Women with chronic kidney disease more likely than men to go undiagnosed Nov 1, 2009
The serum creatinine should also be plugged into a formula that gives an estimated kidney filtration rate (called glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR) which is a much more accurate estimate of kidney function. Women have a lower eGFR than men for the same level of serum creatinine ... In the study, lab reports that automatically included the eGFR calculation did not show a gender disparity in diagnosis of patients suggesting that including this value on all serum creatinine lab reports could... (EurekAlert!)
New Target For Treating Leukemia Identified Oct 9, 2009
Dr. Stegmaier and colleagues had previously demonstrated that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors exhibited anti-AML activity. However, this finding was somewhat puzzling as EGFR is not expressed in AML. The researchers made use of sophisticated cross-disciplinary approaches to study gene expression (genomics) and protein structure and function (proteomics) to elucidate the molecular basis for the effect of EGFR inhibitors in AML.. (Science Daily)
African American lung cancer patients may have different response to new cancer-fighting drugs Oct 8, 2009
African American patients with NSCLC are significantly less likely than Caucasian counterparts to harbor activating mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in their cancers, which suggests that common oral EGFR inhibitor drugs, such as Tarceva (erlotinib), are unlikely to yield dramatic remissions. Additionally, cancer biopsy testing revealed that African American patients with NSCLC are significantly more likely to have increased copies of the EGFR gene than Caucasians... (EurekAlert!)
Vectibix(R) in Combination With Chemotherapy Significantly Improves Progression-Free Survival in First-Line Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Sep 24, 2009
"This is the first prospective Phase 3 data to demonstrate the importance of KRAS mutation as a predictive biomarker for Vectibix treatment in the first-line setting, providing definitive support for the use of the KRAS biomarker for selection of patients eligible for anti-EGFR therapy." ... These data confirm previous findings when oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody are combined in patients bearing tumors with activating KRAS mutations... (PR Newswire)
QIAGEN Acquires DxS Ltd -- Creating Leadership in Personalized Healthcare Sep 23, 2009
The currently marketed portfolio spans seven real-time PCR tests including a test for the mutation status of the oncogene K-RAS, which is indicative for successful treatment of patients suffering from metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with EGFR inhibitors ... -- QIAGEN creates a leading portfolio in companion diagnostics: - DxS adds seven PCR assays targeting biomarkers including K-RAS and EGFR29, which may be useful in identifying patients' response to certain cancer treatments (e. (Primezone Releases)
Lung Cancer Suppresses MiR-200 To Invade And Spread Sep 20, 2009
19, 2009) Primary lung cancer shifts to metastatic disease by suppressing a family of small molecules that normally locks the tumor in a noninvasive state, researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center report in the Sept. 15 edition of Genes and Development. "Existing treatments have little success against cancer that has spread to other organs, so finding a way to prevent metastasis could have a huge impact on survival," said senior author Jonathan Kurie, M.D., professor... (Science Daily)
Guide on lung cancer in 'never-smokers': A different disease and different treatments Sep 17, 2009
"Patients who never smoked respond better to a certain class of drugs called EGFR inhibitors, because lung cancer in these patients more often contain mutations in the EGFR gene," says Rudin. EGFR normally promotes cell growth and development, and when mutated, allows the uncontrolled growth of cells that is the hallmark of cancer. (EurekAlert!)
Gene expression meta-analysis supports existence of molecular apocrine breast cancer with a role for androgen receptor and implies interactions with ErbB family Sep 12, 2009
Gene Shaving and Robust Bayesian Network Analysis detect interactions between the AR pathway, EGFR trafficking signals, and ErbB2. Conclusions. (BioMed Central)
Discovery Holds Promise For New Effective Cancer Therapies Sep 4, 2009
(June 25, 2008) Drugs that target members of the EGFR family of proteins have proven effective for the treatment of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer. However, in a large number of patients for whom. (Science Daily)
Prodrug Could Help Curb Skin Toxicity Related To EGFR-inhibiting Cancer Drugs Sep 4, 2009
Cetuximab (Erbitux) is a monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ... Although cetuximab and other EGFR inhibitors are associated with a lower rate of side effects compared with conventional chemotherapy, adverse effects of the drugs often include a dose-limiting skin rash and gastrointestinal symptoms ... The prodrug contains the antigen binding sites of two different EGFR-specific antibodies: 425 (matuzumab) and C225 (cetuximab). (Science Daily)
Personalized Medicine and Inhibition of EGFR Signaling in Lung Cancer Sep 3, 2009
Volume 361:1018-1020. Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the and any section headings. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Gefitinib or Carboplatin–Paclitaxel in Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Sep 3, 2009
In the subgroup of 261 patients who were positive for the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) mutation, progression-free survival was significantly longer among those who received gefitinib than among those who received carboplatin paclitaxel (hazard ratio for progression or death, 0 ... The presence in the tumor of a mutation of the EGFR gene is a strong predictor of a better outcome with gefitinib. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Screening for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations in Lung Cancer Sep 3, 2009
Background Activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) confer hypersensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors gefitinib and erlotinib in patients with advanced non small-cell lung cancer. We evaluated the feasibility of large-scale screening for EGFR mutations in such patients and analyzed the association between the mutations and the outcome of erlotinib treatment ... Methods From April 2005 through November 2008, lung cancers from 2105 patients in 129... (New England Journal of Medicine)
Cost Effective Solution for Patient Testing: Introducing Comprehensive and Affordable Molecular Diagnosis With Verifiable Accuracy Sep 1, 2009
g. K-ras, EGFR mutations for colo-rectal cancer therapy), and genetic predisposition to disease (e. g. Thrombophilia panel with Factor V, Prothrombin, MTHFR for clotting disorders). (PR Newswire)
Research Points To New Target For Stopping Colon Cancer Sep 1, 2009
31, 2009) Drugs that target the epidermal growth factor receptor, or EGFR, have been used for a number of cancers. But these drugs called EGFR inhibitors, such as cetuximab, have not been very effective against colon cancer ... The new study, however, shows that drugs that target the closely related receptor ERBB3 would probably be much more effective than EGFR inhibitors at treating most colorectal cancers, said David Threadgill, Ph. (Science Daily)
New treatments offer better survival and fresh challenges in colorectal cancer Aug 22, 2009
Oncologists now integrate conventional cytotoxic agents oxaliplatin and irinotecan (which directly fight tumour cells) with treatments such as bevacizumab and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies, cetuximab and panitumumab, as novel targeted agents into standard medical therapy ... Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab (Vectibix) are both targeted monoclonal antibody treatments that have demonstrated efficacy both in combination... (EurekAlert!)
Gene Mutation Improves Response to Lung Cancer Drug Aug 21, 2009
People who have advanced non-small-cell lung cancer who also have certain mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) tend to respond better to Tarceva and Iressa ... The researchers screened lung cancer samples from 2,105 people at 129 institutions in Spain for two different EGFR mutations ... "Basically, this highlights the fact that patients with EGFR mutations should, sometime during the course of their illness, get erlotinib [Tarceva]," said Dr. George Simon, director of... (MEDLINEplus)
Vectibix(R) Significantly Improved Progression-Free Survival in Second-Line Treatment of KRAS Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Aug 18, 2009
Overall, the adverse event profile was as anticipated for an anti-EGFR antibody in combination with irinotecan-based chemotherapy, including known events such as skin toxicity, diarrhea and hypomagnesemia ... In mCRC, the EGFR transmits signals through a set of intracellular proteins ... Anti-EGFR therapies work by blocking the activation of EGFR, thereby inhibiting downstream events that lead to malignant signaling. (PR Newswire)
Erbituxs marginal clinical benefit in lung cancer could prompt second look from regulators Aug 14, 2009
Conclusive evidence has demonstrated that patients harboring an activating EGFR gene mutation have a better response to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as Genentechs Tarceva and AstraZenecas Iressa ... Recently published studies have demonstrated that Erbitux can be a good agent for patients who are deemed responders based on the characteristic rash associated with Erbitux and other EGFR inhibitors ... Knowing only the EGFR mutational status without further genetic determinants is not... (FT.com -- Markets)
Fox Chase finds that lung cancer patients respond to erlotinib following cetuximab therapy Aug 2, 2009
Both cetuximab (Erbitux) and erlotinib (Tarceva) inhibit the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the assumption has been that once a patient progresses on one EGFR inhibitor they will not respond to another EGFR inhibitor ... "Just because a patient received and progressed on one EGFR inhibitor doesn't necessarily mean they will not derive clinical benefit from another one," says Hossein Borghaei, D.O., medical oncologist at Fox Chase. (EurekAlert!)
Advanced targeted therapies effective as first-line treatment for lung cancer Aug 2, 2009
CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR (EGFR) MUTATIONS IN IPASS (IRESSATM PAN ASIA STUDY) (ABSTRACT # B9 ... An epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a protein found on the surface of cells to which an epidermal growth factor (EGF) binds ... When an EGF attaches to an EGFR, it activates the enzyme tyrosine kinase, triggering reactions that cause the cells to grow and multiply. (EurekAlert!)
Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute Announces Diagnostic Screening and Clinical Research Collaborations With Response Genetics, Inc. Aug 1, 2009
Specific molecular features of tumors, including EGFR mutations, ras mutations, ERCC1, RRM1 or TS overexpression, have been shown in multiple studies to have prognostic importance and/or be associated with benefit from specific interventions, as described in the NCCN 2009 Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. Currently, only a minority of patients with Lung Cancer, especially advanced stage disease, are having these molecular assessments performed. (PR Newswire)
Molecule Plays Early Role In Nonsmoking Lung Cancer Jul 29, 2009
The levels were even higher in tumors that had mutations in a gene called EGFR, a common feature of lung cancer in never-smokers. Several important lung cancer drugs target EGFR mutations, but these agents are ineffective in about 30 percent of cases in which the mutation is present, says co-principal investigator Dr. Carlo M. Croce, professor of molecular virology, immunology and medical genetics at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove... (Science Daily)
Small Molecule Might Play Big Part in Lung Cancer Jul 21, 2009
The microRNA miR-21 was found particularly elevated in adenocarcinomas that affect never-smokers, especially in individuals who tested positive for mutations in their epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene ... To test their hypothesis that miR-21 and EGFR may make attractive targets for therapy, the researchers tested two experimental compounds: an antisense molecule designed to bind to the RNA and essentially turn it off; and a compound called AG1478, which targets the cell's EGFR and... (MEDLINEplus)
Stealthy Gene Network Makes Brain Tumors Flourish Jul 20, 2009
One of those genes is EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), a well-known player in many cancers and known as an oncogene. EGFR has physiological importance in normal development ... In nearly half of the glioblastoma patients, EGFR is mutated and abnormally activated, as if its dial is cranked permanently to "high.". (Science Daily)
Targeting Specific Proteins To Halt Advanced Metastatic Breast Cancer Jul 19, 2009
Dr. Kang and colleagues demonstrated that MMP1 and ADAMTS1 enzymatically cleave and release EGF-like growth factors from tumor cells to stimulate EGFR signaling in the bone-building osteoblasts ... Thus, this paper supports a rationale for the therapeutic targeting of MMP1 and ADAMTS1, and suggests that inhibition of EGFR signaling in bone stromal cells to block osteoclast activity may represent a viable method of mitigating bone complications in advanced metastatic breast cancers. (Science Daily)
Amgen Announces KRAS Safety Update to U.S. Prescribing Information for Vectibix(R) (Panitumumab) Jul 18, 2009
Class Labeling Recognizes KRAS as a Predictive Biomarker for anti-EGFr Antibody Monotherapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer ... July 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Amgen Inc. (Nasdaq: ) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved revisions to the U.S. prescribing information for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) class of antibodies, including Vectibix((R)) (panitumumab) ... This decision follows the FDA's December 2008 Oncologics Drugs Advisory Committee... (PR Newswire)
Gene Connections Key to Brain Tumor Growth Jul 16, 2009
The hub gene is the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) oncogene on chromosome 7, according to the study ... A decrease in the function of ANXA7 shoots the EGFR oncogene into overdrive, contributing to the development and progression of malicious glioblastomas, they found. (MEDLINEplus)
What Drives Lung Cancer's Spread? Jul 4, 2009
This finding was confirmed with additional experiments in mice that showed that lung cancer cells with tumor-initiating mutations in the genes KRAS and EGFR also depended on a hyperactive WNT pathway for metastasis. The researchers went on to find two genes HOXB9 and LEF1 that are activated by WNT and enhance the ability of lung cancer cells to swiftly invade and reinitiate tumor growth. (Science Daily)
'Science Signaling' to Publish Paper on Therapeutically Targeting ErbB3 to Treat Overexpressed or Mutated Oncogenes Merrimack Pharmaceutica Jun 26, 2009
The paper explains how the authors used their computational model of the ErbB signaling network to highlight ErbB3 as the key node in response to ligands that can bind either ErbB3 or EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor). They describe MM-121, a human monoclonal antibody that potently inhibits ErbB3 in a manner distinct from that of other ErbB-targeted therapies. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
New Treatment Combination Proves Safe For Head And Neck Cancer Patients, Study Suggests Jun 5, 2009
Gefinitib, which also is known by the trade name Iressa, is a targeted therapy against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapies. Patients were able to take the drug orally and tolerated it well. (Science Daily)
Vandetanib Shows Clinical Benefit When Combined With Docetaxel For Lung Cancer Jun 3, 2009
The therapy is unique in that it's a dual inhibitor and targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) ... "Both receptors are active in lung cancer. EGFR targets the tumor cell and VEGF targets the blood vessels, so, with vandetanib, we're really targeting the entire tumor environment at the same time," explained Herbst. (Science Daily)
Drug Trials Show Modest Gains Against Lung Cancer Jun 2, 2009
Unlike other lung cancer drugs, Zactima packs a one-two punch, targeting two separate cellular receptors involved with tumors: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Following initial chemotherapy, almost 1,400 patients were randomly selected to receive docetaxel plus Zactima or just docetaxel. (MEDLINEplus)
Infinity Reports Encouraging Clinical Data for IPI-504 at ASCO 2009 May 31, 2009
Data presented during ASCO demonstrate single-agent anti-tumor activity in the Phase 2 portion of a study evaluating IPI-504 in patients with stage IIIb/IV NSCLC. The study was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and biologic activity of IPI-504 in two patient populations: one with known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and one with wild-type EGFR expression ... The preliminary data show that, to date, patients with wild-type EGFR expression NSCLC (n=28), all of whom... (Primezone Releases)
'Happy Hour' Gene Discovery Suggests Cancer Drugs Might Treat Alcoholism May 26, 2009
"This is a very powerful example of how simple model organisms -- and the little fruit fly in particular -- can be used to move quickly from an unknown gene to a potential therapy for drug addiction," said Ulrike Heberlein of the University of California, San Francisco, noting that erlotinib and gefitinib, along with other EGFR inhibitors, not only cross the blood-brain barrier in humans, but they are also well-tolerated in general ... Heberlein said they still don't know exactly how alcohol... (Science Daily)
A first choice of renal function tests in hepatectomy patients May 23, 2009
Recently, an equation for estimated GFR (eGFR) for Japanese individuals has been postulated, and eGFR has been accepted as equal to measured GFR in chronic kidney disease. However, there have been no previous studies regarding the reliability of eGFR as a preoperative renal function test ... The research team led by Dr. Tokihiko Sawada from Dokkyo Medical University, Japan retrospectively calculated the preoperative three-variable and five-variable equations for eGFR, and compared the results... (EurekAlert!)
Boehringer Ingelheim to Present New Phase II Clinical Data on Two Lead Oncology Compounds at ASCO 2009 May 15, 2009
- Data on BIBW 2992, an Irreversible, Dual EGFR / HER2 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Suggests Activity in Second-line Treatment of NSCLC Patients with EGFR Activating Mutations - (1,2) ... Interim Phase II data from the LUX-Lung 2 study suggest BIBW 2992 has anti-tumor activity in advanced, second-line, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations ... "The preliminary data from the LUX-Lung 2 study suggests that BIBW 2992 may have activity... (PR Newswire)
May 14, 2009: Biodesix Announces VeriStrat(R) Data in Head and Neck Cancer to be Presented at ASCO May 15, 2009
Data support proteomic test as a predictor of overall survival benefit with EGFRI treatment ... Results from a 314 patient study indicate that VeriStrat is predictive of survival benefit in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) treated with epidermal growth factor inhibitors (EGFRIs) ... According to the data, VeriStrat provides information to help oncologists identify patients most likely to benefit from EGFRI therapy. (PR Newswire)
Personalized therapy for Metastatic... May 14, 2009
Treatment Based on EGFR and BRCA1 Gene Mutations Brings Promises ... Well-known oncogenes in small-cell-lung cancer are K-ras and EGFR (Epithelial Growth Factor Receptor) ... In consequence a common treatment for small-cell-lung cancer are drugs, like erlotinib, binding EGFR and inhibiting its activity. (Suite101.com)
Technology Monitor: Sorted May 14, 2009
Both head-and-neck cancers and breast cancers, for example, have an abundance of molecules called epidermal growth-factor receptors (EGFRs) ... At present, pathologists assess how advanced a cancer is by taking a sample, known as a biopsy, and examining the concentration within it of specific receptors, such as EGFRs, that are known to help cancers spread ... Each of the two types is selected to fuse with a different part of an EGFR molecule, but one will do so only when the receptor has become... (The Economist)
Test Predicts Who Will Develop End-stage Renal Disease Apr 12, 2009
Olav University Hospital, Norway), and his colleagues recently conducted a study to see if combining two tests commonly used to measure kidney function might help predict ESRD. One test measures an individual's estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR a measure of the volume of fluid filtered by the kidneys), while the other measures the amount of albumin (the predominant protein in the blood) that is excreted in urine. A high urinary albumin level indicates a rapid rate of kidney disease... (Science Daily)
Breakthrough model for human cancer may improve development of cancer drugs; study in PNAS Apr 7, 2009
This approach has resulted in a balanced pipeline of novel cancer therapies focused on well-validated targets (VEGFR, EGFR) and promising novel targets (HGF, FGFR, ErbB3), as well as collaborations with Eli Lilly, Merck, OSI Pharmaceuticals, Schering-Plough and Biogen Idec. The company's lead product, AV-951, a potential best-in-class triple VEGF receptor inhibitor, is completing Phase 2 clinical development in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer and is expected to enter Phase 3... (EurekAlert!)
Cellular target may prove useful in treating deadly brain tumors Apr 4, 2009
Current therapies to treat glioblastomas are directed toward blocking the activity of another cellular receptor called epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR). A recent clinical trial using an EGFR inhibitor found that patients whose tumors expressed high levels of phosphorylated or chemically altered Akt did not respond to treatment, Kwatra said ... "We propose that the elevated levels of phosphorylated Akt may come from active forms of NK1R, and it's possible that a better response might... (EurekAlert!)
Infinity Initiates International Phase 2 Trial of IPI-504 in Combination With Herceptin(r) in Patients With HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Mar 30, 2009
Hsp90 is a central component of the cellular chaperone system -- a system that supports and stabilizes a number of cancer-causing proteins such as c-Kit, EGFR, and HER2, enabling multiple forms of cancer to thrive. Inhibition of the Hsp90 chaperone knocks out this critical source of support for cancer cells, leading to tumor growth inhibition and cancer cell death. (Primezone Releases)
YM BIOSCIENCES ANNOUNCES FIRST PATIENT ENROLLED IN MULTI-NATIONAL, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND TRIAL OF NIMOTUZUMAB IN NON-SMALL-CELL LUNG CANCER Mar 16, 2009
"The blinding of this trial is feasible because nimotuzumab does not produce the severe toxicities typical of the EGFR class of antibodies. This unique safety profile provides us with the expectation of a significant competitive advantage and holds out the prospect for an extension in survival at an acceptable quality of life for patients who have been told that they are being treated palliatively," said David Allan, Chairman and CEO of YM BioSciences ... The Company is currently developing two... (PR Newswire)
Chemo is no longer one size fits all Feb 18, 2009
Hospitals nationwide are recruiting 1,200 lung cancer patients to study who carries extra copies of the tumor-spurring gene EGFR. They ll get either of two top treatments, Tarceva or Alimta, to see which is best for which genetic condition. EDITOR s NOTE Lauran Neergaard covers health and medical issues for The Associated Press in Washington. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Push on to tailor cancer care Feb 17, 2009
Hospitals nationwide are recruiting 1,200 lung cancer patients to study who carries extra copies of the gene EGFR. They'll get either of two top treatments, Tarceva or Alimta, to see which is best for which condition. Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe)
Chemotherapy, Bevacizumab, and Cetuximab in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Feb 8, 2009
We studied the effect of adding the anti epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody cetuximab to a combination of capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer. Methods We randomly assigned 755 patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer to capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab (CB regimen, 378 patients) or the same regimen plus weekly cetuximab (CBC regimen, 377 patients). (New England Journal of Medicine)
