AJO

This category contains 34 posts

Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance -July 15th, 2007 - reporting from: ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, June 1-5, 2007">Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance -July 15th, 2007 - reporting from: ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, June 1-5, 2007

Volker Diehl
Volker Diehl
George Canellos
George Canellos

Hodgkin’s Disease: 10-Year Results Show Further Benefit From Escalated BEACOPP Therapy

REFERENCE: Abstract 8015, ASCO Annual Meeting Chicago June 1-5, 2007
VOLKER DIEHL, University of Cologne
GEORGE CANELLOS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston

Long-term results presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting have given further support to the use of an escalated BEACOPP regimen in patients with Hodgkin’s disease. Volker Diehl, of the University of Cologne, discussed his latest data with George Canellos, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and Peter Goodwin.

Sandra Horning
Sandra Horning

Less Radiation Is Significantly Better for Patients With Favorable Hodgkin’s Disease

REFERENCE: Abstract 8014, ASCO Annual Meeting Chicago June 1-5, 2007
SANDRA HORNING, Stanford University
Less aggressive radiotherapy when combined with chemotherapy has proven superior to the use of extended field radiotherapy for patients with favorable prognosis Hodgkin’s disease. This finding from long-term follow-up of mature data from a Stanford University study was presented at the 2007 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago. After her talk in the lymphoma session, Sandra Horning talked with Sarah Maxwell about her group’s latest results.

To listen this episode please go to ASCO Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance Presentations.

Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance -July 1st, 2007 - reporting from: ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, June 1-5, 2007">Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance -July 1st, 2007 - reporting from: ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, June 1-5, 2007

Christian Manegold
Christian Manegold
Roy Herbst
Roy Herbst

More Support for Bevacizumab in Advanced Lung Cancer

REFERENCE: Abstract LBA7514, ASCO Annual Meeting Chicago June 1-5, 2007
CHRISTIAN MANEGOLD, Heidelberg University, Mannheim
COMMENT: ROY HERBST, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston

The benefit of adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer was further underlined by a phase III trial presented at ASCO. A European study tested two doses of the targeted agent with or without cisplatin plus gemcitabine chemotherapy. Derek Thorne heard the results from Christian Manegold of the University of Heidelberg.

David Baker
David Baker

Reduced Chemotherapy: Same Benefit in Pediatric Intermediate Risk Neuroblastoma

REFERENCE: Abstract 9504, ASCO Annual Meeting Chicago June 1-5, 2007
DAVID BAKER, Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth
A phase III study of pediatric patients with neuroblastoma has shown that chemotherapy doses can be reduced whilst maintaining the typical high survival rates of standard dose radiotherapy. Sarah Maxwell talked with investigator David Baker during the ASCO conference.

Robert Mayer
Robert Mayer

Oral Agent Benefits Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer

REFERENCE: Abstracts 4513 and 4514, ASCO Annual Meeting Chicago June 1-5, 2007
ROBERT MAYER, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
The oral pro-drug known as S-1 has been shown in two Japanese studies to bring survival benefit to patients with advanced gastric cancer. During the ASCO meeting Peter Goodwin asked Robert Mayer for the details and for his assessment of the importance of these new data.

To listen this episode please go to ASCO Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance Presentations.

Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance - June 15th, 2007 - reporting from: ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, June 1-5, 2007">Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance - June 15th, 2007 - reporting from: ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, June 1-5, 2007

Christiane Kuhl
Christiane Kuhl
Julie Gralow
Julie Gralow

MRI Better Than Mammography for Detecting High-Grade Ductal Carcinoma In Situ?

REFERENCE: 1504, ASCO Annual Meeting Chicago June 1-5, 2007
CHRISTIANE KUHL, University of Bonn, Germany
COMMENT: JULIE GRALOW, University of Washington, Seattle

The ASCO meeting in Chicago heard findings from Germany that suggested MRI was better than mammography for the detection of ductal carcinoma in situ, or preinvasive breast cancer. Derek Thorne spoke to Christiane Kuhl, from the University of Bonn, about her team’s provocative data, while Julie Gralow of the University of Washington commented on how this study could affect clinical practice.

Priya Rastogi
Priya Rastogi

No Increase in Time of Cardiac Toxicity From Trastuzumab

REFERENCE: LBA 513, ASCO Annual Meeting Chicago June 1-5, 2007
PRIYA RASTOGI, University of Pittsburgh
COMMENT: JULIE GRALOW, University of Washington, Seattle

The latest data from the large NSABP B-31 trial, which looked at trastuzumab in breast cancer, have provided some reassurance that the drug’s cardiac toxicity does not continue to grow over time. Priya Rastogi of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine told Derek Thorne about the findings, and she also explained her group’s new model, which could help doctors assess the risk to patients in this situation. Julie Gralow commented on her findings.

To listen this episode please go to ASCO Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance Presentations.

Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance - January 15th, 2007 - HERA Study Results Confirm Trastuzumab Benefit in HER2 Positive Early Breast Cancer

Ian Smith

IAN SMITH, Royal Marsden Hospital, London

REFERENCE: Lancet 369:29
Confirmation of the life-extending benefits of trastuzumab adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer has been published recently in the Lancet. Ian Smith gave Peter Goodwin three-year follow up results from the Herceptin Adjuvant (HERA) Study conducted among 3,000 women in Europe.

To listen this episode please go to ASCO Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance Presentations.

Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance - January 1st, 2007 - Reporting from San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 14-17, 2006

Dennis Slamon
Dennis Slamon
George Peoples
George Peoples
James Holland
James Holland
Massimo Christofanilli
Massimo Christofanilli

Trastuzumab: Mature Results in Early Breast Cancer Show Superiority

REFERENCE: San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2006, Abstract: 52
DENNIS SLAMON, University of California, Los Angeles
Adjuvant therapy regimens containing trastuzumab have proved superior to those with cytotoxic chemotherapy agents alone, used without the new molecular therapy. Mature results from the massive BCIRG 006 phase III randomized trial looking at adjuvant doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, docetaxel with or without trastuzumab were presented in San Antonio by Dennis Slamon, who discussed the details with Peter Goodwin.

HER2 Peptide Vaccine Prevents Breast Cancer Recurrence

REFERENCE: San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2006, Abstract: 4
GEORGE PEOPLES, Brook Army Medical Center, Houston
A vaccine to prevent breast cancer has shown early success in a study reported in San Antonio. A group from Houston presented results from the first trial of vaccination against recurrent breast cancer using the E75 single peptide vaccine. George Peoples told Karen Regester how the vaccine improved progression free survival.

Virus Cause of Breast Cancers?

REFERENCE: San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2006, Abstract: 6
JAMES HOLLAND, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York
A virus may be the cause of human breast cancer, according to James Holland, who gave the San Antonio conference his latest findings implicating human mammary tumor virus as a leading cause of breast cancer. He discussed the data with Peter Goodwin.

Lapatinib Shows Promise as Therapy For Inflammatory Breast Cancer

REFERENCE: San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2006, Abstract: 1
MASSIMO CHRISTOFANILLI, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
Targeted therapy may be the best way to combat aggressive inflammatory breast cancer. Massimo Christofanilli and his colleagues selected patients with HER2neu and EGFR expression for therapy with the dual targeted inhibitor, lapatinib. Benefits were apparent within the first two weeks of treatment.


To listen this episode please go to ASCO Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance Presentations.

Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance - December 15th, 2006 - Reporting from the American Society of Hematology 48th Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida, December 9-12, 2006">Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance - December 15th, 2006 - Reporting from the American Society of Hematology 48th Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida, December 9-12, 2006

Martin Müller
Martin Müller
Charles Linker
Charles Linker
Andreas Hochhaus
Andreas Hochhaus
Christian Buske
Christian Buske
Katarina Le Blanc
Katarina Le Blanc
Stephen Emerson
Stephen Emerson
Alessandro Vannucchi
Alessandro Vannucchi
Kanti Rai
Kanti Rai
Richard Schlenk
Richard Schlenk

BCR-ABL Mutations After Imatinib Failure: Impact on Response to Dasatinib

REFERENCE: American Society of Hematology 2006 Orlando: Abstract: 748
MARTIN MÜLLER, University of Heidelberg, Manheim
COMMENT: CHARLES LINKER, University of California, San Francisco

In chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia, the new multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib has proven effective in patients developing BCR-ABL mutations that have caused resistance to the first line agent imatinib. Martin Müller gave Peter Goodwin the latest data on dasatinib and his views about the possible clinical use of this new agent.

Nilotinib: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition Alternative When Imatinib Fails

REFERENCE: American Society of Hematology 2006 Orlando: Abstract: 749
ANDREAS HOCHHAUS, University of Heidelberg, Manheim
COMMENT: CHARLES LINKER, University of California, San Francisco
The tyrosine kinase inhibitor nilotinib has proven capable of controlling chronic myeloid leukemia in patients for whom imatinib has failed because of the emergence of BCR-ABL mutations. Andreas Hochhaus discussed the achievements and the limitations of this new therapy with Peter Goodwin during the ASH meeting in Orlando.

Rituximab-CHOP Significantly Better Than CHOP Alone for Older Patients With Advanced Stage Follicular Lymphoma

REFERENCE: American Society of Hematology 2006 Orlando: Abstract: 482
CHRISTIAN BUSKE, University Hospital, Munich
COMMENT: CHARLES LINKER, University of California, San Francisco
A phase III randomized trial from the German Low Grade Lymphoma group has shown rituximab-CHOP (R-CHOP) to be significantly better than CHOP alone in older patients with advanced stage follicular lymphoma. R-CHOP gave higher response rates, longer times to treatment failure, and longer overall survival with no additional side effects as compared to CHOP alone. Sarah Maxwell spoke to Christian Buske at the American Society of Hematology meeting in Orlando.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells To Treat Severe Graft-Versus-Host-Disease: A New Option?

REFERENCE: American Society of Hematology 2006 Orlando: Abstract: 753
KATARINA LE BLANC, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm
COMMENT: STEPHEN EMERSON, University of Pennsylvania
A new way of treating graft-versus-host-disease could be therapy with mesenchymal stem cells from HLA matched or unmatched donors. Steroid refractory patients with hematologic malignancies experiencing severe graft-versus-host disease received allogeneic transplants in a study reported in Orlando. Many had complete responses to therapy. Sarah Maxwelll asked Katarina Le Blanc about these findings.

Polycythemia Vera: JAK2 Gene Mutation Levels Predict Outcome And Could Guide Therapy

REFERENCE: American Society of Hematology 2006 Orlando: Abstract: 5
ALESSANDRO VANNUCCHI, University of Florence
COMMENT: KANTI RAI, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New York
A new study of patients with polycythemia vera has discovered that prognosis and, consequently, therapy recommendations are predicted by the proportion of JAK2 genes which are mutated. Alessandro Vannucchi from Florence University told Peter Goodwin about his findings at the ASH conference in Florida, and suggested that therapy may be guided by reference to JAK2 mutation levels.

Predictive Markers for Younger Patients with Normal Karyotype Acute Myeloid Leukemia

REFERENCE: American Society of Hematology 2006 Orlando: Abstract: 4
RICHARD SCHLENK, University of Ulm, Germany
COMMENT: KANTI RAI, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New York

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia may do better or worse depending on whether they have specific molecular markers. New findings on this were discussed at the ASH meeting in Orlando in a presentation from Ulm. After his talk Richard Schlenk told Sarah Maxwell about their findings and the clinical hopes they raised for improving therapy.


To listen this episode please go to ASCO Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance Presentations.

Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance - December 1st, 2006

Clifford Hudis
Clifford Hudis
Mark Einstein
Mark Einstein
Tony Greco
Tony Greco
James Berenson
James Berenson
Edward Ambinder
Edward Ambinder

Breast Cancer: HER2 Still a Useful Target After Trastuzumab Resistance

REFERENCE: Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium XXIV 8-11 November 2006
CLIFFORD HUDIS, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York
COMMENT: EDWARD AMBINDER, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York

Clifford Hudis of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York presented data to support the idea that HER2 is still a useful target after progression on trastuzumab. One of the drugs he focused on was 17AAG, an Hsp90 inhibitor.

Therapeutic Vaccination For Cervical Neoplasia

REFERENCE: Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium XXIV 8-11 November 2006
MARK EINSTEIN, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York

Could vaccination have a therapeutic role in the treatment of cervical cancer? Mark Einstein, from the Montefiore Medical Center in New York, presented data on a vaccination for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

New Drugs in Both Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer and Small Cell Lung Cancer

REFERENCE: Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium XXIV 8-11 November 2006
Tony GRECO, Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, Nashville
Tony Greco of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center in Nashville explained some new drugs for treating lung cancer. One is a new alkylating agent, while the other is albumin-bound paclitaxel.

Multiple Myeloma: Could Arsenic Trioxide Have a Role in Treatment?

REFERENCE: Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium XXIV 8-11 November 2006
JAMES BERENSON, Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research, California
COMMENT: EDWARD AMBINDER, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York

A study presented by James Berenson, of the Institute of Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research in California, suggests that arsenic trioxide is another useful option in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.


To listen this episode please go to ASCO Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance Presentations.

Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance - October 15th, 2006">Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance - October 15th, 2006

Gordon McVie
Gordon McVie
Martine Piccart
Martine Piccart
Bella Kaufman
Bella Kaufman
Jean-Yves Douillard
Jean-Yves Douillard

ESMO Congress Reviewed

GORDON MCVIE, European Institute of Oncology, Milan
In Istanbul, Gordon McVie gave his opinion about the achievements of the 2006 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress. He added his comments regarding the news emerging from the Congress.

Trastuzumab in Early Breast Cancer: Latest Results; Gene Arrays to Avoid Chemotherapy?

REFERENCE: 31st European Society for Medical Oncology Congress, Istanbul, 29 September – 3 October 2006 Special Session
MARTINE PICCART, Jules Bordet Institute, Brussels
COMMENT: Gordon McVie

The latest evidence on how best to use trastuzumab in the treatment of early breast cancer was discussed at the ESMO conference by Martine Piccart from Brussels, who presented mature data from the HERA study of 5,000 patients conducted by the Breast International Group (BIG). The conference also heard about the group’s new “Microarray In Node-negative Disease may Avoid ChemoTherapy” (MINDACT) study, just beginning, in which 6,000 women are to be assessed by gene arrays to distinguish whether or not they require chemotherapy for their node negative disease.

Trastuzumab Plus Anastrozole: Better for Patients with Metastatic HER2+, ER+ Breast Cancer

REFERENCE: 31st European Society for Medical Oncology Congress, Istanbul, 29 September – 3 October 2006, Abstract LBA2
BELLA KAUFMAN, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
COMMENT: Gordon McVie

A combination of trastuzumab administered concurrently with anastrozole has extended progression-free survival in postmenopausal women with metastatic breast cancers expressing both the HER2 and estrogen receptors. Bella Kaufman from the Chaim Sheba Center in Israel discussed her findings with Peter Goodwin during the ESMO congress in Istanbul.

Adjuvant Cisplatin Plus Vinorelbine: Better Survival with Non Small-Cell Lung Cancer

REFERENCE: ESMO, Istanbul, 29 September – 3 October, 2006 Abstract: 710 o
JEAN-YVES DOUILLARD, Centre René Gauducheau, Nantes
COMMENT: Gordon McVie
A pooled analysis of adjuvant chemotherapy for lung cancer, the Lung Adjuvant Cisplatin Evaluation (LACE), has revealed that a combination of vinorelbine with cisplatin yields the best results, with the greatest improvements in survival, among patients diagnosed with stage III disease. During the Istanbul conference, Jean-Yves Douillard told Peter Goodwin about his conclusions.

Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance - October 1st, 2006

George Canellos
George Canellos
Sandra Strauss
Sandra Strauss
Nancy Baxter
Nancy Baxter

KIT Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Confer Higher Relapse Risk
Liver Metastasis Resection Not Curative for Colorectal Cancer
Patients With Node Negative Breast Cancer: Low Risk After Mastectomy

REFERENCES: J Clin Oncol 34:3904, 3927, 3939
GEORGE CANELLOS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
In adult acute myeloid leukemia the detection of KIT mutations was associated with higher relapse risk, according to a study from Columbus, Ohio, reviewed by George Canellos. Dr Canellos also discussed findings from Paris that complete dissection of liver metastasis is not curative for colorectal cancer, and results from Boston that patients with large breast cancers removed by mastectomy may expect low locoregional recurrence rates if they are lymph-node negative, and therefore do not need postmastectomy radiotherapy.

Combination Immunotherapy: Promising For Patients With Refractory or Recurrent Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

REFERENCE: J Clin Oncol 24:3880
SANDRA STRAUSS, Royal Free Hospital, London
COMMENT: George Canellos

A new combination of immunotherapy agents – the anti-CD22 antibody epratuzumab and the anti CD20 rituximab - has shown promise for the treatment of patients whose non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is recurrent or has become refractory to standard therapy. Sandra Strauss of London’s Royal Free Hospital told Peter Goodwin about the findings from her study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Stage IIIB, IIIC Colon Cancer: Negative Lymph Nodes, Longer Survival

REFERENCE: J Clin Oncol 24:3570
NANCY BAXTER, St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto
COMMENT: George Canellos

In Stage III colon cancer having fewer negative lymph nodes leads to shorter survival, according to the findings of a study from St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Having more negative nodes is associated with longer survival. Nancy Baxter discussed the investigation with Derek Thorne.



Audio Journal of Oncology - September 15th, 2006">Audio Journal of Oncology - September 15th, 2006

Robert Ozols
Robert Ozols
William See
William See
Ruth Lupu
Ruth Lupu

Improving on Standard Treatment in Ovarian Cancer: Have We Hit a Wall?

REFERENCE: Abstract 5002, 2006 ASCO Annual Meeting; N Engl J Med 2006, 354:34-43
ROBERT OZOLS, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia
The combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin has become the standard treatment for ovarian cancer, but it is not entirely satisfactory. Is it possible to find an improvement, either by using another chemotherapeutic agent, or by employing intraperitoneal therapy? Robert Ozols of the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia tells Derek Thorne about the recent evidence and looks ahead to the future.

Bicalutamide Alternative to Castration for Radiation-Treated Patients with Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer?

REFERENCE: J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 132, Supplement 13:7
WILLIAM SEE, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
COMMENT: Robert Ozols

A new option has emerged for patients with locally advanced prostate cancer that may avoid the need for castration. According to a study just published in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology the nonsteroidal antiandrogen bicalutamide may provide a similar benefit to that of castration, but with more acceptable side effects. William See of the Medical College of Wisconsin discussed his team’s findings with Derek Thorne.

Breast Tumors with High Heregulin, Low Her-2, Could Benefit from Trastuzumab

REFERENCE: J Clin Oncol, 24:3735-3746
RUTH LUPU, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Research Institute
COMMENT: Robert Ozols

Despite promising results for the breast cancer agent trastuzumab, only a minority of breast tumors have the appropriate genetic profile for treatment – which includes overexpressed Her-2. However, a new paper in the Journal of Clinical Oncology might lead to an increase in the number of eligible patients. Ruth Lupu described her team’s study, which looked at tumorigenic cells that overexpress heregulin, an activator of Her-2.



Audio Journal of Oncology - September 1st, 2006">Audio Journal of Oncology - September 1st, 2006

Mark Socinski
Mark Socinski
Bruce Johnson
Bruce Johnson
Neil Shah
Neil Shah
Doug Smith
Doug Smith

Sunitinib Multi-Targeted Oral Anti-Angiogenic Therapy Responses in Lung Cancer

REFERENCE: Abstract 7001
Mark A. Socinski, Univerisity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
The use of anti-angiogenic therapy for treating patients with non-small cell lung cancer received a boost at the 2006 ASCO Annual Meeting in Atlanta by results from a study looking at the use of sunitinib, a multi-targeted oral drug that achieved partial responses and stable disease among pretreated patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Mark Socinski from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said the results suggest that sunitinib may be even more useful when used in earlier stages of treatment.

Sunitinib in Lung Cancer: Results Assessed

REFERENCE: ABSTRACT 7001, ASCO 2006 Annual Meeting, Atlanta
Bruce Johnson, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
During the ASCO meeting, Bruce Johnson commented on the findings presented by Mark Socinski. Peter Goodwin asked him to assess the possible value of sunitinib and the scope of such targeted agents for treating patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Dasatinib: Possible Option for treating Patients in Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Resistant to Imatinib

REFERENCE: Abstract 6507
Neil Shah, University of California, San Francisco
One of the options for treating patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia resistant to imatinib might be the new targeted therapy dasatinib. ASCO delegates heard more from Neil Shah, of the University of California in San Francisco.

Vaccine Promise for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

REFERENCE: Abstract 6509
Doug Smith, Johns Hopkins Cancer Center, Baltimore
A vaccine for chronic myeloid leukemia has produced molecular remissions in a small number of patients. Results were presented at the 2006 ASCO meeting by Doug Smith of Johns Hopkins Cancer Center in Baltimore, who described to Derek Thorne how the vaccine has been performing, and why chronic myeloid leukemia might be a good disease in which to use this approach.



Audio Journal of Oncology - August 15th 2006">Audio Journal of Oncology - August 15th 2006

Joan Houghton
Joan Houghton
Elizabeth Barrett-Connor
Elizabeth Barrett-Connor
Fran Balkwill
Fran Balkwill
Carl Christophe Schimanski
Carl Christophe Schimanski

Adjuvant Anastrozole for Patients With Breast Cancer: Long-Term Safety Results From the ATAC Study

REFERENCE: Lancet Oncol 2006;7:633
Joan Houghton, University College, London
The case for using aromatase inhibitors rather than tamoxifen as adjuvant endocrine treatment for postmenopausal patients with breast cancer was strengthened recently by the latest report from the ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination) study just published in the Lancet Oncology. Joan Houghton from London University explained to Sarah Maxwell how the safety of anastrozole has now been confirmed by five-year mature data from more than 6,000 patients.

Raloxifene for Cancer Prevention More Benefit Than Risk?

REFERENCE: N Engl J Med 2006;355:125
Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, University of California, San Diego
The findings of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shed new light on breast cancer chemoprevention by looking at the selective estrogen modulator raloxifene. Data on 10,000 women, who were recruited primarily to test the drug’s activity for preventing cardiovascular disease, showed a powerful effect in preventing breast cancer. The investigators suggest that in women at risk of osteoporosis, raloxifene may be a better agent for preventing breast cancer than tamoxifen.

Chemokines: Mediators of Invasion and Metastasis–New Targets for Ovarian Cancer Therapy?

REFERENCE: American Association for Cancer Research 97th Annual Meeting April 1-5, 2006, Washington DC. Education Session
Fran Balkwill, Barts Hospital, London
Chemo-attractant molecules called chemokines that direct the migration of immune cells around the body could become important new weapons in the cancer doctor’s therapeutic armory, according to Fran Balkwill who chaired an education session at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting. In difficult-to-treat diseases like ovarian cancer, chemokine modulation offers the possibility of contributing alternative targeted components to anticancer regimens.

Chemokines: Keys to Controlling Liver Cancer Metastasis?

REFERENCE: American Association for Cancer Research 97th Annual Meeting April 1-5, 2006, Washington DC. Abstract 406
Carl Christophe Schimanski, University of Mainz
The chemokine in the human body known as CXCR4 might be an omnipresent inductor of the metastatic process, according to Carl Schimanski who presented data on CXCR4 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma biopsies and related it to metastatic tumor properties in patients. He told the AACR conference that the recent availability of chemokine antagonists holds out the promise of modulating metastasis and extending patient survival.