Friday, February 15, 2013
Molecular characterization of mucinous ovarian tumours supports a stratified treatment approach with HER2 targeting in 19% of carcinomas
Molecular characterization of mucinous ovarian tumours supports a stratified treatment approach with HER2 targeting in 19% of carcinomas
Abstract
Mucinous ovarian carcinomas (MCs) typically do not respond to current conventional therapy. We have previously demonstrated amplification of HER2 in 6 of 33 (18.2%) mucinous ovarian carcinomas (MCs) and presented anecdotal evidence of response with HER2-targeted treatment in a small series of women with recurrent HER2-amplified (HER2+) MC. Here, we explore HER2 amplification and KRAS mutation status in an independent cohort of 189 MCs and 199 mucinous borderline ovarian tumours (MBOTs) and their association to clinicopathological features.First-in-Human Phase I Trial of Two Schedules of OSI-930, a Novel Multikinase Inhibitor, Incorporating Translational Proof-of-Mechanism Studies
First-in-Human Phase I Trial of Two Schedules of OSI-930, a Novel Multikinase Inhibitor, Incorporating Translational Proof-of-Mechanism Studies
Abstract
Purpose: OSI-930 is a
novel, potent, oral small-molecule receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor,
predominantly against VEGF receptors
(VEGFR), c-Kit, and platelet-derived growth factor
receptors. A phase I trial was undertaken to determine safety,
maximum-tolerated
dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and
antitumor activity of OSI-930 in patients with advanced solid tumors.
".....Antitumor responses were seen in 2 patients with advanced ovarian cancer [Response Evaluation Criteria in
Solid Tumors (RECIST) partial response (PR) (n = 1); GCIG CA125 response (n = 1)]. "
Conclusions: OSI-930 is safe and well tolerated, with pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic data supporting proof-of-mechanism with clinically
relevant antitumor activity
Systematic review of the relationship between bladder and bowel function: implications for patient management - International Journal of Clinical Practice
Systematic review of the relationship between bladder and bowel function: implications for patient management - Kaplan - 2013 - International Journal of Clinical Practice - Wiley Online Library
Background:
"The complex relationship between bladder and bowel function has implications for treating pelvic disorders. In this systematic review, we discuss the relationship between bladder and bowel function and its implications for managing coexisting constipation and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms........ The initial approach to treating coexisting constipation and OAB should be to relieve constipation, which may resolve urinary symptoms."
Conclusions: The relationship between bladder and bowel function should be considered when treating patients with urinary symptoms, bowel symptoms, or both.
Disclosures Steven A. Kaplan is a consultant and a member of the speakers bureau for Pfizer. Roger Dmochowski is a consultant to Pfizer. Brooks Cash is a consultant to Pfizer. Zoe S. Kopp was an employee of Pfizer Inc during the writing of this article. Sandra J. Berriman was an employee of Pfizer Inc during the writing of this article. Vik Khullar is a consultant/investigator/speaker for Allergan, Astellas, Bioxell, Novartis and Pfizer.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
BMC CAM - A potential anti-tumor herbal medicine, Corilagin, inhibits ovarian cancer cell growth through blocking the TGF-beta signaling pathways
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine | Abstract | A potential anti-tumor herbal medicine, Corilagin, inhibits ovarian cancer cell growth through blocking the TGF-beta signaling pathways
Background
"Phyllanthus niruri L. is a well-known hepatoprotective (liver) and antiviral medicinal herb.
Recently, we identified Corilagin as a major active component with anti-tumor activity
in this herbal medicine. Corilagin is a member of the tannin family that has been
discovered in many medicinal plants and has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent.
However, there have been few reports of the anti-tumor effects of Corilagin, and its
anti-tumor mechanism has not been investigated clearly. The aim of the present study
is to investigate the anticancer properties of Corilagin in ovarian cancer cells.....
Methods
The ovarian cancer cell lines SKOv3ip, Hey and HO-8910PM were treated with Corilagin
and analyzed by Sulforhodamine B (SRB) cell proliferation assay, flow cytometry, and
reverse phase protein array (RPPA). Corilagin was delivered intraperitoneally to mice
bearing SKOv3ip xenografts........
Prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions in cancer patients treated with oral anticancer drugs : BJC
abstract : Prevalence of potential drug|[ndash]|drug interactions in cancer patients treated with oral anticancer drugs : BJC
Abstract
Background:
Potential
drug–drug interactions (PDDIs) in patients with cancer are common, but
have not previously been quantified for oral anticancer treatment. We
assessed the prevalence and seriousness of potential PDDIs among
ambulatory cancer patients on oral anticancer treatment.
Cancer group loses Federal Court bid against human gene patent (Myriad/BRCA) - The Australian
Cancer group loses Federal Court bid against human gene patent | The Australian
"Cancer Voices Australia brought the case as it believed Myriad Genetics Inc, which owns the patent on the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 linked to breast and ovarian cancer had an unfair monopoly on a naturally occurring gene.
It’s the first time the validity of genetic patents has been tested in an Australian court....
Combo of Avastin, Second Drug Shows Promise Fighting Brain Cancer (references Avastin - general comments regarding other cancers/Avastin)
Blogger's Note: search this blog for SRC/ovarian cancer recent research
~~~~~~~~~~~
Combo of Avastin, Second Drug Shows Promise Fighting Brain Cancer
also: Targeting Src Family Kinases Inhibits Bevacizumab-Induced Glioma Cell Invasion (open access)
Alliance Group - The Alliance for Clinical Trials In Oncology Website
Blogger's Note: list of cancers involved does not include gyn cancers
Alliance Group - Home
Who We Are
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is a national clinical trials network sponsored by the National Cancer Institute that consists of nearly 10,000 cancer specialists at hospitals, medical centers, and community clinics across the United States and Canada. The Alliance is dedicated to developing and conducting clinical trials with promising new cancer therapies, and utilizes the best science to develop optimal treatment and prevention strategies for cancer, as well as researching methods to alleviate side effects of cancer and cancer treatments.Alliance Trials
To learn more about these trials, who may participate, locations, and other information, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov.Patients who participate in Alliance trials have access to state-of-the art scientific resources, including a network of nearly 10,000 cancer specialists at hospitals, medical centers, and community clinics across the United States and Canada. Patients also benefit from our close connection with the National Cancer Institute, and a collective history of conducting cancer clinical trials since 1956.
The Alliance has more than 60 active clinical trials in the following disease areas and modalities.
Disease
- Breast
- Gastrointestinal (GI)
- Genitourinary (GU)
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
- Neuro-Oncology
- Respiratory
- Transplant
To learn more about these trials, who may participate, locations, and other information, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
Anti-anxiety drug found in rivers makes fish more aggressive : Nature News & Comment
Blogger's Note: many drugs are found in our water supplies including cancer drugs; not *new* news
Anti-anxiety drug found in rivers makes fish more aggressive : Nature News & Comment
press release: Risk of leukemia after cancer chemotherapy persists
Blogger's Note: the risk of leukemia as a secondary primary after treatment with Melphalan is not 'new' news; melphalan is not the only drug implicated in secondary chemotherapy-induced primaries
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Risk of leukemia after cancer chemotherapy persists"....A similar decline in risk was observed among ovarian cancer patients, possibly linked to a shift in ovarian cancer chemotherapy treatment in the 1970s from melphalan, a type of chemotherapy that has been shown to trigger leukemia, to a less toxic platinum-based chemotherapy....
" "Future studies should identify patients at the highest risk of tAML so that the risks can be weighed against the benefits of chemotherapy, particularly for cancers with favorable long-term survival," said Dr. Morton. "Further research is also warranted to assess the risks associated with new targeted and immunomodulatory agents by including secondary malignancies such as tAML as endpoints in prospective clinical studies of new agents or new uses of standard agents."
BRCA Mutation Carriers Have Little Long-Term Survival Benefit with Ovarian Cancer
BRCA Mutation Carriers Have Little Long-Term Survival Benefit with Ovarian Cancer
Newswise — Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center and colleagues in Toronto and at Yale University studied the long-term survival of women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation who were diagnosed with invasive ovarian cancer. They found that the short-term benefit to having either mutation does not lead to a long-term survival benefit.
The study appeared in the Jan. 16 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Afraid to Speak Up to Medical Power - NYTimes.com
Afraid to Speak Up to Medical Power - NYTimes.com
......“Each of us was trying our best to help a patient, but we were also respecting the boundaries and hierarchy imposed by our professional culture,” Dr. Srivastava said. “The tragedy was that the patient died, when speaking up would have made all the difference.”
Compounding the problem is an increasing sense of self-doubt among many doctors. With rapid advances in treatment, there is often no single correct “answer” for a patient’s problem, and doctors, struggling to stay up-to-date in their own particular specialty niches, ......."
Hopkins Scientists Create Method to Personalize Chemotherapy Drug Selection
Hopkins Scientists Create Method to Personalize Chemotherapy Drug Selection
Patient-specific cancer cell lines designed to predict chemotherapy sensitivity
Newswise — In laboratory studies, scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have developed a way to personalize chemotherapy drug selection for cancer patients by using cell lines created from their own tumors (pancreatic).
If the technique is successful in further studies, it could replace current laboratory tests to optimize drug selection that have proven technically challenging, of limited use, and slow, the researchers say......
Health IT Cancer Resource Guide | eHealth Initiative
Health IT Cancer Resource Guide | eHealth Initiative
eHealth Initiative (eHI) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to drive improvement in the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare through information and technology. We believe that advances in medical technology, such as electronic health records, patient portals, mobile health applications, and telemedicine, have the potential to fundamentally transform healthcare for patients. To this end, eHealth Initiative is dedicated to identifying, researching, and sharing innovative uses of health information technology with healthcare providers, hospitals and health systems, insurance companies, patients, and other members of the healthcare system at large. In 2012, eHI brought together leading experts on health IT and cancer care as a National Council on Cancer and Technology. The group met frequently to identify, discuss, share, and learn about the ways health IT can be used to improve cancer care. The Council created the following guide to the types of tools and technologies that patients and their families, caregivers, and support networks can use to make understanding, treating, and coping with cancer a little bit easier....
Tools for Decision Making
Tools for Education
Tools for Information and Treatment Management
Tools for Social Support
Tools for Lifestyle Management
Cleveland Clinic develops clinical screening program for no.1 genetic cause of colon cancer - 8 year study
Cleveland Clinic develops clinical screening program for no.1 genetic cause of colon cancer
Public release date: 13-Feb-2013
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8-year study addresses Lynch syndrome
Wednesday, February 13, 2013, Cleveland: Cleveland Clinic researchers have found that colorectal cancer outcomes could be improved with regular genetic screening for Lynch syndrome, the most common hereditary, adult-onset cause of colorectal cancer, as published in the online version of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.Lynch syndrome is the most common genetic cause of colon cancer in adults. The study found that a universal screening program of all colorectal cancers surgically removed at Cleveland Clinic resulted in increased identification of Lynch syndrome patients by successfully referring individuals whose tumors screen positive to genetics professionals. Identification of Lynch syndrome will lead to significantly improved outcomes for colorectal cancer patients and their family members.
Most colorectal cancers are sporadic, and are not due to inherited genetic causes. More than 140 million Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year. With one out of 35 colorectal cancer cases resulting from Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that predisposes to a wide variety of cancers at earlier ages, a clinical recommendation was established in 2009 to screen all colorectal patients for Lynch syndrome. With four million Americans having Lynch syndrome each year, and most going unrecognized, a systematic manner of screening for this condition presented a challenge. Furthermore, another challenge is ensuring that all individuals whose tumors screen positive for potential Lynch syndrome are referred to genetics professionals.
By identifying Lynch syndrome patients, measures can be taken to thwart the development of additional cancers in the patient, as well as increase surveillance in the patient. Once Lynch syndrome has been identified in a patient, his/her family members can be referred to genetics professionals to determine if they too have inherited the same condition. As patients who carry the Lynch gene undergo proactive colon and other cancer screening for the earliest diagnoses, lives are saved.
The study recommends that a successful program should eliminate "silos" and instead include collaborative representation from colorectal surgery, gastroenterology, gynecology, pathology, genetics, as well as bioethics and oncology. The program must also designate who is to report results to patients and facilitate genetic counseling/testing referral. With clearly assigned roles for patient communication and education, outcomes resulting from Lynch syndrome will be significantly improved.
Led by Charis Eng, M.D., Ph.D., Hardis Chair and Founding Director of the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute's Genomic Medicine Institute, the researchers studied three approaches, moving certain responsibilities (determining which colorectal cancer patients should receive genetic counseling/testing for Lynch syndrome and contacting the patients with results and recommendations) from the surgeon to genetic counselors. Genetic counselors who received genetic pathology reports on colorectal tumor sections, determined patients who fit criteria consistent with Lynch syndrome, and reached out to patients for further testing saw an increase in referrals and number of patients tested for and diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, the study found.
The Cleveland Clinic researchers have addressed one of the two genomic medicine agenda items of the CDC's Healthy People 2020.
"One of the goals of Healthy People 2020 is to identify as many people who have inherited colon cancer as possible, so they may be referred to genetics professionals for genetic counseling, and management recommendations," said Dr. Eng. "This paper shows successful implementation of a rapid, cost-effective system-wide screening to detect potential Lynch syndrome. Individuals with Lynch syndrome can get colon cancer at a very young age, are susceptible to multiple cases of the disease, and are also predisposed to other cancers. Instituting high risk surveillance early and routinely saves lives and is an example of value-based delivery of healthcare."
The eight-year, collaborative study also highlighted a need to improve patient education regarding genetic counseling/testing. Perceived lack of benefit and underestimated risk of Lynch syndrome and associated cancers caused some patients not to pursue testing.
###
Dr. Eng is also the founding Director
of the Genomic Medicine Institute's clinical component, the Center for
Personalized Genetic Healthcare. Dr. Eng's research interests may be
broadly characterized as clinical cancer genetics translational
research. For more information visit: http://www.lerner.ccf.org/gmi/eng/ Dr. Eng holds an American Cancer Society Clinical Research Professorship.
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