Canadian Partnership Against Cancer 2011-12 annual report now available

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer has released its annual report for 2011/2012, Focused Approach, Measurable Impact. Highlighting numerous achievements made in the field of cancer care over the past year, the report demonstrates that, when collaborating together, "organizations are generating new knowledge, sharing promising and emerging practices, and growing regional solutions into tangible quality improvements...".

The complete report can be accessed here.

Not all non-small cell lung cancer patients who could benefit from crizotinib are identified by FISH assay

EML4-ALK fusion gene is present in 2-7% of non-small cell lung cancers. Crizotinib was approved by FDA almost a year ago, and very recently European Medicines Agency recommended granting a conditional approval in patients with ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer. A recent University of Colorado Cancer Center case study, published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, describes the never before seen case of a patient who has been tested negative for EML4-ALK fusion based on the well defined criteria for FISH assay as approved by FDA, but nevertheless experienced remission after treatment with crizotinib. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Peled N, et al. Next-Generation Sequencing Identifies and Immunohistochemistry Confirms a Novel Crizotinib-Sensitive ALK Rearrangement in a Patient with Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. J Thorac Oncol. 2012 Sep;7(9):e14-6. PMID: 22895149

Targeting inflammation to prevent and treat cancers

Researchers at the Georgia Health Sciences University Cancer Center have identified a gene that disrupts the inflammatory process implicated in liver cancer. The study could lead to drug therapies to target TREM-1. During the 14-month study, Dr Horuzsko and his team used mouse studies to gather data on the effect of TREM-1 in the liver cells and identify potential sources for therapies. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Wu J, et al. The Proinflammatory Myeloid Cell Receptor TREM-1 Controls Kupffer Cell Activation and Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Res. 2012 Aug 15;72(16):3977-86. PMID: 22719066

Too few girls get HPV vaccine against cancer: CDC

Parents and doctors can do more to protect girls from cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), say U.S. health officials who are concerned by lagging HPV vaccination rates among females. "Stronger health-care provider recommendations for HPV vaccination, implementation of reminder/recall systems, elimination of missed opportunities for vaccination, and education of parents of adolescents regarding the risk for HPV infection and the benefits of vaccination are needed to protect adolescents from HPV-related cancers," Dr. Christina Dorell and her CDC colleagues wrote. Read the news story here.

Connect to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report article here.

Breast cancer drug may harm the heart more than thought

Women with breast cancer who are treated with the cancer drug Herceptin may have more long-term cardiac problems than experts have thought, new research suggests. "The risk of heart failure associated with these drugs might be higher than what has been shown in clinical trials," explained study author Erin Aiello Bowles, an epidemiologist at Group Health Research Institute, in Seattle. Read more here.

New drug approved for lack of certain white blood cells

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved tbo-filgrastim to treat severe neutropenia. Triggered by certain chemotherapy drugs, neutropenia "is characterized by a decrease in infection-fighting white blood cells called neutrophils." Intended for adults who do not have blood or bone marrow cancer, patients receiving tbo-filgrastim recovered from severe neutropenia in 1.1 days, compared to 3.8 days among those administered a placebo.

To read more about this study, click here.

Information helps men make prostate cancer decisions

When given additional information, prostate cancer patients are less likely to remain undecided about which treatment they want and are less likely to want their prostates removed, in a new study. Perhaps not surprisingly, Dutch researchers found that just 2 percent of patients remained undecided after being educated about the two or three treatments available to them. That's compared to about 8 percent of patients who had normal doctor's visits. Read more here.

Study mentioned: van Tol-Geerdink JJ, et al. Choice between prostatectomy and radiotherapy when men are eligible for both: a randomized controlled trial of usual care vs decision aid. BJU International. 2012 Aug 10. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22882966

U of A breast cancer study looking for volunteers to examine effects of fitness

Researchers in Edmonton and Calgary are searching for breast cancer patient recruits to take part in a study to examine how fitness affects cancer survival and recovery. The Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (AMBER) study will see a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Alberta, Alberta Health Services, University of Calgary and Athabasca University spend the next five years to recruit patients and 10 years completing the study. Read the news article here.

Potential cancer therapy

Researchers at the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services’ Tom Baker Cancer Centre are examining the potential use of the reovirus as a possible treatment for multiple myeloma–a cancer that affects blood cells. “The virus appears not to affect healthy cells, unlike radiation and chemotherapy,” says Dr. Don Morris, lead author of the study, AHS medical oncologist and member of the university’s Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute. “In the future, this treatment might be used in conjunction with other cancer therapies, as we have recently found that the combination of reovirus and other new therapies currently used in the treatment of myeloma work better together than individually.” Read more here.

Study mentioned: Thirukkumaran CM, et al. Reovirus as a Viable Therapeutic Option for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma. Clin Cancer Res. 2012 Aug 3. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22761466

Daily aspirin linked to lower cancer mortality

A large new observational study finds more evidence of an association between daily aspirin use and modestly lower cancer mortality, but suggests any reduction may be smaller than that observed in a recent analysis. The study provides additional support for potential benefit of daily aspirin use for cancer mortality, but important questions remain about the size of the benefit. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Daily Aspirin Usage Associated with Lower Cancer Mortality. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2012 Aug 10. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22888141

Management of locally advanced NSCLC in the elderly

Treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in elderly patients is challenging. The latest phase III clinical trial in this setting suggests a survival improvement for the combination treatment in a selected group of patients. Dr Cesare Gridelli of the Division of Medical Oncology, S. G. Moscati Hospital discusses why the results of that study do not define a new standard of treatment in the entire elderly population. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Gridelli C. Lung cancer: Locally advanced NCSLC in the elderly: which treatment? Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2012 Jul 10;9(8):434-5. PMID: 22777057

Extra pounds tied to breast cancer recurrence, death

Among women who have been treated for breast cancer, heavier women are more likely to have their disease come back and more likely to die of cancer, according to a new study. Previous studies have tied obesity to a higher chance of getting breast cancer - and worse outcomes in women who have already been diagnosed. But these findings make the post-diagnosis picture clearer, said lead researcher Dr. Joseph Sparano, associate chairman of medical oncology at the Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care in the Bronx, New York. "Obesity seemed to carry a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence and death - even in women who were healthy at the time that they were diagnosed, and despite the fact that they received the best available chemotherapy and hormone therapy," he said. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Sparano JA, et al. Obesity at diagnosis is associated with inferior outcomes in hormone receptor-positive operable breast cancer. Cancer. 2012 Aug 27. doi: 10.1002/cncr.27527. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22926690

Daily aspirin may help fight prostate cancer, but not breast cancer

Two new studies paint a complex portrait of aspirin's impact on cancer risk and mortality, with one suggesting the drug may lower the risk of dying from prostate cancer and the other seeing no significant drop in the risk for developing breast cancer. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Choe KS, et al. Aspirin Use and the Risk of Prostate Cancer Mortality in Men Treated With Prostatectomy or Radiotherapy. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Aug 27. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22927523

Study mentioned: Zhang X, et al. Use of Aspirin, Other Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, and Acetaminophen and Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Incidence. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Aug 27. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22927520

Breast cancer drug might help men on prostate cancer therapy

The breast cancer drug tamoxifen may reduce some of the side effects caused by hormone therapy for prostate cancer, according to a new study. German researchers examined the results of four independent clinical trials that examined the use of tamoxifen to manage side effects in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen-suppression therapy. The study found that tamoxifen reduced the risk of breast enlargement and breast pain in men at three, six, nine and 12 months of treatment compared to men who did not take tamoxifen. Overall, tamoxifen was more successful in reducing breast symptoms than radiation therapy or treatment with the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole, which is also used to treat breast cancer. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Kunath F, et al. Tamoxifen for the management of breast events induced by non-steroidal antiandrogens in patients with prostate cancer: A systematic review. BMC Med. 2012 Aug 28;10(1):96. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22925442

Race may affect quality of prostate cancer surgical care

Black prostate cancer patients may receive lower-quality surgical care than white patients, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed the medical records of nearly 106,000 prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) in Florida, Maryland and New York state between 1996 and 2007. This study found that black men were 33 percent less likely to have a high-volume surgeon and 27 percent less likely to be treated in a high-volume hospital, compared to white men. Black patients also had a higher rate of blood transfusion, longer hospital stays and were more likely to die in the hospital. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Barocas DA, et al. Racial Variation in the Quality of Surgical Care for Prostate Cancer. J Urol. 2012 Aug 16. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22902011

Canadian advances to be showcased at international cancer conference

Sharing knowledge to improve cancer care at a systems level and in turn reduce the burden of the disease is part of Canada’s approach to cancer control and one that will be evident throughout the conference. See the full news here.

Can removing fallopian tubes prevent cancer?

"I've seen a few articles recently about removing the fallopian tubes to prevent ovarian cancer, a procedure called "prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy". And not just in women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer, which is already recommended by gynecological medical societies in the United States, but for all women who are not planning to have any more children and who are about to undergo abdominal surgery for any reason." Continue reading the American Cancer Society Expert Voices blog here.

Reach to Recovery International announces breast cancer conference

Registration opens this month for the 17th Reach to Recovery International (RRI) Breast Cancer Support Conference, to be held March 20 – 22, 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa. The RRI Network seeks to improve the quality of life for women with breast cancer and their families by nurturing volunteer peer support and promoting other services to meet their needs, such as advocacy and consumer involvement in research. The theme for the 2013 conference is Together We Reach, with a focus on viewing breast cancer from the perspectives of the survivor, the partner, the family, the community, the breast cancer activist, and the health professional. Read more here.

Gene may predict brain tumor aggressiveness

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center have discovered a gene variant that increases the risk of certain types of brain tumors, making it easier to identify those at risk of developing the tumors, and subsequently improving treatment.

According to Dr. Robert Jenkins and his team, "people who carry a 'G' instead of an 'A' at a specific location in their genetic code have...a sixfold increased risk of developing certain subtypes of gliomas, which account for about 20% of brain cancers diagnosed in the United States." According to these findings, clinical tests are already being considered, as it may be possible to identify patients with particular brain scan abnormalities via a blood test.

More information on this study is available by clicking here.

Study mentioned: Jenkins RB et al. A low-frequency variant at 8q24.21 is strongly associated with risk of oligodendroglial tumors and astrocytomas with IDH1 or IDH2 mutation. Nat Genet. 2012 Aug 26 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID 22922872

Modelling metastasis via computer simulations

Scientists from the University of Southern California, Oregon Health and Science University, and The Scripps Research Institute have created a computer simulation to depict cancer cells entering circulation. "Until now, no one knew the physical forces involved in this process, the first step in metastasis." By creating the Active Shape Model, the researchers applied the same statistical technique used by animators to create furry monsters. Seen as the first step to understanding the path cancer cells travel over the course of a disease, "the ultimate goal is developing computer simulations of metastasis' multi-step process, and thus new therapies to target metastasis."

To learn more about this model, click here.

Study helps define treatment options in children with hard-to-treat leukemias

For some children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) who don’t improve after initial induction chemotherapy, getting more chemotherapy may be a better option than having a stem cell transplant, according to an international study. In a statement, researcher Ching-Hon Pui, MD, chair of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Department of Oncology said, “These results tell us that induction failure should no longer be considered an automatic indication for a [stem cell] transplant.” Read more here.

Study mentioned: Schrappe M, et al. Outcomes after induction failure in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. N Engl J Med. 2012 Apr 12;366(15):1371-81. PMID: 22494120

New molecular target for melanoma treatment

Elesclomol has been identified as a new drug which may play a considerable role in melanoma. For over half a century, scientists studying cancer cells have often observed the Warburg affect, where cancer cells prevent normal energy-producing processes, "preventing them from using metabolis pathways in the cell's mitochondria." Elesclomol blocks the process of oxidative phosphorylation, which is seen as particularly viable for targeting early metastatic disease.

To read more about this study, published in PLoS One, click here.

Study mentioned: Barbi de Moura M et al. Mitochondrial respiration: An important therapeutic target in melanoma. PLoS One. 2012; 7(8):e40690. PMID 22912665

Large-scale study finds new ways that cells combat DNA damage from chemotherapy drugs

Toronto scientists have discovered new ways that cells deal with the damage caused by chemotherapy, a finding that could improve treatments for patients. In this Canadian Cancer Society–funded study, the research team used a microscopic screening technology to study all the proteins in the cell and their response to specific chemotherapy drugs. This is the first time all the proteins in cells have been studied in this way, allowing scientists to better understand what happens inside a cell during chemotherapy. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Tkach JM, et al. Dissecting DNA damage response pathways by analysing protein localization and abundance changes during DNA replication stress. Nat Cell Biol. 2012 Jul 29. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22842922

The Canadian Cancer Society to present at the World Cancer Congress

The Canadian Cancer Society will join other top international cancer control representatives at the biennial World Cancer Congress in Montreal from August 27 – 30 to share ideas and seek solutions to reduce the impact of cancer in communities around the world. Under the theme “Connecting for Global Impact,” the conference is hosted by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) based in Geneva. Read the full media release here.

For more information on the World Cancer Congress, visit www.worldcancercongress.org

Summary basis of decision for Aloxi

Health Canada has issued a Notice of Compliance to Eisai Limited for the drug product, Aloxi. Two dosage forms of Aloxi, the Aloxi injection 0.05 mg/mL, and the Aloxi capsules 0.5 mg were recommended for authorization. Aloxi contains the medicinal ingredient palonosetron hydrochloride which is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Read more here.

Lung cancer risk prediction model

The Liverpool Lung Project (LLP) risk prediction model, developed by the University of Liverpool Cancer Research Centre, and funded by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation in the UK is considered a viable tool for selecting high-risk lung cancer patients for prevention and control programs. Validated in three independent studies from Europe as well as a case-control study at Harvard, the model "calculates an individual's chance of developing lung cancer within the next five years...[using] information on smoking duration, previous diagnosis of pneumonia, previous diagnosis of other cancer, occupational exposure to asbestos, and relative age at onset of lung cancer diagnosis."

To read more about the LLP model, click here.

Study mentioned: Raji OY et al. Predictove accuracy of the Liverpool lung project risk model for stratifying patients for computed tomography screening for lung cancer: A case-control and cohort validation study. Ann Intern Med. 2012 Aug 21; 157(4):242-50. PMID 22910935

Cancer-causing agent in smokeless tobacco identified

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have determined that (S)-NNN, a nitrosamine compound found in chewing tobacco and snuff, leads to an increased risk for oral cancer. While nitrosamines are present in many foods, including beer and bacon, the levels are significantly higher in smokeless tobacco products, raising concerns and leading to suggestions that (S)-NNN should either be banned or strictly regulated.

While this study has not yet been conducted on humans (preliminary findings from research using rodents was presented yesterday, August 22, 2012, at the American Chemical Societ's annual meeting), it certainly merits further investigation, considering that "roughly 9 million Americans use smokeless tobacco products."

The complete news release is available here.

Notice of decision for Inlyta

Health Canada has issued a Notice of Compliance to Pfizer Products Inc., for the drug product Inlyta. Inlyta contains the medicinal ingredient axitinib which is a kinase inhibitor and an anti-tumour agent. Inlyta is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of clear cell histology after failure of prior systemic therapy with either a cytokine or the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), sunitinib. Read more here.

Bevacizumab in combination with capecitabine not recommended for first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer

NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Evidence) has produced guidance which does not recommend bevacizumab in combination with capecitabine as first-line treatment for mestatistic breast cancer, "when other chemotherapy..is not appropriate, or taxanes or anthracyclines have been given in the past 12 months." Although NICE investigated a number of factors before making this declaration, including how well the proposed treatment worked, cost, and special considerations that could potentially extend the lives of terminal cancer patients, there was not enough evidence provided to justofy this treatment option.

To read more about this guidance, click here.

Enzalutamide prolongs survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer after chemotherapy

Results of a phase III clinical trial has indicated that the drug enzalutamide can extend survival by an average of five months in patients afflicted with advanced stages of prostate cancer. Despite warnings that this drug should not be administered to patients with history of seizure, stroke, alcoholism, brain injury, or brain metastases, "enzalutamide reduced the risk of death from any cause by 37% versus placebo.

More information on the trial can be found here.

Study mentioned: Scher HI et al. Increased survival with enzalutamide in prostate cancer after chemotherapy. N Engl J Med. 2012 Aug 15 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID 22894553

Interactive map of cancer mortality risk around the world

First introduced in July 2011, Outsourcing-Pharma has developed an interactive map of cancer mortality risk around the world.  Based on data from Globocan, a pull-down menu allows the user to select one of the major cancers around the world, and compare this region-to-region or country-to-country. 

To access the interactive map, click here.

Breast cancer research funding opportunities from Susan G. Komen for the cure

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is excited to announce the release of Requests for Applications (RFAs) for the several funding programmes including:
- Investigator-Initiated Grants
- Career Catalyst Research Grants
- Challenge Grants: Breast Cancer and the Environment

More information is available here.

Finding missing pieces: Report highlights importance of outcomes data

August 16, 2012—Learning about gains in Canadians’ health status—especially from patients themselves—would provide a more comprehensive picture of population health and health care services, according to a report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and Statistics Canada. There is currently little clear connection between processes of care and outcomes—important information in determining the value obtained from health care investments. Although there are no standard, comprehensive, repeated measures of health status at the population level in Canada that could be used to assess outcomes of care, the country has seen progress: - In home and continuing care, the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) system allows care providers to gauge individuals’ progress. - In rehabilitation, the FIM® instrument helps care providers assess patients’ physical and cognitive status. Both of these tools feed into CIHI databases, allowing the reports to inform decisions at multiple levels in the health care system. More info is here.

New tool may improve personalized cancer therapy

Dr. Vito Quaranta, professor of cancer biology at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and his team have developed a new tool to observe cell behaviour in cancer patients. This new approach analyzes how cancer cells respond to therapy and presents new possiblities with regards to refining personalized cancer treatments.

For instance, Dr. Quaranta's team has shown that erlotnib, "a targeted therapy that acts on an epidermal growth factor receptor mutated in some cancers...doesn't simply kill tumor cells as was previously assumed." The ability to predict tumor response allows for the possiblity of customizing various therapeutic treatments according to the individual patient's needs.

To read more about this tool, click here.

Study mentioned: Tyson DR, Garbett, SP, Frick PL, Quaranta V. Fractional proliferation: A method to deconvolve cell population dynamics from single-cell data. Nat Methods. 2012 Aug 12 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID 22886092

Webcasts from MASCC/ISOO 2012 symposium now available

More than 90 webcasts from the 2012 MASCC/ISOO (Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology) conference held in New York City, have now been posted on the MASCC website. Plenary sessions include perspectives on depression and anxiety in cancer patients, bone issues, coagulation, issues in supportive care, and guideline adherence.

To access the complete list of conference webcasts, click here.

Updated cervical cancer screening guidelines

Cancer Care Ontario has updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines.  The primary revision provides further clarification on the age of screening initiation and the ideal interval between screenings.  Thus, "cervical cancer screening is recommended every three years for all women starting at age 21 who are or ever have been sexually active."

More information on the updated guidelines is available here.

Open access innovating in clinical trial reporting

Biomed Central Online, open access medical publishing has provided new opportunities for increased transparency and innovation in clinical trial reporting, which if widely adopted can ultimately help enhance the quality and reliability of evidence. Open access journal Trials, has been publishing trial results, protocols, methodologies, and reviews since 2006, and has continually adapted to fit the needs of the clinical trial and research community, both in terms of policy and in the author services offered by the journal. More info. is here.

Chromosomal translocations and personalized cancer care

A new study from the University of Colorado Cancer Center explores the effects of chromosomal translocation ("the exchange of genetic material between chromosomes") on personalized cancer care. Professor Jing Wang, lead author of this study explains that chromosomal translocations have a substantial impact on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer. While numerous challenges abound, including accurately describing the function of the translocations, along with discovering which which translocations cause cancer, "today's challenge may be tomorrow's cure."

To read more on this study, click here.

Study mentioned: Wang JH. Mechanisms and impacts of chromosomal translocations in cancers. Front Med. 2012 Aug 4 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID 22865120

New trial alert: Cancer, fertility, and motherhood

A new trial is set to begin at the University of Toronto, seeking to address fertility matters of young female cancer survivors between the ages of 18 and 39. Competing factors, including stress, uncertainty, and time pressure for motherhood will also be explored.

More information on this trial is available here.

Radiation after lumpectomy helps prevent need for subsequent mastectomy for elderly women with early stage breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have unveiled new findings suggesting that radiation therapy following breast conserving surgery may prevent the need for mastectomy. These findings are of particular relevance for older early-stage breast cancer patients, and contradicts current treatment guidelines, "which recommend that older women with early stage estrogen-positive disease should be treated with lumpectomy followed by estrogen blocker therapy alone." Thus radiation may be beneficial to certain women where guidelines had not previously suggested this course of action.

To read more about this study, click here.

Study mentioned: Albert JM et al. Effectiveness of radiation for prevention of mastectomy in older breast cancer patients treated with conservative surgery. Cancer 2012 Aug 13. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID 22890779

University of Toronto professor receives ESMO award for excellence in oncology

University of Toronto professor Ian Tannock has received the prestigious ESMO award for his efforts helping to design trials identifying an ideal chemotherapy dosage for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

According to ESMO, the ESMO award "is conferred on a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of oncology worldwide and who recognizes the importance of promoting oncology as a specialty within the international community."

To read more about the ESMO award, including past recipients, click here.

University of Calgary researcher receives grant for work into cancer-related fatigue

The investigation into using light therapy to reduce cancer-related fatigue is one of the cancer research projects awarded by the Canadian Cancer Society’s Innovation Grant. Dr Tavis Campbell of the University of Calgary has received nearly $200,000 for his study, which is assessing the ability of light therapy to improve cancer-related fatigue in post-treatment cancer survivors. Read more here.

New trial alert: Cediranib maleate with or without lenalidomide in treating patients with thyroid cancer

A trial conducted out of the University of Chicago is investigating the feasiblity of cediranib maleate and lenalidomide for treating thyroid cancer patients. The primary outcomes of this trial are to determine the ideal dosage of cediranib maleate, its response rate when administered with or without lenalidomide, and determining how well both drugs work together to improve a patient's overall survival. The trial hypothesizes that "cediranib maleate may stop the growth of tumour cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth, [while] lenalidomide may stop the growth of thyroid cancer by clocking blood flow to the tumour."

To read more about this trial, click here.

Systematic review on palliative care for cancer-related lymphedema

Researchers at the University of Missouri have recently published a review on palliative care for lymphedema, a common side effect of surgery and radiation afflicting millions of cancer survivors.  While many health care professionals assess lymphedema patients according to the degree of swelling in their limbs, this systematic review emphasizes that "patients' quality of life rather than focusing solely on reducing swelling is critical to effectively managing the condition."

More information on this study can be found here.  The complete citation for the systematic review is listed below.

Study mentioned: Beck M, Wanchai A, Stewart BR, Cormier JN, Armer JM. Palliative care for cancer-related lymphedema: A systematic review. J Palliat Med. 2012 Jul; 15(7); 821-7. PMID 22662959

New biomarker predicts response to chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer

A new study at INSERM, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, has uncovered a new potential biomarker to predict response to chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer patients. One of the leading causes of cancer-related death, non-small cell lung cancer is most often treated with cisplatin, however due to cancer cell resistance, this treatment is not particularly effective. Dr. Guido Kroemer and his team are thus looking into new genes and/or proteins that offer better treatment outlook. Pyridoxal Kinase (PDXK), "an enzyme that converts vitamin B6 precursors into their active form." Non-small cell lung cancer patients with high levels of PDXK exhibited higher survival rates than those with low levels of this enzyme.

To read more about this study, click here.

Study mentioned: Galluzzi L et al. Prognostic impact of vitamin B6 metabolism in lung cancer. Cell Rep. 2012 Jul 26 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID 22854025

New trial alert: trying activity in kidney cancer survivors

A new trial at the University of Alberta is seeking to compare the effects of supervised physical activity vs. supervised physical activity and behavioural counselling for kidney cancer survivors. Known as TRACKS (Trying Activity in Kidney Cancer Survivors), the primary objective is to determine whether the physical activity intervention improves overall quality of life and "results in meaningful improvements in health outcomes that can be translated to public health practice."

To read more about this trial, click here.

Kidney-sparing surgery improves survival in study

Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that patients with early stage kidney cancer lived longer when only part of their kidney was removed, instead of the entire kidney. Patients were equally likely to survive kidney cancer no matter which kind of surgery they received, but were less likely to die from other causes if they had the partial surgery. The obvious benefit to partial surgery is that the patient keeps more of their kidney function. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Tan HJ, et al. Long-term survival following partial vs radical nephrectomy among older patients with early-stage kidney cancer. JAMA. 2012 Apr 18;307(15):1629-35. PMID: 22511691

Prostate cancer management should emphasize healthy lifestyle changes

"Men with prostate cancer more likely to die from other causes." Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health have conducted the largest study (to date) examining causes of death among men afflicted with prostate cancer. Their findings reveal that men may more likely die from preventable conditions, such as heart disease, than from prostate cancer itself. Mara Epstein, lead researcher in this study hopes that physicians will encourage men diagnosed with prostate cancer to partake in a healthier lifestyle, improving their overall health, and leading to a better quality of life.

More information on this study can be found here.

Study mentioned: Epstein MM, Edgren G, Rider JR, Mucci, LA, and Adami HO. Temporal trends in cause of death among Swedish and US men with prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2012 Jul 25 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID 22835388

Young Adult Cancer Canada: Update on fundraising efforts; upcoming 6th annual survivor's conference

Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) has been heavily involved in several fundraising events in Newfoundland and Labrador this summer, all in an effort to increase awareness of young adults across Canada afflicted with cancer. From a charity golf tournament to a memorial walk to participation in the 194th Royal St. John's Regatta, nearly $40,000 was raised to support the YACC.

In addition, the YACC is pleased to announce the first confirmed speaker for the 6th Annual Survivor Conference in Toronto (November 1-5, 2012).  Dr. Anne Katz wil speak on "providing information, education, and counseling to people with cancer and their partners about sexual changes that can occur during and after treatment."

To learn more, as well as read up on other stories in the August edition of Up to Here (YACC'S newsletter), click here

Stress may promote breast cancer cell colonization of bones

A study conducted at the Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology have uncovered a link between stress and breast cancer colonization of bones. Dr. Florent Elefteriou and colleagues have, according to clinical evidence, correctly hypothesized that "sympathetic activation might remodel the bone environment and make it more favourable for cancer cells to metastasize." As a result, breast cancer patients exhibiting stress or depression following treatment had shorter survival times. Cardiovascular medicine (propanolol) "inhibits sympathetic nervous system signals", and is seen as a likely long-term treatment option.

To read more about this study, click here.

Study mentioned: Campbell JP et al. Stimulation of host bone marrow stromal cells by sympathetic nerves promotes breast cancer bone metastasis in mice. PLoS Biol. 2012 Jul 10(7) [EPub 2012 Jul 17]. PMID 22815651

Role of obesity in cancer survival and recurrence workshop summary

Appearing in the July 2012 issue of the Grey Literature Report, National Academies Press has released the full report from the Role of Obesity in Cancer Survival and Recurrence, a 2-day workshop held in Washington, D.C.,October 31-November 1, 2011. Report contents include an overview of the obesity-cancer link, potential treatments to counter effects of obesity, challenges in studying or inducing lifestyle changes in patients, and policy suggestions.

The complete report is available via the following link (please choose the Download Free PDF option).

Canadian Cancer Society welcomes new benefit for families of critically ill children

The Canadian Cancer Society welcomes the federal government's announcement that will provide more support for parents of critically ill children through a new employment insurance benefit. The benefit will help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with caring for a sick child. Read the full news release here.

Summary basis of decision for Xalkori

Health Canada has issued a Notice of Compliance under the Notice of Compliance with Conditions (NOC/c) Guidance to Pfizer Canada Inc., for the drug product Xalkori. Xalkori contains the medicinal ingredient crizotinib which is an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Xalkori is indicated as monotherapy for use in patients with ALK-positive advanced (not amenable to curative therapy) or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Read more here.

Decitabine approved for treating patients over 65 with newly diagnosed myeloid leukemia

The European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has approved decitabine for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. According to the approved indication: "decitabine (Dacogen) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients aged 65 years and above with newly diagnosed de novo or secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML), according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, who are not candidates for standard induction chemotherapy." While side effects reported include nausea, diarrhea, and possibly pneumonia and anemia, the benefits of using decitabine do show an increase in overall survival.

To read more about this study, click here.

Tumor cell subnetworks of interacting proteins predict leukemia progression

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and San Diego Moores Cancer Center have uncovered new evidence in the clonal evolution of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Since the degree of CLL progression varies greatly, some patients may be symptom-free for several years, while others are affected quite rapidly. Dr. Thomas Kipps, lead author of the study, states that, prior to therapy, "the patterns of genes expressed by CLL cells appear to converge, regardless of whether or not the patient had aggressive versus indolent disease at diagnosis." Findings from this study will thus enable researchers to understand how other cancers evolve over time.

To read more about this study, click here.

Study mentioned: Chuang HY et al. Subnetwork-based analysis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia identifies pathways that associate with disease progression. Blood 2012 Jul 26 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID 22837534

Highlights from 2012 MASCC/ISOO Symposium now available

Highlights from the 2012 Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) have now been posted to the MASCC website.  With over 1400 participants from 62 countries attending this year's event in New York City, presentations included discussions on prevention and treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea, informal oportunities to speak with international health care leaders, and "the first major meeting uniting patients, their families, and caregivers with eperts from all over the world."

To view the conference highlights, click here.

MDM4 protein promising target for treatment of melanoma

Researchers at the University of Leuven in Belgium have discovered a new potential treatment approach for melanoma. As this form of cancer is often resistant to standard chemotherapy treatment, Drs. Gembarska and Marine, lead researchers for this study, confirm that combination therapies, "combating the interaction between the protein MDM4 and the tumor suppressor p53" hold promise for melanoma patients.

To read more about the study, click here.

Study mentioned: Gembarska A et al. MDM4 is a ley therapeutic target in cutaneous melanoma. Nat Med. 2012 Jul. 22 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID 22820643

New trial alert: Ultrasound-guided paravertebral blocks for ambulatory breast cancer surgery

A new trial sponsored by the Women's College Hospital in Ontario has discovered that breast cancer patients have a greater change of recovery, experiencing less pain and nausea upon receiving paravertebral blocks post-surgery. The main hypothesis that principal investigator Dr. Pamela Morgan aims to address is that "patients receiving ultrasound-guided paravertebral blocks (PVB) with propofol-based general anesthesia (GA) will have a better quality of recovery than patients receiving general anesthesia-opioid-analgesia."

To read more about this trial, currently in the recruiting phase, click here.

Obesity may affect response to breast cancer treatment

This month's feature article in Artemis, a monthly newsletter put out by the John Hopkins Breast Center, focuses on the correlation between obesity and breast cancer treatment.  A study conducted by the Institute of Cancer Research in London found that "hormone-suppressing drugs did markedly reduce estrogen levels in obese women...but their levels of estrogen remained more than double those of women of normal weight."  These findings will aid doctors in selecting the most appropriate treatment for overweight or obese women afflicted with breast cancer.  As the researchers state, more than 75% of breast cancers require estrogen to grow, thus "the main ways of treating the disease is by blocking the hormone's production or action." 

To read more about this and other stories in the August 2012 issue of Artemis, click here.

The “Living Longer, Better” conference report on chronic diseases

Recently, the European COPD Coalition (ECC) organized, with with the support of European Heart Network (EHN), the European CanCer Organisation (ECCO), the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the International Diabetes Federation – European region (IDF - Europe), a conference to nurture the debate initiated by the EU reflection process on chronic diseases. The 5 organisations, all members of the European Chronic Disease Alliance (ECDA) presented positions and recommendations on how to best prevent, treat and enhance research on chronic diseases at the European level, to engage in the debate, share ideas with like-minded organizations, peers, EU policy makers and the media – so to make policy proposals to support a comprehensive approach of the chronic diseases. Read the report here.

Developing drug that restores microRNA levels may offer new treatment possiblities for liver cancer

Researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered that loss of microRNA in liver cells can cause hepatocellular carcinoma; restoring the molecule may slow down tumor growth and subsequently aid in treating this disease.

Dr. Kalpana Ghoshal, research lead in this study, along with his team, found that the restoration of microRNA-122 to liver cells "dramatically reduced the size and number of tumours, with tumours making up 8% on average of liver surface area in treated animals versus 40% in the control group." These are promising figures, especially since they offer new possiblities to help treat hepatitis C virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma.

To read more about this study, click here.

Study mentioned: Hsu SH et al. Essential metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumorigenic functions of miR-122 in liver. J Clin Invest. 2012 Aug 1;122(8):2871-83. PMID 22820288

Genetic cause of glioblastoma may lead to new treatments

Dr. Antonio Iavarone, professor of pathology and neurology at Columbia University Medical Center, along with his research team, has determined that certain cases of gliobastoma, considered to be the most common and aggressive brain cancer, are caused "by the fusion of two adjacent genes, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and transforming acidic coiled-coil (TACC)." In a preclincal study, Dr. Iavarone discovered that drugs targetting this genetic abnomaly can stagnate the growth of this cancer. Based on tests conducted thus far in the brain cells of healthy mice, there is hope that this discovery will lead to new forms fo treatment for patients afflicted with glioblastoma.

To read more about this study, click here.

Study mentioned: Singh D et al. Transforming fusions of FGFR and TACC genes in human glioblastoma. Science. 2012 Jul 26 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID 22837387

European Medicines Agency rejects marketing authorization for romidepsin

The European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended that romidepsin, intended for treating peripheral T-cell lymphoma, be rejected. By blocking the activity of histone deacetylases, "involved in turning genes on and off within cells", it was expected that romidepsin would play a definite role in reducing rate of growth and division of cancer cells. Among the reasons noted for refusal of marketing this drug, the CHMP mentioned that Celgene Europe, the company applying for authorization, "failed to provide an adequate certificate of Good Manufacturing Practice for the site where the medicine is manufactured." By law, it is required that a company provide this certficate.

To read more about the rejection of romidepsin, click here.