Appointment signals a new approach to politics of drug abuse

Appointment signals a new approach to politics of drug abuse -

The appointment of Michael Botticelli to head the Office of National Drug Control Policy symbolizes transition to treatment with the drug use as public health rather than a criminal justice issue, writes the Washington post. Reuters examines how opioid abuse fears keep cancer patients to get relief from pain

The Washington Post :. The White House is spending billions to fight against drugs, but drug use is increasing
The White House officially named Michael Botticelli on Thursday to lead the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the office responsible supervise and administer the federal drug policy. The White House has been moving towards the treatment of drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal justice. The appointment of Botticelli, himself a recovering alcoholic, perhaps the most significant concrete sign of this change to date (Ingraham, 8/29)

Reuters :. The Addiction fears Keep Cancer Patients From Getting Pain Relief
Fears of opiate abuse and dependence could keep patients with advanced cancer to get pain medicine enough, say researchers. "At the end of life, we should feel comfortable providing everything needed to control the pain," said Joel Hyatt, assistant regional director at Kaiser Permanente (Belisomo, 8/29).

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This article was reprinted from kaiserhealthnews.org with permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Kaiser health News, an editorially independent news service, is a Kaiser Family Foundation program, a professional politician health research nonpartisan organization affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.

Diabetes linked to increased risk head and neck

Diabetes linked to increased risk head and neck -

By Laura Cowen, medwireNews Reporter

risk People with diabetes mellitus have a significant increase in the development of head and neck cancer (HNC) compared to those without the condition, show the results of a large study conducted in Taiwan.

Yung-Song Lin (Taipei Medical University) and colleagues have shown that the incidence of CST was 1.47 times higher in a cohort of over 89,000 patients with diabetes than it was in a size equal control group matched for age, sex, geographic location, income and comorbidities, including obesity, coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (used as a substitute for smoking).

These findings "underscore the importance of monitoring patients with [diabetes mellitus] to CST," the researchers note.

This may be particularly true for men and patients aged 40-65 years, as the incidence was highest in these groups.

among the specific evaluated CST, cancer of the oral cavity had the highest incidence in both groups but was significantly more common in patients with diabetes (0.41%) than controls (0.24%) during the follow-up period, which began in 02 and continued until the death of the participant or at the end of 2011, whichever comes first.

oropharyngeal cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma were also significantly more frequent in the diabetes group.

After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity, patients with diabetes had once 1.48 increased risk of CST compared to controls. The risk was 1.74 times higher for the oral cavity cancer, 1.53 times higher for cancer of the oropharynx and 1.40 times higher for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. No increased risk was observed for cancers of the hypopharynx, or larynx rhinosinusitis.

Note, the researchers observed no significant difference in overall survival between the diabetes and control groups that developed CST, but they suggest that this may be because the follow -up periods have been limited by the reduced overall survival observed in participants who developed CST.

Writing in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , Lin and his team say that the mechanisms underlying the association between diabetes and the development of HNC remain unclear.

They suggest that long-term exposure to insulin may be a factor as "[i] nsulin is a powerful growth factor that promotes proliferation and carcinogenesis in various ways, directly. and through [insulin-like growth factors] "

They add:" Another reasonable explanation is hyperglycemia, which can promote tumors directly :. cancer cells based on increased consumption of glucose "

licensed medwireNews with permission of Springer Healthcare Ltd. © Springer Healthcare Ltd. All rights reserved. None of these parties endorse or recommend any commercial products, services or equipment.

5-LO enzyme plays an important role in the survival of leukemic stem cells AML

5-LO enzyme plays an important role in the survival of leukemic stem cells AML -

inhibitors of 5-LO remove the cultured cells and mouse models

Despite the improvement in therapy, only one in two adult patients survive acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The median survival for this disease, which occurs mainly in older people, is less than a year for patients over 65 years. It is assumed that the leukemic stem cells that can not be completely eliminated during processing, are the source of relapse. However, as was discovered by a team of researchers based in Frankfurt, these cells have a weakness in the current edition of the journal of high impact " Cancer Research ", they report that the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) plays an important role in the survival of leukemic stem cells AML.

5-LO is known for his role in inflammatory diseases such as asthma. a team led by Dr. Ruthardt Marin Department of Hematology of the medical Clinic II and Dr. Jessica Roos, Prof. Diester Steinhilber and Prof. Thorsten J-rgen Maier pharmaceutical chemistry Institute showed that leukemia stem cells in a subgroup MLF could be selectively and effectively attacked by 5-LO inhibitors. This has been demonstrated in cell culture models, as well as in mouse leukemia models.

"These results provide the basis for the possible implementation of the 5-LO inhibitors as therapeutic agents of stem cells for extended AML cure, although this needs to be studied further in preclinical and clinical studies in humans, "says Dr. Ruthardt. "In addition, there are plans for molecular biological studies to understand exactly how the inhibitors of 5-LO act on the leukemic cells." Teacher. Maier continued.

Experts explain the advantages and disadvantages of over-the-counter enzymes

Experts explain the advantages and disadvantages of over-the-counter enzymes -

Enzyme supplements available without prescription are increasingly popular, but should all add to their shopping list? Brent Bauer, MD, director of complementary medicine program and integrative Mayo Clinic, is co-author of a new paper in the medical journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings on the advantages and disadvantages of over-the-counter enzymes. Here, Dr. Bauer answers some common questions about these dietary supplements:.

What is the problem

"They have become so popular Like many nutritional supplements, patients are looking for something to help their health, so they read about over-the-counter enzymes as one of the many dietary supplements, and all of a sudden we see sales go through the roof. a huge challenge food supplements is that most have not tested as most drugs are. We have a lot of information, but we do not have definitive information. so our patients hear many positive things, but they are not always understood or not the negative effects side. therefore, we try to be very evidence-based. We do not want to say no, there is no reason to ever take an over-the-counter enzyme. However, we do not just want to rush and buy because we heard someone say something good on TV. "

What are some of the reasons why people take enzyme supplements?

" We have many natural enzymes in our body. They help us digest food. There are clearly medical reasons to use enzymes. If the pancreas of a patient does not, for example, the patient may need to take a medically prescribed enzyme supplement. Here is a little different story of a healthy person who wants to use over-the-counter bromelain, papain or - enzymes that come from pineapple and papaya - or trypsin or chymotrypsin. The reasons why people could use those center around the digestion: Maybe they get older, they have more gas and bloating, so they think that if they take an enzyme, it will help digestion. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, so some people will use these enzymes to try to reduce inflammation, may help osteoarthritis. And there is a long history of these being used as anti-cancer agents. The challenge from the perspective of doctors is that the evidence for each of these is quite limited. We do not just have the data to say: No, it does not. Yes, it works. "We're stuck. "

What if I want to try over-the-counter enzymes? Are there any side effects?

" Fortunately, most sur- -against enzymes, unless you take super-high doses, the risks are quite minimal. Some people have gastrointestinal problems or irritation. I'm going this conversation with my patients: If they want to try enzymes, I want them to understand the risks, potential benefits, the limited amount of evidence. And if we will use it, I try to do in a short trial period, use it for two or three weeks. If you notice a big improvement, it does not mean that it works, but it may mean to you, it is something you might want to pursue. If this does not work, do not keep only to take more and hoping something magical to happen. "

Is there anyone who should not take these?

" bromelain enzyme from pineapple, can have a anti-platelet activity. So for people taking blood thinners or have an anti-platelet activity, theoretically there could be an increased risk of bleeding. For children with cystic fibrosis, there was some bad adverse reactions which those who take enzymes prescription may get a bad disorder of the colon called fibrosing irritable bowel syndrome. "

How consumer advertising claims judge ?

"If you look at some of the bold headlines on food supplements -" Use our enzymes, we can help prevent cancer "- there is probably a grain of truth in much advertising, but it is hype and is made incredibly good sound. When you hear that kind of hype, these types of exaggerated promises, it's time to step back and say, `Wait a minute, I invested my money in? And then there is a good time to do some research, then it's even a better time to go talk to your doctor and ask if there are risks and interactions with medications you take. "

BioDelivery Sciences updates on topical clonidine gel phase 3 for the treatment PDN

BioDelivery Sciences updates on topical clonidine gel phase 3 for the treatment PDN -

BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BDSI) announced today that she completed a pre-specified interim analysis of the first pivotal phase 3 trial for clonidine current topical gel for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).

interim analysis was performed on data the first 50% of patients who completed the study. The purpose of the interim analysis was to allow an adjustment of the sample size necessary to maintain the appropriate statistical power to detect a treatment effect between clonidine and placebo topical gel.

ISDB views the result of the analysis as very encouraging. Following the interim analysis, a total of approximately 80 additional patients will be added to the current test in an effort to maintain 0% of the power percent to detect a statistically significant difference between gel and topical clonidine placebo. The analysis was performed by an independent biostatistician.

"We are encouraged by the results of the interim analysis," said Dr. Andrew Finn, Executive Vice President of Product Development at BDSI. "The more patients not only allow us to maintain the probability finally meet the assessment criteria of the study, but given that the registration of the initial study was about three months ahead, we still expect the first results by the end of the first quarter of 2015. Furthermore, the size of the expanded sample will provide a sufficient number of subjects to complete the long-term safety study required that will be part of our NDA package. Also part of the NDA will be a second pivotal trial that we expect from early 2015. "

" the results of the interim analysis is important because it used the actual study data make an adjustment of the sample size to maintain the probability of a positive outcome, "said Dr. Mark A. Sirgo, President and CEO." based on this information, we will continue to progress other aspects of the clinical development program required for NDA. "

Oncolytics Biotech announces its financial results and operational highlights for the second quarter 2014

Oncolytics Biotech announces its financial results and operational highlights for the second quarter 2014 -

Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSX: ONC, NASDAQ: ONCY) ( "Oncolytics" or the "Company") today announced its financial results and operational highlights for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014.

"Our randomized clinical program continued to rise during the quarter, have recently reported the completion of enrollment in a Phase II trial using REOLYSIN ^® in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in patients with pancreatic cancer, "said Dr. Brad Thompson, President and CEO of Oncolytics. "We also strengthened our Board, adding two directors with significant experience in financial and public society."

selected Highlights

Since 1 April 2014, highlights announced by the Company include:

the clinical and preclinical data

• completion patient enrollment in a study two arm randomized phase II of carboplatin, paclitaxel plus REOLYSIN ^® against carboplatin and paclitaxel alone in the first-line treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic pancreatic cancer (OSU-10045);
• the first results of a study looking translational intravenous administration of REOLYSIN ^® for patients with primary or metastatic brain tumors was presented at the annual ASCO meeting Chicago, IL;
• final data from randomized clinical double-blind study of examining Company REOLYSIN ^® in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in patients with second-line of the head and neck cancers naive taxane refractory plate;
• A series of presentations by research collaborators in 8 ^e Annual International Confe ^r ence on Therapeutics oncolytic viruses held in Oxford, United Kingdom covering
  • early clinical research showing that intravenous REOLYSIN delivered ^® can cross the blood-brain barrier to reach the tumor in the human brain;
  • preclinical research examining the synergies associated with the treatment in animal models with GM-CSF prior to administration of REOLYSIN ^®
  • preclinical research focusing on the identification of biomarkers predictive of sensitivity / resistance to reovirus in cell lines of head and neck cancer; and
  • preclinical research in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment associated with infection with hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

governance

• the nomination and election of Linda Hohol and Angela Holtham to the Board of the administration Corporation; and

financial

• On June 30, 2014, the company reported $ 18.9 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments short term.

Scientists analyze genetic characteristics of cancers using multiple genomics technology platforms

Scientists analyze genetic characteristics of cancers using multiple genomics technology platforms -

New research conducted by scientists affiliated partly UC San Francisco suggests that the one of 10 cancer patients will be diagnosed more accurately if their tumors were defined by cellular and molecular criteria rather than the tissue in which they originate, and this information, in turn, could lead to treatments most appropriate.

in the largest study of its kind to date, the scientists analyzed the molecular and genetic characteristics of more than 3,500 samples of tumors from 12 different cancer types using multiple technology platforms genomics.

cancers traditionally have been classified by their 'tissue of origin "-like breast, bladder or kidney cancer. But the tissues are composed of different types of cells, and new research indicates that, in many cases, the type of cells affected by cancer can be a useful guide to treatment than the tissue in which tumor originated.

the study, published August 7, 2014 publishing line of the cell was conducted under the initiative cancer genome Atlas (TCGA) conducted by the National cancer Institute and the National Institute for research on the human genome, both part of the National Institutes of Health.

in the new work, TCGA research network of scientists analyzed the DNA, RNA and proteins from tumor types 12 using six different genomic technologies to see how different tumor types compare to each other. The team arrived at a rating based on 12 sub-types of cancer. Five of them were consistent with classifications tissue of origin, but several newly identified subtypes were seen affecting a variety of fabrics.

"This genomic challenges not only our current system study cancer classification based on tissue type, but also provides a huge new resource data for further exploration, and a comprehensive list of features molecular distinguishing each of the newly described class of cancer, "said co-lead author Christopher Benz, MD, professor at the Buck Institute for research on aging, assistant professor of medicine at UCSF, and Helen Diller family member Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCSF.

particularly striking results were seen in cancers of the bladder and breast. At least three different subtypes of bladder cancer were identified, one virtually indistinguishable from lung adenocarcinomas, and another more similar to squamous cell cancers of the head and neck and lung. (In the new study, these squamous cell cancers seemed to form their own sub-type, whether they originate in the lung or head and neck.) The results may help explain why patients with bladder cancer "react often differently when treated with the same systemic therapy for their type of cancer apparently identical, "said Benz.

study also confirmed the known differences between the subtypes of breast cancer known as "luminal cancers" basal-like "and". But because the researchers compared these cancers not only with each other but with many other types of cancer, they were able to reveal that these differences are very deep, and basal-like breast cancers are their own distinct class. "What is amazing is that the basal breast cancer is also different from a luminal breast cancer as it is, say, kidney cancer," said co-lead author Denise Wolf, PhD, a researcher based at the Department laboratory medicine UCSF.

Commonly called "triple negative" basal-like cancers are aggressive, are more common in African American women and young women. "Although these basal-like cancers occur in the chest, at the molecular level, they have more in common with cancer and squamous cancers original than other subtypes of ovarian breast cancer," said co-author Christina Yau, Ph.D., a scientist Buck Institute's staff and assistant professor of surgery at UCSF.

TCGA was launched in 06 to compile genomic atlas more than 20 types of cancer. as the project progressed, however, the similarities between the types of cancer began to emerge, which led to the creation of TCGA project "Pan-cancer," the source of the data used in the new study.

"This is the first time you've been able to indicate important molecular features shared by the basal breast cancer, and cancer of the head and neck squamous and lung cancer," said Wolf. "And the same is true of immune activation, we found that different types of cancer have very similar immune signatures, a factor that may be clinically relevant with the rise of new immune therapies."

Benz thinks the number of patients eligible for reclassification will swell when multiple tumor samples and additional types of tumors are included in the next round of the Pan-Cancer project analysis, which should include more than 20 different types of tumors . "We'll just enjoy the tip of the iceberg when considering the potential of this type of multi-platform genome analysis," said Benz. "It could be up to 30 or 50 percent of cancers are reclassified."

Benz hope that these studies will feed into the design of clinical trials on genomics reclassification base tumors that patients become eligible for new therapies. "Although follow-up studies are needed to validate and refine the classification system of the newly proposed cancer," Benz said, "it will ultimately provide the biological basis for personalized treatment of the time cancer patients and clinicians look forward to. "

light research discounts the role of hepatic mTORC1 in the physiology of body

light research discounts the role of hepatic mTORC1 in the physiology of body -

The protein mTOR is a central controller for growth and metabolism. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling increases the risk of developing metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cancer. In the current issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , the Basel Biozentrum of the University researchers describe how aberrant mTOR signaling in the liver not only affects the liver metabolism, but also the entire physiology of the body.

mTOR regulates cell growth and metabolism and therefore plays a key role in the development of human diseases. In the cell, the regulatory protein is located in two complexes of structurally and functionally distinct proteins called mTORC1 and mTORC2. In a recent study, the group of Prof. Michael Hall of the Biozentrum, University of Basel research has highlighted the role of mTORC1 in liver physiology of the entire body and the relevance to human liver cancers.

hepatic mTORC1 control body physiology

in mammals, the liver is a key member which controls the entire physiology of the body in response to nutrients. The Hall team investigated the role of mTORC1 nutrient sensor in the process. The researchers were able to show that the activation of mTORC1 in livers of mice not only reduces hepatic lipid metabolism, but also the locomotor activity and body temperature. After investigation of the underlying molecular mechanism, they observed that mTORC1 hyperactivation improves the level of the stress hormone FGF21 by the loss of glutamine, an amino acid. Treatment of animals with glutamine reduced the level of FGF21 and thus avoids the physiological impairments.

Cancer treatment with mTORC1 inhibitors

human cancers often exhibit aberrant mTORC1 signaling and glutamine addiction. "We were delighted to see that in the human liver tumors mTORC1 signaling correlates with the expression of FGF21" cell biologist Dr. Marion comments Cornu and first author of the study. Furthermore, mTORC1 inhibitors such as Rapamycin are presently used as immunosuppressive agents and anti-cancer drugs. Thus, new discoveries of Hall team provide evidence that the treatment of human cancers with glutamine addicted rapamycin could have beneficial effects in blocking tumor growth and preventing the deregulation of the whole body physiology .

colon cancer screening test wins FDA approval

colon cancer screening test wins FDA approval -

The test, called Cologuard, can detect genetic mutations in stool samples of patients that are associated cancerous and precancerous tumors.

The Wall Street Journal: The FDA approves DNA test for colon cancer
The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved a DNA test to detect colon cancer in people with a lower risk of developing the disease, the first such test of its kind to be approved by US regulators. The test, called Cologuard, is used to detect genetic mutations in the stool of patients associated with cancer and precancerous growths in the colon. Doctors must prescribe the test, but patients collect stool samples at home and send samples to laboratories for analysis (Walker, 8/11)

Pioneer Press. Mayo-Backed Colon Screening Tests Gets FDA Approval
Food and Drug Administration announced Monday approval for Cologuard, a new test kit developed in part at the Mayo Clinic for patient screening to assess their risk colorectal cancer. In a related announcement on Monday, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed that the federal Medicare cover the costs for the new test. Colorectal cancer mainly affects people aged 50 and over and is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths (Snowbeck, 8/11)

Bloomberg :. Exact Sciences of the United States wins approval for Colon cancer test
the Food and Drug Administration manages Cologard, which screens stool samples for the presence of red blood cells and DNA mutations that can indicate the presence of cancer. Patients use the Exact Sciences test of Wisconsin Madison, the house and those with positive results are invited to get a colonoscopy, which uses a small video camera at the end of a thin tube to view the colon, FDA said yesterday in a statement (Edney, 8/12).

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This article has been reprinted kaiserhealthnews.org with permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent news service, is a program of the Kaiser Family Foundation, a professional health policy research non-partisan organization affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.

MicroVAX begin Phase I clinical trials for the exclusive platform of vaccine against cancer

MicroVAX begin Phase I clinical trials for the exclusive platform of vaccine against cancer -

MicroVAX, LLC, a biotechnology company based in Manassas, Virginia announced today the start of a phase I trial for its platform sole and exclusive vaccine that under the provisions of an entry FDA IND patients with breast, prostate, colon, ovarian and lung cancer, who have relapsed after initial salvage therapy.

The trial is sponsored by the Singapore Clinical Research Institute (SCRI), and led by Dr Toh Han Chong, Senior Advisor and Deputy Director of the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). "Our main objective is to evaluate the safety and benefits of this unique vaccine, designed to target a protein common to most of the more common cancers such as colon cancer, breast cancer and cancer of the ovary, and to provide specific additional boost to the immune system against cancer at the same time. We will also evaluate how powerful this vaccine can stimulate a significant immune response against cancer. " When fully implemented, the MicroVAX vaccine is designed to both destroy pre-existing cancerous tumors and prevent cancer.

NCCS also obtained a research grant to SGD $ 800,000 National Medical Research Council, Singapore to support the evaluation of the immune response induced by vaccination of the subjects of the clinical trial. Jake Frank, managing member of MicroVAX said: "MicroVAX is pleased to be in partnership with Dr Toh Han Chong and his world-class team of clinical immunologists at the National Cancer Center of Singapore Cancer and Research Institute clinical Singapore on the initial clinical test sound vaccine against cancer. "

the vaccine against the MicroVAX cancer

consists of the attachment of the target protein, MUC-1 expressed on the surface of the aforementioned cancers, the immune powerful CD40L stimulation molecule. This new combination aims to further the power of the full body's immune system to attack the protein of cancer of the surface, MUC1, killing the cancer cells themselves.

Pre-clinical testing, the results were reported in the Journal of Immunology, showed that MUC-1 vaccine / CD40L can overcome immune nonresponse states (anergy), inducing an immune memory response and induce a complete withdrawal of existing cancers that are progressing. The concept of vaccine platform was launched at Yale University and was later supported by grants from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Department of Defense, and the Sidney Kimmel Foundation for Cancer Research .

In addition to the implementation of the TAA / ecdCD40L vaccine platform for multiple types of cancer, MicroVAX studied vaccine platform for application to several infectious diseases. "This trial highlights the strong partnership between an academic research organization as SCRI with a biotechnology company and MicroVAX as a prestigious institution of health care as NCCS in the conduct new clinical trials in Singapore. It is also the first time SCRI launches in sponsoring clinical trials to support the clinical trial community in Singapore, "said Dr Teoh Yee Leong, CEO, SCRI.