassGeneralNews answers commonly asked questions on the cause of drug resistance found in a form of intestinal tumor. __________ Most cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a form of soft tissue cancer (sarcoma), are caused by gene mutations that can be treated effectively with drugs that inhibit the action of enzymes which promote rogue cancer. But an estimated 10% to 20% of GISTs do not have any mutations detectable or targeted. Scientists in a partnership on cancer research in the Boston area have now explained mechanisms that allow the production of these hard-to-treat cancers and…

Bradley E. Bernstein, MD @BradEBernstein @willflavahan of @MassGeneralNews explains the cause of drug resistance found in a form of intestinal tumor. ___________ Most cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a form of soft tissue cancer (sarcoma), are caused by gene mutations that can be treated effectively with drugs that inhibit the action of enzymes which promote rogue cancer. But an estimated 10% to 20% of GISTs do not have any mutations detectable or targeted. Scientists in a partnership on cancer research in the Boston area have now explained mechanisms that allow the production of these hard-to-treat cancers and have identified approaches in…

Alena Gros of @VHIO answers commonly asked questions regarding the development of cell therapies for non-responders to current immunotherapies: can these cells kill the tumor? _________ Research conducted by VHIO’s Alena Gros suggests a modern, less intrusive approach to detecting killer T lymphocytes in patients with low mutational burden gastrointestinal tumors that are refractory to authorized immune-based therapies. Killer T cells found in blood that can hone on mutations expressed in cancer cells pave the way for an effective and customized avenue of therapy. In today’s current era of precision medicine against cancer, we are increasingly witnessing how research is…

Alena Gros of @VHIO explains driving the development of cell therapies for non-responders to current immunotherapies. __________ Research conducted by VHIO’s Alena Gros suggests a modern, less intrusive approach to detecting killer T lymphocytes in patients with low mutational burden gastrointestinal tumors that are refractory to authorized immune-based therapies. Killer T cells found in blood that can hone on mutations expressed in cancer cells pave the way for an effective and customized avenue of therapy. In today’s current era of precision medicine against cancer, we are increasingly witnessing how research is successfully potentiating and personalizing immunotherapy to more effectively unleash…

Research conducted by VHIO’s Alena Gros suggests a modern, less intrusive approach to detecting killer T lymphocytes in patients with low mutational burden gastrointestinal tumors that are refractory to authorized immune-based therapies. Killer T cells found in blood that can hone on mutations expressed in cancer cells pave the way for an effective and customized avenue of therapy. In today’s current era of precision medicine against cancer, we are increasingly witnessing how research is successfully potentiating and personalizing immunotherapy to more effectively unleash the power of the immune system in a greater number of patients to attack disease. Despite such…

Peter O’Donnell, MD of @UChicagoMed provides results from biomarkers in patients with locally advanced metastatic urothelial carcinoma treated with durvalumab in phase 1/2 dose‐escalation.

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer today announces an open comment period for the “IASLC Multidisciplinary Recommendations for Pathologic Assessment of Lung Cancer Resection Specimens Following Neoadjuvant Therapy” paper. The paper has been made available here to provide an opportunity for public review of new draft recommendations. The open comment period runs from October 14 to November 7, 2019. With the recent growing number of clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer with neoadjuvant therapy, there is a great need for standardization of sample processing since it has consistently been shown that major pathological response (MPR) is an important…

Cancer center recognized for following best practices in field Designated centers demonstrate best practices outlined by NCCN, ACR Roswell Park’s Lung Cancer Screening Program offers low-dose CT scans Center’s program diagnoses 70 percent of lung cancers at early stage The efforts of the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to provide opportunities for early detection of lung cancer to the community have won a prestigious GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer Screening Center of Excellence. Technical governing bodies such as the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) offer clear information on who is a qualified candidate…

Peter O’Donnell, MD of @UChicagoMed explains biomarkers in patients with locally advanced metastatic urothelial carcinoma treated with durvalumab in phase 1/2 dose‐escalation.

A research study published in Neoplasia, led by lead researcher Nallasivam Palanisamy, Ph.D., associate researcher at the Vattikuti Urology Institute at Henry Ford Health System, identified a novel fusion of the prostate cancer gene involving the KLK4 protein coding gene and KLKP1 pseudogene. In urine samples of prostate cancer patients, this particular biomarker can be identified, providing a non-invasive method of detection.  The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is currently being used as the standard method of screening prostate cancer. Nevertheless, elevated levels of PSA are not exclusive to prostate cancer, as benign prostate conditions can also induce them. As a…

Kristin Campbell of @UBCnews shares exercise guidelines for cancer survivors. ________ There is growing evidence that exercise is a significant part of recovery for the increasing number of cancer survivors worldwide. But how much is required, and what kind of exercise? A recent research study, undertaken by an international group of experts led by the University of British Columbia, has led to the development of new guidelines for exercise for cancer survivors. The revised guidelines, published today in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, detail detailed’ exercise treatments’ to tackle common side effects associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment,…

Kristin Campbell of @UBCnews explains exercise guidelines for cancer survivors limitations and safety concerns. __________ There is growing evidence that exercise is a significant part of recovery for the increasing number of cancer survivors worldwide. But how much is required, and what kind of exercise? A recent research study, undertaken by an international group of experts led by the University of British Columbia, has led to the development of new guidelines for exercise for cancer survivors. The revised guidelines, published today in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, detail detailed’ exercise treatments’ to tackle common side effects associated with…

There is growing evidence that exercise is a significant part of recovery for the increasing number of cancer survivors worldwide. But how much is required, and what kind of exercise? A recent research study, undertaken by an international group of experts led by the University of British Columbia, has led to the development of new guidelines for exercise for cancer survivors. The revised guidelines, published today in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, detail detailed’ exercise treatments’ to tackle common side effects associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment, such as anxiety and exhaustion. Generally speaking, the new guidelines prescribe…

Akash J. Patel of @bcmhouston answers meningioma molecular profiling reliably predicts tumor recurrence: how does this help us? ________ Read here: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-10/bcom-mmp100719.php

Akash J. Patel of @bcmhouston explains meningioma molecular profiling reliably predicts tumor recurrence. __________ Read here: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-10/bcom-mmp100719.php

Nallasivam Palanisamy, Ph.D. @NallasivamPala4 of @HenryFordNews highlights select biomarkers in patients with prostate cancer and what is next on the horizon for research. _________ A research study published in Neoplasia, led by lead researcher Nallasivam Palanisamy, Ph.D., associate researcher at the Vattikuti Urology Institute at Henry Ford Health System, identified a novel fusion of the prostate cancer gene involving the KLK4 protein coding gene and KLKP1 pseudogene. In urine samples of prostate cancer patients, this particular biomarker can be identified, providing a non-invasive method of detection.  The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is currently being used as the standard method of…

Nallasivam Palanisamy, Ph.D. @NallasivamPala4 of @HenryFordNews explains a unique biomarker can be detected in the urine samples of prostate cancer patients, offering a non-invasive way of detection. _________ A research study published in Neoplasia, led by lead researcher Nallasivam Palanisamy, Ph.D., associate researcher at the Vattikuti Urology Institute at Henry Ford Health System, identified a novel fusion of the prostate cancer gene involving the KLK4 protein coding gene and KLKP1 pseudogene. In urine samples of prostate cancer patients, this particular biomarker can be identified, providing a non-invasive method of detection.  The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is currently being used as…

Nallasivam Palanisamy, Ph.D. @NallasivamPala4 of @HenryFordNews explains a biomarker in urine may offer noninvasive detection of prostate cancer. __________ A research study published in Neoplasia, led by lead researcher Nallasivam Palanisamy, Ph.D., associate researcher at the Vattikuti Urology Institute at Henry Ford Health System, identified a novel fusion of the prostate cancer gene involving the KLK4 protein coding gene and KLKP1 pseudogene. In urine samples of prostate cancer patients, this particular biomarker can be identified, providing a non-invasive method of detection.  The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is currently being used as the standard method of screening prostate cancer. Nevertheless, elevated…

Carol DeSantis, MPH @caroldesantis6 of @AmericanCancer provides information on trends in breast cancer death rates.

Carol DeSantis, MPH @caroldesantis6 of @AmericanCancer explains breast cancer trends in the U.S.

Emily Bernstein, PhD of @IcahnMountSinai answers neuroblastoma in older children: what happens when you have an ATRX deletion?

Emily Bernstein, PhD of @IcahnMountSinai explains neuroblastoma in older children & adolescents harboring deletions within a gene called ATRX may be responsive to tazemetostat.

Courtney Williams, MPH @cphilwil of @ONealCancerUAB explains findings in a new study that results in lower costs and how this affects treatment and clinicians today. __________ Research from the UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center finds that patients treated outside the recommendations of the NCCN Guidelines had significantly greater direct costs. A new study by the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB), published in the October 2019 issue of JNCCN— Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, finds that direct costs for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) increase dramatically when their treatment differs from…

James Suliburk, MD @jsuliburk of @bcmhouston answers how far away is this technology from being used in clinical practice? ___________ Read here: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-10/uota-ntf100219.php

James Suliburk, MD @jsuliburk of @bcmhouston explains new tests for thyroid cancer could prevent unnecessary surgery. ___________ Read here: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-10/uota-ntf100219.php

Courtney Williams, MPH @cphilwil of @ONealCancerUAB explains findings in a new study that results in lower costs for patients with metastatic breast cancer. __________ Research from the UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center finds that patients treated outside the recommendations of the NCCN Guidelines had significantly greater direct costs. A new study by the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB), published in the October 2019 issue of JNCCN— Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, finds that direct costs for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) increase dramatically when their treatment differs from the NCCN…

Amanda Haymond of @GeorgeMasonNews @GMU_COS explains a new discovery that includes protein painting technology and enables scientists to make discoveries in cancer research.