RxPG News : Pharmacotherapy

Anthracycline induced heart damage can be reduced by prolonging infusion time

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 09:41:49 PST

Stretching out a dose of chemotherapy over six or more hours may reduce the risk of heart problems caused by certain commonly used cancer drugs, according to a new review of recent research.

Genomic signatures to guide the use of chemotherapeutics

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 18:59:00 PST

Scientists at Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy have developed a panel of genomic tests that analyzes the unique molecular traits of a cancerous tumor and determines which chemotherapy will most aggressively attack that patient's cancer.

CDK2/FOXO1 as drug target to Prevent Tumors

Fri, 13 Oct 2006 01:11:00 PST

Mayo Clinic researchers have found that a protein that initiates a "quality control check" during cell division also directs cell death for those cells damaged during duplication. This knowledge represents a potential "bulls eye" for targeting anti-tumor drugs. The findings appear in the current issue of Science.

Gleevec can be toxic to the heart

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 19:27:00 PST

Gleevec, the wildly successful poster-child of a new generation of cancer drugs aimed at specific targets in the cancer cell, can be dangerous to the heart. Not only that, but other similarly based drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors could lead to heart problems as well, say researchers at the Center for Translational Medicine at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.

AS101 protects the testis from the effects of paclitaxel

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 21:30:00 PST

It may be possible to protect the testes of cancer patients against the loss of fertility caused by chemotherapy, a scientist told the 22nd annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Prague, Czech Republic on Tuesday 20 June 2006. Mr. Alon Carmely from Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel, said that his work showed for the first time that the injection of a drug that enhances the immune system could protect the testis from the effects of paclitaxel (Taxol), a widely used chemotherapy drug.

Fibrasorb - New device that could cut chemotherapy deaths

Mon, 03 Apr 2006 07:21:00 PST

A new method of delivering chemotherapy to cancer patients without incurring side effects such as hair loss and vomiting is being developed. The method, produced at the University of Bath, England, involves using tiny fibres and beads soaked in the chemotherapy drug which are then implanted into the cancerous area in the patient's body.

Serendipity versus planning - cancer drugs of the future?

Mon, 27 Mar 2006 04:29:00 PST

New anticancer drugs are usually developed specially for the job, but occasionally they are borrowed from another field of medicine, and applied speculatively in cancer. Tamoxifen was designed as an anti-oestrogen, based on the observation that at least a third of breast cancers depend on female sex hormones such as oestrogen for survival. Tamoxifen has shown to be an exceptionally effective molecule in cancer treatment; It was never planned to be a preventive agent, but so it has proved to be! It is now licensed to be used to prevent breast cancer in certain women at high risk of the disease.

Sunitinib Approved for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) and Kidney Cancer

Sat, 28 Jan 2006 12:29:00 PST

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced approval of Sutent (sunitinib), a new targeted anti-cancer treatment for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a rare stomach cancer, and advanced kidney cancer. Today's action marks the first time the agency has approved a new oncology product for two indications simultaneously.

Celecoxib able to control chemotherapy resistant tumor cells

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 19:23:00 PST

A close structural relative of the celebrated COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (brand name: Celebrex) is a potent tumor fighter, able to wipe out tumor cells that are resistant to conventional chemotherapies, according to an interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Southern California.

Inhibiting EAT-2 with medications could boost NK cell activity

Mon, 29 Aug 2005 22:57:00 PST

Dr. André Veillette, a researcher at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), and his team will publish in the upcoming issue of the prestigious journal Nature Immunology of Nature Publishing Group, a discovery that could significantly advance the treatment of cancers and infectious diseases. Current treatments frequently achieve only limited results with these types of diseases, which affect hundreds of thousands of Canadians.

Some Cancer Patients Treated With Cetuximab May Require Magnesium Supplementation

Fri, 19 Aug 2005 04:59:00 PST

Some cancer patients being treated with cetuximab (Erbitux) may develop abnormally low blood levels of magnesium (hypomagnesemia) and require supplementation, according to a new study.

Tie-1 significantly inhibits tumor progression in murine models

Thu, 11 Aug 2005 23:06:00 PST

Dyax Corp. (Nasdaq: DYAX) announced today its presentation at the Drug Discovery Technology Conference (Boston Convention Center), highlighting the Company's discovery that antibody targeting of Tie-1 leads to the inhibition of primary tumor growth in murine models.

Orphan Drug Application Filed for NOV-002 for Treating Refractory Ovarian Cancer

Fri, 17 Jun 2005 09:56:00 PST

Novelos Therapeutics, Inc. (OTC BB: NVLT), a biotech company focusing on oxidized glutathione for use in fighting cancer and hepatitis, today announced that it has filed an orphan drug application with the U.S. FDA for the Company's lead compound, NOV-002. The application focuses on the investigation of combination therapy of NOV-002 with standard chemotherapy for treating refractory (chemotherapy resistant) ovarian cancer. A response from the FDA is expected by mid August.

Treating 'chemobrain' by using dexmethyphenidate (d-MPH)

Wed, 08 Jun 2005 13:00:00 PST

Patients who take medication for cancer often find themselves with a new problem when their treatment ends.
It's called "chemobrain," a common consequence of chemotherapy that causes memory problems, confusion and difficulty in concentrating.

A bioadhesive miconazole tablet is an effective way to treat oropharyngeal candidiasis

Tue, 07 Jun 2005 12:01:00 PST

A bioadhesive tablet containing the antifungal drug miconazole is an effective and convenient means of treating oropharyngeal candidiasis, which is the most frequently occurring infection in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, scientists report today at the 2nd ESMO Scientific & Educational Conference (ESEC) in Budapest, Hungary.

p53-based Targets as Novel Cancer Treatment Strategies

Fri, 03 Jun 2005 10:22:00 PST

ADVEXIN(R) and INGN 225, investigational cancer therapies currently being evaluated in Phase 3 and Phase 2 trials, respectively, by Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. , were highlighted today in a special session, titled "The Clinical Trial Data on Ad-p53 Gene Therapy of Cancer" at the American Society of Gene Therapy 8th Annual Meeting (ASGT).

Tarvacin Plus Docetaxel Significantly Inhibits Breast Tumor Growth

Fri, 27 May 2005 18:03:00 PST

The published report shows that 3G4 (a murine equivalent of the company's Tarvacin(TM) monoclonal antibody) in combination with docetaxel results in a 93% inhibition of human breast cancer growth in mouse models. The researchers found that docetaxel increases the exposure of the 3G4 target on tumor blood vessels but not healthy tissue. Patient enrollment in a Tarvacin(TM) Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of all solid tumors, including breast cancer, is expected to commence this month at three clinical sites.

Capecitabine as a Convenient Oral Treatment for Colon Cancer Patients

Mon, 23 May 2005 10:28:00 PST

Data presented this week further strengthens the wealth of evidence showing that Xeloda(R) (capecitabine), an innovative oral chemotherapy, should replace the current standard treatment of intravenous 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (i.v. 5-FU/LV) for colon cancer patients in the adjuvant (post-surgery) setting.

Gemcitabine Based Regimens Improve Quality of Life in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Wed, 18 May 2005 09:49:00 PST

Data presented today(1,2,3) from ongoing clinical trials show that therapies based on Eli Lilly and Company's (LLY) Gemzar(R) (gemcitabine, HCl) administered prior to surgery have a positive impact on survival, tumor shrinkage and quality of life among patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

FDA Accepts Sorafenib into Pilot 1 Program

Wed, 04 May 2005 21:43:00 PST

Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NYSE: BAY - News) and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ONXX - News) today announced that sorafenib (formerly BAY 43-9006) has been accepted into the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Pilot 1 Program for continuous marketing applications.

IND Filed for CRA-024781, a Novel Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor

Tue, 03 May 2005 09:50:00 PST

Celera Genomics (NYSE:CRA), an Applera Corporation business, today announced that it has submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CRA-024781, a novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Pending clearance by the FDA, Celera Genomics plans to initiate Phase 1 clinical trials.

IND Filed for XL820, a Novel Anticancer Compound

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 12:07:00 PST

Exelixis, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXEL - News) has submitted an investigational new drug application (IND) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for XL820. This novel small molecule anticancer compound potently inhibits receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) implicated in tumor proliferation and vascularization. XL820 is the fifth compound to advance in clinical development from Exelixis' internal drug discovery capabilities. Pending clearance by the FDA, Exelixis intends to initiate a Phase I clinical trial for XL820.

CoFactor : A Folate-Based Biomodulator Drug Starts Phase III Trial for the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 12:00:00 PST

ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX:ANX) today announced that it has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) to initiate a Phase III pivotal clinical trial with CoFactor for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. CoFactor is the Company's biomodulator designed to enhance the activity of the widely used cancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

Role of 2-methoxyestradiol in Treating Various Types of Cancer

Thu, 21 Apr 2005 14:09:00 PST

EntreMed, Inc. today announced the results of multiple in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies confirming the mechanisms-of-action for 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2 or Panzem(R)) in treating various types of cancer. The results from these studies, conducted by EntreMed researchers and their collaborators, were presented at the 96th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research being held this week in Anaheim, California.

FDA Gives ANDA Status to Vinorelbine for its Indication in Unresectable, Advanced Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

Wed, 20 Apr 2005 09:17:00 PST

American Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. (Nasdaq: APPX - News) today announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) of Vinorelbine Tartrate Injection, 10 mg (base)/mL, the generic equivalent of GlaxoSmithKline's Navelbine®. According to IMS, sales of vinorelbine tartrate were approximately $61 million in 2004. The company expects to commence marketing this product in the near term.

GTI-2040 : A Novel Antisense Drug Improves Efficacy of a Number of Chemotherapies

Tue, 22 Mar 2005 08:32:00 PST

Lorus Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products and technologies for the management of cancer, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary GeneSense Technologies Inc. has received notice from the European Patent Office of its intention to grant the GeneSense application for a patent of its novel antisense drug GTI-2040.

Temozolomide Brings New Hope for Glioblastoma Patients

Thu, 10 Mar 2005 07:40:00 PST

A large international study conducted by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) Clinical Trials Group demonstrated that the addition of a novel chemotherapy agent, Temozolomide (brand name: Temodal(R)) to radiation therapy increases survival in patients suffering from glioblastoma, a very aggressive form of a brain tumour. Further, molecular analyses of the tumour allowed for the identification of those patients most likely to benefit from this type of treatment. The findings are leading to a new standard of care for patients with this fast growing and devastating cancer. The results of this landmark trial are published in two companion papers in this weeks' edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.

A Novel RAF kinase and VEGFR Inhibitor as Single Agent Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma - Under Trial

Wed, 09 Mar 2005 08:37:00 PST

BAY 43-9006, a novel investigational drug candidate, has demonstrated anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties - two important anticancer activities. In preclinical models, BAY 43-9006 inhibited tumor cell proliferation by targeting the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway at the level of RAF kinase.

A Novel Murine Monoclonal Antibody, 3G4 , Targets Phospholipids to Treat Cancer

Tue, 08 Mar 2005 14:43:00 PST

Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc.announced today the publication of data in 'Clinical Cancer Research' demonstrating significant anti-tumor activity in various tumor models using the murine monoclonal antibody 3G4, an equivalent of the company's Tarvacin(TM), that recognizes anionic phospholipids exposed on the surface of tumor blood vessels. These studies were performed by researchers at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

Pegfilgrastim Significantly Reduces the Incidence of Febrile Neutropenia in Patients on Chemotherapy

Sun, 27 Feb 2005 13:43:00 PST

The phase 3 study showed that administering pegfilgrastim beginning in the first and subsequent cycles of chemotherapy reduced the incidence of febrile neutropenia (low white blood cell count with fever), a serious complication of cancer chemotherapy typically associated with infection, by more than 90 percent.

New insight into how tumor cells can become resistant to anti-cancer therapy

Tue, 18 Jan 2005 12:46:00 PST

The scientists observed that a protein called P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which causes resistance to chemotherapy in many tumor types, is able to physically "jump" or transfer between tumor cells and retain its functional properties, protecting otherwise sensitive cells from the effects of anti-cancer treatment in vivo and in vitro. According to the authors, the research is the first to demonstrate that a protein transferred between cells retains its function long enough to allow the recipient cells to survive potentially toxic drug concentrations and ultimately develop intrinsic resistance.

Cloned gene from sea animal may prove key in cancer drug development

Sat, 11 Dec 2004 18:36:00 PST

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, and their colleagues have taken a significant step forward in developing a new method to produce drug compounds with potential to treat various types of cancer.

Trials of Cyclooxygenase (COX) Inhibitors for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Thu, 12 Feb 2004 13:56:00 PST

Numerous compounds are examined by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for their potential to prevent or treat cancer. One class of compounds, cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, is currently being tested in both prevention and treatment clinical trials. Epidemiologic studies have shown that people who regularly take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen to treat conditions like arthritis, have lower rates of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer, and death due to colorectal cancer. NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase enzymes, which are produced by the body when there is inflammation and are also produced by precancerous tissues. Inhibition of COX-2 may help treat and prevent cancer, while inhibition of COX-1 may induce certain medical problems, like stomach bleeding, that occur when NSAIDS are taken regularly for long periods of time.