GLG News by Rituxan Prescribers for NHL: Lymphoma Oncologists (US)

IL-21 is a cytokine with biological activity in regulating cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells.   In phase I studies, some tumor reduction was observed in patients with melanoma.  The current phase II trial will be designed to assess kidvid and toxicity in patients with metastatic...

TLR9 agonists have the potential to trigger the release of cytokines including interferon alfa.  IMO-2055 is a TLR9 agonist currently undergoing trials in combination with Tarceva and Avastin in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and at two dose levels in a Phase IIa trial in patients...

IPI-504 is an HSP90 inhibitor with activity against cancer.  A phase I/II trial has been initiated to assess the activity of this agent in groups of patients with both EGFR mutation positive and negative tumors.  Preliminary results are available from the phase I portion of the trial...

Avastin now has been approved in Europe for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.  However, available data leave questions as to why this agent should be favored over Sutent.

Pfizer's sutent cased moderate to severe cardiac toxicity in a study involving 75 patients who all had normal cardiac function at study entry. This relatively high rate of adverse events will push physicians more towards prescribing Nexavar ( Bayer/Onyx)  and Torisel (Wyeth) in patients...

Geron's cancer vaccine targets telomerase which is active in growth of many cancers. Eraly clinical trials are ongoing in AML and vaccine may have role in melanoma, sarcomas, NHL and lung cancer. Main role of cancer vaccines is in minimal residual disaese or as maintenanence/consolidation therapy...

“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...

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  ...

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...

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...