BRCA1 gene mutation increases breast cancer risk: Research
Individuals with disrupting mutations in the BRCA1 gene are known to be at substantially increased risk of breast cancer throughout their lives. Now, discoveries from an international research team led by Mayo Clinic researchers show that some of those persons may possess additional genetic variants that modify their risk. These new findings enhancing individualized medicine appear in the current Nature Genetics.
Further studies of those SNPs in 6,800 breast cancer patients without BRCA1 mutations showed associations with estrogen-receptor-negative disease, meaning cancer in which tumors don’t possess estrogen receptors. In another GWAS involving 2,300 patients, the five SNPs also were associated with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease accounting for about 12 percent of all breast cancer. Triple-negative tumors don’t express genes for estrogen or progesterone receptors or Her2/neu. The researchers also found that these SNPs were not related to risk for ovarian cancer in BRCA1 mutations carriers.
By locating these risk-modifying SNPs, the researchers have provided a target for better understanding the mechanisms behind the development of breast cancer. Furthermore, when combined with other risk-modifying SNPs that remain to be identified in ongoing studies by this group, it may be possible to identify certain BRCA1 carriers who are at lower risk of cancer and, also, carriers at particularly elevated risk of cancer who may decide to change their approach to cancer prevention.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Researchers discover HIV-1 resists AZT drug
Rutgers researchers have discovered how HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS, resists AZT, a drug widely used to treat AIDS. The scientists, who report their findings in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, believe their discovery helps researchers understand how important anti-AIDS treatments can fail and could help AIDS researchers develop more effective treatment for the disease.
For a mammogram the breast is compressed between two plates and an X-ray taken. A thermogram on the other hand does not require contact with the imaging machine.
On Sunday, October 3, 2010 thousands of women will gather at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade for a five-mile walk to save lives from breast cancer. 40,000 participants last year helped to raise $3,000,000. There are hopes to surpass that this year. According to the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer is the most common Cancer among woman, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in woman, after lung cancer. ???Making Strides Against Breast Cancer??? is the American Cancer Society’s theme for its walk to end breast cancer.
Regular screening with yearly mammograms beginning at the age of 40 is recommended. Starting at age 20, women should be doing monthly self-exams. The American Cancer Society also recommends the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening for women at increased risk for breast cancer.
Warning on Australian clinics offering safe alternatives to mammograms
Experts have warned that some private clinics that are offering safe alternatives to mammograms as breast cancer screening are doing more harm than good. It is seen that clinics offering services like botox, liposuction and spray tans are increasingly providing breast cancer screening that uses thermal imaging and ???electrical impedance??? technology. These methods are being used on women as young as 20, with claims they can detect cancer years earlier than mammograms.
For a mammogram the breast is compressed between two plates and an X-ray taken. A thermogram on the other hand does not require contact with the imaging machine.
On Sunday, October 3, 2010 thousands of women will gather at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade for a five-mile walk to save lives from breast cancer. 40,000 participants last year helped to raise $3,000,000. There are hopes to surpass that this year. According to the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer is the most common Cancer among woman, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in woman, after lung cancer. ???Making Strides Against Breast Cancer??? is the American Cancer Society’s theme for its walk to end breast cancer.
Regular screening with yearly mammograms beginning at the age of 40 is recommended. Starting at age 20, women should be doing monthly self-exams. The American Cancer Society also recommends the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening for women at increased risk for breast cancer.
Myrexis releases MPC-9528 cancer metabolism inhibitor preclinical study results
Myrexis, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel treatments for cancer, today announced key findings from preclinical studies of the Company’s novel cancer metabolism inhibitor (CMI), MPC-9528, at the Cancer and Metabolism Pathways to the Future Symposium in Edinburgh, Scotland.
In animal models, both Naprt1-proficient and Naprt1-deficient tumors responded to MPC-9528, demonstrating potent tumoricidal activity. However, greater tumor growth inhibition could be achieved in Naprt1-deficient tumors by adding niacin, which allowed MPC-9528 to be tolerated at doses greater than twice the typical maximum tolerated dose (MTD).
"MPC-9528 is a unique IND candidate. The compound has highly selective, potent on-target anti-cancer activity. It is possible to use a simple and straightforward companion diagnostic to identify tumors which are dependent upon the biochemical pathway inhibited by MPC-9528. It should be possible to treat these tumors safely and even more aggressively and effectively with the co-administration of niacin," commented Robert Carlson, Ph.D., Vice President and Head of Research at Myrexis. "Use of a companion diagnostic and niacin in our clinical program has the potential to increase the efficiency of patient enrollment and enrich for patients likely to be responsive to MPC-9528."
A copy of the Poster, "MPC-9528, a cancer metabolism inhibitor, demonstrates greater therapeutic index in a Naprt1 deficient cancer xenograft model with co-administration of nicotinic acid," which was presented at Cancer and Metabolism: Pathways to the Future Symposium in Edinburgh, Scotland earlier today is available on-line at the Company’s website, www.myrexis.
Source : Myrexis, Inc.
Chronix Biomedical completes Series E financing
Chronix Biomedical today announced that it has completed a Series E financing that raised $1.8 million from existing and new investors. Chronix is developing disease-specific biomarkers based on DNA fragments that are released into the bloodstream by damaged and dying (apoptotic) cells. Chronix’s serum DNA biomarkers are applicable to a wide range of cancers and other chronic diseases.
Chronix recently launched a "For Investigational Use Only" (IUO) testing service that enables cancer researchers to monitor the status of patients in their clinical trials with a high level of sensitivity and specificity. Commercial applications for veterinary use of the technology, including tests for the early detection of BSE, or mad cow disease, are in development in conjunction with the University of Calgary.
"Our returning shareholders have participated in each round of financing to date based upon Chronix having successfully achieved our stated milestones, and the closing of this Series E round will allow us to complete the remainder of the milestones we have mapped out for the coming year," commented John DiPietro, CFO of Chronix. "In view of the multiple potential applications for our technology, we have now initiated a significantly larger financing that will be used to accelerate the commercialization process."
Disease Detection Using Apoptotic DNA
Chronix researchers have developed proprietary diagnostic databases and related information using algorithms they developed to detect, analyze and identify disease-related fragments of DNA that are released into the bloodstream by apoptotic cells. This apoptotic DNA originates from a limited number of chromosomal regions, or "hotspots," on the genome that are specific to each illness. By focusing on these genomic hotspots, the Chronix tests can reliably detect the presence of cancer without having first to isolate and analyze tumor cells, an important advantage.
Source : Chronix Biomedical
Micromet initiates MT103 phase 2 trial in adult ALL patients
Micromet, Inc. today announced the initiation of a phase 2 trial of the Company’s lead product candidate blinatumomab (MT103) in adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Blinatumomab is the first of a new class of agents called BiTE antibodies, designed to harness the body’s T cells to kill cancer cells.
Results from a phase 2 trial reported at the 2010 Congress of the European Hematology Association demonstrated that blinatumomab induced a prolonged hematologic relapse-free survival in patients with MRD-positive ALL and was well tolerated. Of 20 evaluable patients treated, 80% (16 out of 20) achieved a complete MRD response. As of June 2010, seven out of 11 evaluable non-transplanted patients were in hematologic remission with a median of nearly 18 months and ranging up to 23 months. Eight of the patients in the study received an allogeneic stem cell transplant after blinatumomab treatment, all of whom were alive and in remission, ranging up to 21 months. Overall, blinatumomab was well-tolerated. The most common adverse events (any grade) were fever, chills, decreases in immunoglobulins and headache.
Source : Micromet, Inc.
Abbott to commercialize Celera's CE-marked KIF6 genotyping assay outside U.S.
Celera Corporation and Abbott today announced that they have signed an exclusive distribution agreement to market Celera’s CE-marked KIF6 diagnostic test for use on Abbott’s CE-marked m2000?„? instrument system. The KIF6 genotyping assay detects a genetic marker that may be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation and patient assessment for the identification of individuals at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), and in patients for whom statin treatment is being considered.
"We’re pleased that Abbott will commercialize our CE-marked KIF6 test outside the U.S. as the first in vitro diagnostic genetic product to predict risk for coronary heart disease and response to statin therapy," said Kathy Ordo?±ez, Chief Executive Officer of Celera. "We believe the combination of Abbott’s marketing reach, expertise in cardiovascular disease and the widespread placement of the m2000 presents a good opportunity for this test to impact the personalized treatment of cardiovascular disease."
"Celera’s KIF6 test represents the first cardiovascular assay on the m2000 system, and will provide an innovative, new test for physicians in helping them identify patients at risk of coronary heart disease," said Stafford O’Kelly, head of Abbott’s molecular diagnostics business.
The Abbott m2000 system offers a broad menu of assays outside the United States, including tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C viral load, hepatitis genotyping, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and colorectal cancer. Tests approved in the United States include those for HIV, HBV, chlamydia and gonorrhea.
SOURCE Celera Corporation and Abbott
Genzyme announces Japanese approval of Synvisc viscosupplement for OA knee pain relief
Genzyme Corporation announced today that Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has approved Synvisc?® (hylan G-F 20; 3 x 2 mL), indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Reimbursement has been obtained and publicized by Japan’s Central Social Insurance Medical Council.
"Launching Synvisc in Japan supports the growth of the franchise globally," said Alison Lawton, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Genzyme Biosurgery, the business unit of Genzyme that manufactures and markets Synvisc. "Teijin Pharma’s expertise in the Japanese orthopaedic arena gives us confidence that they will successfully launch Synvisc and gain market share."
"The viscosupplement market in Japan is valued at more than $500 million and there is increasing demand for new treatment options," said Osamu Nishikawa, President of Teijin Pharma Limited. "Doctors and patients will be pleased to have a new product available that provides OA knee pain relief with just three injections rather than multiple injection products which are currently on the market. We look forward to utilizing our extensive marketing and sales experience in the orthopaedics space to offer physicians and patients this therapeutic option."
SOURCE Genzyme Corporation
Gene links to ovarian cancer and diagnostic delays
According to the latest research a group of genes may help predict a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. Studies have also shown that breast and ovarian cancer may share some of the same genetic risk factors.
In a different study including nearly 1,400 Australian women who have ovarian cancer it was shown that 85 per cent had visited three or fewer doctors before they were correctly diagnosed. For 66 per cent of the women, their cancer was diagnosed within one month of their first related trip to a doctor and 80 per cent were diagnosed within three months. Speculations that diagnosis of the cancer was delayed in Australia were thus unfounded. However, the study found that for 12 per cent of the women their diagnosis took longer than six months.
Dr Susan Jordan, from the School of Population Health at the University of Queensland said, ???To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe in detail the diagnostic pathways experienced by women with ovarian cancer in Australia??¦Anecdotally, there is a perception that the journey from first presentation to diagnosis is often long and circuitous for women with ovarian cancer… Our study provides reassurance that, despite anecdotal evidence to the contrary, most women with ovarian cancer in Australia are diagnosed promptly once they present to a medical practitioner.???
She explained the 12% who experienced delay by saying that this was more likely for women who were living in remote Australia, those with lower incomes and those presenting with abdominal pain or bowel symptoms, or multiple symptoms. ???Further studies addressing these factors, especially lack of access to care, are warranted,??? she said.
The study was published in the Medical Journal of Australia.
Clemson biochemist receives grants to study DNA repair pathways
A Clemson biochemist has received grants totaling $787,000 to study how cells repair damaged DNA, which can cause cancer and genetic illnesses. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded Weiguo Cao three-year funding to investigate two DNA repair pathways.
"My lab studies a repair process for another cause of DNA mistakes: deamination. Deamination damages DNA, causing part of the genetic code to be copied wrong that results in mismatched pairings of biochemicals that contain the instructions for proper cell function," he said. "We want to know how DNA repair enzymes find the damage and remove it. The research can help understand how defects in repair of deaminated DNA cause cancer."
Military personnel and civilians alike are exposed to various cellular stresses: inflammation, infection, genetic code duplication errors, ultraviolet light, air pollution and cancer-causing substances. DNA in a cell may be damaged more than 10,000 times a day. DNA repair functions so well that there is less than a one-in-a-billion chance for a mutation to take hold.
Cao is grateful for funding. "I appreciate the support of the DoD and NIH provided to my lab in this challenging time for research grants," he said.
Papers by Cao’s and his collaborators’ laboratories that describe the DNA repair research have been published in such international journals as the Journal of Molecular Biology, Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, and the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Source: Clemson University