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Lung Cancer Alliance Announces Results of National Survey Revealing Stigma, Pessimism Surrounding Lung Cancer

July 24, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON, July 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — A national survey announced today by Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), sheds more light on why support for people affected by lung cancer remains low. The poll indicates Americans are more likely to view lung cancer as “hopeless” and “untreatable” when compared with a diagnosis of breast or colon cancer. In addition, 26% of Americans believe lung cancer is largely “self-inflicted.”

“Many believe that those impacted by lung cancer brought the disease on themselves. This is simply not true,” said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, LCA President & CEO. “Over 77% of those diagnosed today either quit smoking decades ago or never smoked at all. The fact remains that regardless of smoking history, no one deserves lung cancer.”

This survey was conducted to provide guidance to health marketers participating in a unique online and live learning experience, unNiched 2010. During unNiched 2010, participants will learn powerful collaboration and strategic marketing skills. In addition, attendees will apply their knowledge during an event-wide idea competition designed to help LCA correct misperceptions about lung cancer and encourage people to become involved in the movement to increase compassion and support for the disease.

“We believe unNiched 2010 will help us accelerate our ongoing efforts to combat the pervasive stigma and misinformation surrounding lung cancer,” continued Fenton Ambrose. “We are confident participants will come up with creative and exciting concepts intended to enhance the work that LCA is already doing to alleviate stigma and further activate the lung cancer community.”

The full results of this survey will be unveiled in November during the live portion of unNiched 2010. To download an executive summary of the study, please visit www.unniched.com/LungCancerPerceptions.pdf. Learn more about unNiched 2010, by visiting www.unniched.com.

Lung Cancer Alliance, www.lungcanceralliance.org, is the only national non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to patient support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer. Lung Cancer Alliance is committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for the disease, elevating awareness and changing health policy.

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: ambrose, Attendees, breast cancer, Cancer Alliance, Cancer Community, colon cancer, Exciting Concepts, fenton, LCA, learning experience, lung cancer, marketers, misinformation, Misperceptions, national survey, Pervasive Stigma, pessimism, President Ceo, PRNewswire, strategic marketing

Research and Markets: Overview of Indian Oncology Market Report – Expanding Ageing Population and Better Outreach of Modern Therapies Fuels Growth

July 23, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

DUBLIN–(Business Wire)–
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5d1b7e/overview_of_indian) has
announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan’s new report “Overview of Indian
Oncology Market” to their offering.

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Overview of Indian Oncology Market
provides an understanding of various cancer indications and their market
structure. In this research, Frost & Sullivan’s expert analysts thoroughly
examine the following markets: breast cancer, lung cancer market, prostate
cancer market, head and neck cancer market, ovarian cancer market, cervical
cancer market, renal cell carcinoma market and pancreatic cancer market.

Market Overview

Expanding Ageing Population and Better Outreach of Modern Therapies Fuels Growth
in the Indian Oncology Market

The Indian oncology market is witnessing strong growth alongside fast-paced
development in the pharmaceutical sector. The market is expected to grow at a
compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21 percent from 2008 to 2014, driven by
the introduction of new treatments, increasing number of patients on
chemotherapy, and improved access to modern cancer therapies. Cancer is one of
the ten leading causes of death in India. Nearly half the cases are curable if
detected early. Due to the high prevalence of cancer, the oncology market is
witnessing fast-paced growth. High spending on therapeutic drugs for cancer in
the emerging economies including India is fuelling market growth. “With the
expanding base of patients undergoing chemotherapy in the major markets and
greater access to modern therapies, cancer drugs are poised for widespread
uptake,” notes the analyst of this research service. “Moreover, the increase in
the ageing population is another factor contributing positive momentum for the
market.” A 40 to 50 percent increase in incidences can be seen for some of the
major cancer indications such a prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer,
head and neck cancer. Also the high prevalence of smoking is loading to the
proliferation in the number of patients afflicted with lung cancer.

Trends indicate that the incidence of cancer will is set to assume dangerous
proportions in the future, making the disease one of the major chronic diseases
that will continue to impact peoples lives. Going forward, greater progress in
cancer therapy is envisioned along with more light being thrown on the cause of
the disease. Yet, it remains to be seen how much the refinement in the present
detection, diagnostic, and therapeutic technologies will help in containing the
spread of the disease. Large quantities of generic drugs are available in the
market for cancer treatment. Chemotherapy is highly genericised. These products
are low-priced and hence place restrictions on potential revenues.

In this market with increasing competition and generic players, it is important
to strategically position products as early in their life cycle as possible to
generate the most revenue prior to patent expiration. For the competitive
chemotherapy market, showing superior efficacy and less toxicity in combination
with targeted therapy drugs is one of the best ways to distinguish the product
over others. “To be successful in the cancer market of the future, it is
imperative for product to be established as an integral part of the standard
combination therapy regimen,” says the analyst. “This will guarantee strong
revenue and the most value to patients.” Identifying optimal drug combinations,
which significantly increase median survival, tumor resolution and reduce
toxicity and adverse effects should be the prime task for companies in the
cancer therapeutic market.

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors
in this research:

* Pharmaceuticals
* Biotechnology

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

2. Indian Oncology Market

3. Breast Cancer Market

4. Lung Cancer Market

5. Ovarian Cancer Market

6. Prostate Cancer Market

7. Head and Neck Cancer Market

8. Cervical Cancer Market

9. Renal Cell Carcinoma Market

10. Pancreatic Cancer Market

For more information visit

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5d1b7e/overview_of_indian

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: breast cancer, cagr, cancer drugs, Cancer Indications, Cancer Lung, cancer therapies, cervical cancer, Compound Annual Growth Rate, Emerging Economies, Expert Analysts, Head And Neck Cancer, Leading Causes Of Death, ovarian cancer, Paced Growth, Pharmaceutical Sector, prevalence of cancer, Prostate Cancer, renal cell carcinoma, Report Overview, Therapeutic Drugs

Mirada Medical Announces the Appointment of Karsten Damgaard-Iversen as Non-Executive Chairman

July 13, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

OXFORD, UK, Jul 12 (MARKET WIRE) —
Mirada Medical Limited (“Mirada” or “the Company”)

Oxford, UK and Ohio, US, 12 July 2010: Mirada Medical Limited, the fast
growing international company focused on advanced oncology imaging,
announced today that Karsten Damgaard-Iversen has joined the Board of the
Company as Non-Executive Chairman.

Karsten Damgaard-Iversen is an internationally accomplished business
professional with more than 30 years global experience of working within
the healthcare imaging industry. He is a proven leader with a successful
track record in operational and strategic management positions within
small, medium and large medical imaging and healthcare technology
companies. Mr. Damgaard-Iversen, aged 54, combines strong business acumen
with in-depth technical and medical knowledge and has served in executive
positions such as Managing Director and Chief Group Executive of Toshiba
Medical Systems Europe BV, Managing Director of Toshiba Medical Systems
(UK) Ltd., Vice President of International Operations of Fisher Imaging
Corporation and Director of Sales & Marketing of Storz Medical AG. Mr.
Damgaard-Iversen has also been a direct contributor to the invention and
development of specific laser and x-ray based medical products. He holds
an MBA from Emory University and a BSc in electronic engineering from
Copenhagen University College.

In addition to his role as Chairman at Mirada Medical, Mr.
Damgaard-Iversen is the founder and director of Disease Control
Innovations Medical BV, a Dutch company engaged in product and EU
business development of new medical technology that encompass innovative
solutions to disease management and diagnosis. DCI Medical currently
supports SonoCine Corporation, a privately held US inventor of automated
whole breast ultrasound (AWBU) for screen detection of mammograhically
occult breast cancer, and US quoted Imaging Diagnostic Systems, a pioneer
in laser optical imaging systems.

Commenting on the appointment of the new Chairman, Hugh Bettesworth, CEO
of Mirada Medical, said: “I am delighted that Karsten has chosen to join
Mirada Medical as Chairman and that we have been able to attract such
international talent from the medical imaging industry to our Board.
Karsten’s experience in product development, together with his strategic
and operational leadership, will provide Mirada with excellent guidance
and steering as we continue to grow and prosper in the global oncology
imaging marketplace.”

Commenting on his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Mirada Medical,
Mr. Damgaard-Iversen said: “I am extremely impressed by Mirada’s
innovative solutions for oncology disease management and cross modality
decision support systems and I hope to be able to make a significant
contribution to the growth and development of the Company. I look forward
to working with the team at Mirada and applying my experience and
know-how from the medical imaging arena to guide and support the future
success of Mirada.”

About Mirada Medical

Mirada Medical Limited develops internationally recognised medical
imaging analysis applications that provide clinicians with an enhanced
software package for the quantification of images, typically used in
cancer diagnosis and treatment response assessment. Mirada Medical’s
technology has broad applicability across nuclear medicine, diagnostic
radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology. Mirada Medical also
markets products in neurology and cardiology. Mirada specialises in
offering comprehensive and quantifiable analysis for the diagnosis,
staging, treatment planning and assessment of treatment response in
oncology. Mirada’s advanced technology allows medical images acquired
using MRI, CT, SPECT or PET scanners to be combined into one, a process
known as image fusion. Image fusion is useful in clinical interpretation
as it allows different qualities of information to be combined into a
single picture, for example, functional information such as metabolic
activity, to be combined with anatomical information showing the precise
location of pathology relative to bones and organs. This provides
clinical users with a more complete picture, thereby improving the
quality of information available when managing a patient’s condition.
Mirada’s products are designed to support the comparison of multi-modal
images acquired over any number of follow up visits by the patient,
making them particularly well suited to the analysis of treatment
response in longer term treatment plans such as those typical when
treating cancer.

Mirada Medical was formed out of Oxford University by Professor Sir
Michael Brady, one of the world’s leading medical imaging scientists. The
Company is ISO 13485 certified and its technology has been supplied
globally to customers in countries including the US, Japan, and Europe
since 2001. Mirada’s products are sold by Mirada but also by major
healthcare players such as McKesson, Siemens, Sectra, Carestream and
Vital Images.

The Mirada team is a combination of world class scientists and
exceptional engineers sourced from both Oxford University and leading
blue-chip companies. For more information about Mirada Medical, please
visit www.mirada-medical.com.

For more information, please contact:
Mirada Medical
Europe: Hugh Bettesworth
CEO
tel: +44 (0) 1865 811172
US: Joan Washburn
tel: +1 865 696 7809

M:Communications
Mary-Jane Elliott
Emma Thompson
tel: +44 (0)20 7920 2345
Healthcare@mcomgroup.com

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: breast cancer, breast ultrasound, business acumen, Copenhagen University, emory university, Europe Bv, executive chairman, Global Experience, group executive, Healthcare Technology, Imaging Corporation, Imaging Diagnostic Systems, Iversen, Medical Ag, New Medical Technology, Occult Breast Cancer, Oncology Imaging, oxford uk, Storz Medical, Toshiba Medical Systems

Alternative therapies don’t help kids’ cancer stress

July 13, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

(Reuters Health) – Massage, humor therapy and relaxation don’t seem to make life much easier for children with cancer who go through stressful bone marrow transplants, disappointed researchers said Monday.

Earlier studies, while not clear-cut, had suggested alternative treatment might benefit some adult cancer survivors. Doing yoga, for instance, helped women sleep better and have more energy after breast cancer treatment. (See Reuters Health story of May 21, 2010)

“We believed that we had a therapy that was helpful,” said psychologist Sean Phipps, of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, who led the government- and foundation-funded study.

But, he said, even state-of-the-art alternative treatment didn’t trump standard supportive care, which includes drugs for nausea and pain as well as psychosocial support for both child and parent.

Phipps said stem cell transplants, from the bone marrow or blood, are some of the toughest treatments for children with cancer. He said they often experience pain, have restricted diets, and are kept largely isolated due to a high risk of infections. “It’s not a picnic,” he said.

To test whether alternative treatment could take the edge off the stress, Phipps and colleagues randomly assigned 178 children to one of three groups. One group received only standard care; another also had massages and humor therapy; in the third group, parents also got massages and were taught how to be more relaxed around their kids.

Using a common measure of quality of life in patients undergoing aggressive treatments, the researchers then tested how the kids fared in each group.

“We failed to demonstrate that our interventions changed those outcomes,” said Phipps. One possible explanation is that standard care was already doing a good job of helping the children, he added, stressing that more research is needed.

Dr. K. Scott Baker, who directs the Survivorship Program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, said he was surprised by the new findings, which are published in the journal Cancer.

While they don’t jibe with work in adults, he said in an e-mail to Reuters Health, “this study had a very rigorous study design. Many times what we perceive to be true, or of benefit, is not always the case.”

“There are things that they can do to make them feel better,” Phipps said. “You don’t have to sit back and be passive.”

SOURCE: link.reuters.com/fyr76m Cancer, online July 12, 2010.

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: Aggressive Treatments, bone marrow transplants, breast cancer, breast cancer treatment, cancer research center, cancer survivors, Cell Transplants, children with cancer, Common Measure, Drugs For Nausea, Fred Hutchinson Cancer, fred hutchinson cancer research, fred hutchinson cancer research center, Group Parents, Health Massage, Health Story, Humor Therapy, hutchinson cancer research center, Reuters Health, scott baker

Swiss stocks – Factors to watch on July 9

July 10, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

July 9 (Reuters) – The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks on Friday:

ROCHE (ROG.VX)

Roche’s blockbuster cancer drug Avastin has been spurned once again by Britain’s health cost watchdog NICE, this time as a treatment for breast cancer.

For related news, click on [ROG.VX]

ECONOMY [M-CH]

COMPANY STATEMENTS [CNR-CH]

* Ems-Chemie (EMSN.S) achieved significantly higher net sales and a more than doubled net operating income in the first half-year. [EMSN.S]

EQUITY RESEARCH [CH-RCH]

FOR COMPANIES TRADING EX-DIVIDEND, PLEASE CLICK ON:

.EX.S for all Swiss stocks

.EXSMI.S for blue chips

.EXNSMI.S for other stocks

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: 9 July, Avastin, blockbuster, Blue Chips, breast cancer, cancer drug, Company Statements, Ems Chemie, Emsn, Equity Research, half year, health cost, net sales, news click, operating income, Rch, reuters, Rog, Swiss Stocks, Vx

APP Pharmaceuticals to Market Anastrozole Tablets in the U.S.

June 30, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.–(Business Wire)–
Fresenius Kabi Pharmaceuticals Holding, Inc., (NASDAQ:APCVZ) announced today
that APP Pharmaceuticals will immediately begin marketing Anastrozole tablets in
the U.S., after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval to market
the breast cancer treatment medication to Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited
(NSE:FKONCO) (BSE:532545). APP Pharmaceuticals and Fresenius Kabi Oncology
Limited are members of the Fresenius Kabi Group of companies. Anastrozole is
therapeutically equivalent to the reference-listed drug Arimidex, which is
currently marketed by the innovator AstraZeneca.

APP will market Anastrozole in 1 mg tablets. According to IMS data, 2009 sales
of the branded product in the United States were approximately $916.8 million,
with approximately 105 million tablets sold annually.

“The approval of Anastrozole further expands APP’s product portfolio in the
strategically important Oncology segment,” said John Ducker, president and chief
executive officer of APP Pharmaceuticals. “We are delighted to be able to offer
this important oral medication to new customers in the retail pharmacy channel.”

About Anastrozole

Anastrozole is approved for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with
hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer. It is also a first-line treatment
for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor
unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. In addition, Anastrozole
is used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with
disease progression following tamoxifen therapy. Patients with estrogen
receptor-negative disease and patients who did not respond to previous tamoxifen
therapy rarely responded to Anastrozole.

About APP Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

APP Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a fully-integrated pharmaceutical company that
develops, manufactures and markets injectable pharmaceutical products with a
primary focus on the oncology, anti-infective, anesthetic/analgesic and critical
care markets. The company offers one of the most comprehensive product
portfolios used in hospitals, long-term care facilities, alternate care sites
and clinics within North America and manufactures a comprehensive range of
dosage formulations. Fresenius Kabi Pharmaceuticals Holding, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of Fresenius Kabi AG, acquired APP Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on
September 10, 2008. For more information about APP Pharmaceuticals, Inc., please
visit the company`s Web site at www.APPpharma.com.

Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited

Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited is one of the leading companies for cancer
research and anti-cancer products. Leveraging the global outreach through
integration with Fresenius Kabi, Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited is benchmarking
oncology excellence with world class production, state-of-the-art manufacturing
and research & development facilities. Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited has world
class expertise for the development and manufacturing of active pharmaceutical
ingredients, intermediates and oral & injectable finished dosage forms.

About Fresenius Kabi AG

Fresenius Kabi AG is the leader in infusion therapy and clinical nutrition in
Europe and in its most important countries of Latin America and Asia Pacific.
Fresenius Kabi`s core product range includes infusion solutions, blood volume
substitutes, I.V. drugs and parenteral nutrition, as well as products for
enteral nutrition. Furthermore, the company provides concepts for ambulatory
health care and is focused on managing and providing home therapies. With the
philosophy “caring for life” and a comprehensive product portfolio, the company
aims at improving the quality of life of critically and chronically ill patients
all over the world. In 2009, Fresenius Kabi achieved sales of EUR 3,086 million
and an operating profit of EUR 607 million. For more information visit the
company`s Web site at www.fresenius-kabi.com. Fresenius Kabi AG is a 100%
subsidiary of Fresenius SE.

Forward-Looking Statement

The statements contained in this news release that are not purely historical are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements in this news
release include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, hopes, goals,
intentions, initiatives or strategies, including statements regarding the
demand, supply and distribution of our products. Because these forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements. Additional relevant information concerning risks are
discussed under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management`s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Fresenius Kabi
Pharmaceuticals Holding, Inc. 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009
and other documents the company has filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

The information contained in this news release is as of the date of this
release. Fresenius Kabi Pharmaceuticals Holding, Inc. does not assume any
obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to conform the
statement to actual results, new information, developments or changes in the
Company`s expectations.

1 2009 IMS Data

Arimidex is a registered trademark of AstraZeneca.

Investor and Media Inquiries
APP Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Debra Lynn Ross, ABC
Director, Corporate Communications
(847) 969-8026
dross@apppharma.com

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: Adjuvant Treatment, Advanced Breast Cancer, Anastrozole, Arimidex, breast cancer, breast cancer treatment, chief executive officer, Disease Progression, Ducker, food and drug administration, Fresenius Kabi, Ims Data, metastatic breast cancer, Mg Tablets, nse, oral medication, Pharmaceuticals Inc, Postmenopausal Women With Hormone Receptor, product portfolio, Retail Pharmacy

MediGene AG: MediGene reports additional phase II results of EndoTAG(TM)-1 for the treatment of triple receptor-negative breast cancer

June 25, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

MediGene AG / MediGene reports additional phase II results of EndoTAG(TM)-1 for the
treatment of triple receptor-negative breast cancer processed and transmitted by Hugin
AS. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Clinical trial objective achieved – data confirm positive efficacy trend of EndoTAGTM-1
combination therapy

Martinsried/Munich, June 24, 2010. The biotechnology company, MediGene AG (Frankfurt,
Prime Standard, MDG, TecDAX) announces additional phase II clinical trial results of the
drug candidate EndoTAGTM-1 for the treatment of triple receptor-negative breast cancer.
The extensive data analysis of the three-arm trial conducted in 140 patients confirms a
positive efficacy trend of EndoTAGTM-1 in combination with paclitaxel for the treatment
of this difficult to treat type of cancer. The objective of the trial was achieved, and
the initial conclusion of the preliminary data published on May 6, 2010 was verified.

The primary endpoint was achieved with EndoTAGTM-1 combination therapy. In addition, the
analysis of the secondary endpoints (median progression-free survival, non-progression
rate, safety, and tolerability) shows further positive results for EndoTAGTM-1
combination therapy.

Trial design
The trial recruited 140 patients diagnosed with triple receptor-negative breast cancer.
These patients were randomized into three treatment groups, receiving either EndoTAGTM-1
in combination with the cytotoxic drug, paclitaxel (55 patients), or EndoTAGTM-1
monotherapy (57 patients). The third group (28 patients) was treated with paclitaxel
alone. The patients treated with combination therapy received 22 mg/m2 EndoTAGTM-1 plus
70 mg/m2 paclitaxel once per week. EndoTAGTM-1 monotherapy was administered twice per
week, in a dosage of 44 mg/m2 per treatment. The paclitaxel monotherapy consisted of a
once weekly 90 mg/m2 dose. The clinical trial was conducted in more than 30 centers
across several European countries and India. According to the trial protocol, the trial
results are based on centralized data analysis. The patient numbers whose data were
eligible for the central analysis are shown in the following results.

Trial results
The trial objective of evaluating efficacy of EndoTAGTM-1 was achieved by the
combination therapy with Paclitaxel.

Primary endpoint: The primary endpoint was a progression-free survival rate of the
patients treated with either EndoTAGTM-1 monotherapy or EndoTAGTM-1 plus paclitaxel
combination of at least 30% after 16 weeks of treatment. At the same time, the 95%
confidence interval, which provides information about the potential error rate, also had
to be above 30%. The group of patients treated with EndoTAGTM-1 and paclitaxel
combination therapy showed a progression-free survival rate of 59% (26 of 44 patients).
The group treated with EndoTAGTM-1 monotherapy achieved a rate of 34% (13/38). For the
group treated with paclitaxel monotherapy, this rate was 48% (12/25). Regarding the set
confidence interval, the primary trial endpoint was met by the EndoTAGTM-1 combination
therapy arm only.

Secondary endpoints: Median progression-free survival time during the trial was 4.2
months in the EndoTAGTM-1 combination therapy arm (52 patients), 3.4 months in the
EndoTAGTM-1 monotherapy arm (48), and 3.7 months in the paclitaxel monotherapy arm (25).
The rate of patients whose tumors had not progressed further (clinical benefit rate) in
treatment week 16 was 59% in the EndoTAGTM-1 combination therapy arm (26/44 patients),
34% in the EndoTAGTM-1 monotherapy arm (13/38), and 50% in the paclitaxel monotherapy
arm (12/24). In 76% of the patients in the EndoTAGTM-1 combination therapy arm (38/50),
the tumor was either stable or regressive at a certain point in time during the
treatment period (best overall response). The corresponding rate was 58% for the
EndoTAGTM-1 monotherapy arm (26/45), and 58% for the paclitaxel monotherapy arm (14/24).
Safety and tolerability profile of EndoTAGTM-1 was confirmed during the trial. The
combination of EndoTAGTM-1 with paclitaxel did not lead to additional toxicity.

Professor Dr. Ahmad Awada, Head of the Medical Oncology Clinic, Department of Medicine,
Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, and principal investigator of the trial, commented:
“These are promising results for a disease that is as difficult to treat as triple
receptor-negative breast cancer. Since the trial demonstrated a clinical benefit
combining EndoTAGTM-1 with paclitaxel, I am confident that this therapy may represent a
novel treatment option in the future.”

Dr. Frank Mathias, Chief Executive Officer of MediGene AG, commented: “Following the
positive phase II clinical results obtained in pancreatic cancer indication, this trial
conducted in another very difficult to treat type of cancer also shows clear indication
of efficacy of EndoTAGTM-1. The data represent further clinical evidence of the
therapeutic principle (proof-of-concept) of EndoTAGTM-1 combination therapies for
indications with high medical need.”

About triple receptor-negative breast cancer: According to recent estimates by the
American Cancer Society, approximately 193,000 newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer
and 41,000 deaths associated with it occurred in the USA in 2009. Breast cancer is by
far the most common type of cancer in women, accounting for 27% of cancer diagnoses.
Malignant breast tumors that do not possess estrogen, progesterone or HER2 receptors are
called “triple receptor-negative” breast cancer. About 15% of all breast cancers belong
to this subgroup.[1] #_ftn1 Patients suffering from this type of breast cancer have a
significantly poorer prognosis, and there are very few treatments available since
conventional anti-hormonal treatments or treatments targeting HER2 are not appropriate.
In case of recurrence following initial surgery, the only remaining treatment option is
chemotherapy, and this also provides only a limited number of suitable therapeutics for
this type of cancer.

About EndoTAG(TM)-1: EndoTAGTM-1 represents an innovative therapeutic approach that
unfolds its effect by both a targeted antivascular (against newly formed tumor blood
vessels), and an anti-tumoral (directed against the tumor) mechanism. The drug candidate
attaches itself selectively to newly developed, negatively charged tumor blood vessels,
thus attacking only these blood vessels and not those in healthy tissue. Concurrently,
EndoTAGTM-1 prevents the formation of new vessels, which is expected to suppress further
tumor growth. EndoTAGTM-1 is a combination of positively charged liposomes with the
therapeutic substance paclitaxel embedded therein.

EndoTAGTM-1 is MediGene’s first product candidate derived from the EndoTAGTM platform
technology. MediGene obtained positive results with EndoTAGTM-1 in a controlled phase II
clinical trial in pancreatic cancer. In Europe and the USA, EndoTAGTM-1 has been granted
orphan drug designation which provides both cost and timeline benefits in the drug
development process.

Analyst conference call and webcast: An analyst conference call in English will take
place today at 2.30 p.m. (CEST), and will be webcast live. The webcast and synchronized
presentation slides can be accessed at www.medigene.com http://www.medigene.com/ . A
recording of the live presentation will also be available thereafter.

This press release contains forward-looking statements representing the opinion of
MediGene as of the date of this release. The actual results achieved by MediGene may
differ significantly from the statements made herein. MediGene is not bound to update
any of these forward-looking statements. MediGene, EndoTAGTM, and EndoTAGTM-1 are
trademarks of MediGene AG. These trademarks may be owned or licensed in select locations
only.

- ends -

MediGene AG is a publicly listed (Frankfurt, Prime Standard: MDG, TecDax) biotechnology
company located in Martinsried/Munich, Germany, with subsidiaries in Oxford, UK and San
Diego, USA. MediGene is the first German biotech company to have drugs on the market
which are distributed by partner companies. It has several drug candidates in clinical
development, and possesses innovative platform technologies. MediGene focuses on
clinical research and development of novel drugs with emphasis on oncology.

Contact MediGene AG
E-mail: investor@medigene.com
Fax: ++49 – 89 – 85 65 – 2920
Julia Hofmann / Dr. Nadja Wolf, Public Relations, Tel.: ++49 – 89 – 85 65 – 3324
Dr. Georg Dönges, Investor Relations, Tel.: ++49 – 89 – 85 65 – 2946

[1] #_ftnref1 Source: Cleator S, Heller W, Coombes R Ch. Triple-negative breast
cancer: therapeutic options. Lancet Oncol 2007; 8:235-44

HUG#1426832

— End of Message —

MediGene AG
Lochhamer Strasse 11 Martinsried / München Germany

WKN: 502090;ISIN: DE0005020903;
Listed: Freiverkehr in Börse Stuttgart,
Freiverkehr in Hanseatische Wertpapierbörse zu Hamburg,
Freiverkehr in Börse Düsseldorf,
Freiverkehr in Bayerische Börse München,
Freiverkehr in Niedersächsische Börse zu Hannover,
Prime Standard in Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse,
Regulierter Markt in Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse;

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: Biotechnology Company, breast cancer, clinical trial results, combination therapy, Cytotoxic Drug, Drug Candidate, endpoint, endpoints, free survival, Hugin, Initial Conclusion, Mdg, Medigene Ag, paclitaxel, Prime Standard, Progression Rate, Tecdax, third group, treatment groups, type of cancer

EMD Serono Resumes Stimuvax Clinical Program in Lung Cancer

June 18, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

ROCKLAND, Mass.–(Business Wire)–
EMD Serono, Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, today
announced that they are resuming their Stimuvax® (BLP25 liposome vaccine)*
clinical program in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which
includes the Phase III studies, STARTa and INSPIREb. The treatment and
enrollment in these studies will restart after approval by the local regulatory
authorities and ethics committees.

“Merck KGaA remains highly committed to the development of BLP25 liposome
vaccine and the well-being of the patients. We believe this therapeutic cancer
vaccine has the potential to be a valuable addition to the future range of
therapies for oncologists and their patients,” said Dr. Wolfgang Wein, Executive
Vice President, Oncology, Merck KGaA.

This announcement follows a decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) to partially lift the clinical hold it placed on the Investigational New
Drug (IND) application for BLP25 liposome vaccine in March 2010 and allow the
START trial to be resumed.

“Merck KGaA worked constructively with the FDA and other health authorities to
address the questions raised on the safety of BLP25 liposome vaccine in patients
with NSCLC and, as a result, we can now resume our NSCLC clinical program,”
commented Dr. Bernhard Kirschbaum, Head of Global Research and Development,
Merck KGaA. “We have meanwhile received a number of regulatory approvals to
restart in other countries and await approval in the remaining countries.”

The study that remains on clinical hold by the FDA is the Phase III STRIDEc
trial in advanced breast cancer. Merck KGaA will continue to work closely with
the health authorities, including the FDA, to decide the next steps for this
trial.

“The resumption of the BLP25 liposome vaccine clinical program is very good news
for the oncology community and NSCLC patients. If the START and INSPIRE Phase
III trials are successful, BLP25 liposome vaccine could play an important role
in the treatment of these currently underserved patients,” said Dr. Frances
Shepherd, Director of the Medical Oncology Princess Margaret Hospital in
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Coordinating Investigator of the START trial.

Merck KGaA temporarily suspended its global clinical program for BLP25 liposome
vaccine in all recruiting studies worldwide following the clinical hold put in
place by the FDA in March 2010. The clinical hold followed a suspected
unexpected serious adverse reaction (SUSAR) of encephalitis, observed in a
patient enrolled in an exploratory Phase II trial of BLP25 liposome vaccine in
patients with multiple myeloma. To ensure the safety of the study subjects, the
protocols in the NSCLC trials are being amended to add specific safety measures.

aSTART:Stimulating Targeted Antigenic Responses To NSCLC

bINSPIRE: Stimuvax trial In Asian NSCLC Patients: Stimulating Immune Response

cSTRIDE: STimulating immune Response In aDvanced brEast cancer

* BLP25 liposome vaccine is an experimental therapy that has not been approved
for commercial distribution.

About Stimuvax

Merck KGaA is investigating the use of Stimuvax® (BLP25 liposome vaccine) in the
treatment of NSCLC. The vaccine was granted fast-track status for NSCLC in
September 2004 by the FDA. Merck KGaA obtained the exclusive worldwide licensing
rights from Oncothyreon Inc., Seattle, Washington, USA. Stimuvax is being
developed in Europe by Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA. In the United
States and Canada, Stimuvax is being developed by EMD Serono, an affiliate of
Merck KGaA.

The START study is a Phase III, multi-center, randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and
tolerability of Stimuvax in subjects suffering from unresectable, stage IIIA or
IIIB non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have had a response or stable
disease after at least two cycles of platinum-based chemo-radiotherapy. The
study will involve more than 1,300 patients in approximately 30 countries. The
primary endpoint of the START study is overall survival (OS).

The INSPIRE study is a Phase III, multi-center, randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and
tolerability of Stimuvax in subjects suffering from unresectable, stage IIIA or
IIIB non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have had a response or stable
disease after at least two cycles of platinum-based chemo-radiotherapy. The
design of the INSPIRE study is almost identical to the START study. INSPIRE will
enroll approximately 420 unresectable, stage III NSCLC patients across China,
Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. Study participation is expected to last
for a minimum of 24 months.

STRIDE is a randomized, double-blind, controlled, multi-center Phase III study
designed to determine if Stimuvax can extend progression free survival in
patients treated with hormonal therapy who have inoperable, locally advanced,
recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. Overall survival, quality of life, tumor
response and safety will also be assessed in this study.

About EMD Serono, Inc.
EMD Serono, Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a leader in
the US biopharmaceutical arena, integrating cutting-edge science with
unparalleled patient support systems to improve people’s lives. The company has
strong market positions in neurodegenerative diseases, with Rebif (interferon
beta-1a), as well as in endocrinology, with Saizen (somatropin (rDNA origin) for
injection) and Serostim (somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection). EMD Serono is
a leader in reproductive health, with Gonal-f (follitropin alfa for injection),
Luveris (lutropin alfa for injection) and Ovidrel Prefilled Syringe
(choriogonadotropin alfa injection). In addition, EMD Serono is growing its
expertise and presence in the area of oncology, with more than 10 projects
currently in development. With a clear focus on the patient and a leadership
presence in the biopharmaceutical industry, EMD Serono`s US footprint continues
to grow, with more than 1100 employees around the country and fully integrated
commercial, clinical and research operations in the company`s home state of
Massachusetts. For more information, please visit www.emdserono.com

About Merck KGaA
Merck KGaA is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues
of € 7.7 billion in 2009, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by
approximately 33,600 employees in 64 countries. Its success is characterized by
innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck’s operating activities come
under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an
approximately 70% interest and free shareholders own the remaining approximately
30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an
independent company ever since.

For more information, please visit www.merckserono.com or www.merck.de

EMD Serono
Heather Hatfield
781-681-2124

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: Advanced Breast Cancer, breast cancer, Cell Lung Cancer, Darmstadt Germany, food and drug administration, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Global Research, health authorities, Kirschbaum, Merck Kgaa, Merck Kgaa Darmstadt, Non Small Cell Lung Cancer, Nsclc, oncologists, Oncology Community, Regulatory Approvals, regulatory authorities, Serono Inc, Small Cell Lung Cancer, Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine

BioSante Announces FDA Orphan Drug Designation for GVAX Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cancer Vaccine

June 8, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.–(Business Wire)–
BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:BPAX) today announced the receipt of
Orphan Drug designation for GVAX CML Vaccine in the treatment of chronic myeloid
leukemia (CML) from the FDA`s Office of Orphan Products Development. Orphan drug
designation, as granted by the U.S. Orphan Drug Act, is for a product to treat a
rare disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S.
Orphan drug designation qualifies the sponsor of the product for tax credits and
seven years of marketing exclusivity, among other benefits.

The orphan drug designation for the GVAX CML Vaccine resulted from BioSante`s
third GVAX regulatory submission since acquiring this portfolio of cancer
vaccines in October 2009. This is the third orphan drug designation for
BioSante; the company also has received orphan drug designations for its
vaccines to treat pancreatic cancer and acute myeloid leukemia.

“We continue to develop our vaccine portfolio in cooperation with the Johns
Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Stephen M. Simes,
president and chief executive officer of BioSante. “Clinical trials of GVAX
cancer vaccines are being conducted to treat leukemia, pancreatic cancer and
breast cancer, among other cancer types. In addition, we recently announced
reinitiation of the GVAX Prostate cancer vaccine program.”

As previously reported, in a clinical study, the GVAX CML vaccine was
administered to 19 CML patients with measurable cancer cells, despite taking
Gleevec® for at least one year (range of 13-53 months). Each patient was given a
series of four vaccines administered in three-week intervals while remaining on
a stable dose of Gleevec. After a median of 72 months of follow-up, the number
of remaining cancer cells declined in 13 patients, eight of whom had increasing
disease burden before vaccination. Twelve patients reached their lowest levels
of residual cancer cells to date following vaccination. Seven CML patients had
complete remission. Patients receiving the GVAX CML vaccine experienced
relatively few side effects that included injection site pain and swelling,
occasional muscle aches and mild fevers.

The study was conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center
in Baltimore, Maryland, led by Hyam Levitsky, M.D., professor of oncology,
medicine and urology at the Cancer Center. The research was funded by the
National Institutes of Health.

About BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

BioSante is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing products
for female sexual health and oncology. BioSante`s lead products include LibiGel®
(transdermal testosterone gel) for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction
(FSD) which is in Phase III clinical development under a U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) Special Protocol Assessment, and Elestrin (estradiol gel)
for the treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with
menopause, which is marketed in the U.S. by Azur Pharma, BioSante`s licensee.
BioSante also is developing a portfolio of cancer vaccines (GVAX), three of
which have been granted orphan drug designation, and are currently in several
Phase II clinical trials. Other products in development are Bio-T-Gel, a
testosterone gel for male hypogonadism, licensed to Teva Pharmaceuticals and an
oral contraceptive in Phase II clinical development using BioSante patented
technology. The company also is developing its calcium phosphate technology
(CaP) for aesthetic medicine (BioLook), as a vaccine adjuvant, including for an
H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine, and drug delivery as well as seeking opportunities for
its 2A/Furin and other technologies. Additional information is available online
at: www.biosantepharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

To the extent any statements made in this news release deal with information
that is not historical, these are forward-looking statements under the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not
limited to, statements about BioSante`s plans, objectives, expectations and
intentions with respect to future operations and products and other statements
identified by words such as “will,” “potential,” “could,” “can,” “believe,”
“intends,” “continue,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “may,”
other words of similar meaning or the use of future dates.Forward-looking
statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees,
uncertain.Uncertainties and risks may cause BioSante`s actual results to be
materially different than those expressed in or implied by BioSante`s
forward-looking statements.For BioSante, particular uncertainties and risks
include, among others, the difficulty of developing pharmaceutical products,
obtaining regulatory and other approvals and achieving market acceptance; the
marketing success of BioSante`s licensees or sublicensees; the success of
clinical testing; and BioSante`s need for and ability to obtain additional
financing. More detailed information on these and additional factors that could
affect BioSante`s actual results are described in BioSante`s filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on
Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.All forward-looking
statements in this news releasespeak only as of the date of this news
release.BioSante undertakes no obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise.

Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate) is marketed in the U.S. by and is a trademark of
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

For more information, please contact:
For Media:
McKinney/Chicago
Alan Zachary, 312-944-6784 ext. 316
azachary@mckinneychicago.com
or
For Investors:
The Trout Group LLC
Tricia Swanson, 617-583-1306
tswanson@troutgroup.com

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Biosante Pharmaceuticals Inc, breast cancer, cancer cells, cancer types, Cancer Vaccines, chief executive officer, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Cml Patients, comprehensive cancer center, Disease Burden, gleevec, Orphan Drug Act, Orphan Drug Designation, Orphan Products Development, Prostate Cancer Vaccine, Regulatory Submission, sidney kimmel comprehensive, sidney kimmel comprehensive cancer center, vaccine program

Data Presented At ASCO Show Chronix Biomedical`s DNA Blood Tests Detect Breast and Prostate Cancer With 92% Sensitivity and 100% Specificity

June 8, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Results Show Potential to Significantly Outperform Current Diagnostic Methods

Growing Body of Data Suggests Chronix`s Apoptotic DNA Assays May Represent a New
Approach to Diagnostics and Prognostics in Cancer and Other Diseases

Learn More at Chronix ASCO Booth #6052
CHICAGO & SAN JOSE, Calif.–(Business Wire)–
Chronix Biomedical today reported new data further demonstrating that its DNA
blood tests have the potential to accurately detect early stage breast and
prostate cancers. Chronix`s proprietary technology identifies disease-specific
genetic fingerprints based on DNA fragments that are released into the
bloodstream by damaged and dying (apoptotic) cells. In this new study of 575
individuals, Chronix`s assays detected and identified DNA fingerprints in the
blood that indicated the presence of prostate or breast cancer with 92%
sensitivity and 100% specificity, significantly outperforming the published
accuracy data for current diagnostic methods. The new study results will be
presented in an oral session today at the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Breast cancer expert, Steven Narod, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., noted: “These new data,
although early, provide further evidence that Chronix`s proprietary DNA blood
test may represent a new diagnostic and prognostic platform that can identify
cancer earlier and more accurately than is currently possible. I am pleased to
be working with Chronix to further validate these promising findings.” Dr. Narod
is Director of the Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit at Women`s College
Research Institute, an affiliate of the University of Toronto.

The tests use proprietary algorithms developed by Chronix researchers to detect,
analyze and identify cancer-related fragments of DNA that are released into the
bloodstream by apoptotic cells. Chronix researchers consistently find that this
apoptotic DNA in the blood originates from a limited number of regions, or
“hotspots,” on the genome that are specific to each cancer. According to the
data to be presented today, the presence of DNA fragments from any one of the 29
unique “hotspots” associated with breast cancer indicates that breast cancer is
present in the patient. The presence of DNA fragments from any one of the 32
unique “hotspots” associated with prostate cancer, which are different from the
breast cancer “hotspots,” is indicative of the presence of prostate cancer.

“By focusing on these blood-borne genomic `hotspots,` we can reliably detect the
presence of cancer without having first to isolate and analyze the tumor cells,”
said Howard Urnovitz, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Chronix and a co-author
of the study. “If verified by further studies, our Chronix blood-based assays
would make it possible to diagnose cancer at its earliest stages, track progress
as patients undergo treatment and personalize treatment using patients`
disease-specific genomic fingerprints.”

The testing involved 575 individuals: 178 with early stage breast cancer, 197
with invasive prostate cancer and 200 healthy controls. The Chronix assay
detected breast cancer with 92% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Although not
directly comparable, for reference it is noteworthy that data from a large study
of U.S. mammography screening programs reported an overall specificity of 92.3%
and sensitivity of just 75%, with lower figures for some populations such as
younger women. The Chronix assay also detected invasive prostate cancer with 92%
sensitivity and 100% specificity. In contrast, the widely used PSA (prostate
specific antigen) test has previously demonstrated 85% sensitivity and a
specificity of just 25% to 35%. If the Chronix data are confirmed in larger
studies, they have the potential to reduce the current rate of false positive
and false negative results that contribute to poorer patient outcomes and higher
healthcare costs.

Previous published studies have demonstrated that the Chronix approach can
identify the presence or absence of active disease in multiple sclerosis
patients and that it can accurately detect early stage breast cancer with high
diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Commercial applications for veterinary
use are in development in conjunction with the University of Calgary, including
tests for the early detection of BSE, or mad cow disease.

Dr. Urnovitz added, “With these encouraging findings, we are launching a `For
Investigational Use Only` testing service that for the first time will enable
cancer researchers to monitor the status of patients in their clinical trials
with a high level of sensitivity and specificity, potentially accelerating
clinical trials and increasing their chances for success.”

Patient data collected from this new service for clinical researchers along with
additional planned clinical studies are expected to expand the database needed
to obtain regulatory approval for the use of Chronix assays in ongoing cancer
patient care.

Oral presentation: “Comparative analysis of the chromosomal origins of
circulating nucleic acids in breast and prostate cancer” (Abstract #10505)
June 7, 2010, 3:15 PM CT, Room S100a

About Chronix Biomedical (ASCO booth #6052)

Chronix Biomedical is pioneering a breakthrough approach to the diagnosis,
monitoring and management of a broad range of cancers and other conditions. It
has developed proprietary technology that measures and categorizes DNA sequences
circulating in the blood that are associated with specific changes in disease
and health status. Using advanced genome analysis methodology, proprietary data
tools and disease-specific databases, Chronix has demonstrated the utility of
its diagnostic and prognostic approach in a chronic neurologic disease, in
breast and prostate cancer and in multiple myeloma. It is currently conducting
studies in other cancers. The company initially plans to offer an Apoptotic
Serum DNA testing service to cancer clinical researchers “For Investigational
Use Only” to track disease recurrence and monitor treatment. Chronix is
headquartered in San Jose, California and has research facilities in Germany.
For more information, visit www.chronixbiomedical.com.

Corporate:
Chronix Biomedical
Howard Urnovitz, Ph.D., 408-960-2306
or
Media:
GendeLLindheim BioCom Partners
Barbara Lindheim, 212-918-4650

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: Accuracy Data, Apoptotic Cells, breast cancer, breast cancer research, cancer expert, Cancer Research Unit, Diagnostic Methods, Dna Assays, Dna Fingerprints, Dna Fragments, Familial Breast Cancer, Genetic Fingerprints, Oral Session, Prognostics, promising findings, Proprietary Algorithms, Prostate Cancer, prostate cancers, university of toronto, Women S College

Geron Presents Clinical Data on Its Telomerase Inhibitor Drug in Breast Cancer at ASCO

June 8, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Response Rate Support Plans to Initiate
Randomized Phase 2 Study
MENLO PARK, Calif.–(Business Wire)–
Geron Corporation (Nasdaq:GERN) today announced the presentation of data from
the clinical trial of imetelstat (GRN163L), the company`s telomerase inhibitor
drug, in combination with paclitaxel and bevacizumab in patients with breast
cancer at the 2010 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting
in Chicago.

An interim analysis of the Phase 1 trial was presented by Geron clinical
scientists and collaborating principal investigators from Ingalls Memorial
Hospital, Harvey, IL and Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center,
Indianapolis, IN.

“We are very encouraged by the data from the trial so far. We have seen good
tolerability and exposures of drug, which exceed levels that have been
associated with tumor inhibition in several models of human cancers. In
addition, a preliminary response rate of 54% is promising in context of the
reduced doses of chemotherapy that were administered during treatment cycles,”
said Stephen M. Kelsey, M.D., Geron`s executive vice president and chief medical
officer, oncology. “We plan to initiate a randomized Phase 2 breast cancer trial
this year to test the effect on progression-free survival of adding imetelstat
to this combination regimen. The trial will also explore predictive biomarkers
to preferentially select breast cancer patients who may benefit from telomerase
inhibition.”

Phase 1 Trial Design

Data were presented on patients with locally recurrent or metastatic breast
cancer that were given imetelstat by two hour intravenous infusions on days one,
eight and 15 of 28 day treatment cycles. Dosing started at 160 mg/m2 and
escalation proceeded to 375 mg/m2. The patients also received the chemotherapy
combination regimen of 90 mg/m2 paclitaxel (Taxol) on days one, eight and 15,
and 10 mg/kg bevacizumab (Avastin) on days one and 15, both by intravenous
infusion. Endpoints of the trial are safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy.
Safety data were presented on 14 patients and preliminary efficacy data were on
13 patients.

Pharmacokinetic and Efficacy Results

The preliminary confirmed overall response rate was 53.8% (95% confidence
interval: 28.7% to 77.6%) based on investigator assessment of disease status
using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Median duration
of response was 21.7 weeks (7.3 to 48.3 weeks).

Pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of imetelstat in combination therapy with
paclitaxel and bevacizumab was comparable to the PK profile of imetelstat
administered alone (from the Phase 1 trial in solid tumors). In the solid tumor
trial, the observed level of exposure to imetelstat during the treatment period
(AUC) was higher than the exposure that was associated with inhibition of
telomerase activity and tumor growth in multiple xenograft animal models of
human cancers. Similarly, in this Phase 1 combination trial in breast cancer,
modeled AUC values at doses of imetelstat from 240 mg/m2 and above also exceeded
the exposure required for efficacy in preclinical models.

Safety Results

Infusions of imetelstat were generally well tolerated and acute dose limiting
toxicities were not observed. Neutropenia (low neutrophils) and/or
thrombocytopenia (low platelets) in later treatment cycles led to reductions in
the dose of imetelstat and/or paclitaxel in 12 (85.7%) patients. Alternative
dosing schedules are being evaluated in additional patients to further increase
exposure to imetelstat and to enable administration of full doses of standard
therapy while minimizing hematological toxicities.

Phase 2 Trial

A randomized Phase 2 clinical trial of imetelstat in patients with metastatic
breast cancer is planned for the fourth quarter of 2010. The trial plans to
assess the effect on progression-free survival of adding imetelstat to
paclitaxel and bevacizumab as first line therapy. The trial will recruit
approximately 150 patients from up to 50 medical centers in the U.S.

About Telomerase and Imetelstat (GRN163L)

Telomerase is a critical and broadly applicable tumor target. The enzyme is
expressed in a wide range of malignant tumors, and its activity is essential for
the indefinite replicative capacity of cancer that enables malignant cell
growth. Telomerase is absent or expressed only transiently at low levels in most
normal adult tissues.

Imetelstat is a short chain oligonucleotide that binds with high affinity and
specificity to the catalytic site of telomerase, resulting in competitive
inhibition of enzyme activity. Proprietary manufacturing chemistry and the
addition of a 5′ lipid chain have enabled the molecule to penetrate cells and
tissues throughout the body.

Imetelstat has demonstrated anti-tumor effects in a wide range of preclinical
hematological and solid tumor models.

Preclinical studies have also demonstrated that imetelstat can inhibit
clonogenic growth of both primary patient samples and subpopulations from cell
lines enriched for cancer stem cells from multiple tumor types. These
subpopulations show resistance to several conventional chemotherapeutic agents.
Cancer stem cells capable of clonogenic growth may play an important role in the
rapid regrowth of tumors after initial reduction by standard treatments.

Imetelstat has been tested in six Geron-sponsored Phase 1 clinical trials at 22
U.S. medical centers treating over 180 patients examining the safety,
tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug, alone or in
combination with other standard therapies, in patients with different
hematological and solid tumors. Four of the trials have completed patient
enrollment. Two randomized Phase 2 clinical trials of imetelstat will start this
year in non-small cell lung and breast cancer, and two single arm Phase 2
clinical trials will begin in multiple myeloma and essential thrombocythemia -
all malignancies in which cancer stem cells have been shown to play an important
role in relapse after standard therapy.

About Geron

Geron is developing first-in-class biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of
cancer and chronic degenerative diseases, including spinal cord injury, heart
failure and diabetes. The company is advancing an anti-cancer drug and a cancer
vaccine that target the enzyme telomerase through multiple clinical trials in
different cancers. For more information, visit www.geron.com.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the
“safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release regarding
potential applications of Geron`s oncology/telomerase technology constitute
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including,
without limitation, risks inherent in the development and commercialization of
potential products, uncertainty of clinical trial results or regulatory
approvals or clearances, need for future capital, dependence upon collaborators
and maintenance of our intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ
materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
Additional information on potential factors that could affect our results and
other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in Geron`s periodic
reports, including the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 2010.

Geron Corporation
Anna Krassowska, Ph.D., 650-473-7765
Investor and Media Relations
info@geron.com

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: American Society Of Clinical Oncology, Avasti, bevacizumab, breast cancer, breast cancer patients, Bren Simon, Clinical Scientists, Combination Regimen, free survival, human cancers, Ingalls Memorial Hospital, Ingalls Memorial Hospital Harvey, Ingalls Memorial Hospital Harvey Il, Interim Analysis, Intravenous Infusions, Menlo Park, metastatic breast cancer, Preliminary Response, Principal Investigators, Treatment Cycles

Last Chance to Register for Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure

June 5, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Late Registration Available at Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill Ends Tonight at 6:00
pm
WASHINGTON, D.C.–(Business Wire)–
Today is the last day to register to participate in the 2010 Susan G. Komen
Global Race for the Cure, the 21st annual running of the Komen Race for the Cure
in Washington, D.C. Those who already registered but have not received an Event
Kit can pick one up at late registration.

WHERE: HYATT REGENCY WASHINGTON ON CAPITOL HILL
400 NEW JERSEY, NW

WHEN: FRIDAY, JUNE 4
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Race Day Overview:

6:30 am – Breakfast for Breast Cancer Survivors

7:30 am – Opening Ceremony Begins

7:35 am – Parade of Pink (survivor parade and international procession)

7:40 am – Country Singer Candy Coburn Performs “Pink Warrior”

7:45 am – Remarks by Komen Founder and CEO, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker

7:48 am – Remarks by Dr. Jill Biden, Wife of Vice President Joe Biden

7:55 am – Candy Coburn Performs Second Song

7:57 am – Stretching led by Celebrity Fitness Trainer Holly Perkins

8:00 am – Runner`s Start

8:15 am – Walker`s Start

Media check-in on Saturday morning is near the corner of 4th Street and
Jefferson SW.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do
everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise
became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer
movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world`s largest grassroots network of
breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people,
ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to
events like the Komen Race for the Cure, nearly $1.5 billion has been invested
to fulfill the promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds in the
world dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. For more information about
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org
or call 1-877-GO KOMEN (465-6636).

Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Sean Tuffnell, 817-988-1972 (cell)
stuffnell@komen.org
or
Pam Stevens, 202-654-6517
pstevens@komen.org
or
Podesta Group
David Marin, 202-879-9368
dmarin@podesta.com

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, breast health, Candy Coburn, Celebrity Fitness Trainer, Cure Breast, Dr. Jill Biden, Global Race, Grassroots Network, Hyatt Regency Capitol, Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, Hyatt Regency Washington, Hyatt Regency Washington On Capitol Hill, Joe Biden, Komen Race For The Cure, Nancy G Brinker, Nonprofit Funds, president joe, Sister Susan, Susan G Komen For The Cure

GE Healthcare Unveils Innovative Technology in Breast Cancer Imaging; Can Reduce Time from Detection to Diagnosis

June 2, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Helps increase accuracy of assessment, helps reduce patient anxiety
PARIS–(Business Wire)–
GE Healthcare (NYSE:GE), a pioneer in digital mammography, today announced the
introduction of an innovative technology to aid in breast cancer diagnosis. GE
Healthcare`s new SenoBright1 Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM)
technology reduces ambiguity in mammography results, enabling physicians to
detect and diagnose cancer with more confidence – even in the densest part of
the breast tissue more rapidly and accurately.

Working like the multiple-flash, red-eye reduction function in a digital camera,
SenoBright uses X-rays at multiple energies to create two separate exposures.
These resulting images specifically illuminate and highlight areas where there
is angiogenesis, growth of small blood vessels potentially related to the
presence of cancer.

“A CESM exam takes from 5 to 10 minutes,” said Dr. Clarisse Dromain, Gustave
Roussy Cancer Institute, France. “During my investigation of the use of CESM
with my own examinations of patients, I have been able to better define the
spread of a cancer compared to standard mammography and ultrasound, and
follow-up exams with an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) validated exactly the
same results. Moreover, in the majority of cases the confidence in the diagnosis
is high enough that the patient can be told the results that same day,” she
added.

The diagnostic challenge

SenoBright enables the digital mammography system to detect a whole new type of
diagnostic information. Standard mammography only sees the structure of breast
tissue. With SenoBright, doctors can also locate the proliferation of small
blood vessels, potentially associated with cancerous tumor growth. In addition,
it shows potential for measuring the extension of the lesion to help to plan
surgery and treatment. Patients receive an intravenous injection of standard
iodine contrast agent, and after two minutes undergo a five-minute digital
mammography exam. CESM images are acquired in familiar mammography views so that
that they can be quickly and easily correlated with standard results,
facilitating interpretation by other specialists like surgeons or oncologists.

“Worldwide, more than 1.2 million people annually are diagnosed with breast
cancer. Since 1965, GE Healthcare has made significant progress in providing
solutions for breast cancer detection and diagnosis that really bring a change
to people`s lives. Today through `healthymagination`, we continuously develop
innovations to reduce costs, increase access and improve quality and efficiency
of healthcare delivery around the globe,” said Reinaldo Garcia, President and
CEO of GE Healthcare for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “GE Healthcare
is pleased to bring to market such advanced breast imaging technologies like
SenoBright, the result of over 10 years and $12 million investment of research
and clinical collaborations. This innovative technology will support the earlier
diagnosis of this prevalent disease, by providing access to new diagnostic
information at a lower cost.”

The product development was carried out in collaboration between GE Healthcare
and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP). The goal of the joint research
program is to develop new and innovative technologies for aiding in the
diagnosis of breast cancer using the latest developments in digital mammography.

Dr. Tidu Maini, Science and Technology Advisor to Her Highness, Sheikha Mozah
bint Nasser Al Missned, and Executive Chairman of Qatar Science & Technology
Park, said, “Our collaboration with GE Healthcare is a step towards making Qatar
a global medical innovator while delivering real health benefits for the local
community.”

Same staff, same equipment- same day

SenoBright is an easy procedure that can be conducted by the same staff, using
the same mammography equipment, potentially on the same day as the exam-
allowing medical professionals to cut the critical time patients often have to
wait from detection to diagnosis.

“Given our proven history of breast imaging innovations, GE is proud to release
yet another innovative technology, soon to be available to much of our digital
installed base. We are one of the only companies today to engineer and
manufacture the entire mammography imaging chain from tube, and detector to
review workstation, coupled with integration of the comprehensive local
requirements for each customer, ” said David Caumartin, GE Healthcare`s General
Manager Mammography. “SenoBright is likely to be a key enabler of accelerated
patient workflow from diagnostics to treatment planning. It is enhancing the
widely accepted technology of digital mammography by adding the functional
information in order to detect angiogenesis.”

Clarity of results

Digital mammography is considered a relevant means of breast cancer screening,
delivering proven clinical outcomes. The sensitivity and specificity of images
can, however, be affected by a range of factors. Dense breast tissue can overlap
with lesions, which are not always visible on an X-ray, and radiologists`
interpretation of images can vary.

Inconclusive digital mammography presents a range of challenges to healthcare
professionals and patients. Ambiguity can result in diagnostic error, demanding
further tests that can include ultrasound, invasive biopsy and Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning – all of which could delay the diagnostic
process, in some cases by weeks or even months.

SenoBright can remove this ambiguity, helping to ensure that those patients who
need to go into cancer treatment do so – and do so quickly. Whereas patients who
do not have malignant lesions have the potential to find out on the same day,
relieving their burden of uncertainty. Compared to mammography alone, clinical
studies show that SenoBright improves sensitivity and specificity:

* for every 100 cancers, there is the potential to find 13 more;
* 6 more benign lesions out of 100 can be correctly classified;
* 19 more patients out of 100 without cancer can be sent home.

“The addition of intravenous contrast to mammography gives us the possibility to
obtain information in the mammogram that was previously only obtained from MRI,”
said Dr. David Dershaw, Director of Breast Imaging at Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center, USA. “This has the potential to convey the advantages of MRI
imaging in screening and diagnosis to women for whom this test is indicated but
not currently available.”

The new CESM technology works with an upgrade to GE Healthcare`s Senographe DS
and Senographe Essential digital mammography equipment. GE`s Senographe
platforms are full-field digital mammography systems designed to meet clinical
needs, from screening to diagnostic and interventional procedures and designed
for future advanced applications.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The SenoBright option cannot be put into service until it has been made to
comply with CE marking. It may not be available in all regions. The SenoBright
option is not cleared or approved by U.S. FDA.

About GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services that
are shaping a new age of patient care. Our broad expertise in medical imaging
and information technologies, medical diagnostics, patient monitoring systems,
drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies, performance
improvement and performance solutions services help our customers to deliver
better care to more people around the world at a lower cost. In addition, we
partner with healthcare leaders, striving to leverage the global policy change
necessary to implement a successful shift to sustainable healthcare systems.

Our “healthymagination” vision for the future invites the world to join us on
our journey as we continuously develop innovations focused on reducing costs,
increasing access and improving quality and efficiency around the world.
Headquartered in the United Kingdom, GE Healthcare is a $16 billion unit of
General Electric Company (NYSE: GE). Worldwide, GE Healthcare employs more than
46,000 people committed to serving healthcare professionals and their patients
in more than 100 countries.

For more information about GE Healthcare, visit our website at

http://www.gehealthcare.com

For our latest news, please visit http://newsroom.gehealthcare.com

Media
GE Healthcare
Allison J. Cohen
+972 (4) 8579 290
allison.cohen@ge.com

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: breast cancer, Breast Cancer diagnosis, breast cancer imaging, breast tissue, cancer institute, Clarisse, Diagnostic Challenge, Digital Mammography System, ge healthcare, Gustave Roussy, Innovative Technology, Intravenous Injection, magnetic resonance imaging, Mri Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nyse, Patient Anxiety, Red Eye Reduction, treatment patients, tumor growth, x rays

Mickelson eyes top ranking

May 27, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Phil Mickelson, eager to bury memories of last year, has every reason to look forward to this week’s Colonial Invitational with the world number one ranking within fingertip reach.

Should the American left-hander win the PGA Tour event at Colonial Country Club on Sunday, he would take over at the top of the global pecking order from his compatriot Tiger Woods.

Mickelson has produced a glittering resume that includes four major victories and 38 PGA Tour titles but becoming world number one has remained tantalisingly elusive.

“It’s something that we as golfers all strive to be recognised for — as the best player,” second-ranked Mickelson told reporters on the eve of Thursday’s opening round at Colonial, a venue where he triumphed in 2000 and 2008.

“It would certainly mean a lot because I have not done that in my career. It would be an accomplishment I would look back on and be very proud of.”

Woods, who has steadily dropped ranking points this year, is sidelined with a lingering neck injury and not expected to return to the circuit until at least next week for the Memorial tournament.

However, U.S. Masters champion Mickelson preferred not to be distracted by the rankings topic as he prepared to win another tournament on the world’s most competitive circuit.

“I will probably try to downplay it typically,” the 39-year-old said. “To accomplish that, I can’t focus on that. I still need to go out and play like the number one player in the world, so I’ve got some work to do.”

BREAST CANCER

Mickelson was not prepared to reflect on his life 12 months ago when he suspended his tour campaign indefinitely after his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer.

He had been scheduled to defend his title at Colonial last year but that was instantly taken off the agenda as family matters and his wife’s health became the top priority.

“I don’t really want to go back there,” Mickelson said. “We are a year down the road. That was a tough time, and I’m happy that we are further down the road now.”

American world number four Steve Stricker, who triumphed at Colonial last year in Mickelson’s absence, was delighted to see his compatriot back.

“He is almost the defending champion as well this week,” said Stricker, who won last year’s title by beating fellow American Steve Marino and South African Tim Clark in a playoff.

“I thought it was the greatest feelgood story in golf when he (Mickelson) won at the Masters (in April), and seeing Amy there. I think he is going to be tough to beat here too.”

Apart from Mickelson and Stricker, three other members of the world’s top 10 are competing this week — fifth-ranked Jim Furyk, Ian Poulter (sixth) and Paul Casey (eighth).

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Ed Osmond; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: 12 months, accomplishment, best player, breast cancer, champion, Colonial Country Club, compatriot, eve, family matters, golfers, left-hander, Memorial Tournament, pecking order, Pga Tour Event, Phil Mickelson, tiger woods, top priority, Tour Titles, venue, Wife Amy

Woods’ No. 1 reign to end?

May 26, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

History may be about to be scripted. But Tiger Woods may not have much to do with it. Or can he force it to go the way it has doing over the last dozen years or so?

It has been 12 years since the creation of the Mark H. McCormack Award, given to the player who has been ranked No. 1 in the world for the most weeks during a calendar year.

Tiger Woods is still the only name engraved on the trophy.

Along with his 14 majors, 82 official victories and more than $100 million in earnings worldwide, Woods’ dominance of his generation is reflected in the world ranking. Dating to the 1998 U.S. Open at Olympic Club, he has been at the top 93 percent of the time.

Woods doesn’t stay there forever. He just doesn’t vacate the spot for very long.

David Duval took it away from him by winning The Players Championship in 1999 and stayed there for 14 weeks. Five years later, Vijay Singh replaced Woods at No. 1 by beating him at the TPC Boston for one of his nine victories that year. Singh finished the final four months at No. 1 – not long enough to win the McCormack Award – and didn’t give it back until Woods won the Masters the next April.

Phil Mickelson appears to be next in line.

The Masters champion needs only to win Colonial this week to become the 13th player to occupy No. 1 since McCormack, the late founder of IMG, devised the ranking system in 1986. Colonial is more meaningful than ever for Mickelson, for it was last year when the tournament staged a “Pink Out” to support his wife, Amy, who had just learned she had breast cancer.

Mickelson has never been No. 1 at anything in a career that has been second to one. Despite his 40 worldwide victories and four majors, he has never won the money list, player of the year, the FedEx Cup, the Vardon Trophy or reached No. 1 in the world.

If it doesn’t happen at Colonial, it figures to happen soon. A change at the top seems inevitable, more because of what’s going on with Woods – chaos in his personal life, back-to-back weeks out of the money for the first time – than with Lefty.

What makes this amazing is how quickly it changed.

Even after Mickelson won the Tour Championship last September, Woods’ average was nearly twice as high.

But the longer Woods stayed away from golf while dealing with the fallout from his infidelity, the more points he lost. Mickelson took a big step by winning at Augusta National, his only victory this year, and finishing second alone at Quail Hollow with a birdie on the last hole.

What makes this different from previous times that Woods gave up the No. 1 ranking is that if Mickelson fails to catch him soon, there’s no shortage of players right behind him.

Lee Westwood of England is No. 3, not quite in range but getting closer. He has finished no worse than third in the last three majors, and he appears to have figured out how to play his best golf in the biggest events. Steve Stricker is No. 4, although Colonial will be his first tournament since the Masters because of a chest injury. Jim Furyk, a two-time winner this year, is next at No. 5.

“Tiger’s performance and schedule and things like that are unpredictable at the moment, aren’t they?” Westwood said last week.

“We have all seen that the last few weeks. Phil is obviously a world-class player and has already won a major this year, but you know, his performances are very much up-and-down as well.

“I suppose No. 2 and No. 1 are more achievable than they have been in the last few years.”

Ian Poulter, who is No. 6, was quoted in a British golf magazine a few years ago as saying that when he reaches his potential, it will be him and Woods at the top of the ranking. But is it a given that Woods will be there at the end of the year?

“I can see anybody in the top 10 in the world – if they play great for a spell of three, four months, have a couple of wins and a couple of big finishes – certainly get to the points that Tiger is at now, for sure,” Poulter said.

One thing hasn’t changed. Losing the No. 1 ranking depends more on Woods than the players chasing him.

The other two times Woods lost his No. 1 ranking, he was revamping his game. He won only two tournaments in 1998, and when the changes with Butch Harmon finally took hold, Duval had passed him in the spring of ’99. Woods reclaimed No. 1 for good by winning the PGA Championship that year at Medinah, and he kept it for the next 264 weeks.

Woods was going through a swing change with Hank Haney for most of 2004 when he won only one tournament. Those changes kicked in at the end of that year, and Woods left everyone behind in 2005 with seven victories (including two majors) and five runner-up finishes.

He has been No. 1 for 259 consecutive weeks going into the Colonial. Woods made it sound as though he was going through more swing changes at The Players Championship, and that figures to be the case now that he and Haney no longer are working together. It remains a mystery who – if anyone – will be Woods’ next swing coach.

In the meantime, No. 1 is up for grabs. Mickelson is in the best position to seize this opportunity. And if it takes Woods more than a year to sort out his personal life and his game, there might finally be another name to be engraved on the McCormack Award.

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: $100 million, breast cancer, David Duval, dominance, Fedex, Fedex Cup, final four, four months, Mark H Mccormack, Mccormack Award, Olympic Club, personal life, Phil Mickelson, Players Championship, scripted, tiger woods, Tpc Boston, Vardon Trophy, Vijay Singh, Wife Amy

Gene key to common kidney cancer identified

May 21, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Washington, May 21 (ANI): Scientists have found a key gene that, when turned off, promotes the development of common kidney cancer.

Their findings suggest that a combination of agents now being tested in other cancers may turn the gene back on, providing a much-needed therapy for the difficult-to-treat cancer.

Researchers at Mayo Clinic”s campus in Florida describe a gene called GATA3 that has been silenced in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common kind of kidney cancer, and is a key gene also lost in breast cancer.

GATA3 controls many genes and proteins that regulate cell growth, and one of them, a receptor known as the type III transforming growth factor-ß receptor (TßRIII), is absent in a number of cancers.

According to the study”s senior investigator, John Copland, a cancer biologist at the Mayo Clinic campus at Florida, these findings will surprise many in the cancer field.

“Cancer researchers know that GATA3 is essential for immune T cell development and function. As well, very recent studies show that GATA3 is also critical to breast cancer development, where GATA3 expression is limited to mammary luminal epithelial cells. GATA3 is lost during breast cancer progression and its loss is a strong predictor of poor clinical outcome in luminal breast cancer. GATA3 also plays an important role in renal development and differentiation during embryogenesis, but little is known about the role of GATA3 in the adult human kidney,” he said.

“Now it looks like GATA3 regulates the expression of genes that are critical to cancer control in the kidney, and silencing it appears to be very important to the growth of kidney cancer and probably to others tumors, as well. No one could have guessed that would be the case in kidney cancer. This is a completely novel finding,” he added.

The study has been published in the May 20, 2010 issue of Oncogene. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: biologist, breast cancer, Cancer Control, cancer development, Cancer Field, cancer progression, cancer researchers, cancer tumors, carcinoma, clinical outcome, differentiation, embryogenesis, genes and proteins, Human Kidney, john copland, Kidney Cancer, mayo clinic, oncogene, renal cell carcinoma, T Cell Development

Exercise benefits cancer patients

May 21, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Washington, May 21 (ANI): A new study by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Breast suggests that breast and prostate cancer patients who regularly exercise during and after cancer treatment report having a better quality of life and being less fatigued.

“Using exercise as an approach to cancer care has the potential to benefit patients both physically and psychologically, as well as mitigate treatment side effects,” said study lead author Eleanor M. Walker, M.D., division director of breast services in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Henry Ford Hospital.

“Plus, exercise is a great alternative to patients combating fatigue and nausea who are considering using supplements which may interfere with medications and chemotherapy they”re taking during cancer treatment,” Dr. Walker added.

To study how exercise impacts cancer patients, Dr. Walker and her colleagues at Henry Ford”s Josephine Ford Cancer Center and the Henry Ford Heart & Vascular Institute developed a unique program called ExCITE (Exercise and Cancer Integrative Therapies and Education).

ExCITE works with patients who are receiving cancer treatment to create individualized exercise programs. Some patients come into one of Henry Ford”s fitness centers to workout, while others have plans that allow them to exercise at home during various stages of their care.

The study group thus far includes 30 female breast cancer patients and 20 prostate cancer patients, all ranging in age from 35 to 80. All were newly diagnosed when they began ExCITE. The study followed the patients during treatment and for one-year following completion of cancer treatment.

Before beginning the exercise program, Henry Ford”s Preventative Cardiology Division measured the patients” exercise capacity, skeletal muscle strength and endurance.

General blood work, metabolic screens, bone density and inflammatory biomarkers also were obtained at the start of the program.

Exercise and diet recommendation for each patient were based on their baseline exercise tolerances, weight, overall health, and type of cancer treatment they would receive. Acupuncture was used for patients who experienced hot flashes, pain, nausea/vomiting, insomnia and neuropathy as the result of cancer treatment.

Cheryl Fallen of Gross Pointe Park, Mich., was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer while she took part in the ExCITE program. Through a mix of exercise, acupuncture and good nutrition, she didn”t experiencing some of the more common side-effects from treatment – nausea, fatigue and trouble with memory.

“ExCITE offers cancer patients a way to holistically approach their cancer care by tailoring a specific exercise routine to fit the needs of the patient, whether it”s rehabilitation after surgery, or to enhance circulation or improve the immune system prior to chemotherapy or radiation,” said Fallen.

When her white blood cell count fell during chemotherapy, Fallen would work out at home using an exercise band or by walking outdoors. When she was well enough to return to the gym, her workouts consisted of using the exercise ball and treadmill, and doing other strength-training exercises.

“Overall, the program makes you feel better about yourself. It”s a positive support for cancer patients, and I really think it”s allowed me to be more productive during my treatment,” said Fallen.

Dr. Walker will present the study on June 7 at the 2010 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: bone density, breast cancer, breast cancer patients, Cancer Care, cancer treatment, Cardiology Division, dr walker, exercise program, Exercise Programs, Female Breast Cancer, Fitness Centers, henry ford, henry ford hospital, Integrative Therapies, Josephine Ford, Muscle Strength And Endurance, Prostate Cancer, prostate cancer patients, radiation oncology, Vascular Institute

Radiation could cause breast cancer

May 14, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Washington, May 14 (ANI): In a study on cultures of human breast cells, researchers have discovered that radiation exposure can alter the environment surrounding the cells so that future cells are more likely to become cancerous.

Already, it is known that exposure to ionizing radiation can result in mutations or other genetic damage that cause cells to turn cancerous.

“Our work shows that radiation can change the microenvironment of breast cells, and this in turn can allow the growth of abnormal cells with a long-lived phenotype that has a much greater potential to be cancerous,” says Paul Yaswen, a cell biologist and breast cancer research specialist with Berkeley Lab”s Life Sciences Division.

Studies have shown that if a cell develops a pre-cancerous phenotype, it can pass on these “epigenetic” changes to its daughters, just as it can pass on genetic mutations.

“Many in the cancer research community, especially radiobiologists, have been slow to acknowledge and incorporate in their work the idea that cells in human tissues are not independent entities, but are highly communicative with each other and with their microenvironment. We provide new evidence that potential cancer agents and their effects must be evaluated at a systems level,” said Yaswen.

“The work we did was performed with non-lethal but fairly substantial doses of radiation, unlike what a woman would be exposed to during a routine mammogram. However, the levels of radiation involved in other procedures, such as CT scans or radiotherapy, do start to approach the levels used in our experiments and could represent sources of concern,” said Yaswen.

For the study, researchers worked with human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs), the cells that line breast ducts, where most breast cancers begin.

In a culture dish, the vast majority of breast cells display a phenotype that allows them to divide between five and 20 times before becoming senescent.

However, also present are rare variant HMECs, which display a phenotype that allows them to continue dividing for many weeks in culture.

This vHMEC phenotype arises spontaneously and is much more susceptible to malignancy because it lacks a tumor-suppressing protein called p16.

To test the effects of radiation on cellular environment and subsequent cell behavior, the research team grew sets of HMECs from normal breast tissue in culture dishes for about a week, then exposed each set to a single treatment of a low-to-moderate dose of radiation.

They then compared the irradiated sets to sets of breast cells that were not irradiated.

Four to six weeks after the radiation treatments, most of the cells in both the irradiated and unirradiated sets had permanently stopped dividing.

“However, the daughters of breast cells exposed to radiation formed larger, more numerous patches of cells with the vHMEC phenotype than did the daughters of the unirradiated cells. An agent-based model developed by Sylvain Costes and Mary Helen Barcellos-Hoff suggests that the radiation increased the rate at which short-lived cells became senescent,” said Yaswen.

In a culture dish, breast cells will only divide and grow so long as there is room for daughter cells to spread out.

When the dish becomes full, the cells stop dividing. By promoting premature senescence in the normal HMEC, the radiation treatments accelerated the outgrowth of the vHMECs.

“Radiation exposure did not directly induce new vHMECs and the effect was not dose-dependent in the dose range we investigated. However, by getting normal cells to prematurely age and stop dividing, the radiation exposure created space for epigenetically altered cells that would otherwise have been filled by normal cells. In other words, the radiation promoted the growth of pre-cancerous cells by making the environment that surrounded the cells more hospitable to their continued growth,” said Yaswen.

The study appears in the on-line journal Breast Cancer Research. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: abnormal cells, berkeley lab, breast cancer, breast cancer research, breast cancers, breast cells, cancer agents, Cancer Research Community, cell biologist, Culture Dish, epigenetic changes, Genetic Mutations, human breast, human tissues, independent entities, Ionizing Radiation, life sciences division, Mammary Epithelial Cells, radiation exposure, Routine Mammogram

Mice study shows slight changes in 2 genes launches breast cancer development

May 13, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Washington, May 13 (ANI): Scientists have made a new breakthrough in the fight against breast cancer.

Researchers at Georgetown Lombard Comprehensive Cancer Center have been able to show, in mice, how just a little adjustment in the expression of two common genes can promote the kind of cellular changes that led to breast cancer.

They say these tweaks likely mimic natural variation women have in expression of the two genes.

The researchers say that a readout of these two genes – estrogen receptor alpha and p53 – in healthy women could provide an “interacting biomarker” that might predict future breast cancer risk.

“It was believed that both of these genes only act once breast cancer had developed – p53 mutations are found in many cancers, including breast cancer, and the majority of women with breast cancer have over-expression of this common estrogen receptor,” says the study”s lead investigator, Priscilla A. Furth, a professor of oncology and medicine with Lombardi at Georgetown University Medical Center.

“What wasn”t known is that different levels of expression of these genes can help launch the cellular changes that lead to breast cancer.

“That suggests that testing women for their own variations in these genes might potentially give us a clue as to which women are at higher risk for development of breast cancer,” Furth adds.

In the study, the researchers developed mice in which one copy of the p53 gene was silenced (mice, and humans, inherit two copies, one from each parent), and tested the effect on what is known as development of preneoplasia, or early breast cancer progression.

The p53 gene, long called the ”guardian of the genome,” is known as a very powerful tumour suppressor because it regulates cell growth. Alterations to p53 are reported in 30-40 percent of human breast cancers, and this loss is linked to increased cancer aggressiveness, poor prognosis, and chemotherapy resistance.

The researchers also increased expression of the estrogen receptor by two-fold, an equivalent elevation sometimes seen in women. Almost 70 percent of women with breast cancer have estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, meaning that the estrogen hormone is driving cell growth because it is binding to, in some cases, an over abundance of its receptors on the outside of breast cells.

Both mouse models showed significant precancerous changes in breast tissue. They then compared those effects with changes seen in mice that had one p53 gene as well as twice as much estrogen receptor expression, and found substantially higher evidence of early stage breast cancer progression.

“Normal breast tissue functioning requires a balance of cell growth and cell death, and in this study we found that both deregulated estrogen receptor function and p53 expression independently, and in combination, altering this balance and transforming cells,” Furth says.

The study has published in the May 15 issue of Cancer Research. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: aggressiveness, biomarker, breast cancer, breast cancer researchers, breast cancer risk, cancer development, cancer progression, cellular changes, comprehensive cancer center, Estrogen Receptor, Furth, georgetown university medical, human breast cancers, Lombardi, natural variation, P53 Gene, P53 Mutations, poor prognosis, tumour suppressor, university medical center

Soon, an early warning test for breast cancer

May 10, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

London, May 10 (ANI): An early warning test could soon be able to detect breast cancer.

British scientists have come closer to developing such a test, which could save the lives of millions of women.

They have discovered five more cancer-causing genetic mutations on top of the 13 already known.

“By finding more of these genes we may be able to develop a test that can predict more reliably a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer,” the Daily Express quoted Professor Doug Easton of Cambridge University as saying.

His report is published in the journal Nature Genetics. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: breast cancer, British scientists, cambridge university, daily express, Doug Easton, Early Warning, genes, Genetic Mutations, journal nature genetics, London, Professor Doug, risk

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