 |
|
Two targeted therapies likely better than one in patients with aggressive lymphoma
May 15, 2009ORLANDO - When combined with a cocktail of chemotherapy drugs, two monoclonal antibodies, instead of one, appear to offer superior results in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, according to Mayo Clinic researchers working with the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG).
At the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), researchers say that adding the targeted therapy epratuzumab to a regimen known as R-CHOP resulted in an overall 12-month survival of 88 percent in 78 patients. While they call that a very good outcome, the researchers were especially encouraged because the survival rate was 85 percent in patients with high-risk disease.
"These results are very good and very promising, and hopefully will be an important advance over treatment now being offered to patients with this cancer," says the study's lead author, Ivana Micallef, M.D., a Mayo Clinic hematologist. "But we cannot yet say that is so, since the two different regimens haven't been tested head to head."
"Still, we are eager to do a randomized, phase III study because when we compare our results to some other studies of R-CHOP, our findings do look better," she says. In general, those studies showed a 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) of 67 to 79 percent.
The NCCTG multi-institutional research network is planning a clinical trial that will randomize patients with high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma to either this regimen, known as ER-CHOP, or to R-CHOP, the standard treatment. R-CHOP includes a combination of chemotherapy drugs (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine), the steroid drug prednisone, and rituximab, a monoclonal antibody.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is one of the most common and aggressive forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the B-lymphocyte white blood cells.
The researchers are the first to study the addition of epratuzumab to R-CHOP in newly diagnosed, untreated patients. Both epratuzumab and rituximab are monoclonal antibodies that attach to proteins commonly found on the outside surface of B cells - CD20 for rituximab and CD22 for epratuzumab. They are also used as immunosuppressive agents to treat certain autoimmune diseases where B cells produce antibodies that attack a person's own cells. "These drugs are designed to shut down B cells, whether they are involved in autoimmunity or are malignant," Dr. Micallef says.
Rituximab is approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration, while epratuzumab is not. That means ER-CHOP treatment cannot be used outside of a clinical trial.
In addition to the results on overall survival, the researchers found an 82 percent progression-free survival in the group. The 39 high-risk patients had a 77 percent PFS, and, for the 39 low-risk patients, PFS was 88 percent. Patients are deemed high risk if they have three or more poor prognostic factors, such as age (60 years or older), elevated LDH (a blood test), advanced disease stage, disease outside of lymph nodes and poor physical performance status.
Dr. Micallef says that the treatment, which is given every 21 days, was well tolerated by patients.
Mayo Clinic
"Still, we are eager to do a randomized, phase III study because when we compare our results to some other studies of R-CHOP, our findings do look better," she says. In general, those studies showed a 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) of 67 to 79 percent.
The NCCTG multi-institutional research network is planning a clinical trial that will randomize patients with high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma to either this regimen, known as ER-CHOP, or to R-CHOP, the standard treatment. R-CHOP includes a combination of chemotherapy drugs (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine), the steroid drug prednisone, and rituximab, a monoclonal antibody.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is one of the most common and aggressive forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the B-lymphocyte white blood cells.
The researchers are the first to study the addition of epratuzumab to R-CHOP in newly diagnosed, untreated patients. Both epratuzumab and rituximab are monoclonal antibodies that attach to proteins commonly found on the outside surface of B cells - CD20 for rituximab and CD22 for epratuzumab. They are also used as immunosuppressive agents to treat certain autoimmune diseases where B cells produce antibodies that attack a person's own cells. "These drugs are designed to shut down B cells, whether they are involved in autoimmunity or are malignant," Dr. Micallef says.
Rituximab is approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration, while epratuzumab is not. That means ER-CHOP treatment cannot be used outside of a clinical trial.
In addition to the results on overall survival, the researchers found an 82 percent progression-free survival in the group. The 39 high-risk patients had a 77 percent PFS, and, for the 39 low-risk patients, PFS was 88 percent. Patients are deemed high risk if they have three or more poor prognostic factors, such as age (60 years or older), elevated LDH (a blood test), advanced disease stage, disease outside of lymph nodes and poor physical performance status.
Dr. Micallef says that the treatment, which is given every 21 days, was well tolerated by patients.
Mayo Clinic
Lymphoma Current Events and Lymphoma News RSSDrugs to treat anemia in cancer patients linked to thromboembolism
Medications frequently given to cancer patients to reduce their risk of anemia are associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, according to new research led by Dawn Hershman, M.D, M.S., co-director of the breast cancer program at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.
Researchers find new way to attack inflammation in Graves' eye disease
A small group of patients with severe Graves' eye disease experienced rapid improvement of their symptoms - and improved vision - following treatment with the drug rituximab.
Approved lymphoma drug shows promise in early tests against bone cancer
A drug already approved for the treatment of lymphoma may also slow the growth of the most deadly bone cancer in children and teens, according to an early-stage study published online today in the International Journal of Cancer.
Immunotherapy demonstrates long-term success in treating lymphoma
Targeted immunotherapy has been an attractive new therapeutic area for a number of cancers because it has the potential to destroy tumor cells without damaging surrounding normal tissue. New study results demonstrate high success rates using specialized white blood cells to prevent or treat lymphoma associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV-lymphoma) in patients who have received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).
Exercise is good medicine for lymphoma patients
A healthy dose of exercise is good medicine, even for lymphoma patients receiving chemotherapy, University of Alberta researchers have found.
Childhood cancer survivors experience suicidal thoughts decades after diagnosis
Adult survivors of childhood cancer have an increased risk for suicidal thoughts, even decades after their cancer treatments ended, according to a study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists.
New therapy for vasculitis will help patients avoid infertility and cancer
Researchers have identified that Rituxan, a drug previously approved for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis, can treat severe ANCA-associated vasculitis as effectively as cyclophosphamide, the current standard therapy.
Studying cancer in pet dogs to find new treatments for human patients
A team of scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Bethesda, USA, says that studying pet dogs with cancer could yield valuable information on how to diagnose and treat human cancers.
Scientists identify genetic cause of previously undefined primary immune deficiency disease
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified a genetic mutation that accounts for a perplexing condition found in people with an inherited immunodeficiency.
Certain cancers more common among HIV patients than non-HIV patients
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that non-AIDS-defining malignancies such as anal and lung cancer have become more prevalent among HIV-infected patients than non-HIV patients since the introduction of anti-retroviral therapies in the mid-1990s.
More Lymphoma Current Events and Lymphoma News Articles
 |
Living with Lymphoma: A Patient's Guide by Elizabeth M. Adler PhD (Author) "Adler's professional background and experience as a lymphoma survivor make her the perfect person to write this book. The author's explanations are a gentle guide and a thorough introduction to the basics that give us the confidence to handle decisions relating to treatments and other aspects of lymphoma." -- Anne Atkinson, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin disease survivor and coordinator of the Women's Cancer Group |
 |
Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas by James O Armitage (Editor), Peter M Mauch (Editor), Nancy Lee Harris (Editor), Bertrand Coiffier (Editor), Riccardo Dalla-Favera (Editor) Thoroughly updated for its Second Edition, Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas is the definitive textbook on the biology, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of all forms of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. With backgrounds in medical and radiation oncology, molecular biology, and pathology, the editors and contributors provide an international, multidisciplinary approach to the topic. This edition is the first text using the new World Health Organization classification of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The book offers complete coverage of the most current techniques for diagnosis, staging, and treatment, the approach to specific types of lymphoma, and special problems common to the management of patients with these disorders. A companion Website includes the fully searchable text and downloadable images. |
 |
100 Questions & Answers About Lymphoma by Peter Holman (Author), Jodi Garrett (Author), William D. Jansen (Author) This text is a patient-oriented guide to dealing with lymphoma. Questions and answers cover basic questions about the disease such as risk factors and causes; methods of prevention, screening, and diagnosis; available treatments and how to choose among them; and ways of coping with common emotional and physical difficulties associated with the diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Holman is a practicing oncologist, and Ms. Garrett is an oncology nurse; the pair team up to provide both a doctor’s and a caregiver’s perspective in answering these common questions. |
 |
Lymphoma (Fast Facts) by Chris Hatton (Author), Graham Collins (Author), John, M.D. Sweetenham (Author) Lymphomas arise from a single abnormal lymphocyte, yet many different subtypes of lymphoma occur. Recent advances in cellular and molecular techniques have revolutionized physicians' understanding of this malignancy, and there have been dramatic developments in diagnosis and treatment. "Fast Facts: Lymphoma" gives a comprehensive and up-to-date perspective on this challenging disease written by three experts in the field. Starting with a clear outline of the nature of lymphoma, its diagnosis, staging and management, this concise handbook goes on to provide specific details of individual lymphoma entities and treatment modalities. "Fast Facts: Lymphoma" is a valuable handbook for training doctors and specialist nurses working in the field of hemato-oncology, and will be of interest to the... |
 |
Lymphoma: Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment by Robert Marcus (Editor), John W. Sweetenham (Editor), Michael E. Williams (Editor) Major advances have occurred in almost every aspect of the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma in recent years. Our understanding of the molecular biology and genetics of the disease has increased exponentially, and significant developments in imaging of this malignancy have resulted in earlier and more accurate diagnosis. At the same time, advances in therapeutic immunology have led to the development of several new treatment options. This landmark new text describes these advances in a single concise volume, placing them in the context of daily clinical practice. Introductory chapters review epidemiology, prognostic factors, imaging and therapeutic immunology. These are followed by chapters on each lymphoma subtype, dealing comprehensively with all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment... |
 |
New Design Green Lymphoma Awareness 8" Car Magnet by sci New Design Green Lymphoma Awareness 8" Car Magnet |
 |
Handcrafted Artisan Lymphoma Awareness Heart Pendant & Sterling Silver Chain Necklace 412 by Pendant@Joyful-Creations.com Pendant: Peridot Swarovski Austrian crystal bicones, sterling silver Bali bead cap & daisy spacers, sterling rounds. Crystal AB faceted Czech firepolished glass pear bead and sterling silver round dangle and pendant all handwrapped with sterling silver wire. Pendant drops approx. 2 1/2" and includes a sterling silver bale marked .925 on the back. Focal Bead: White polymer clay heart with beautiful lime green roses all around the heart, handmade by Uiko Ogawa. Show your support for a cure for Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Lyme Disease, Muscular Dystrophy. 18" Sterling silver Italian Singapore chain included in this auction. Singapore chains are so elegant! They have a natural twist in their manufacture and therefore LOTS of sparkle. ** Gift Boxed - Ready for gift giving ** |
 |
Hodgkin Lymphoma by Richard T Hoppe (Editor), Peter M Mauch (Editor), James O Armitage (Editor), Volker Diehl (Editor), Lawrence M Weiss (Editor) The definitive text on Hodgkin lymphoma is now in its thoroughly revised, updated Second Edition. More than 100 recognized authorities from all parts of the world provide comprehensive, current information on every aspect of Hodgkin lymphoma, including etiology, epidemiology, biology, pathology, evaluation, staging, treatment, and follow-up. This edition describes the increased use of PET scanning in staging and follow-up. Chapters discuss current treatment options—including combination chemotherapy, radiation therapy, novel treatment techniques, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation—and offer guidelines for treatment selection. Full consideration is given to late effects of therapy and clinical trials for assessing quality of life in patients. This edition includes... |
 |
Lymphoma Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Lymphoma Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Lymphoma Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Lymphoma Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
|
As Long As I'm Here by Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Benefit CD |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |