oncologywatch

Glioblastoma multiforme (grade IV astrocytoma, GBM) is a fast-growing type of central nervous system tumor that forms from supportive tissue of the brain and spinal cord (glia) (NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms). The cure rate is very low with standard treatment, and several pharmas and biotechs have compounds in development in an effort to improve outcomes.

At ASCO 2008, investigators will report on studies with inhibitors of EGFR tyrosine kinase, mTOR, serine/threonine, topoisomerase  I, and VEGFR; neutralizing monoclonal antibody to VEGF; and EGFR-targeted vaccine.

Seven compounds to watch:

AP 12009
AntiSense Pharma (Regensburg, Germany)
ClinicalTrials.gov
PubMed
ASCO 2008

enzastaurin (LY 317615)
Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development (Raritan, NJ)
ClinicalTrials.gov
PubMed
ASCO 2008

Glivec (imatinib)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (East Hanover, NJ)
ClinicalTrials.gov
PubMed
ASCO 2008

Tarceva (erlotinib)
Genentech (South San Francisco, CA)
ClinicalTrials.gov
PubMed
ASCO 2008

vatalanib (PTK 787)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (East Hanover, NJ)
ClinicalTrials.gov
PubMed
ASCO 2008

Iressa (gefitinib)
AstraZeneca (Wilmington, DE)
ClinicalTrials.gov
PubMed
ASCO 2008

Sutent (sunitinib)
Pfizer (New York, NY)
ClinicalTrials.gov
PubMed
ASCO 2008
 
OncologyWatch: Posts about free-access articles on aspects of oncology theory, research, practice and policy (about the blogger).This blog is not a source for medical advice.

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Dahl K, Karlsson M, Marits P, et al. Metinel node–the first lymph node draining a metastasis–contains tumor-reactive lymphocytes. Ann Surg Oncol. 2008 May;15(5):1454-63. PMID: 18299934

Researchers in Sweden identify a new clinical entity.

"We located the first draining lymph node or nodes from metastases or local recurrences; we named them ‘metinel nodes.’ Lymphocytes from the metinel nodes proliferated, showed clonal expansion, and produced interferon gamma (via in vitro expansions on stimulation with tumor homogenate) and interleukins, all of which demonstrate the characteristics of tumor-reactive lymphocytes… We demonstrate that it is possible to locate the first lymph nodes draining subcutaneous, lymphatic, and visceral metastases, the so-called metinel nodes. Metinel node–derived lymphocytes may be used to treat disseminated solid cancer, and clinical trials should evaluate the effect of such treatment."

OncologyWatch: Posts about free-access articles on aspects of oncology theory, practice and policy (about the blogger).This blog is not a source for medical advice.

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Iressa (gefitinib)
AstraZeneca (AZN - Wilmington, DE)

Current research in glioblastoma multiforme:

• ClinicalTrials.gov
• PubMed
• ASCO 2008

OncologyWatch: Posts about free-access articles on aspects of oncology theory, practice and policy (about the blogger).This blog is not a source for medical advice.

Technorati tags:
oncology cancer pharmaceutical industry glioblastoma multiforme

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Avastin (bevacizumab)
Genentech (DNA - South San Francisco, CA)

Current research in glioblastoma multiforme:

• ClinicalTrials.gov
• PubMed
• ASCO 2008

OncologyWatch: Posts about free-access articles on aspects of oncology theory, practice and policy (about the blogger).This blog is not a source for medical advice.

Technorati tags:
oncology cancer pharmaceutical industry glioblastoma multiforme

Comments and Links Welcome!

vatalanib (PTK 787)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (NVS - East Hanover, NJ)

Current research in glioblastoma multiforme:

• ClinicalTrials.gov
• PubMed
• ASCO 2008

Notes: "Combination of imatinib, hydroxyurea and vatalanib is safe and well tolerated with an encouraging rate of radiographic response." (ASCO 2008. Abstract #2057)

OncologyWatch: Posts about free-access articles on aspects of oncology theory, practice and policy (about the blogger).This blog is not a source for medical advice.

Technorati tags:
oncology cancer pharmaceutical industry glioblastoma multiforme

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Tarceva (erlotinib)
Genentech (DNA - South San Francisco, CA)

Current research in glioblastoma multiforme:

• ClinicalTrials.gov
• PubMed
• ASCO 2008

OncologyWatch: Posts about free-access articles on aspects of oncology theory, practice and policy (about the blogger).This blog is not a source for medical advice.

Technorati tags:
oncology cancer pharmaceutical industry glioblastoma multiforme

Comments and Links Welcome!

Sutent (sunitinib)
Pfizer (PFE - New York, NY)

Current research in glioblastoma multiforme:

• ClinicalTrials.gov
• PubMed
• ASCO 2008

OncologyWatch: Posts about free-access articles on aspects of oncology theory, practice and policy (about the blogger).This blog is not a source for medical advice.

Technorati tags:
oncology cancer pharmaceutical industry glioblastoma multiforme

Comments and Links Welcome!

Glivec (imatinib)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (NVS - East Hanover, NJ)

Current research in glioblastoma multiforme:

• ClinicalTrials.gov
• PubMed
• ASCO 2008

Notes: "Imatinib and everolimus potentiated antitumor activity of gimatecan against glioma xenografts suggesting their combination for the treatment of malignant glioma." (ASCO 2008. Abstract #2073)

OncologyWatch: Posts about free-access articles on aspects of oncology theory, practice and policy (about the blogger).This blog is not a source for medical advice.

Technorati tags:
oncology cancer pharmaceutical industry glioblastoma multiforme

Comments and Links Welcome!

gimatecan
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (NVS - East Hanover, NJ)

Current research in glioblastoma multiforme:

• ClinicalTrials.gov
• PubMed
• ASCO 2008

Notes: "Imatinib and everolimus potentiated antitumor activity of gimatecan against glioma xenografts suggesting their combination for the treatment of malignant glioma." (ASCO 2008. Abstract #2073)

OncologyWatch: Posts about free-access articles on aspects of oncology theory, practice and policy (about the blogger).This blog is not a source for medical advice.

Technorati tags:
oncology cancer pharmaceutical industry glioblastoma multiforme

Comments and Links Welcome!

enzastaurin (LY 317615)
Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development (JNJ - Raritan, NJ)

Current research in glioblastoma multiforme:

• ClinicalTrials.gov
• PubMed
• ASCO 2008

OncologyWatch: Posts about free-access articles on aspects of oncology theory, practice and policy (about the blogger).This blog is not a source for medical advice.

Technorati tags:
oncology cancer pharmaceutical industry glioblastoma multiforme

Comments and Links Welcome!