Category Archives: Stem Cells

OLIG2 inhibitor for glioblastoma

OLIG2 (Oligodendrocyte transcription factor-2) is a transcription factor that is expressed in the pMN domain of the ventral ventricular zone in the embryonic spinal cord. Along with OLIG1, it is responsible for the development of motoneurons and oligodendrocytes. Astrocytes and ependymal cells also originate from the pMN domain. Continue reading

New data with temozolomide plus radiation for brain cancers

The results of two studies have demonstrated that the use of temozolomide (TMZ) plus radiation increases disease-free and overall survival in patients with glioblastoma and a low grade glioma called anaplastic glioma. Continue reading

Biomarkers for Wnt activation Predict For HER-2(-) Breast Cancer and NSCLC Response to Vantictumab

OncoMed is developing several compounds that target Wnt and Notch pathways, which are important in cancer and cancer stem cell maintenance, survival, and proliferation. Biomarkers for response of Her-2-negative breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following treatment with Vantictumab, anti-Wnt monoclonal antibody, have been developed. Continue reading

Targeting Cancer Stem Cells – OncoMed’s R-SPONDIN LGR Antibody for Colorectal Cancer

OncoMed initiated a Phase I/II trial of its anti-RSPO3 antibody (OMP-131R10) in patients with relapsed colorectal cancer. Patients will also be receiving FOLFIRI (5-FU, irinotecan, leucovorin). Continue reading

Chop Protein Suppresses the Immune Response in Cancer

The Chop protein, not to be confused with the CHOP chemotherapy regimen for lymphoma (Cyclophosphamide, Hydro doxorubicin – Adriamycin, Oncovin – vincristine, and Prednisone), is a multifunctional transcription factor. This 29 kda protein that is produced following unfolded protein stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, which then triggers apoptosis. Continue reading

OncoMed’s Wnt-targeted experimental cancer drugs and bone-related adverse events

OncoMed is a biotech company that is developing therapies directed at the Wnt and Notch signaling pathways.  Clinical studies with two products directed at the Wnt pathway (Vantictumab – anti-Fzd-7, and Fzd-8 Fc) have been halted by the company while it explores findings of bone toxicity. Continue reading