All GLG News Analyses Filed Under: Oncology

New biomarker panel outperforms current standard for detecting early-stage ovarian cancer - reason for cautious optimism

January 8, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:New Diagnostic 98% Accurate Detecting Early Stage Ovarian Cancers - 2nd Generation OvPlex™ Panel Completes Initial Phase II Biomarker Trial | www.medicalnewstoday.com

A panel of biomarkers developed by the Australian diagnostic company Healthlinx was shown to outperform the existing standard of CA125 in detecting early-stage ovarian cancer in a Phase II biomarker trial (reported 'diagnostic efficiency' with the panel was over 98% compared to values around 60% for CA125). In addition, the panel was found to correctly identify a number of cases falsely classified (either positive or negative) by the CA125 test, a further confirmation of the power of a panel over a single marker. Future studies in larger trials will determine whether the panel is robust enough to hold up to expectations and whether the panel can be applied across ethnic boundaries.

Erbitux First Line in MCRC? Let's not get carried away.

January 7, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:Merck Serono: Study Published In JCO Shows Erbitux Enhances Efficacy In MCRC Patients With KRAS Wild-Type Tumors In 1st-Line Setting | www.medicalnewstoday.com

Ebitux plus chemo is better than chemo alone in patients WITHOUT K-RAS mutations. Yes, but...

Robert BoorsteinAssociate Professor, PathologyNEW YORK UNIVERSITY (INC)

Linkage of Molecular pathology test results with diagnostic options

January 6, 2009

Analysis of:Merck Serono: Study Published In JCO Shows Erbitux Enhances Efficacy In MCRC Patients With KRAS Wild-Type Tumors In 1st-Line Setting | www.medicalnewstoday.com

This study is one that adds to an increasing body of evidence linking specific molecular testing to treatments with expensive and potentially dangerous antichemotherapeutic agents.

Erbitux in K ras wild metastatic first line treatment

January 6, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:Merck Serono: Study Published In JCO Shows Erbitux Enhances Efficacy In MCRC Patients With KRAS Wild-Type Tumors In 1st-Line Setting | www.medicalnewstoday.com

As a medical oncologist, I would want to know how folfox/erbitux in k ras wild patients fared against the standard of folfox/avastin for metastatic first line patients. Stephen Schreibman, MD

Predicting response to anti-EGFR cancer therapy

January 5, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:Merck KGaA: Overall Survival in First-Line NSCLC Reaches 15 Months | www.drugs.com

Cetiximab and other anti-EGFR antibodies are effective late-line therapies for colorectal cancer, squamous cell cancers of the head and neck, and non-small cell lung cancer. Response rates are low (10-20%), but these response rates have been shown to be durable and do result in improved survival, particularly when combined with chemotherapeutic agents. The challenge now is to identify those patients who will best respond to these therapies.

Sorafenib (Bayer) in Breast Cancer: Strike 1

January 2, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:Phase II Trial of Sorafenib in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer Previously Exposed to Anthracyclines or Taxanes: North Central Cancer Treatment Group and Mayo Clinic Trial N0336 | jco.ascopubs.org

The long and the short?? No evidenceof efficacy

Why is the risk of colorectal cancer not higher in Asians?

January 2, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:Drinkers With The Alcohol Dehydrogenase 1C*1 Gene Are At Greater Risk Of Colorectal Cancer | www.medicalnewstoday.com

High blood acetaldehyde levels are associated with more liver and perhaps pancreatic damage and inflammation thus enhancing neoplasia. How would high blood acetaldehyde levels induce colorectal cancer? Also through inflammation. The alcohol dehydrogenase polymorphism is common in Asians yet there is not a concomitant increase in colorectal cancer. This association is interesting but requires experimental proof.

Gleevec's (Novartis) other use...

December 23, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:FDA Approves Gleevec to Prevent Recurrence of Rare Gastrointestinal Cancer | www.therapeuticsdaily.com

This valuable agent can now be used as an adjuvant (preventative) fashion in patients with gastrointestinal stroma tumors (GIST)

In vitro findings unlikely to have a clinical impact

December 22, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:Novel Basis Identified for Tamoxifen Failure | pharmalive.com

The findings that Tamoxifen may enahnce breast cancer growth in cells with decreased expression of acthedrin is ynlikely to have clinical impact  for 2 reasons: 1- Most ER postive breast cancer patients by definition have higher expression of cathedrin 2- Tamoxifen is largely replaced by aromatase inhibitors which do not have this negative effect

Black Box warning un-neccesary-Read the "fine Print"!!!

December 22, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:Scientists recommend 'black box' for Avastin | www.fiercepharma.com

The data about increased risk of thrombosis with Avastin is inflated-to say the least. Avastin"COULD" increase risk of thrombosis by 12 % in a population of cancer patients who are already at increased risk of thrombosis. Moreover , very few clots were fatal. The benefit of increased survival in colorectal and head and neck cancer and may be in GBM will outweigh this thrombosis risk taht can be monitored . No need for Black box warning    

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