Over the past few years scientists have worked on a vaccine to help breast cancer patients. This new E75 vaccine that is in the final phases of clinical trials. Through the testing it has shown that women injected with E75, who have experienced the trauma of breast cancer, prevented recurrence in 50% of the patients. U.S. Army Col. George Peoples, chief of surgical oncology, at San Antonio Military Medical Center is the developer of this vaccine.
This is what Peoples has said in a recent interview:
"What I have been the most interested in doing in how to engage the engage the patients immune response, to help the patient's immune system to fight off the cancer,” said Col. George Peoples, a cancer surgeon and director of SAMMC's cancer vaccine development program, who's leading the study.
Like any vaccine, E75 primes the immune system to recognize a target — in this case a substance called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, or HER2. Most breast cancers produce some level of HER2, which fuels their growth.
And most breast cancer patients are tested for HER2, because those with the highest levels — about 20 percent of patients — can be helped by a drug called Herceptin.
But E75 seems to work best in patients who produce low to medium levels of HER2 — a group that makes up maybe 60 percent of breast cancer patients, and who usually aren't eligible for Herceptin.
Peoples has been studying different parts of the HER2 protein as potential vaccine targets since 1995, first as a civilian and then after a return to Army medicine at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and SAMMC.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Colon Cancer -New Patient Friendly Testing
Dr. David Ahlquist explains in detail about the new DNA testing from a person's stool and does not require any preparation . The ultimate plus is that because this new testing is such patient friendly that many lives will be saved.
David M. Martin - Colon Cancer
Mayo clinic and Exact Science of Madison ,WI have collaborated together to develop a highly accurate and sensitive DNA test that will in detecting pre-cancerous tumors in the colon and the early stages of cancer.
Go to the following link to watch Dr. David Ahlquist on video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6x1tQeoX5A&feature=player_embedded
Also you can read more at http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/
Mayo clinic and Exact Science of Madison ,WI have collaborated together to develop a highly accurate and sensitive DNA test that will in detecting pre-cancerous tumors in the colon and the early stages of cancer.
Go to the following link to watch Dr. David Ahlquist on video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6x1tQeoX5A&feature=player_embedded
Also you can read more at http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
New Diagnostic Biological Cancer Treatment
Two reputable research and medical companies have joined together to develop molecular companion diagnostic intended to identify patients patients most likely to benefit from Bayer antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). Ventana,the other company, diagnostic immunohistochemistry platform aims to analyze the expression level of certain tumor targets serving as biomarkers in clinical trials for patient selection. This is why it is important to participate in clinical trials. Roche,another company, is committed to personalize healthcare in the field of oncology treatment.
At Ventana our mission is to improve the lives of all patients afflicted with cancer," said Mara G. Aspinall, President of Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. "We are pleased to be Bayer's partner of choice to facilitate the worldwide development of this ADC. As new biomarkers and diagnostic tests become increasingly available, they provide valuable information about potential positive recipients for these novel agents. Translating excellence in science into effective, targeted treatments for patients is at the core of Roche's scientific vision for 'Personalised Healthcare' (PHC), and it is our highest priority now and into the future."
At Ventana our mission is to improve the lives of all patients afflicted with cancer," said Mara G. Aspinall, President of Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. "We are pleased to be Bayer's partner of choice to facilitate the worldwide development of this ADC. As new biomarkers and diagnostic tests become increasingly available, they provide valuable information about potential positive recipients for these novel agents. Translating excellence in science into effective, targeted treatments for patients is at the core of Roche's scientific vision for 'Personalised Healthcare' (PHC), and it is our highest priority now and into the future."
"We are very excited to partner with Ventana to develop a companion diagnostic for one of our ADC projects," said Prof. Dr. Andreas Busch, Head of Global Drug Discovery and Member of the Executive Committee of Bayer HealthCare. "This constitutes another step for Bayer towards personalized medicine in cancer treatment as the selection of patients most likely to benefit from an ADC will increase the overall probability of therapeutic success for patients suffering from cancer."
About Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)Antibody conjugation to potent cytotoxic drugs is a promising way to increase efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity of drugs by targeting them selectively to tumor tissue. The antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are comprised of three distinctive features: an antibody, a cytotoxic drug (toxophore) and a linker, which give ADCs their characteristic properties. The monoclonal antibody is able to recognize surface proteins selectively over-expressed on cancer cells. This targeting ability allows the ADCs to deliver its cytotoxic payload, the toxophore, right into the tumor. Here, after internalization and release, the toxophore interferes with intracellular processes leading to the programmed death of the tumor cells. The linkers are designed to keep the toxic agent attached to the antibody until the target cancer cell is reached. The targeted nature of ADCs to specific tumor surface proteins or antigens make them good candidates for co-development with the VENTANA immunohistochemistry-based companion diagnostic assays that measure those antigens.
For more information: www.marketwatch.com
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Researchers Find A Familal Genetic Mutation in Prostate Cancer
Genetic testing for predisposition to certain cancers has really advanced in the past few years. The most popular genetic testing is for breast cancer called BRAC testing. Now the cancer that targets men which is prostate cancer can result of a gene mutation. Some men with prostate cancer have a strong hereditary predisposition due to the gene mutation.
Men with prostate cancer were 20.1 times more likely than controls (P=8.5×10−7) to carry a mutation in HOXB13, which plays a key role in prostate development, Kathleen A. Cooney, MD, of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and colleagues found.
The HOXB13 G84E mutation was significantly more common in early-onset, familial prostate cancer than in cases that developed later in life in men without a strong family history of the disease (3.1% versus 0.6%, P=0.000002).
The mutation won't explain many prostate cancer cases but is a good start, the group noted in the Jan. 12 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
"Although the variant accounts for a small fraction of all prostate cancers, this finding has implications for prostate-cancer risk assessment and may provide new mechanistic insights into this common cancer," they wrote.
Men whose family has a history of prostate cancer can now be tested for the gene mutation. When the kit becomes available one need to see the cost and if insurance will pay for the testing.
For more inforamtion: www.medpagetoday.com
Men with prostate cancer were 20.1 times more likely than controls (P=8.5×10−7) to carry a mutation in HOXB13, which plays a key role in prostate development, Kathleen A. Cooney, MD, of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and colleagues found.
The HOXB13 G84E mutation was significantly more common in early-onset, familial prostate cancer than in cases that developed later in life in men without a strong family history of the disease (3.1% versus 0.6%, P=0.000002).
The mutation won't explain many prostate cancer cases but is a good start, the group noted in the Jan. 12 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
"Although the variant accounts for a small fraction of all prostate cancers, this finding has implications for prostate-cancer risk assessment and may provide new mechanistic insights into this common cancer," they wrote.
Men whose family has a history of prostate cancer can now be tested for the gene mutation. When the kit becomes available one need to see the cost and if insurance will pay for the testing.
For more inforamtion: www.medpagetoday.com
Monday, January 9, 2012
Pathwork Tissue Origin Test Helps Prolongs Life Of Lung Cancer Patients
The Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test is the only FDA-cleared, Medicare-covered molecular diagnostic for identifying tissue of origin. It uses a tumor’s own genomic information to help pathologists and oncologists diagnose challenging cancer cases such as those that are metastatic or that have a complex clinical history.
“The Tissue of Origin Test significantly altered clinical practice patterns for treating metastatic cancer,” explained John Hornberger, M.D., M.S., CEO/President of Cedar Associates LLC and Principal Investigator of the study. “We saw an increase in overall survival and quality-adjusted life years, resulting in an expected cost per QALY of less than $50,000 per patient, which is within the generally accepted threshold of <$100,000 for cost-effectiveness in the United States.”1,2
The Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test, available through the Pathwork Diagnostics Laboratory, measures gene expression levels of 2,000 genes and uses proprietary algorithms to compare the tumor’s gene expression pattern to that of 15 tumor types, representing 58 morphologies and 90% of all solid tumors. The test provides objective genomic information to help the physician diagnose what type of cancer the patient has. An accurate diagnosis allows oncologists to match therapy to the cancer.
The Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test has been extensively evaluated in multiple independent studies involving more than 1,100 patient specimens, including large validation studies published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.
A retrospective study of 111 cases from 66 academic and community oncology practices illustrates the use of the test in management of cancer patients. Over two thirds of the cases reviewed showed cancer management changed after the Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test result was received. The majority of the oncologists identified the Tissue of Origin Test results as influencing the decision to make a change in therapy.
For more information:
http://www.genengnews.com/industry-updates/pathwork-tissue-of-origin-test-cost-effective-for-increasing-cancer-patient-survival/139175622/
“The Tissue of Origin Test significantly altered clinical practice patterns for treating metastatic cancer,” explained John Hornberger, M.D., M.S., CEO/President of Cedar Associates LLC and Principal Investigator of the study. “We saw an increase in overall survival and quality-adjusted life years, resulting in an expected cost per QALY of less than $50,000 per patient, which is within the generally accepted threshold of <$100,000 for cost-effectiveness in the United States.”1,2
The Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test, available through the Pathwork Diagnostics Laboratory, measures gene expression levels of 2,000 genes and uses proprietary algorithms to compare the tumor’s gene expression pattern to that of 15 tumor types, representing 58 morphologies and 90% of all solid tumors. The test provides objective genomic information to help the physician diagnose what type of cancer the patient has. An accurate diagnosis allows oncologists to match therapy to the cancer.
The Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test has been extensively evaluated in multiple independent studies involving more than 1,100 patient specimens, including large validation studies published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.
A retrospective study of 111 cases from 66 academic and community oncology practices illustrates the use of the test in management of cancer patients. Over two thirds of the cases reviewed showed cancer management changed after the Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test result was received. The majority of the oncologists identified the Tissue of Origin Test results as influencing the decision to make a change in therapy.
For more information:
http://www.genengnews.com/industry-updates/pathwork-tissue-of-origin-test-cost-effective-for-increasing-cancer-patient-survival/139175622/
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Chromogranin A :The Test
Chromogranin A test is a tumor marker. The oncologist may order this test along with other tests if they suspect a carcinoid tumor,pheochromocytoma, and neurendocrine tumor.
Carcinoid tumor are derived from primitive stem cells in the gut wall but can be seen in other organs,[1] including the lungs,[2] mediastinum, thymus,[3] liver, pancreas, bronchus, ovaries,[4] prostate,[5] and kidneys.[6] In children, most tumors occur in the appendix and are benign and asymptomatic.
Most carcinoid tumors are slow growing and indolent without symptoms. Nevertheless, aggressive and metastatic disease (eg, to the brain) does occur. Even tumors in the appendix can metastasize.[7, 8] Depending on the size and location, carcinoid tumors can cause various symptoms, including carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid tumors of the ileum and jejunum, especially those larger than 1 cm, are most prone to produce this syndrome, at least in adults.
Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor of the medulla of the adrenal glands (originating in the chromaffin cells), or extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue that failed to involute after birth [1] and secretes excessive amounts of catecholamines, usually noradrenaline (norepinephrine), and adrenaline (epinephrine) to a lesser extent.[2] Extra-adrenal paragangliomas (often described as extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas) are closely related, though less common, tumors that originate in the ganglia of the sympathetic nervous system and are named based upon the primary anatomical site of origin.
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are neoplasms that arise from cells of the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous systems. Many are benign, while some are cancers. They most commonly occur in the intestine, but are also found in the lung and the rest of the body.
Although there are many kinds of NETs, they are treated as a group of tissue because the cells of these neoplasms share common features, such as looking similar, having special secretory granules, and often producing biogenic amines and polypeptide hormones.[1]
The Chromogranin A may be ordered in combination with or in place of 5-HIAA to help diagnose carcinoid tumors. It is also used to help monitor the effectiveness of treatment and detect recurrence of this tumor. Sometimes it may be ordered with specific hormones, such as catecholamines, to help diagnose and monitor a pheochromocytoma. It may also be used to detect the presence of other neuroendocrine tumors, even those that do not secrete hormones.
For more information :www.medline.com, www.wikipeidia.com, www.labtestsonline.net
Carcinoid tumor are derived from primitive stem cells in the gut wall but can be seen in other organs,[1] including the lungs,[2] mediastinum, thymus,[3] liver, pancreas, bronchus, ovaries,[4] prostate,[5] and kidneys.[6] In children, most tumors occur in the appendix and are benign and asymptomatic.
Most carcinoid tumors are slow growing and indolent without symptoms. Nevertheless, aggressive and metastatic disease (eg, to the brain) does occur. Even tumors in the appendix can metastasize.[7, 8] Depending on the size and location, carcinoid tumors can cause various symptoms, including carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid tumors of the ileum and jejunum, especially those larger than 1 cm, are most prone to produce this syndrome, at least in adults.
Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor of the medulla of the adrenal glands (originating in the chromaffin cells), or extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue that failed to involute after birth [1] and secretes excessive amounts of catecholamines, usually noradrenaline (norepinephrine), and adrenaline (epinephrine) to a lesser extent.[2] Extra-adrenal paragangliomas (often described as extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas) are closely related, though less common, tumors that originate in the ganglia of the sympathetic nervous system and are named based upon the primary anatomical site of origin.
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are neoplasms that arise from cells of the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous systems. Many are benign, while some are cancers. They most commonly occur in the intestine, but are also found in the lung and the rest of the body.
Although there are many kinds of NETs, they are treated as a group of tissue because the cells of these neoplasms share common features, such as looking similar, having special secretory granules, and often producing biogenic amines and polypeptide hormones.[1]
The Chromogranin A may be ordered in combination with or in place of 5-HIAA to help diagnose carcinoid tumors. It is also used to help monitor the effectiveness of treatment and detect recurrence of this tumor. Sometimes it may be ordered with specific hormones, such as catecholamines, to help diagnose and monitor a pheochromocytoma. It may also be used to detect the presence of other neuroendocrine tumors, even those that do not secrete hormones.
Chromogranin A concentrations are normally low. An increased level in a symptomatic person may indicate the presence of a tumor but will not tell the doctor what type it is or where it is. The quantity of CgA is not associated with the severity of a person's symptoms but is associated with the tumor burden - the mass of the tumor.
If concentrations of CgA are elevated prior to treatment and then fall, then treatment is likely to have been effective. If monitored levels begin to rise, then the person may have a recurrence of the tumor.
If concentrations of CgA are elevated prior to treatment and then fall, then treatment is likely to have been effective. If monitored levels begin to rise, then the person may have a recurrence of the tumor.
For more information :www.medline.com, www.wikipeidia.com, www.labtestsonline.net
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is an adenocarcinoma . Adenocarcinoma is a cancer of the epithelium but begins in the glandular tissue. Epithelium is the tissue the is the layer that is in our skin ,glands and is in the tissue lining that covers our major organs. For cancer to be diagnosed an adenocarcinoma it does not have to be a part of a gland but have excretory properties. It is easier to determine adenocarcinoma if the tissue resembles the tissue from which the tissue from which the glandular tissue it came from. Some adenocarcinoma is difficult to know if determine so there must be a biopsy in which the pathologist through staining procedures determine the diagnosis. As long as the cells of the tissue have and exocrine characteristic then it is considered glandular and therefore is malignant.
Above it an image of pancreatic cancer. Inside are the tumors that were determined by the pathologists and radiologists.
Above is tissue that has been processed by histology and this view is what is seen by the pathologist under the microscope. This image was taken by cure byte. This was used to diagnosed adenocarcinoma pancreas.
This is a video by Dr.Mark Fraiman explaining Pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is highly lethal. It is hard to diagnosed and usually cannot be diagnosed until later in the course of the disease.
The conditions that may put people at risk include tobacco use, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, a history of diabetes, chronic pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis), and a fatty (or Western) diet. Prior stomach surgery may moderately increase one's risk as can certain chronic infections such as hepatitis B and H. pylori (an infection of the stomach lining). Certain types of pancreatic cysts may put individuals at risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Despite these associated risks, no identifiable cause is found in most people who develop pancreatic cancer.
The tests for diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer are the following:
For more information :www.medicinenet.com or www.mayoclinic.com
Above is tissue that has been processed by histology and this view is what is seen by the pathologist under the microscope. This image was taken by cure byte. This was used to diagnosed adenocarcinoma pancreas.
Pancreatic cancer is highly lethal. It is hard to diagnosed and usually cannot be diagnosed until later in the course of the disease.
The conditions that may put people at risk include tobacco use, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, a history of diabetes, chronic pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis), and a fatty (or Western) diet. Prior stomach surgery may moderately increase one's risk as can certain chronic infections such as hepatitis B and H. pylori (an infection of the stomach lining). Certain types of pancreatic cysts may put individuals at risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Despite these associated risks, no identifiable cause is found in most people who develop pancreatic cancer.
The tests for diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer are the following:
- Ultrasound. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create moving images of your internal organs, including your pancreas. The ultrasound sensor (transducer) is placed on your upper abdomen to obtain images.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan. CT scan uses X-ray images to help your doctor visualize your internal organs. In some cases you may receive an injection of dye into a vein in your arm to help highlight the areas your doctor wants to see.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create images of your pancreas.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This procedure uses a dye to highlight the bile ducts in your pancreas. During ERCP, a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is gently passed down your throat, through your stomach and into the upper part of your small intestine. Air is used to inflate your intestinal tract so that your doctor can more easily see the openings of your pancreatic and bile ducts. A dye is then injected into the ducts through a small hollow tube (catheter) that's passed through the endoscope. Finally, X-rays are taken of
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). EUS uses an ultrasound device to make images of your pancreas from inside your abdomen. The ultrasound device is passed through an endoscope into your stomach in order to obtain the images. Your doctor may also collect a sample of cells (biopsy) during EUS.
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC). PTC uses a dye to highlight the bile ducts in your liver. Your doctor carefully inserts a thin needle into your liver and injects the dye into the bile ducts. A special X-ray machine (fluoroscope) tracks the dye as it moves through the ducts.
- Removing a tissue sample for testing (biopsy). A biopsy is a procedure to remove a small sample of tissue from the pancreas for examination under a microscope. A biopsy sample can be obtained by inserting a needle through your skin and into your pancreas (fine-needle aspiration). Or it can be done using endoscopic ultrasound to guide special tools into your pancreas where a sample of cells can be obtained for testing.
- the ducts. A tissue or cell sample (biopsy) can be collected during ERCP.
What is the treatment for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer?
If a pancreatic cancer is found when it has grown into important local structures but not yet spread to distant sites, this is described as locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (stage III). The standard of care in the United States for the treatment of locally advanced cancer is a combination of low-dose chemotherapy given simultaneously with radiation treatments to the pancreas and surrounding tissues. Radiation treatments are designed to lower the risk of local growth of the cancer, thereby minimizing the symptoms that local progression causes (back or belly pain, nausea, loss of appetite, intestinal blockage, jaundice). Radiation treatments are typically given Monday through Friday for about five weeks. Chemotherapy given concurrently (at the same time) may improve the effectiveness of the radiation and may lower the risk for cancer spread outside the area where the radiation is delivered. When the radiation is completed and the patient has recovered, more chemotherapy is often recommended. Recently, newer forms of radiation delivery (stereotactic radiosurgery, gamma knife radiation, cyberknife radiation) have been utilized in locally advanced pancreatic cancer with varying degrees of success, but these treatments can be more toxic and are, for now, largely experimental.What is the treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer?
Once a pancreatic cancer has spread beyond the vicinity of the pancreas and involves other organs, it has become a problem through the system. As a result, a systemic treatment is most appropriate and chemotherapy is recommended.For more information :www.medicinenet.com or www.mayoclinic.com
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