Analysis of:
Alemtuzumab Compared With Chlorambucil As First-Line Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (jco.ascopubs.org)
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)
Analysis of:
Medicare Cuts Payout on 2 Cancer Drugs (www.nytimes.com)
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...
Analysis of:
Desmopressin Acetate (marketed as DDAVP Nasal Spray, DDAVP Rhinal Tube, DDAVP, DDVP, Minirin, and Stimate Nasal Spray) (www.fda.gov)
FDA issued warnings about severe hyponatremia and seizures associated with intranasal use of desmopressin ( DDAVP, Stimate) and cautioned against prescription for primary nocturnal enuresis- a usually large indication. DDAVP use will be now limited to treatment of homeostasis disorders ...
Analysis of:
F.D.A. Criticizes Avastin Use for Breast Cancer (www.nytimes.com)
The FDA has rejected use of Avastin in metastatic breast cancer as I anticipated! http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071205/genentech_avastin.html
Analysis of:
Novartis Plans Four New Cancer Drugs (online.wsj.com)
Interesting spectrum of agents in development to supplement their already impressive lineup.
Analysis of:
TopoTarget Announces Encouraging Clinical Results from Phase II Trial of Topical BACECA (R) in Combination with Retinoid for the Treatment of the Skin Cancer Basal Cell Carcinoma (www.pipelinereview.com)
Topotarget's Baceca ( a topical form of Valproic acid) improved on the efficacy of topical retinoids in treatment of basal cell carcinoma.
The main treatment of basal cell carcinoma is surgical or electrocauterization or laser.
Topical therapy is limited to cases not amenable to above curative...
Analysis of:
F.D.A. Criticizes Avastin Use for Breast Cancer (www.nytimes.com)
While the drug Avastin improves time to disease progression, it does not prolong survival and is associated, in the FDA's view, undue toxicity.
Analysis of:
AstraZeneca Completes Enrollment In First Phase III Study Of The Investigational Drug Vandetanib (ZACTIMA(R)) In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (www.pipelinereview.com)
This trial as well as three others: -- ZODIAC (vandetanib + docetaxel versus docetaxel alone) -- ZEAL (vandetanib + pemetrexed versus placebo+ pemetrexed); and, -- ZEPHYR (vandetanib + best supportive care (BSC) versus placebo + BSC). are being carried out to prove efficacy with &...
Analysis of:
New Data Highlight That Treatment With Erbitux Allows More Resections of Preteated Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (www.pipelinereview.com)
Just like Vascular Endothelial Factor Receptor Inhibitor (VEGF) Avastin Genentech, Erbitux a Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor (EGFR), can make previously unresectable metastatic colon cancer resectable.
Analysis of:
New Data Highlight That Treatment With Erbitux Allows More Resections of Preteated Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (www.pipelinereview.com)
A new French study shows that Erbitux allowed 9 of 133 pre-treated patients with colrectal cancer and liver mets to have their liver lesions become resectable. While the numbers of responding patients is small, this has huge implications since surgical resection od liver lesions may incraese survival...