 |
|
Pitt vaccine to prevent colon cancer being tested in patients
March 20, 2009Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have begun testing a vaccine that might be able to prevent colon cancer in people at high risk for developing the disease. If shown to be effective, it might spare patients the risk and inconvenience of repeated invasive surveillance tests, such as colonoscopy, that are now necessary to spot and remove precancerous polyps.
Colon cancer takes years to develop and typically starts with a polyp, which is a benign but abnormal growth in the intestinal lining, explained principal investigator Robert E. Schoen, M.D., M.P.H., professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh. Polyps that could become cancerous are called adenomas.
In a novel approach for cancer prevention, the Pitt vaccine is directed against an abnormal variant of a self-made cell protein called MUC1, which is altered and produced in excess in advanced adenomas and cancer. Vaccines currently in use to prevent cancer work via a different mechanism, specifically by blocking infection with viruses that are linked with cancer. For example, Gardasil protects against human papilloma virus associated with cervical cancer and hepatitis B vaccine protects against liver cancer.
"By stimulating an immune response against the MUC1 protein in these precancerous growths, we may be able to draw the immune system's fire to attack and destroy the abnormal cells," Dr. Schoen said. "That might not only prevent progression to cancer, but even polyp recurrence."
According to co-investigator Olivera Finn, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Immunology at Pitt's School of Medicine, MUC1 vaccines have been tested for safety and immunogenicity in patients with late-stage colon cancer and pancreatic cancer.
"Patients were able to generate an immune response despite their cancer-weakened immune systems," she noted. "Patients with advanced adenomas are otherwise healthy and so they would be expected to generate a stronger immune response. That may be able to stop precancerous lesions from transforming into malignant tumors."
About a dozen people have received the experimental vaccine so far, and the researchers intend to enroll another 50 or so into the study. Participants must be between 40 and 70 years old and have a history of developing adenomas that are deemed advanced, meaning they are greater than or equal to 1 centimeter in size, are typed as villous or tubulovillous, or contain severely dysplastic, or abnormal, cells. After an initial dose of vaccine, the participants will get shots again two and 10 weeks later. Blood samples will be drawn to measure immune response at those time points as well as 12 weeks, 28 weeks and one year later.
People who develop advanced adenomas undergo regular surveillance with colonoscopy so that recurrent polyps, which are common, can be removed before matters get worse, Dr. Schoen said.
"Immunotherapy might be a good alternative to colonoscopy because it is noninvasive and nontoxic," he noted. "And, it could provide long-term protection."
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In 2008, the American Cancer Society estimated that there were more than 108,000 new cases of colon cancer, nearly 41,000 cases of rectal cancer, and almost 50,000 deaths due to both diseases.
University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
"By stimulating an immune response against the MUC1 protein in these precancerous growths, we may be able to draw the immune system's fire to attack and destroy the abnormal cells," Dr. Schoen said. "That might not only prevent progression to cancer, but even polyp recurrence."
According to co-investigator Olivera Finn, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Immunology at Pitt's School of Medicine, MUC1 vaccines have been tested for safety and immunogenicity in patients with late-stage colon cancer and pancreatic cancer.
"Patients were able to generate an immune response despite their cancer-weakened immune systems," she noted. "Patients with advanced adenomas are otherwise healthy and so they would be expected to generate a stronger immune response. That may be able to stop precancerous lesions from transforming into malignant tumors."
About a dozen people have received the experimental vaccine so far, and the researchers intend to enroll another 50 or so into the study. Participants must be between 40 and 70 years old and have a history of developing adenomas that are deemed advanced, meaning they are greater than or equal to 1 centimeter in size, are typed as villous or tubulovillous, or contain severely dysplastic, or abnormal, cells. After an initial dose of vaccine, the participants will get shots again two and 10 weeks later. Blood samples will be drawn to measure immune response at those time points as well as 12 weeks, 28 weeks and one year later.
People who develop advanced adenomas undergo regular surveillance with colonoscopy so that recurrent polyps, which are common, can be removed before matters get worse, Dr. Schoen said.
"Immunotherapy might be a good alternative to colonoscopy because it is noninvasive and nontoxic," he noted. "And, it could provide long-term protection."
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In 2008, the American Cancer Society estimated that there were more than 108,000 new cases of colon cancer, nearly 41,000 cases of rectal cancer, and almost 50,000 deaths due to both diseases.
University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Colon Cancer Current Events and Colon Cancer News RSSCurry-cure? Spicing up the effectiveness of a potential disease-fighter
Scientists are reporting development of a nano-size capsule that boosts the body's uptake of curcumin, an ingredient in yellow curry now being evaluated in clinical trials for treatment of several diseases.
Colon cancer screening more effective earlier in day, UCLA study finds
The effectiveness of a screening colonoscopy may depend on the time of day it is performed. According to a new UCLA study, early-morning colonoscopies yielded more polyps per patient than later screenings, and fewer polyps were found hour by hour as the day progressed.
Study shows hormone replacement therapy decreases mortality in younger postmenopausal woman
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopausal estrogen deficiency has been in widespread use for over 60 years. Several observational studies over the years showed that HRT use by younger postmenopausal women was associated with a significant reduction in total mortality; available evidence supported the routine use of HRT to increase longevity in postmenopausal women.
Experts issue call to reconsider screening for breast cancer and prostate cancer
Twenty years of screening for breast and prostate cancer - the most diagnosed cancer for women and men - have not brought the anticipated decline in deaths from these diseases, argue experts from the University of California, San Francisco and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in an opinion piece published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association."
Metals could forge new cancer drug
Drugs made using unusual metals could form an effective treatment against colon and ovarian cancer, including cancerous cells that have developed immunity to other drugs, according to research at the University of Warwick and the University of Leeds.
New data: Hospital imaging centers poised to pull back, hitting patients hardest in rural areas
Survivors and patients with cancers and heart disease, along with patient advocate organizations and physicians, today urged policymakers to enhance early diagnosis of deadly diseases by preserving access to advanced imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, in final health care reform legislation.
Whole-brain radiotherapy after surgery or radiosurgery not recommended for brain metastases
Whole-brain radiotherapy should not be given routinely to all patients whose cancer has spread to the brain, say researchers who found that using it after surgery or radiosurgery in patients with a limited number of brain metastases and stable cancer in the rest of the body did not extend lives or help patients remain functionally independent for longer.
New blood tests promise simple, cost-effective diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers
Promising results from two new blood tests that can aid in the early identification of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers will be presented at Europe's largest cancer congress.
GEN reports on expanding NextGen sequencing applications
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies are not only beginning to supplant traditional Sanger sequencing methodology but are also giving DNA microarrays a run for the money as well, reports Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN).
Natural compounds, chemotherapeutic drugs may become partners in cancer therapy
Research in the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University suggests that some natural food compounds, which previously have been studied for their ability to prevent cancer, may be able to play a more significant role in treating it - working side-by-side with the conventional drugs that are now used in chemotherapy.
More Colon Cancer Current Events and Colon Cancer News Articles
 |
American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer by American Cancer Society (Author) Don't die of embarrassment--get informed about colorectal cancer Although colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women, you may be unaware of your risk and don't know what you can do to prevent this serious disease. You may be too embarrassed to ask your doctor about changes in your bowel habits or get screened for colorectal cancer. American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer provides sound information and support if you are concerned about or diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Written by experts in oncology, nursing, research, and colorectal cancer care, the up-to-date, evidence-based text explores every aspect of colorectal cancer, from physical to emotional aspects of the disease, including: What colorectal... |
 |
The Colon Cancer Survivors' Guide, Second Edition: Living Stronger, Longer by Curtis Pesmen (Author) Based on an award-winning series of Esquire magazine articles on his battle with colon cancer, Pesmen shows how a person stops becomng a patient and starts becoming a survivor. Incluses a chorus of survivors' voices, and casts light on the physical, emotional and psychological needs of those striving to move forward confidently with their lives. New, revised second edition updates treatments and adds new survivors' voices and surveys treatments on the horizon. |
 |
Living With Colon Cancer: Beating the Odds by Eliza Wood Livingston (Author), David, M.D. Spiegel (Foreword) Despite the efforts of Katie Couric to draw attention to the importance of colonoscopy screening for the detection of colon cancer, this cancer still does not receive the publicity devoted to breast, lung, and prostate cancer. Yet colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy in the world and is the second leading cause of death from cancer next to lung cancer. As a result, colon cancer patients and their families often feel isolated and do not have the support and information networks available to those coping with more publicized illnesses. In this helpful and inspiring book, Eliza Wood Livingston provides a wealth of practical information about colon cancer while telling of her own heroic battle against this challenging disease and her survival after a bleak diagnosis.... |
 |
Colon Cancer Answers by Dr. Bruce A. Feinberg (Author), Richard J. Lenz (Editor), Imagineering (Editor) One of the greatest failures of public health practices and policy in America is the mismanagement of colon cancer. Despite the fact that colon cancer is 90 percent preventable through safe, accessible, cost-effective screening tests, this terrible disease remains the second leading cause of cancer death. Each year, more than 150,000 Americans will die -- an unnecessary and costly human tragedy. Despite the scale of the colon cancer crisis, there are few up-to-date resources available for the newly diagnosed and their loving family and friends. Although this book was conceived as a primer for those dealing directly or indirectly with colon cancer, it is Dr. Feinberg's fervent hope that it will also increase awareness of the preventable nature of this devastating disease. |
 |
Positive Options for Colorectal Cancer: Self-Help and Treatment by Carol Ann Larson (Author), Kathleen Ogle (Foreword) Colorectal cancer develops slowly over a period of several years, undetected, usually as polyps. It is a preventable and treatable disease if caught in time, yet most know little about how to read its symptoms. Written for the layperson, this book covers all the uncomfortable questions and answers about the disease, from prevention and warning signs, to screening and diagnosis techniques, to making decisions and developing treatment plans. Also included are positive stories about life after cancer by 12 survivors. |
 |
Be a Survivor: Colorectal Cancer Treatment Guide by Vladimir Lange (Author) Dr. Lange’s comprehensive overview of cancer and treatment options offers detailed information using simple, concise language and a wide variety of color photos and drawings. Colorectal cancer patients need to know more about their disease, yet there is an overload of information. Be a Survivor gives the patient the specific, reliable and necessary information to make good decisions about their cancer and treatment options. Annually, 150,000 Americans are told they have colorectal cancer, making it one of the top three most common cancers in the United States. Diagnosed early, colorectal cancer is treatable, often curable, and vey preventable. This resource covers all aspects of colorectal cancer—from diagnosis to recovery, including a chapter for the patient's spouse. |
 |
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About(TM) Colorectal Cancer: New Tests, New Treatments, New Hope (What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About...) by Mark Bennett Pochapin (Author) - What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Colorectal Cancer was published in Warner hardcover (0-446-53188-X) in 3/04. The book features a foreword by Katie Couric. - Dr. Pochapin made an appearance on the Today show in conjunction with the hardcover publication of this book. Previously, he had been chosen by Katie Couric to be the Medical Director of the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health, named in honor of Ms. Couric's late husband. - The author is an associate professor of clinical medicine at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Chief of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at New York Presbyterian Hospital's Weill Cornell Medical Center. - There are approximately 100,000 new colorectal cancer cases diagnosed annually, making it the second leading cause of... |
 |
Understanding Colon Cancer by A. Richard, M.D., F.A.C.P. Adrouny (Author) Stanford Univ., CA. Pocket-sized consumer text provides concise information about the disease. Reviews high-risk conditions, genetics, warning signs, screening, diagnosis, stages of the disease, virtual colonoscopy and treatment. Softcover, hardcover available. DNLM: Colonic Neoplasms--prevention & control. |
 |
Tell Me What to Eat to Help Prevent Colon Cancer by Elaine Magee (Author) Elaine Magee gives you all the information you can never seem to understand when the doctor rattles it off, and she answers all the questions you ever wanted to ask a dietitian about preventing colon cancer. You will find a host of specific recommendations-what to eat, what to avoid, and how to incorporate these changes into your lifestyle. Tell Me What to Eat to Help Prevent Colon Cancer begins with an overview of colon cancer in all its forms. Readers get a detailed yet completely understandable explanation of how the cancer begins and how it spreads-an explanation that is based on the latest medical information. Readers gain a better understanding of what colon cancer is and what actions they can take now to help prevent it. Also included are dozens of healthful, practical,... |
 |
It's Half Past Midnight: A Poignant, Practical and Humorous Trip Through My Colon by Robert E. Cull (Author) Robert Emerson Cull's It's Half Past Midnight: A Poignant, Practical and Humorous Trip Through My Colon is a poignant and inspiring account of the author's battle with colon cancer, and the tremendous healing power of a an attitude of gratefulness and good fortune. Filled with insight and humor, this book would be of great value to anyone facing health issues, or any other of life's challenges. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |