The National Cancer Institute has a very informative, yet easy to understand overview presented as a Q&A – Targeted Cancer Therapies. Continue reading
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Nivolumab Phase 3 study stopped early for efficacy
Great news – nivolumab, BMS’ PD-1 immune checkpoint control inhibitor was shown to prolong overall survival when used front-line in patients with advanced melanoma. The study was stopped early, that is before it fully enrolled the planned number of patients, by an independent data monitoring committee because it was shown to be quite effective. Continue reading
Genetic Analyses of Cancer – Precision Medicine a New Standard
Memorial Sloan Kettering has started testing the cancers of its patients for 341 cancer-related genes. It is collaborating with Quest Diagnostics to perform the analyses in an effort to identify biomarkers that can best guide appropriate therapy. This is precision medicine, and it is happening at other major cancer centers, as well… Continue reading
HPV DNA Test and Experimental DNA Vaccine
The National Cancer Institute states that “virtually all” cervical cancers are caused by HPV infection. The association is so strong that the FDA recently approved a DNA test for HPV that many believe could supplant PAP smear. This is great news for patients who do not have cervical cancer, yet. But what if you do?… Continue reading
Precision Medicine: SWOG Lung-MAP study – unique public/private collaboration
Using genomics to take-on advanced non-small cell lung cancer, the Southwest Oncology Group announced the start of a master protocol that will screen patients for optimal eligibility into one of five clinical trials with experimental drugs… Continue reading
Genomic and Exomic Diagnostic Testing – ready for the doctor’s office?
This is an article from the National Institutes of Health that discusses the opportunities and challenges for making genomic (sequencing all 3 billion base pairs) or exomic (sequencing the 1-2% of the genome that contains the 20,000 genes that encode proteins) a routine test in the doctor’s office. The study was conducted by the National Human Genomic Research Institute – see report. Continue reading
Epigenetic-modulation in myelodysplastic syndrome – DNA methylation and histone acetylation
Epigenetic regulation is critical for gene expression. Epigenetic pathways are frequently dysregulated in cancer, which can lead to suppression of tumor suppressor genes and expression of oncogenes. Continue reading
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells; Pfizer enters the space with Cellectis Collaboration
Today, Pfizer announced a deal with Cellectis for Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells for cancer. Other companies pursuing this include Juno Therapeutics (Memorial Sloan Kettering, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and Seattle Childrem’s Hospital) and Novartis (UPENN)… Continue reading
Autophagy inhibitors for resistant cancers
Autophagy is a process by which cells that are under stress and deprived of nutrients pause to recycle themselves in order to maintain viability. Autophagosomes comprised of cellular organelles are formed, followed by Lysosomal destruction; the cell then uses the substrates for synthesis and reconstitution. Cells in autophagy do not replicate… Continue reading
Being sedentary increases cancer risk
Here is an interesting little piece that discusses exercise, sedentary lifestyle, and the risk of cancer… Continue reading