GLG News by Lung Cancer Oncologists (US)

Vaccine targeting non infectious agents to control neoplasia.

This agent is useful in reducing spleen size as well as adverse symptoms in MF. With what may happen to Epo products in this condition there will be a market!

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a myeloproliferative disorder that is associated with anemia and has been treated with Epo since the agents came on the market. Now a question is raised that they may increase the chance for leukemic conversion.

Millennium has been desparately trying to move Velcade up to a first line indication in MM. I see no reason to believe they won't get it, but....

Various new agents are in development to replace the old standbys in post operative thrombosis prevention as well as clots in atrial fibrillation (AF.)

On paper it sounds good but the chlorambucil is oral once every 28 days vs. IV 3x/week IV x up to 12 weeks. (David v Goliath right?) Campath provides improved responses but overall survival benefit not reported. (May not exist)

     Medicare has decided to cut payments to hospital nuclear medicine departments for this valuable therapy for patients with low grade non Hodgkins lymphomas. The reimbursement will be less than the cost??? This will force patients to be treated instead with ultimately more expensive...

“On face value the data look very good,” said Buzdar, who voted with the slim (5-4) majority against the drug. In the study that was the basis of Genentech’s application, Avastin appeared to slow the progress of the disease. advanced breast cancer who had already tried other drugs. He said he’s never...

The FDA has rejected use of Avastin in metastatic breast cancer as I anticipated! http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071205/genentech_avastin.html

Interesting spectrum of agents in development to supplement their already impressive lineup.