Friday, March 17, 2017

$ Halozyme reported revenues of 18.4 million, a net loss of $ 16.3 million for Q2 2014

$ Halozyme reported revenues of 18.4 million, a net loss of $ 16.3 million for Q2 2014 -

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) announced today its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014. financial Highlights for the second quarter include revenues of $ 18.4 million and a net loss of $ 16.3 million, or 0.13 $ per share. This compares to revenues of $ 14.5 million and a net loss of $ 22.9 million, or $ 0.20 per share for the second quarter of 2013.

"It was quarter significant progress in our proprietary programs and partners, "said Dr. Helen Torley, President and CEO. "We are pleased to have resolved the clinical hold and resume patient enrollment and dosing in our Phase 2 clinical trial for PEGPH20 in patients with pancreatic cancer. The launch of MabThera ® SC, ramp sales continue Herceptin ® SC in Europe, and the recent vote by the Advisory Blood Products Committee (CBCP) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that HyQvia Baxter has a favorable benefit to risk profile, continue to validate our own. Enhanze ™ platform, "

Highlights of the second quarter

  • patient dosing and registration resumed PEGPH20 clinical program in cancer pancreas for: in June, the FDA removed the clinical hold on patient enrollment and dosing of PEGPH20 in Phase 2 trials ongoing (study 202) evaluating PEGPH20 in patients with cancer pancreatic allowing the study to include in a revised protocol. changes to the study protocol 202 include the additional use of heparin low molecular weight as prophylaxis and modification of inclusion / exclusion criteria to exclude patients who may be at higher risk of thromboembolic events. in addition to the more than 100 patients already enrolled in the study, Halozyme plans to include a similar number of additional patients. About 75% of the planned clinical sites received the approval of the independent review boards and the Company foresees the continuation of IRB approval in the coming weeks.
  • CONSISTENT 1 test results in type 1 diabetes patients presented in the poster late breaker ADA: 1 test evaluates COMPLIANT Hylenex ® recombinant and a new formulation of Hylenex currently under review by the FDA when used as pretreatment insulin infusion site in patients with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin infusion subcutaneous continuous with no pretreatment. The data reported in a poster presentation at 74 e Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in San Francisco showed that the study met its primary endpoint of non-inferiority in A1C six months between the use of Hylenex and the new formulation of Hylenex compared to no pretreatment. The poster also presented data indicating that there was a potential reduction in hypoglycemic event rates associated with the use of Hylenex formulations in comparison with no pretreatment.
  • MabThera ® SC launched by Roche in the first EU market: in June 2014, Roche launched the European launch its new subcutaneous (SC) formulation of MabThera (rituximab) using recombinant human hyaluronidase Halozyme (rHuPH20) for the treatment of patients with follicular lymphoma and diffuse large cell lymphoma B. the wording previously approved MabThera is administered by intravenous infusion that takes about 2.5 hours. The new formulation MabThera SC can be administered subcutaneously in about 5 minutes and is presented as a fixed dose, ready to use solution, 1400 mg, which shortens the pharmacy preparation time and reduces overall impact on hospital resources. The first commercial launch in the EU triggered a milestone payment of $ 5 million to Halozyme.

for the second quarter and six months 2014 Financial Highlights

  • Revenues for the second quarter 2014 were $ 18.4 million compared to $ 14.5 million for the second quarter of 2013. turnover in the second quarter included $ 6.0 million in sales of rHuPH20 bulk products for use in the manufacture of Roche products, revenue $ 7.2 million collaboration, $ 3.0 in Hylenex product sales, and $ 1.7 million in royalty income from sales of products under our collaborations ®. Revenues for the six months was $ 30.4 million compared to $ 26.3 million for the period 2013
  • The costs of research and development corresponding to the second quarter 2014 were was $ 18.6 million, compared to $ 28.0 million in the second quarter of 2013. the decrease was primarily due to lower manufacturing costs, which are now included in the cost of product sales.
  • spending
  • selling, general and administrative for the second quarter 2014 were $ 8.8 million compared to $ 7.3 million for the second quarter of 2013. The increase was primarily due to increased compensation costs and professional fees and patent.
  • net loss for the second quarter 2014 was $ 16.3 million, or $ 0.13 per share, compared to a net loss for the second quarter of 2013 of $ 22.9 million, or 0 $ 20 per share. The net loss for the six months to date was $ 42.8 million or $ 0.35 per share compared to a net loss of $ 42.2 million or $ 0.38 per share for the first six months of 2013 .
  • cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $ 147.6 million at June 30, 2014 compared to $ 164.5 million at March 31, 2014. net cash used in the second quarter 2014 was approximately $ 16.9 million.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Epigenetics has a big say in the formation of blood

Epigenetics has a big say in the formation of blood -

blood stem cells have the potential to turn into any type of blood cell, whether the cell red that carry oxygen, or the many types of white blood cells of the immune system that help fight infection. How exactly the fate of these stem cells is regulated? Preliminary results of research conducted by scientists at the Weizmann Institute of the Hebrew University begin to reshape the conventional understanding of the decisions the fate of stem cells so blood are controlled through a new technique that epigenetic analysis 'they have developed. Understanding epigenetic mechanisms (environmental influences other than genetics) cell fate could lead to the study of molecular mechanisms of many diseases, including immune disorders, anemia, leukemia, and many more. It also lends strong support to findings that environmental factors and lifestyle play a more important role in the development of our destiny

The process of differentiation -. In which a stem cell becomes a specialized blood cell maturity - is controlled by a cascade of events in which specific genes are turned "on" and "off" in a highly regulated and precise order. Instructions for this process are contained in the DNA itself in short regulatory sequences. These regulatory regions are normally in a "closed" state masked by special proteins called histones to ensure against unwarranted activation. Therefore, to access and "activate" the instructions, this DNA mask should be "open" by epigenetic histone modifications so that it can be read by machines needed.

In an article published in science , Dr. Ido Amit and David Lara-Astiaso Department of Immunology at the Weizmann Institute, in collaboration with Professor Nir Friedman and Weiner Assaf the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, compiled for the first time the dynamics in the development of blood time histones. Thank you to the new epigenetic profiling technique they developed, wherein a handle cells - as little as 500 - can be sampled and analyzed accurately, they identified the exact DNA sequences, and the various regulatory proteins which are involved in regulating the processes of fate of blood stem cells

Their research unexpected results also gave :. up to 50% of these regulatory sequences are set up and open during the intermediate stages of cell development. This means that epigenetics is active at stages in which it was thought that the cell fate has already been set. "It changes our whole understanding of the decision process of the fate of blood stem cells," says Lara-Astiaso, "suggesting that the process is more dynamic and flexible than previously thought."

Although this research was conducted on mice blood stem cells, scientists believe that the mechanism may be true for other types of cells. "this research creates a lot of excitement in the field because it lays the foundation to study these regulatory elements in humans, "says Weiner. Discover the exact regulatory DNA sequence control stem cell fate as well as understanding of its mechanism are promising for the future development of diagnostic tools, medicine personalized, potential therapeutic and nutritional interventions, and medicine perhaps regeneration, in which committed the cells could be reprogrammed to their full potential of stem cells.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Novogen says the results of the meeting of shareholders

Novogen says the results of the meeting of shareholders -

biotechnology company Australia-US Novogen Ltd (ASX: NRT NASDAQ: NVGN), a development company drugs in oncology and degenerative diseases, today announced the results of its general meeting of shareholders held on August 12 in Sydney, Australia. A total of 28.3 shares were represented in person or by proxy at the meeting, at which the following resolutions were adopted (95% in favor):

RESOLUTION 1. APPROVAL sUBSEQUENT CONVERSION SHARE ISSUE
"that, for the purposes of registration rule 7.1 and for all other purposes, subsequent approval is given under listing rule 7.4 to the allotment and issue of the shares of conversion as described in the explanatory memorandum. "

RESOLUTION 2. aPPROVAL GRANTED thE dE NEW sHARES aND sUBSCRIPTION wARRANTS ATTACHED dE
"That, for the purposes of registration rule 7.1 and Article 50.1 of the Constitution of the Company and for all other purposes, approval is given to increasing the share capital by issuing a maximum of 80 million new shares and up to 80 million warrants attached to the Company to increase to approximately $ 20 million as described in the explanatory memorandum. "

Graham Kelly Ph.D., CEO Novogen Group and Executive Chairman, said:" These two resolutions are to provide the Commission with the ability to increase working capital Novogen needs to implement 3 drug candidates into the clinic. the approved resolutions now give the Council the flexibility to adapt capital-raisings to specific requirements depending when capital is needed and in response to market conditions. "

"the first product that we must support is Cantrixil, the results Novogen-Yale joint venture, currently CanTX Inc., makes us ready product to the clinic in order to conduct a Phase 1 trial in women with advanced ovarian cancer in the United States by mid-2015. "

" is the second product Trilexium, a drug candidate under development for the treatment of neural cancers such as glioblastoma and other primary brain cancers in adults and children. This is part of a global initiative called MINDTrx (Multi-Centre Initiative for the development of Trilexium), and is being prepared to enter a Phase 1 trial in patients with glioblastoma in Australia once again to the mid-2015. "

" Our anti-tropomyosin (ATM) drug program has progressed faster than we had originally planned and with an excellent opportunity to move into the clinic in 2015. While drugs super-benzopyran candidates are exciting because they show for the first time a realistic possibility for treating cancer in its early stages, the possibility ATM drug is destroying the cytoskeleton globally about the cancer cell to a level not reached before offering probably a cytotoxic effect on a range of common cancers. This will be the third drug to enter the clinic with advanced prostate cancer targeted clinical indication, "added Kelly.

Immediately after the general meeting, a briefing was held for shareholders and the public Describing R & D Company, clinics and growth strategies. the information meeting was video recorded and will be available on the website of the Company at the close of business Monday, 18 August

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

testicular cancer incidence: an interview with Dr. Rebecca Johnson, Medical Director, Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program Ho Seattle Children ...

testicular cancer incidence: an interview with Dr. Rebecca Johnson, Medical Director, Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program Ho Seattle Children ... -

interview by , BA Hons (Cantab)

Dr. Rebecca Johnson, MD THOUGHT LEADERS SERIES ... overview of the world's foremost experts

What are the main results your recent study?

We observed that during the last two decades, there has been an increase in testicular cancer incidence among US Hispanic teens and young adults (Ayas) between 15 and 39 years.

This increase is seen in the two main subtypes of testicular cancer and affects patients of Hispanic AYA with all stages of disease at diagnosis.

Have you found an increase in other men?

No comparable increase was seen in non-Hispanic whites or Ayas among American men independent of Hispanic ethnicity.

Between 1992 and 2010, the incidence of testicular cancer AYA Hispanics increased by 58% against only 7% in non-Hispanic whites Ayas.

Which populations are most at risk for testicular cancer in the United States?

Hispanic Americans are the ethnic group the fastest growing in the United States. Until recently, data on the incidence of cancer in this population was too sparse to analyze testicular cancer trends accurately among Hispanic men. Our study provides new evidence of a significant trend in the incidence of cancer among Hispanics.

Testicular cancer strikes non-Hispanic white men more often than other ethnic groups. The incidence of testicular cancer among non-Hispanic white men is known to have increased in the 1980s and have stabilized since the early 190s

In contrast, the incidence of testicular cancer among white Hispanic men has been steadily increasing since 1992.

If the current trends continue, the testicular cancer rates among Hispanic Americans is higher than that of white men not -hispaniques by the end of this decade. It would be the first time that testicular cancer rates in a minority ethnic group exceeded that of non-Hispanic whites.

What clinicians and patients should understand about testicular cancer among Hispanics?

The increasing testicular cancer rates among Hispanic men AYA, combined with the rapid growth of the Hispanic population in the US, is expected to have a measurable impact on the health care system health in the United States.

Clinicians should keep in mind that testicular cancer is not just a disease of non-Hispanic white men, but is increasingly a disease of Hispanic men as well.

Hispanic Americans are the fastest growing population of the United States.

because of the combination of population growth and the increasing incidence of testicular cancer among Hispanic clinicians who treat testicular cancer will be seeing more and more patients of Hispanic Heritage .

men or women of any age or ethnicity should remember that if they detect an unexplained lump or bump on their body, they should see their doctor promptly.

What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

This study reported a new trend in the incidence of cancer, but does not evaluate the causes of the trend. Future studies should confirm these findings in other countries that have significant Hispanic populations.

Further research should also investigate the etiology of increased incidence of cancer among Hispanic Ayas.

The cause of the increase can be multi-factorial. the risk of testicular cancer in Hispanic white Ayas can potentially be mediated by nutritional factors such as adult size.

Height of Grand adult is a known risk factor for testicular cancer, and adult height has increased rapidly in the US Hispanic white population in recent decades.

Changing modifiable lifestyle choices modes such as the reported increase in marijuana use among Hispanic adolescents may also affect the incidence of testicular cancer.

where readers find more information?

Dog, FL, Schwartz SM Johnson, RH (2014), the increase in the incidence of germ cell tumors of the testes among Hispanic youth and young adults in the United States. Cancer. doi: 10.1002 / cncr.28684

About Dr. Rebecca Johnson

Rebecca Johnson, MD, is a oncologist specializing in adolescents and young adults (Ayas). She is the founder of the oncology program recognized nationally for adolescents and young adults (AYA) Children's Hospital in Seattle.

His medical training includes pediatrics, internal medicine, genetics and pediatric oncology. His research interests include the epidemiology of cancer, and she and her colleagues have recently reported that the incidence of metastatic breast cancer is increasing among women under 40 years.

She is also interested in fertility preservation and the use of new media to facilitate education, psychosocial support and treatment adherence in patients AYA oncology.

Johnson has participated in the development of the NCCN AYA Oncology Care Guidelines and the NCCN Guidelines for AYA cancer patients. She was co-chair of the steering committee of the LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance, vice president of the interim board of directors and later Emeritus Board of Critical Mass: Young Adult Cancer Alliance.

She is a member of the American Society of integrated media technology and clinical oncology Commission and advisory boards for both AYA Oncology Group Committee for Children and the Canadian Partnership for Task Force AYA cancer .

Monday, March 13, 2017

ITS develops a new T-cell vaccine to protect humans from seasonal and pandemic influenza A

ITS develops a new T-cell vaccine to protect humans from seasonal and pandemic influenza A -

Immune Targeting Systems (ITS), specializing in the development of immune therapies novel T cell, has been the development of a new vaccine T cells exciting (Flunisyn TM ) to protect humans from all seasonal influenza strains and pandemic A. to determine effectiveness Flunisyn of TM STI produces its own living influenza challenge agent derived from influenza A / California / 09 (H1N1) virus circulating recently. This challenge virus, manufactured in compliance with the high level of quality and characterization required by the FDA of the United States and other regulatory agencies, has a much better profile infectivity reported for similar challenge virus. While the primary objective in the development of its own challenge virus was to advance the development of Flunisyn TM and to better understand the natural history of the disease influenza, needs to make the virus available to enable and support the development of new antiviral drugs and vaccines.

Immune Targeting Systems today announced an asset purchase agreement with Global WCCT (WCCTG) for ITS "exclusive strain developed challenge. Through this partnership, WCCTG became the only commercial company offering sponsors the opportunity to challenge studies Flu widespread in the United States. The Experimental human viral challenge model has been widely accepted as an alternative to traditional field testing at an early stage to show the efficacy of antiviral treatments and vaccines. The WCCTG facility in Costa Mesa, California, has been completely redesigned to provide private rooms, separate ventilation and other standard containment measures to receive this valuable research model and to ensure the safety and comfort of volunteers and staff.

Benjamin Chen, PhD, CEO of Immune Targeting Systems said, "We are delighted that World WCCT took over ownership of this important clinical tool for research and we are confident they will use the virus . to help support the development of new vaccines and antiviral drugs "Kenneth Kim, MD, CEO of global WCCT said:" the ability to realize the challenge model of experimental influenza in collaboration with our deep expertise in developing anti-viral drugs will surely be of great interest to our sponsors. This new capability combined with our global full service capabilities, specialized project teams of flu, and in-depth scientific knowledge allows WCCTG manage vaccination programs and antiviral development First in Man by the NDA submission. "

More on Immune targeting Systems

Immune targeting Systems, Ltd. develops T cell vaccines at highly mutated viruses and cancers. The main product Flunisyn Company ™ vaccine has been shown in three clinical studies to stimulate the production of T cells that recognize and destroy cells infected with influenza. Flunisyn ™ is a pan-influenza A vaccine applicable to multiple strains of flu without needing to be re-manufactured for each influenza season or a pandemic. The Company is also developing two other product candidates: a therapeutic vaccine against Hepatitis B for chronic hepatitis B and a vaccine against cancer for solid tumors. ITS is supported by the Novartis Venture Fund, Truffle Capital, HealthCap, Esperante Ventures Finance and large SMEs.

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Search valid Myc inhibition as effective therapeutic strategy for glioma

Search valid Myc inhibition as effective therapeutic strategy for glioma -

Research by the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) evidence Preclinical results the day to more conclusive validation of myc inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in gliomas - a type of aggressive tumor that outsmarts current anticancer therapies known. The study by Laura Soucek, principal investigator of VHIO's Mouse Models of Cancer Therapies Group, published today in Nature Communications not only represents an important step in providing ultimately brain glioma patients with new therapeutic avenues, but also reveals new insights into the biology of Myc that could favor the impact on its therapeutic potential.

in a study published last year, the group succeded in eradicating lung tumors in transgenic mice by adopting the same strategy involving expression Omomyc, Myc inhibitor designed by Soucek. They also confirmed that there were no side effects after administration of repeated treatment and long term. Above all, there was no evidence of resistance to therapy - one of the greatest challenges in the treatment of cancer. These results confirm Myc inhibition as a sound and effective therapeutic strategy for the development of new drugs against cancer.

Soucek and his group were to raise the bar even higher. First, focus on based on gene expression in the experimental study therapy progressed and re-programmed on the development of a drug based Omomyc manageable. Second, the group continued to show the effectiveness of Myc inhibition in different tumors and, above and beyond the transgenic models, they showed the same success in human tumors using a technique that transfers cells human cancer in immunodeficient mice. " When presenting the initial results at the preclinical level, our main concern was how to not show these results in human tumors " said Laura Soucek . " First, we focused on how they might apply to other tissues and other types of more aggressive tumors for which there is no treatment effective, so that Omomyc solution could make all the difference. We also sought to reveal new knowledge Omomyc on the mechanism of action in cancer cells. " It appears that Soucek group has now found answers to all these questions. " All our efforts must now focus on finding a way for the pharmacological administration. Based on our ongoing research, we have every reason to be optimistic " says Soucek.

A new therapy for tumor most common and aggressive brain

After four years' extensive research, these results bring more good news and with them, preclinical inhibition Myc was also validated as a therapeutic strategy against astrocytoma, a type of glioma in vivo in mouse models in vitro stem cells in these tumors. In these models, which develop advanced brain tumors with clear neurological symptoms, treatment with Omomyc transgene drastically reduces tumors and improves symptoms until the mouse recovers and starts acting quite normally. Mice treated with Omomyc survived, while those without, do not. " We do not prevent there " says Soucek " we applied therapy with the two Omomyc lines of human glioblastoma cells and mice with tumor xenografts derived from patients that faithfully recapitulate human tumors. " the therapeutic effect of Omomyc is its structure, which is similar to that Myc, to block the transcription of genes controlled by this protein. Myc inhibition leads to "defects" in the tumor cells and often results in death inducing mitotic aberrations, normal cell division and stop.

" Our results show undoubtedly that Myc inhibition is effective in mouse tumors and more particularly in human glioma. " she explains. The group demonstrated the therapeutic potential of additional Omomyc through their clinical approach against the most common and aggressive primary tumor to affect the adult central nervous system - glioblastoma, for which there is a critical call to improve treatment current that are largely ineffective. " This is the first time that the use of Omomyc in human tumor samples have been validated. We also confirmed that the Myc inhibition is effective against the tumor once it developed acts against tumor initiating cells, and prevents them from dividing, proliferate and form again the tumor. "continues Dr. Soucek.

mitotic catastrophe that the therapeutic mechanism of inhibition of myc

The Myc protein plays an important role in regulating gene transcription, regulating the expression of up to 15% of human genes. It is also involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis (programmed cell death is necessary for tissue regeneration and the removal of damaged cells). However, alterations in this protein cause uncontrolled cell proliferation, which may lead to developing cancer in different tissues. myc deregulation is in fact present in most tumors, such as cervical cancer, breast, colon, lung, pancreas and stomach.

Brain tumors can now be added to this list of potential tumors can be targeted with Myc inhibition.

At the cellular level, we now know more about its mechanism of action. Whatever the experimental system used, the Myc inhibition reduces proliferation and increasing cell death. " Importantly, the cells we dealt with Omomyc went crazy. They showed problems with cell proliferation, aberrant mitosis and cell formation with many nuclei that died by mitotic catastrophe, which is due to the inability to properly divide " says Laura Soucek. " If we do not allow Myc function normally, tumor cells can not divide efficiently. " she says. Myc is deregulated in healthy cells, therefore, its inhibition does not cause significant side effects that may limit the use of this therapy.

Finally, the Myc inhibition as a therapeutic strategy against tumors of the brain opens up new avenues tagging new hope and improvement of more effective therapies for patients. Soucek and his team are focused on translating their findings into the clinic. Preliminary results show promise.

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Risk of urinary tract infection after biopsy of the highest prostate in men with previous infections

Risk of urinary tract infection after biopsy of the highest prostate in men with previous infections -

risk of urinary tract infections after prostate biopsy the higher in men with previous infections or significant comorbidities, Swedish researchers report in T he Journal of Urology ®

ultrasound TRUS-guided biopsy is the gold standard for detecting prostate cancer, but international reports have suggested that the number of risks associated with the procedure increases. In a new study based on the population nationwide, Swedish researchers found that six percent of men filled a prescription for antibiotics for a urinary tract infection within 30 days after having a prostate biopsy, with a double increase in hospital admissions over five years, reports the Journal of Urology®.

previous studies reported serious side effects after prostate biopsy, including infection of febrile urinary tract and urosepsis in one to four percent of men, despite the use prophylactic antibiotics. There have also been reports that chronic diseases such as diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and a history of urinary tract infection increases the risk of infections.

To estimate the incidence of infection after prostate biopsy and evaluate infection risk factors and mortality at 0 days in Sweden, researchers examined more than 51,000 men enrolled in folders Swedish prostate cancer database who underwent transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy between 06 and 2011. They also compiled the data from the National Register of prostate cancer (NPCR) of Sweden, which captures more 96 percent of all newly diagnosed cancers of the prostate in the country.

"We sought to estimate the frequency and severity of infectious complications in men diagnosed with prostate cancer after prostate biopsy by examining how many men prescriptions of antibiotics related to tract infections urinary, hospitalization rates within 30 days, and death due to infection filled, "says lead investigator Karl-Johan Lundström, MD, Department of surgery and perioperative Sciences, Urology, Andrology, Umeå University , Ostersund, Sweden. "We also capitalized on the unique databases at national health care crosslinked scale in Sweden to make a more comprehensive assessment of potential risk factors for infectious complications," he added.

Among men who filled a prescription for antibiotics urinary tract within 30 days of biopsy, 54 percent completed the requirement in the first week after the biopsy. One percent of men were hospitalized with a urinary tract infection.

Between 06 and 2011, the number of men getting a prescription for antibiotics after the biopsy has declined, while the number who were hospitalized increased. Was observed no significant increase in mortality of 0 days, however.

The most risk of antibiotic prescribing factors were multiple comorbidities, especially diabetes, and prior infection. Overall, about two percent of the men had a urinary tract infection in the six months preceding the biopsy.

"Our data show that severe infections requiring hospitalization after prostate biopsy increases in Sweden. The rate of admission to hospital has increased twofold during this five-year period. However, the risk to die of infection after prostate biopsy is very small, "observed Dr Lundström. "The risk of post-biopsy infection is highest among men with a history of urinary tract infections and those with significant comorbidities. The increased risk of hospitalization is concerning and highlights the importance of 'carefully assess indications for biopsy particularly in men at increased risk of infection, "he concludes.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Patients with intestinal polyps are less likely to die from cancer

Patients with intestinal polyps are less likely to die from cancer -

Patients with intestinal polyps have a lower risk of dying from cancer that 'previously thought, according to Norwegian researchers.

This group of patients may therefore need supervision colonoscopy less frequent than what is common today. As a potential concequence, the researchers argue, resources of health services can be diverted to other patient groups.

The results were published today in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

The world's largest
----------------

the Norwegian study is the world's largest of its kind , and involved the monitoring of patients over a longer time than has been done period.

researchers estimated the risk of colorectal mortality among more than 40,000 Norwegian patients who underwent removal of polyps. They were then followed for up to 19 years. All deaths were recorded.

No increased risk
--------------

"The results indicate that patients who had colorectal polyps removed, not have a higher risk of death from colorectal cancer than the general population in Norway, "says co-author Dr. Mette Kalager.

a public health problem
--------- -----------------

is the colorectal cancer one of the most common cancers in Norway and is a major public health problem. More than 3,0 new cases are registered in the country every year, and the incidence has increased rapidly in recent decades.

According to national guidelines in Norway, patients who previously have removed polyps are recommended screening by colonoscopy. This is recommended because of the assumption that these patients have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

The number of patients waiting in line for this kind of testing is growing rapidly, however, later put pressure on hospital resources.

Say Dr. Magnus Løberg, author and principal member research team

"Patients with polyps patients may not need such surveillance colonoscopy Frequently we have today the resources could instead be used in symptomatic patients. ".

research team members are affiliated with Oslo University Hospital and the University of Oslo.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

TGen to lead the first patient in the clinical trial studies to test new drugs for glioblastoma

TGen to lead the first patient in the clinical trial studies to test new drugs for glioblastoma -

glioblastoma pilot funded by the Ivy Foundation

in 2012, the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation awarded $ 10 million in grants to two research projects on the brain revolutionary cancer at the Translational Genomics research Institute (TGen). One project officially received final regulatory approval from the University of California, San Francisco, meaning that patient enrollment in the trial can begin.

In the proposed $ 5 million, "Genomics Enabled Medical glioblastoma trial," TGen and its clinical partners lead early in patients of clinical trial studies that will test promising new drugs that could extend the survival of GBM patients. This multi-part study will take place in clinics across the country and TGen laboratories.

"GBM is one of the top three most cancers kill fast-la- low and it affects people of all ages, "said Catherine (Bracken) Ivy, founder and president of the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation. "It is essential that we fund research that will help patients live longer so we can investigate and treat brain cancer."

The project began with a pilot study on 15 patients, using whole genome sequencing to study their tumor samples to help doctors determine which medications might be more beneficial.

to support clinical decisions molecularly, the TGen lab also examine genomic data from at least 536 past cases of glioblastoma, and new cases of tumor samples, development tools for produce more insight into how glioblastoma tumors grow and survive. TGen also conduct a series of pioneering laboratory tests to measure cell responses cell to various drugs.

"GBM is a disease that needs answers now, and we firmly believe these answers are found in the genome," said Dr. David Craig, TGen Deputy Director of Bioinformatics, Director of the Neurogenomics Division TGen, and one of the principal investigators projects. "Identifying the genes that contribute to the survival of glioblastoma will provide valuable information on how to treat it, and can also lead to a better understanding of what motivates other cancers."

for new treatments to patients as quickly as possible, this five-year study will include a feasibility study involving up to 30 patients, follow-up Phase II clinical trial with as many as 70 patients. TGen teamed with Ivy Early clinical trials Consortium phase which comprises: University of California, San Francisco; University of California, Los Angeles; the MD Anderson Cancer Center; Cancer Center Memorial Sloan Kettering; University of Utah; and the Dana-Farber / Harvard Cancer Center.

The results of these clinical trials should not only help patients who join them, but also to provide the data necessary for FDA approval and availability of new drugs that could benefit tens of thousands of brain cancer patients in the future.

"Working with doctors, the project will aim to include treatment as part of the molecular profile of the tumor. We have the opportunity to determine when combinations of drugs may be more effective than ' use a single drug, quickly identify therapies that do not work, and to accelerate the discovery of those who could prove promising for future development, "said Dr. John Carpten, deputy director of TGen basic sciences, director integrated genomics Division TGen cancer, and one of the principal investigators of the project.

in addition to helping patients as quickly as possible, the project is expected to significantly expand the network of Arizona expert brain cancer.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Factor in the cells of naked mole rats protects proteasome activity

Factor in the cells of naked mole rats protects proteasome activity -

Scientists at the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, part of School of medicine at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, found another secret to longevity in the tissues of the longest rodent, the naked mole-rat.

They reported that a factor in the cells of naked mole rats protects and modifies the activity of the proteasome, a garbage disposal for obsolete and damaged proteins.

The factor also protects proteasome function in human cells, mouse and yeast when challenged with various poisons proteasome, studies have shown. These proteasomes usually quickly stop the operation, leading to the accumulation of damaged proteins which further compromise the function of cells, which contributes to the vicious cycle that leads to cell death.

"I think this factor is part of a global process or mechanism by which the moles nude rats maintain quality protein," first study author Karl Rodriguez, Ph.D., said, .

in general, as an organism ages, not only are there more of damaged proteins in need of disposal, but the proteasome itself becomes

accordingly, the decline the quality of the damaged protein and less effective in the elimination of damaged proteins. which contributes to the functional decline observed during aging. Improved quality proteins, in turn, leads to a longer life in yeast, worms, flies and fruit naked mole rats, Dr. Rodriguez said.

Dr. Rodriguez, a native of San Antonio who completed both doctoral Health Sciences Centre and his master, is a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory Rochelle Buffenstein, Ph.D., professor of physiology at the Barshop Institute. For this study, the laboratory Buffenstein also collaborated with Pawel Osmulski, Ph.D., assistant professor of molecular medicine; Susan Weintraub, PhD, professor of biochemistry; and Maria Gaczynska, Ph.D., associate professor of molecular medicine.

naked mole rats, digging underground tunnels in their native East Africa, are almost hairless rodents. They live as long as 32 years. naked mole rats maintain good health and reproductive potential without cancer well into their third decade of life.