 |
|
Discovery offers potential new pancreatic cancer treatment
November 03, 2009Research to be presented at the 2009 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
Tiny particles that can carry drugs and target cancer cells may offer treatment hope for those suffering with pancreatic cancer. New research to be presented in November at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles reveals that tumor-penetrating microparticles (TPM) have been specifically designed to break through hard-to-infiltrate barriers and deliver drugs more effectively and efficiently than the standard form of chemotherapy such as those injected through a vein.
According to Jessie L.S. Au, Pharm.D., Ph.D., an AAPS fellow and a distinguished university professor at Ohio State University who initiated the study, TPM are designed to treat cancer in the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity contains organs, including the pancreas, that are home to more than 250,000 new cases of cancer a year in the United States alone (www.cancer.org). "Pancreatic cancer cells are surrounded by specialized cells that protect them from chemotherapy," explains Dr. Au. "Our goal is to use TPM to pass this barrier and successfully deliver drugs to the tumor cells, which is currently the biggest hurdle a physician faces in pancreatic cancer treatment."
According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer in the U.S., with more than 80 percent of the 38,000 patients stricken with the disease dying within one year of diagnosis.
Dr. Au, who is also co-founder of Optimum Therapeutics LLC, the company bringing TPM to clinical trials, goes on to explain that TPM releases what the researchers call a "smart bomb" of drugs to create holes in the tumor so TPM can reach tumor cells. Once inside a tumor, TPM slowly releases drug levels that are sustained over several weeks, targeting both the rapid- and slow-growing tumors. Because the TPM were designed to move about and reach tumors without being swept away by the lymphatic system, they are able to stay in the peritoneal cavity longer and deliver highly concentrated drug doses to the cancer-affected organ. It is this two-tiered drug attack that is unique in pancreatic cancer treatment.
With just one TPM dose of drugs proving to be equally as effective as multiple injections of chemotherapy, TPM delivers less toxicity to patients, making it a safer option than the standard form of other therapies. "Based on the encouraging results in mice carrying implants of human pancreatic cancer, we are cautiously optimistic that TPM may provide benefits to patients with this disease," says Ze Lu, Ph.D., principal scientist and project leader. "TPM may prove to be especially helpful to patients with late stages of the disease." According to Dr. Lu, the researchers have been working on TPM for more than 10 years and look forward to receiving FDA approval for testing TPM in patients in 2010.
The researchers are collaborating with physicians at the Medical University of South Carolina who believe a potential use of TPM, in addition to treating patients with peritoneal metastases, is to downstage or downsize the tumors so that they are operable.
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer in the U.S., with more than 80 percent of the 38,000 patients stricken with the disease dying within one year of diagnosis.
Dr. Au, who is also co-founder of Optimum Therapeutics LLC, the company bringing TPM to clinical trials, goes on to explain that TPM releases what the researchers call a "smart bomb" of drugs to create holes in the tumor so TPM can reach tumor cells. Once inside a tumor, TPM slowly releases drug levels that are sustained over several weeks, targeting both the rapid- and slow-growing tumors. Because the TPM were designed to move about and reach tumors without being swept away by the lymphatic system, they are able to stay in the peritoneal cavity longer and deliver highly concentrated drug doses to the cancer-affected organ. It is this two-tiered drug attack that is unique in pancreatic cancer treatment.
With just one TPM dose of drugs proving to be equally as effective as multiple injections of chemotherapy, TPM delivers less toxicity to patients, making it a safer option than the standard form of other therapies. "Based on the encouraging results in mice carrying implants of human pancreatic cancer, we are cautiously optimistic that TPM may provide benefits to patients with this disease," says Ze Lu, Ph.D., principal scientist and project leader. "TPM may prove to be especially helpful to patients with late stages of the disease." According to Dr. Lu, the researchers have been working on TPM for more than 10 years and look forward to receiving FDA approval for testing TPM in patients in 2010.
The researchers are collaborating with physicians at the Medical University of South Carolina who believe a potential use of TPM, in addition to treating patients with peritoneal metastases, is to downstage or downsize the tumors so that they are operable.
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
Pancreatic Cancer Current Events and Pancreatic Cancer News RSSAfrican-Americans with colorectal cancer have poorer outcomes, lower survival rates
New research published in the November issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that African-American patients with colorectal cancer are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease and are less likely to undergo surgical procedures compared with Caucasians, suggesting that improvements in screening and rates of operation may reduce differences in colorectal cancer outcomes for African-Americans.
Hepatitis B does not increase risk for pancreatic cancer
A Henry Ford Hospital study found that hepatitis B does not increase the risk for pancreatic cancer - and that only age is a contributing factor.
M. D. Anderson examines use of toad venom in cancer treatment
Huachansu, a Chinese medicine that comes from the dried venom secreted by the skin glands of toads, has tolerable toxicity levels, even at doses eight times those normally administered, and may slow disease progression in some cancer patients, say researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Pancreatic cancer: Researchers find drug that reverses resistance to chemotherapy
For the first time researchers have shown that by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called TAK-1, it is possible to make pancreatic cancer cells sensitive to chemotherapy, opening the way for the development of a new drug to treat the disease.
Endothelin-1 inhibitors in chronic pancreatitis
Fibrosis is a key feature of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The extensive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins fosters the development of an exocrine and endocrine organ insufficiency, and accelerates progression of the tumour.
Autoimmune response can induce pancreatic tumor rejection
Immune responses are capable of killing tumors before they can be directed toward normal body tissue, according to new scientific findings published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
MicroRNAs circulating in blood show promise as biomarkers to detect pancreatic cancer
A blood test for small molecules abnormally expressed in pancreatic cancer may be a promising route to early detection of the disease.
Blood-flow metabolism mismatch predicts pancreatic tumor aggressiveness
Researchers from Turku, Finland, have identified a blood-flow glucose consumption mismatch that predicted pancreatic tumor aggressiveness, according to results of a study published in Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Taking the Needle's Sting Out of Diabetes
Found in 30% of all human cancer tumors, the Ras protein literally "drives cells crazy," says Prof. Yoel Kloog, the dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences at Tel Aviv University. Prof. Kloog was the first in the world to develop an effective anti-Ras drug against pancreatic cancer, currently in clinical trials.
Heavy drinkers face significantly increased cancer risk
Heavy drinkers of beer and spirits face a much higher risk of developing cancer than the population at large, says a group of Montreal epidemiologists and cancer researchers.
More Pancreatic Cancer Current Events and Pancreatic Cancer News Articles
 |
100 Questions & Answers About Pancreatic Cancer, Second Edition by Eileen O'Reilly (Author), Joanne Frankel Kelvin (Author) Whether you re a newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of someone with pancreatic cancer, this book offers help. The only text to provide a doctor s and patient s view, 100 Questions & Answers About Pancreatic Cancer, Second Edition gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. The authors, a medical oncologist and a nurse with 25 years of experience with cancer patients, provide a comprehensive, step-by-step discussion of what you can expect in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, while patient commentaries provide a real-life understanding of what these steps might mean for your day-to-day life. This book is an invaluable... |
 |
Pancreatic Cancer (M.D. Anderson Solid Tumor Oncology Series) by Andrew M. Lowy (Editor), Steven D. Leach (Editor), Philip Philip (Editor) Since the previous M.D. Anderson Solid Tumor Oncology Series publication on pancreatic cancer, there have been major advances in our understanding of molecular events which underlie pancreatic cancer development, both in the sporadic and inherited forms. We have seen the development of the first mouse models that accurately recapitulate features of the human disease. Several landmark clinical trials in both resectable and metastatic pancreatic cancer have been completed, raising new questions about the standard of care in this disease. Finally, the era of targeted biologic therapies has engendered new excitement about the prospects of more rapid progress in understanding and successfully treating this dreadful disease. Therefore, it is an appropriate time to review these important... |
 |
100 Q&A About Pancreatic Cancer (100 Questions & Answers) by Joanne Frankel Kelvin Eileen O'Reilly (Author) EMPOWER YOURSELF! Whether you’re a newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of someone with pancreatic cancer, this book offers help. The only text to provide a doctor’s and patient’s view, 100 Questions & Answers About Pancreatic Cancer gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. The authors, a medical oncologist and a nurse with 25 years of experience with cancer patients, provide a comprehensive, step-by-step discussion of what you can expect in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, while patient commentaries provide a real-life understanding of what these steps might mean for your day-to-day life. This book is an... |
 |
My Journey With Pancreatic Cancer by Calvin Rains (Author) This book is shared to help all understand the cancer affecting the pancreas which is a vital organ in the digestion of food. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly of cancers affecting the human body. Less than 5% of those diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer survive the first year.This book is intended to help the patient, their families, and friends to understand the dangers and possible treatments. It is vital that the patient and their families understand the importance of choices of treatment and the possible side effects.This is basically a diary of one patient who has been able to survive five (5) years at this writing. The road can be challenging, but healing is possible if discovered and treated quickly. This book will help the patient and their families to better deal with... |
 |
Pancreatic Cancer by Daniel D. Von Hoff (Editor) (Author) Praise for the book “An outstanding text covering all aspects of pancreatic cancer, from embryology through genetics and pathology, and including all avenues of treatment. There are 112 internationally recognized authors, the book is marvelously illustrated, and is a must for all scientists and clinicians interested in neoplasms of the pancreas. It is currently the most up-to-date and complete text on pancreatic cancer available.” -- John L. Cameron, MD The Alfred Blalock Distinguished Service Professor The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine |
 |
Clearly Charming Purple Ribbon Pancreatic Cancer, Fibromyalgia, Lupus Italian Charm by Clearly Charming Purple ribbon stands for domestic violence, pancreatic cancer, Chrons Disease and colitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Fibromyalgia, and Lupus awareness. It will make a great addition to your Italian charm bracelet or a perfect personalized gift. Commemorate special occasions, capture memorable moments, or simply show off your birthstone by creating your own original Italian charm bracelet. Add Clearly Charming premium quality interlocking modular Italian charm links to your Italian Charm Bracelet and create your own memory bracelet. |
 |
Cancer Be Gone Guided imagery CD taps into the immense power of the mind to enhance comfort, healing, an optimistic attitude and positive expectations. Metaphor of "cancer as weeds in a garden that are easily managed". |
 |
Pancreatic Cancer: Current and Emerging Trends in Detection and Treatment (Cancer and Modern Science) by Amy Sterling Casil (Author) |
 |
Beating Pancreatic Cancer Together T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Pancreatic Cancer Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Pancreatic Cancer 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 Pancreatic Cancer Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |