Cancer News and Research

Latest Cancer News and Research

Inhibiting miR-193a decreases tumor growth in SCC

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of skin cancer. In this paper, Leif Ellisen and colleagues at Mass General Hospital investigated the p53-related proteins p63 and p73 in SCC cells, and discovered a feedback loop between p63, microRNAs (miRs), and p73. In a model of SCC, they found that inhibiting one of these miRs decreased tumor growth and made the cells more sensitive to chemotherapy, highlighting a new potential therapeutic target.

11 Jan 2011

Novel scoring system identifies PTEN genetic mutation

Researchers have discovered a method for more precise identification of individuals who should undergo testing for genetic mutations of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN, which associates with a variety of conditions including several types of cancers. The research has created a diagnostic scoring system that improves on established criteria.

11 Jan 2011

QIAGEN to acquire minority stake in Alacris Theranostics

QIAGEN has signed an agreement for the acquisition of a strategic stake in Alacris Theranostics GmbH, a German start-up company using novel technologies to develop individualized cancer treatment strategies based upon a patient's genomic profile, and for the acquisition of an exclusive option to access all biomarkers emerging from this discovery program.

From QIAGEN Manchester Limited 11 Jan 2011

Pro-Pharmaceuticals to begin DAVANAT Phase III development program following FDA approval

Pro-Pharmaceuticals, the leading developer of therapeutics that target Galectin receptors to treat cancer and fibrosis, today announced that on December 17, 2010, Company representatives met with officials from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to present its Phase III clinical development program for DAVANAT.

11 Jan 2011

Biologics receives National Comprehensive Cancer Network recognition

Biologics, Inc., an oncology management company, has been recognized by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) for its commitment to supporting patient access to quality oncology care. For the first time, the NCCN, a not-for-profit alliance of 21 of the world's leading cancer centers, is recognizing commercial payor and non-payor organizations, including Biologics, which support the appropriate, effective, and efficient use of oncology treatment and care of patients through its new NCCN Recognition Program.

11 Jan 2011

Silicon microdevices may provide new way to screen metastatic breast cancer cells

Research by engineers and cancer biologists at Virginia Tech indicate that using specific silicon microdevices might provide a new way to screen breast cancer cells' ability to metastasize.

11 Jan 2011

Nationwide Children's Hospital receives $11.5 million NCI grant for Biospecimen banking

Nationwide Children's Hospital was awarded $11.5 million from the National Cancer Institute late last year to continue its role as one of two Biospecimen Core Resources for The Cancer Genome Atlas.

11 Jan 2011

LibiGel may be the first FDA approved product to treat HSDD in menopausal women

BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical company developing products for the treatment of female sexual health, today announced results of a survey of over 100 Obstetrician/Gynecologists and Primary Care Physicians regarding the need for an FDA-approved drug to treat a form of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) known as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).

11 Jan 2011

GSK, Epizyme enter partnership to discover, develop, and market epigenetic therapeutics

Epizyme today announced a worldwide strategic alliance with GlaxoSmithKline to discover, develop, and market novel small molecule therapeutics targeting histone methyltransferases, an important class of epigenetic enzymes, for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

11 Jan 2011

New insights into estrogen receptor beta

Research with significant implications in the treatment and intervention of cancer and obesity has been published recently in two prestigious journals by University of Houston (UH) biochemist Dr. Jan--ke Gustafsson.

11 Jan 2011

Study: Protein that plays a key role in some antioxidant therapies can promote atherosclerosis

UCLA researchers have found that a protein that plays an important role in some antioxidant therapies may not be as effective due to additional mechanisms that cause it to promote atherosclerosis, or clogging of the arteries.

11 Jan 2011

VCU Massey Cancer Center introduces safer, more effective form of radiation therapy

Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center has introduced a safer and more effective form of radiation therapy to treat cancer. The Center now offers volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) delivery using the Philips Pinnacle3 SmartArc software to provide radiation treatment for multiple tumor sites, including prostate, head and neck, brain, breast and lung. VCU Massey is the first cancer center in the Richmond area to offer this cutting-edge radiation technique.

10 Jan 2011

Enlight Biosciences forms new oral drug delivery technology company

Entrega, Inc., a new company developing oral drug delivery technologies, today announced its formation by Enlight Biosciences, a Boston-based company established in partnership with a group of leading global pharmaceutical companies.

10 Jan 2011

Celator, Cephalon extend cancer research agreement

Celator Pharmaceuticals today announced that it has agreed with Cephalon, Inc. to extend an existing research agreement into the next phase of development. The research agreement provides for the utilization of Celator's proprietary technology in an ongoing drug development and life-cycle management program at Cephalon.

10 Jan 2011

All fat cells not the same

All fat cells are not the same - a fact that has implications in the understanding and treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, said researchers from Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) in a report that appears in the current issue of the Journal of Cell Biology (http://www.jcb.rupress.org/).

10 Jan 2011

Potential single vaccine for permanent immunity to all influenza

The search for a universal flu vaccine has received a boost from a surprising source: the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu strain.

10 Jan 2011

Genetics Squared to change corporate name to Everist Genomics

Genetics Squared, a prognostics company focused on developing gene-based molecular assays for the prediction of cancer recurrence, today announced that it will change its corporate name to Everist Genomics and has appointed Prasad Sunkara, Ph.D. as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

10 Jan 2011

Shionogi brings KAPVAY ADHD drug to the U.S market

Shionogi Inc., the U.S.-based group company of Shionogi & Co., Ltd., today announced a true milestone as it marks the first commercial availability for the non-central nervous system stimulant medication KAPVAY™, an extended-release oral formulation of clonidine for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.

10 Jan 2011

Advanced Targeting Systems awarded $3 million NCI grant to advance SP-SAP clinical program

Advanced Pain Remedies, a subsidiary of Cato BioVentures, announces that a three million dollar grant has been received, to advance its lead development candidate, SP-SAP. Advanced Targeting Systems, the company that pioneered the targeting of specific cell types to manipulate them for the treatment of diseases, has been awarded a $3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

10 Jan 2011

Neomend receives CE Mark for ProGEL PLATINUM Surgical Sealant

Neomend, Inc., an innovator in sealant and adhesion-prevention products for the surgical marketplace, announced it has received the European Union CE Mark for the company's ProGEL® PLATINUM Surgical Sealant.

10 Jan 2011