Cytology
Researchers from the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockade may be a valuable supplement to cytotoxic chemotherapy for treating renal cell carcinoma that has metastasized to the bone. The disease is notoriously resistant to chemotherapy and radiation, resulting in
Cytology
A mutation in the human P2X7 receptor gene has been found to enable mycobacterial survival in infected macrophages. This genetic variation, which affects the functioning of the P2X7 receptor pathway, can lead to a lack of apoptosis in infected cells, allowing mycobacteria to survive and thrive. Researchers in Australia have
Hematology
Researchers at the University of Coimbra in Spain have made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, by discovering that Imatinib Mesylate (STI571) can suppress the proliferation of tumor cells in vitro. According to a recent study published in the British Journal of
Hematology
A study presented at the 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology found that adding rituximab to the standard chemotherapy regimen for lymphoma patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma did not significantly increase survival in older patients. The research team, led by Thomas Habermann, MD, of the Eastern
Pharmaceutical industry
Collgard Biopharmaceuticals, a Massachusetts-based company, has announced the receipt of a U.S. patent for the use of their lead compound, Halofuginone, in the treatment of various types of tumors. This compound, a small molecule derivative of a natural plant substance, has shown promise in inhibiting collagen production, which is
Pharmaceutical industry
Enrollment and treatment have begun in a multi-center Phase I/II trial of the AlloMune Cancer System for therapy-refractory Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The trial is designed to re-educate the body's immune system to accept foreign cells, producing powerful anti-tumor effects while minimizing severe
Pharmaceutical industry
Researchers have reported that the angiogenesis inhibitor SU5416 appears to be well-tolerated with minimal side effects in patients with advanced cancers. The Phase I clinical trial, conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), involved 60 patients with advanced malignancies, including 11 patients with colorectal and 10 with lung
Pharmaceutical industry
AltaRex Corp., a Massachusetts-based biotechnology company, has submitted an amendment to its Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct an open-label North American Phase II study of OvaRex MAb in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. The 12-patient trial aims to assess
Pharmaceutical industry
Schering-Plough Corporation and Genzyme Molecular Oncology have entered into a licensing agreement that grants Schering-Plough worldwide rights to develop and commercialize p53 gene therapy products. Under the agreement, Genzyme Molecular Oncology will receive a $5 million up-front payment and could receive up to $35 million in milestone fees, as well
Pharmaceutical industry
Brian G. R. Hughes, a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in building and managing innovative companies, has been nominated to the Board of Directors of SafeScience, Inc. Hughes, a 44-year-old former CEO of the American Rocket Company, brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table, including his expertise
Pharmaceutical industry
Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RPI) has announced the submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lead product, Angiozyme, a chemically synthesized ribozyme designed to treat cancer. Angiozyme specifically targets the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor receptor (VEGF-r), a key player
Pharmaceutical industry
SIGA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research have joined forces to develop novel immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The collaborative agreement focuses on the development of vaccines for melanoma, breast, bladder, and ovarian cancer, combining SIGA's patented vaccine delivery system with the Ludwig Institute's
