Iressa shows promise for treatment of metastatic breast cancer when combined with hormonal therapy May 17, 2008
These findings are surprising and represent the first positive study for Iressa in breast cancer, as well as for the entire class of drugs known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors, said Massimo Cristofanilli, M.D., the study's principal investigator ... "There was a lot of preclinical work indicating that, in fact, resistance to hormonal therapy is strongly associated with an activated EGFR pathway. Also, EGFR over-expression has been associated with endocrine... (EurekAlert!)
Imclones Erbitux BMS-099 trial not powered to show overall survival, FLEX remains pivotal registrational trial May 16, 2008
However, the rash has been taken as an indicator of the drugs efficacy, and more rash means more binding of the EGFR kinase, he said. All EGFR drugs cause some degree of rash, and Erbitux - being a monoclonal antibody and not a small molecule like Tarceva - may cause even more rash, he noted ... Dual-inhibition of pathways may also be another problem, as Amgens EGFR-inhibitor Vectibix and VEGF-drug Avastin led to faster cancer progression in metastatic colorectal cancer. (FT.com -- Markets)
HPV Tied to Better Tongue, Tonsil Cancer Outcomes May 16, 2008
WEDNESDAY, May 14 (HealthDay News) -- Tonsil and tongue cancers linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) are most responsive to current chemotherapy and radiation treatments, while those that express high levels of a growth factor called EGFR are the least responsive and most deadly, a new study concludes ... In addition, patients with the EGFR marker had worse outcomes ... "The combination of markers was an important indicator. Patients whose tumors expressed high levels of EGFR did poorly. But... (MEDLINEplus)
Health Canada approves "Personalized medicine" for metastatic colorectal cancer May 15, 2008
A biotechnology medicine, Vectibix(TM) is the first fully human EGFr monoclonal antibody for the treatment of colorectal cancer ... (1) It works by recognizing and binding to a protein in the body known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr), which is over-expressed on the surface of some cancer cells ... When growth factors (other body proteins) attach to the EGFr, the cell is stimulated to grow and divide. (Canada Newswire)
HPV Linked To Better Survival In Tonsil, Tongue Cancer, Study Finds May 15, 2008
In addition, the researchers found that patients whose tumor expressed a marker called EGFR had worse outcomes. "The combination of markers was an important indicator. Patients whose tumors expressed high levels of EGFR did poorly. But those who had high EGFR and were also HPV-positive had some protection. Patients with high EGFR and low HPV fared the worst. This is a step in the direction of affecting future treatment," says Bhavna Kumar, a research laboratory specialist who was the lead author... (Science Daily)
Gene Effect on Colon Cancer Differs by Gender May 3, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Whether variant forms of a gene called EGFR increase or decrease survival with colon cancer depends on whether the patient is male or female, new study findings indicate ... Expression of EGFR has been linked with a worse prognosis, but up until now, it was assumed that variants of the gene had a similar effect in men and women ... The research team at the Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles, headed by Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz, studied two variant forms of EGFR. One of... (MEDLINEplus)
Gender-related Differences Found In Development Of Colon Cancer Apr 18, 2008
Germline variations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) DNA -- a gene widely expressed in colonic tissue -- has been linked with poor prognosis in colon cancer, says Oliver Press, an M.D. student at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and lead author of the study. However, when researchers looked at EGFR as a prognostic factor, they found that it had opposite implications for men and women ... When genomic DNA samples were analyzed, researchers found that women who had specific gene... (Science Daily)
Genmab A/S - Company Announcement: Novel Insights into HuMax-EGFr Mechanisms of Action Published in PNAS Apr 16, 2008
COPENHAGEN, April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Summary: Genmab has announced that HuMax-EGFr (zalutumumab) inhibits epidermal growth factor receptor signaling by locking epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) molecules into a very compact, inactive conformation. The flexibility of the EGFr is central to its role in signaling, and binding of HuMax-EGFr (zalutumumab) results in effective inhibition of cancer cell growth ... Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN) announced today new insights showing that... (PR Newswire)
Calorie restriction inhibits, obesity fuels development of epithelial cancers Apr 15, 2008
"Calorie restriction and obesity directly affect activation of the cell surface receptors epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1R)," Moore said. "These receptors then affect signaling in downstream molecular pathways such as Akt and mTOR.". (EurekAlert!)
How what and how much we eat (and drink) affects our risk of cancer Apr 14, 2008
Researchers believe that these effects of dietary energy balance are mediated by changes in signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). We have demonstrated that dietary energy balance directly modulates activation of cell surface receptors, specifically the EGFR and the IGF-1R, which subsequently affects signaling through downstream pathways, such as Akt and mTOR. Negative energy balance inhibits, while positive energy... (EurekAlert!)
Biomarkers allow doctors to match therapy to patient Apr 14, 2008
Few of the seven (AKT1, AKT2, BCAR1, BCAR3, EGFR, GRB7, and TRERF1) had been linked to resistance to tamoxifen ... Using the functional screen, the investigators looked at surgically removed primary tumors from 413 patients who had not yet received systemic therapy and found three genes AKT2, EGFR, and TRERF1 that were independently associated with tumor aggressiveness. (EurekAlert!)
Double binding sites on tumor target may provide future combination therapy Apr 9, 2008
An increasing number of therapies targeting tumors that have proteins called epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) sitting on their surface are already being used in the clinic or are in late stages of development ... EGFR drugs halt cell proliferation by blocking EGFRs molecular doorway, keeping hormones from binding and signaling tumor growth ... As is characteristic of many epithelial cancers - such as cancers of the colon, head and neck, breast, ovary, lung, and pancreas - the surface of... (EurekAlert!)
Malfunctioning kidneys may raise risk of sudden death in women Apr 8, 2008
Creatinine levels were used to estimate the filtering ability of the kidneys (the glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR) ... 5 percent) of those had normal kidney function (eGFR over 60 milliliters per minute [ml/min]) ... 6 percent) of those had moderate kidney dysfunction (eGFR 40-60 ml/min). (EurekAlert!)
Hana Biosciences Commences Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Topical Menadione for Treatment and/or Prevention of EGFR Inhibitor-Associated Skin Rash Apr 7, 2008
April 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Hana Biosciences (NasdaqGM: - ), a biopharmaceutical company focused on strengthening the foundation of cancer care, today announced that active cancer patient dosing has commenced in the company's Phase 1 clinical trial of topical menadione lotion for the treatment and/or prevention of the rash associated with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors (EGFRIs). Currently, there are no products or therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration... (Primezone Releases)
New Data On Infinity's Lead Anti-Cancer Candidates to be Presented At AACR Apr 7, 2008
D. Location: Ballroom 20D Monday, April 14, 11:55 a.m. to 12:10 p.m., Oral Presentation Title: IPI-504, a novel HSP90 inhibitor is effective in EGFR T790M and non-T790M gefitinib-resistant lung cancer cell lines Abstract No. 2450 Presenter: Joon O. Park, M.D. Session Title: Histone Deacetylase and Heat Shock Protein Inhibitors Location: Room 24A-C Tuesday, April 15, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Poster Presentation Title: IPI-504, a selective Hsp90 inhibitor is biologically active and tolerated in... (Primezone Releases)
Science fair standouts Apr 6, 2008
His project really needs no explanation: It's titled, The Inhibitory Effect of HKa on Migration of Prostate Cancer Is Mediated by Blocking Interaction of EGFR and uPAR.. Um. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Saving Cancer Patients' Skin For Later Dermatological Treatments Mar 28, 2008
The new drugs work by destroying a protein called the EGFR, which naturally occurs in the skin, but also helps cancer cells thrive. In the top four deadliest cancers -- lung, breast, colorectal and pancreatic -- cancer cells start churning out huge amounts of EGFR to feed themselves and self propagate ... The drugs that attack EGFR are prescribed for patients -- about 100,00 so far -- whose cancer has not responded to conventional chemotherapy. (Science Daily)
Saving cancer patients' skin Mar 28, 2008
These agents attack specific proteins in cancer cells rather than the spray gun approach of conventional chemotherapy that "basically shoots at everything and kills all kinds of cells, Lacouture said. The new agents minimize the side effects of traditional chemotherapy so patients lose less hair and don't suffer from plummeting white blood cell counts, which leave them vulnerable to infections. The new drugs work by destroying a protein called the EGFR, which naturally occurs in the skin, but... (EurekAlert!)
EGFR Antagonists in Cancer Treatment Mar 15, 2008
1 The majority of human epithelial cancers are marked by functional activation of growth factors and receptors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family. Given this phenomenon, EGFR was the first growth factor ... EGFR in Human Carcinogenesis. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Gene Plays 'Jekyll And Hyde' In Brain Cancer Feb 12, 2008
And since STAT3 is a key gene that turns neural stem cells into astrocytes during normal development, what is its role in glioblastoma" Bonni and two lead authors, N;ria de la Iglesia and Genevieve Konopka, in collaboration with investigators in the laboratory of Ronald DePinho at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, began by genetically manipulating mouse astrocytes, then placing them into a second group of mice whose immune systems had been compromised. The findings surprised them. Taking... (Science Daily)
Free health screening Jan 25, 2008
The following lab tests will be conducted: Blood pressure (hypertension); glucose (diabetes); hemoglobin (anemia); lipid panel (cholesterol, HDL/LDL, triglycerides); serum ceatinine/eGFR (kidney function); urine dipstick (blood, white blood cells, and microalbumin); calcium, phosphorous, and PTH (bone health for eGFR below 60). Tests are valued at 250. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Genetic Variation Doubles Risk of Liver Cancer Jan 4, 2008
"In addition, the molecular pathway controlled by EGF and its receptor, EGFR, which is known to be important in several types of cancer, appears to be an excellent target for chemoprevention studies. This is a deadly cancer, and so progress in prevention and early detection is critically important.". The EFG gene normally works to increase tissue growth through the production of EFG protein. (MEDLINEplus)
New drug target leaves lung cancer cells alone, lonely and dying Jan 3, 2008
One of the pathways 14-3-3 helps control is epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling, which drives the growth of lung cancer. The team of scientists, including lead author Dr Zenggang Li, used RNA interference () to selectively silence the 14-3-3zeta gene. (DrugResearcher.com)
Gene variation may elevate risk of liver tumor in patients with cirrhosis Jan 2, 2008
In addition, the molecular pathway controlled by EGF and its receptor EGFR which is known to be important in several types of cancer appears to be an excellent target for chemoprevention studies ... In all three genotypes, tissue analysis showed that EGF levels were highest in the G/G patients, as was activation of the EGFR receptor. (EurekAlert!)
Lung cancer cells' survival gene seen as drug target Dec 25, 2007
"We knew that 14-3-3 is important in controlling EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) signaling, which is a main pathway driving lung cancer," Dr. Fu says. A couple of recently introduced drugs that were shown to be effective against lung cancer target EGFR, he adds. (EurekAlert!)
How can we know early who will benefit from tumor target therapy? Nov 22, 2007
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and EGFR inhibitors have become key components of therapies for several tumor types. Close relationships between these two factors exist: VEGF signaling is up-regulated by EGFR expression and, conversely, VEGF up-regulation independent of EGFR signaling seems to contribute to resistance to EGFR inhibition ... Therefore, inhibition of both pathways could improve anti-tumor efficacy and overcome resistance to EGFR inhibition. (EurekAlert!)
3-D Model Of Esophageal Cancer Created Nov 21, 2007
They found that ESCC results from a combination of genetic mutations (namely, EGFR overexpression, hTERT activation and p53 mutation) as well as changes in the tumor microenvironment. Dr. Rustgi emphasizes that "we have found that altering the stromal fibroblasts can influence the extent of tumor cell migration and invasion. Thus, previously underappreciated, it is the interplay of tumor cells and fibroblasts that has great meaning on how cancer arises and progresses.". (Science Daily)
Drug Helps Fight Late-Stage Colon Cancer in Some Patients Nov 16, 2007
In the case of cetuximab, the drug's target is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is found in especially high concentrations on colon cancer cells. Because biologic drugs are finely targeted to affect cancer cells and not healthy cells, they typically have fewer side effects than standard chemotherapy. (MEDLINEplus)
Cetuximab for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Nov 15, 2007
Background Cetuximab, an IgG1 chimeric monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has activity against colorectal cancers that express EGFR.. Methods From December 2003 to August 2005, 572 patients who had colorectal cancer expressing immunohistochemically detectable EGFR and who had been previously treated with a fluoropyrimidine, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin or had contraindications to treatment with these drugs underwent randomization to an initial dose of 400 mg of... (New England Journal of Medicine)
YM BIOSCIENCES REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2008 OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL RESULTS Nov 12, 2007
"In July 2007, we initiated patient enrollment for our colorectal cancer trial - the first trial using nimotuzumab with chemotherapy in a bulky tumor. Data from this trial could provide important evidence supporting the observations to date that nimotuzumab can deliver efficacy without the debilitating side effects common to other EGFR-targeting drugs. In August 2007, YM-USA received clearance from the FDA to initiate a 44-patient clinical trial in children with diffuse, intrinsic pontine glioma... (PR Newswire)
Mechanism Of Action Of EGFR Inhibitors in Cancer Chemotherapy Nov 2, 2007
2, 2007) Three papers published this month in the open access general medical journal PLoS Medicine investigate how tumors respond to a an important class of drugs used in cancer chemotherapy, known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors ... EGFR plays a critical role in the control of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival ... Abnormalities in signaling of the EGFR pathway have been found in a wide range of cancers, including carcinomas of the lung, breast, and... (Science Daily)
How To Design A Cancer-killing Virus Oct 30, 2007
After selecting a highly potent strain of poxvirus that was able to traffic to tumors when administered intravenously to mice the authors engineered the virus such that it would target only specific cancer cells -- those with increased expression of a protein known as E2F and/or activation of signaling downstream of a protein known as EGFR.. Further engineering to enable the virus to produce the soluble factor GM-CSF was designed to enhance the induction of anti-tumor immune responses. (Science Daily)
Ways To Teach Approved Drugs New Tricks: How To Combat Cancer Oct 30, 2007
Using a gene-expression-based tool to look for pathways involved in pancreatic cancer, they matched response to Tarceva to activation of the EGFR pathway which the drug targets ... Many cancers rely on what scientists call "oncogene addiction," which refers to malignant processes that are driven by a single alteration, such as mutations in the EGFR gene in lung cancer or over-expression of HER2 in breast cancer ... D., suspected that pancreatic cancer a disease in which EGFR-targeted therapies... (Science Daily)
Cancer: Clinical Studies In The Pipeline Oct 29, 2007
Generally, patients have a poor prognosis because these tumors produce a lot of proteins, such as VEGF and VEGFR2, that make them highly vascular and able to build a solid and nurturing blood supply with increased ability to invade surrounding major vessels and to metastasize, Dr. Zhu says. Sunitinib is a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor designed to target and block VEGFR2 activity, among other pro-growth molecules ... Using protein arrays to test for angiogenic biomarkers in the blood, the... (Science Daily)
Tarceva(R) (erlotinib) Earns Approval for Lung Cancer Patients in Japan Oct 22, 2007
HER1, also known as EGFR, is a component of the HER signalling pathway, which plays a role in the formation and growth of numerous cancers ... Tarceva is the only HER1/EGFR-targeted therapy proven to significantly prolong survival in second-line NSCLC as a single agent ... OSI's flagship product, Tarceva (erlotinib), is the first drug discovered and developed by OSI to obtain FDA approval and the only EGFR inhibitor to have demonstrated the ability to improve survival in both non-small cell... (BusinessWire)
UGA researchers cracking pancreatic cancer secrets Oct 22, 2007
The tumor removed from Young's pancreas, tests showed, had high levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein associated with colon and other cancers. Young underwent another round of treatment with Erbitux, a new drug that targeted the malignant proteins. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Trastuzumab — Mechanism of Action and Use Oct 18, 2007
Among its members, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) are now successfully targeted by biologic agents used in cancer therapeutics. 1,2 However, the limited efficacy of trastuzumab in some patients with breast cancer indicates that other factors besides HER2 status are important for the proliferation of breast-cancer cells. (New England Journal of Medicine)
New Data for XL880, XL647 and XL184 to Be Presented at AACR-NCI-EORTC Oct 9, 2007
In addition, phase 1 data for XL184, which inhibits MET, VEGFR2 and RET, will also be presented ... The full list of abstracts to be presented at the meeting follows: Phase 2 Clinical Abstracts -- A Phase 2 study of the dual MET/VEGFR2 inhibitor XL880 in patients (pts) with papillary renal carcinoma (PRC) (Abstract #B249) -- A Phase II study of XL647 in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Enriched for Presence of EGFR Mutations (Abstract #B124) Phase 1 Clinical Abstracts -- A phase... (PR Newswire)
Survival Data in FDA Approval for ERBITUX(R) (Cetuximab) Supports use as a Single Agent in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer Oct 3, 2007
NEW YORK, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ImClone Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: ) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: ) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an update to the ERBITUX(R) (Cetuximab) product labeling to include overall survival data as a single agent in epidermal growth factor inhibitor (EGFR)-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients after failure of both irinotecan- and oxaliplatin-based regimens. The approval of the... (PR Newswire)
New Model Could Improve Some Drugs' Effectiveness Sep 26, 2007
In this image, a fragment of the antibody Erbitux (cetuximab) binds to its target, a fragment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The blue ribbon at the top is the backbone of the EGFR fragment, and the red and gray ribbons at the bottom are the backbone of the antibody fragment ... The licorice sticks and the balls in the central portion represent protein side chains making close interactions between the antigen (EGFR) and the antibody, with the balls representing one of the mutations... (Science Daily)
Gene chips personalize cancer meds Sep 20, 2007
Scientists know a little about some of the genes that are over-active or under-active in cancer genes such as EGFR, which stimulates tissue growth ... For EGFR alone, there were nine different results, five suggesting a cancer-causing mutation but four others saying little ... A drug called Avastin targets EGFR, as does a pill called Tarceva. (MSNBC -- Health)
Brain Tumors Need Treatment With Multiple 'Targeted' Drugs, Study Suggests Sep 19, 2007
At least 54 RTKs have been identified, and some, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been implicated in glioblastomas. However, drugs that block EGFR have had limited success in delaying the progression of these and other virulent tumors. (Science Daily)
ImClone Breathes Easier Sep 12, 2007
The latest trial, the cumbersomely named "First-Line Treatment for Patients with Epidermal growth factor inhibitor (EGFR)-Expressing Advanced NSCLC," or FLEX for short, was run by Germany's Merck KGaA, ImClone's international marketing partner ... "Previous pivotal trials involving other agents targeting EGFR have failed to demonstrate a survival advantage for these patients.". (SmartMoney)
ERBITUX(R) Meets Primary Endpoint of Increasing Survival in Phase III Lung Cancer Study Sep 11, 2007
This large, randomized multi-national study, known as FLEX (First-Line Treatment for Patients with Epidermal growth factor inhibitor (EGFR)-EXpressing Advanced NSCLC) was conducted by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and enrolled patients with Stage IIIB or Stage IV NSCLC who had not previously received chemotherapy. "Based on the FLEX results, ERBITUX is the only member of the class of epidermal growth factor inhibitors to demonstrate survival in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced... (PR Newswire)
Boehringer Ingelheim to Initiate First Phase III Pivotal Study for New Oncology Compound BIBW 2992(i) Sep 6, 2007
In a phase I study(1) by Spicer et al, evaluating the activity of BIBW 2992(i) in patients with various solid tumours, encouraging results were obtained in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with mutated EGFR. Initial signs of clinical efficacy were observed with durable partial responses seen in 20% of patients with NSCLC (two female and one male) with at least two of them having deletions in EGFR exon 19 - a genetic mutation known to be more common in females, never smokers and... (Canada Newswire)
ONCOSCIENCE AG, THE EUROPEAN PARTNER OF YM BIOSCIENCES, ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF PATIENT ENROLLMENT IN PHASE III BRAIN CANCER TRIAL OF NIMOTUZUMAB Aug 15, 2007
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 15 /CNW/ - YM BioSciences Inc. (AMEX: YMI, TSX: YM, AIM: YMBA), an oncology company that identifies, develops and commercializes differentiated products for patients worldwide, today announced that Oncoscience AG (Wedel, Germany), its European partner for the development of the humanized EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibody, nimotuzumab, has recruited the 40th and final patient in its international phase III trial combining nimotuzumab with radiation for the treatment of... (Canada Newswire)
Fatal interstitial lung disease associated with oral erlotinib therapy for lung cancer Aug 6, 2007
Erlotinib is a Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Type 1/ tyrosine kinase (EGFR) inhibitor which is used for non-small-cell lung cancer treatment ... The association between selective EGFR-inhibitors and ILD should be further investigated. (BioMed Central)
YM BioSciences announces preclinical data confirming nimotuzumab binds to the EGF receptor and potentiates radiotherapy Jul 9, 2007
The authors noted that, "According to our models, nimotuzumab inhibits the EGFr signaling both by inhibiting the binding of EGF to domain III of EGFr and by a conformational change of EGFr that is necessary to shape the EGF binding site." "These two studies provide independent confirmation of earlier research indicating that nimotuzumab directly binds to the EGF receptor," said Dr. Igor Sherman, Director of Clinical Research at YM BioSciences. "The very rare incidence, in patients treated with... (PR Newswire)
Children's scientists discover fundamental protein instrumental to brain development and repair Jul 9, 2007
Dr. Gallo and colleagues work used enhanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein and activity to clearly demonstrate the role that this molecule plays as a catalyst to the natural processes of proliferation and migration of progenitor cells, which are integral to white matter development and repair. By first inserting enhanced EGFR protein and showing enhanced myelination/remyelination, and then using an EGFR protein with reduced biological activity and showing the decrease in... (EurekAlert!)
Skin Rash Actually Signifies Better Outcomes For Pancreatic And Lung Cancer Patients Jul 8, 2007
The appearance of a rash in cancer patients treated with erlotinib (Tarceva) is strongly associated with longer survival, according to researchers from the drug's developer, OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This is not the first time that rash has been associated with a survival advantage with EGFR inhibitors - a class of drugs which includes erlotinib, cetuximab, panitumumab and others designed to block overproduction of the epidermal growth factor receptor - but it is the most detailed analysis to... (Science Daily)
YM BioSciences Receives FDA Clearance for an IND for its Fentanyl-Based Pain Product AeroLEF(TM) Jun 27, 2007
The Company is advancing two late-stage products: nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and is approved in several countries for treatment of various types of head and neck cancer; and AeroLEF(TM), a proprietary, inhaled-delivery composition of free and liposome-encapsulated fentanyl in development for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, including cancer pain. This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which... (Canada Newswire)
Heart and Kidneys Share Tight Medical Bond Jun 16, 2007
estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) -- the rate at which kidneys filter blood ... The study found that almost 15 percent of the participants had eGFR rates that indicated declining kidney function, about 13 percent had anemia, 49. (MEDLINEplus)
Interactions Between Heart Disease And Kidney Disease Identified Jun 13, 2007
estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), or the rate at which kidneys filter blood, calculated based on levels of the waste product creatinine in the blood ... 8 percent) had eGFR values of less than 60 milliliters per minute per 1 ... Each of the three variables--anemia, microalbuminuria and low eGFR--was associated with cardiovascular disease. (Science Daily)
Alzheimer's Enzyme Acts As A Tumor Suppressor Jun 10, 2007
Researchers at Burnham Institute for Medical Research ("Burnham") have provided the first evidence that gamma-secretase, an enzyme key to the progression of Alzheimer's, acts as a tumor suppressor by altering the pathway of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a potential treatment target for cancer ... EGFR is known to be upregulated in a variety of tumors, including various skin cancers ... Elevated EGFR levels in tumors are linked with poor clinical prognosis and tumor resistance to... (Science Daily)
Biodesix, Inc. Announces Breakthrough In Molecular Diagnostics For Lung Cancer Jun 8, 2007
In the study published today in the current issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1), a diagnostic from Biodesix was able to separate patients into groups with statistically different prognoses when receiving second-line treatment using inhibitors to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) such as gefitinib (Iressa, AstraZeneca) and erlotinib (Tarceva, OSI/Genentech/Roche) ... According to the American Cancer Society it is estimated that more than 213,000 new lung cancers... (PR Newswire)
Researchers Show That Molecular Markers Predict Tumor Recurrence Jun 8, 2007
Researchers identified the vascular endothelial growth factor protein (VEGF) and its receptor VEGFR-2 as one of the most important activators of tumor angiogenesis. Patients with polymorphisms in the EGFR and VEGFR genes had a higher likelihood of tumor recurrence, the study shows. (Science Daily)
Gender Impacts Colorectal Cancer Progression Jun 7, 2007
and SCN1A genes had improved TTP, versus women carrying polymorphisms in the XPD and EGFR genes. Likewise, male patients carrying ER. (Science Daily)
Study Shows Advantages of Complete Phase Ib Trial Over Separate Phase I Trials Jun 5, 2007
The design of the protocol is (assuming the new agent is synergistic with an anthracycline, a tubulin interactive agent, an antimetabolite, or an angiogenesis inhibitor of an antibody to epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR) patients with advanced cancer are treated with the combination deemed most likely to be of help, with a choice of anthracycline + new agent (NA); tubulin interactive + NA; antimetabolite + NA; angiogenesis inhibitor + NA; and an antibody to EGFR + NA. The standard agent is... (PR Newswire)
Imclone drug halts cancer growth by one month, study says Jun 5, 2007
The drug works by inhibiting a growth factor expressed in cells called EGFR, blocking the proliferation of cells that can lead to cancer. Serious side effects were more common in the Erbitux group. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Celldex Therapeutics Announces Updated EGFRvIII Vaccine Data in Glioblastoma Multiforme Presented at ASCO Annual Meeting Jun 4, 2007
Data Shows an Increase in Median Survival Time and Median Time-to-Progression PHILLIPSBURG, N.J., June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Celldex Therapeutics announced today that Dr. John Sampson of Duke University Medical Center presented data at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), which included updated data from the Phase 2 ACTIVATE trial and ACT II continuation study of CDX-110, an immunotherapy that targets the tumor specific molecule EGFRvIII, in patients with... (PR Newswire)
YM BioSciences Cleared to Initiate Clinical trial of Nimotuzumab in colorectal Cancer Jun 4, 2007
Nimotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ... "Other EGFR targeting antibodies have shown efficacy and been approved for treating this form of cancer. We are optimistic that this trial will give preliminary evidence that our EGFR antibody has the prospect for being as effective in response rates while providing a superior safety profile compared to other drugs in its class, as has been consistently seen in previous trials."... (PR Newswire)
Study: Cancer drug helps some patients live longer Jun 4, 2007
Erbitux, which targets a cell-surface receptor, a protein called EGFR, is the drug that sent domestic diva Martha Stewart to prison ... Adding to the excitement over Erbitux was a study presented by Dr. Roy Herbst of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, showing that patients who have extra copies of the gene that encodes for EGFR lived twice as long as those with fewer copies. (Sun-Sentinel.com)
Gene variations point to why lung cancer drugs work better in Japanese vs. US patients Jun 3, 2007
Next, he and other SWOG scientists are seeking funding to learn what genes may explain why Japanese and U.S. patients respond differently to EGFR inhibitors such as erlotinib, a relatively new targeted therapy that is another important class of drugs for lung cancer. . (EurekAlert!)
A close-up on pancreatic disease: How do we improve the odds? May 23, 2007
Epidermal growth factor receptor (or EGFR) is a major target for novel therapies such as erlotinib and ErbB3 is a specific cell receptor that is stimulated by neuregulin (NRG) and interacts with EGFR both receptors are often expressed in pancreatic cancer ... To assess these two factors, researchers examined the influence of EGFR/ErbB3 expression and NRG stimulation on the anti-proliferative effects of erlotinib in nine pancreatic cancer cell lines ... The expression of EGFR, ErbB3 and NRG... (EurekAlert!)
Infinity Announces First Quarter Results and Highlights Recent Accomplishments May 1, 2007
The goal of the Phase I portion of the multi-center study is to evaluate the safety and the maximum tolerated dose of IPI-504 in patients with advanced NSCLC. Once dose-escalation is completed, the Phase II portion of the trial will begin with a goal of determining the potential anti-tumor activity of IPI-504 in NSCLC patients either with or without epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations ... Infinity and MedImmune presented preclinical data on the oral formulation of IPI-504 in NSCLC... (Primezone Releases)
