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Arzerra™ Approved for Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (11/2/2009)
The targeted therapy Arzerra™ (ofatumumab) has been granted accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that is refractory to Fludara® (fludarabine) and Campath® (alemtuzumab).
Final Results Published of Randomized Trial of Treanda® Versus Chlorambucil for Initial Treatment of CLL (9/28/2009)
European researchers have published the final results of the randomized clinical trial showing a higher response rate and improved progression-free survival for Treanda® (bendamustine) compared with chlorambucil for the initial treatment of patients with Binet Stage B and C chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These results were published in the September 10, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Preliminary results of this study were presented at the 2007 and 2008 meetings of the American Society of Hematology.
Subcutaneous Campath Effective in Refractory CLL (9/16/2009)
Researchers from Germany have reported that, because of “efficacy, convenience, improved adverse effect profile and cost savings”, Campath® (alemtuzumab) given subcutaneously should be the treatment of choice for Fludara® (fludarabine)-refractory patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study appeared early online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on August 20, 2009.
Gleevec® 800 mg/day May Improve Cytogenetic and Molecular Responses in CML (9/11/2009)
Researchers involved in the multicenter U.S. RIGHT trial have reported that Gleevec® (imatinib) 400 mg twice per day is more effective than the standard 400 mg/day for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP). The details of this study were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology early online on August 31, 2009.
Rituxan®, Fludara®, Cytoxan®, and Novantrone® Highly Active in CLL (9/10/2009)
Researchers from Spain have reported that the combination of Rituxan® (rituximab), Fludara® (fludarabine), Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide), and Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) is highly active in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication on August 24, 2009 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Formaldehyde Exposure May Increase Risk of Blood and Lymphatic Cancers (6/25/2009)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have reported that industrial workers who are exposed to formaldehyde may be at an increased risk of dying from blood and lymphohematopoietic malignancies, particularly myeloid leukemia but also Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Sprycel® Confirmed Superior to High-dose Gleevec® for Gleevec-resistant CML (6/22/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the START-R randomized trial have reported that Sprycel® (dasatinib) is more effective than escalated doses of Gleevec® (imatinib) in patients resistant to Gleevec. The details of this study were published early online in Cancer on June 17, 2009.
Ofatumumab Effective in CLL Patients Failing Rituxan® (6/2/2009)
Researchers involved in an international Phase II study have reported that ofatumumab, an anti-CD20 antibody, is effective in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have previously received Rituxan® (rituximab). The details of this study were reported at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology on May 30, in Orlando, Florida.
Obesity Increases Risk of Developing Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (5/29/2009)
Researchers from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that obesity and weight gain increase the risk of developing chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The details of this case-control study were published in the May, 2009 issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention.
Early Treatment of Gleevec® Failures with Sprycel® Improves Outcomes in CML (5/27/2009)
Researchers from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that Sprycel® (dasatinib) treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who have loss of a major cytogentetic response to Gleevec® (imatinib) results in better outcomes than waiting for loss of complete hematalogic remission to institute therapy with Sprycel. The details of this study were published early online on April 28, 2009 in Cancer.
One-third of Patients with CML Receiving Gleevec® Are Noncompliant (5/6/2009)
Researchers from Belgium have reported that the compliance rate for Gleevec® (imatinib) in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is much less than expected. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Blood on April 6, 2009.
Sequential Treatment with Fludara®, Cytoxan®, and Rituxan® Produces High-quality Responses in CLL (3/5/2009)
Researchers from the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have reported that patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with Fludara® (fludarabine), followed by consolidation with Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide), and finally consolidation with Rituxan® (rituximab) (F→C→R) achieved high-quality responses that improved with each phase of therapy. The details of this Phase II study were reported in the February 1, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Low-dose Cytoxan® and Fludara® and High-dose Rituxan® Is Safe and Effective in Previously Untreated CLL (2/24/2009)
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have reported that reduced doses of Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide) and Fludara® (fludarabine) combined with higher doses of Rituxan® (rituximab) in the FCR regimen is highly effective in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and produces significantly less grade 3-4 neutropenia than standard FCR. The details of this study appeared in the February 1, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis Precedes Development of CLL (2/18/2009)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have reported that monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) precedes the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study appeared in the February 12, 2009 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Early Dose Intensity of Gleevec® May Optimize Response for Chronic Phase CML (2/3/2009)
Researchers from Australia have reported that patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) who receive high doses (600 mg/day) of Gleevec® (imatinib) in the first year of treatment experience improved molecular response rates. The details of this study appeared in the November 15, 2008 issue of Blood.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology 2008: Advances in Treatment of Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (2/2/2009)
At the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), there were more than 100 abstracts devoted to the treatment of lymphoma. There is increasing evidence that survival of patients with lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is steadily increasing. New drugs are being developed at a reasonable rate, which creates the question of how best to incorporate all the available drugs in an optimal manner. Additionally, there appears to be significant progress in reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplants for low-grade lymphomas.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology 2008: Highlights of Treatment of Hematological Malignancies (1/30/2009)
The 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), held in Chicago, Illinois, again revealed advances in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Patients with chronic or acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative disorders continue to be presented with novel, effective options for the treatment of their diseases.
Sprycel® Produces Rapid and Complete Cytogenetic Remissions in Newly Diagnosed CML (1/21/2009)
Researchers from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that 97% of patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) achieve a complete cytogenetic remission after 12 months of therapy with Sprycel® (dasatinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Tasigna® May Be Superior to Gleevec® for Initial Treatment of CML (1/16/2009)
Researchers from Italy have reported a 96% complete cytogenetic remission rate at after six months of treatment with Tasigna® (nilotinib) in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The details of this study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008.
GVAX Tested as Post-allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Therapy in Patients with Advanced Myeloid Malignancies (1/13/2009)
Researchers from the Dana Farber Cancer Center have reported that GVAX, a cancer vaccine composed of autologous leukemia cells genetically modified to secrete granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), may have anti-leukemic effects when administered after a reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplant in patients with advanced myeloid malignancies. The details of this study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 9, 2008, in San Francisco.
Revlimid® Effective as First-line Therapy of CLL (1/8/2009)
On December 7, at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco, researchers presented two studies on the effectiveness of Revlimid® (linalidomide) for the initial treatment of patients with symptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These are the first reports of Revlimid treatment for newly diagnosed patients.
Flavopiridol Confirmed Active for Treatment of Relapsed CLL with Adverse Cytogenetics (1/2/2009)
Researchers from Ohio State University have reported that flavopiridol produces durable responses in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities. The details of this study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 7, 2008 in San Francisco.
Fostamatinib Disodium Effective for Diffuse B-Cell Lymphoma and CLL (12/17/2008)
Researcher involved in a U.S. multicenter trial have reported that the oral inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), Fosamatinib disodium (FosD) (R788), has significant activity and is well tolerated in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The results of this phase 1-2 study were reported in the Plenary Session of the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 7, 2008 in San Francisco.
Treanda® and Rituxan® Effective for Relapsed CLL (12/10/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the German CLL Study Group have reported that Treanda® (bendamustine) and Rituxan® (rituximab) is an effective regimen for patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Ofatumumab, a Human Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody, Effecitive in CLL (12/10/2008)
Researchers involved in an International Phase II study have reported that Ofatumumab, a human Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, is effective for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have failed Fludara® (fludarabine) and Campath® (alemtuzumab) or who had failed Fludara and had bulky disease. The details of this study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Rituxan® and High-dose Methylprednisolone Effective Initial Treatment of CLL (12/9/2008)
Researchers from the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) have reported that the combination of Rituxan® (rituximab) and high-dose methylpredisolone is “an effective non-myelotoxic treatment regimen for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).” The details of this Phase II study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 7, 2008 in San Francisco.
Campath® and Rituxan® Promising for Untreated High-risk CLL (10/7/2008)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have reported that early treatment of asymptomatic patients with high-risk features of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with Campath® (alemtuzumab) and Rituxan® (rituximab) appears promising. The details of this study appeared in the October 15, 2008 issue of Cancer.
Reduced-intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for Fludara® -resistant CLL (9/23/2008)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported a five-year disease-free survival of 39% for patients with Fuldara® (fludarabine)-resistant chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell Transplantation. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on September 15, 2008.
Genetic Characteristics of Hepatitis B Associated with Risk of Liver Cancer (9/2/2008)
Researchers from Taiwan have reported that different genetic characteristics of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) are associated with varying risks of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These results were recently published in the August 20, 2008 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Sprycel® Effective for CNS Philadelphia Chromosome-positive Leukemia (7/29/2008)
Researchers from Europe have reported that Sprycel® (dasatinib) is effective therapy for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph-positive) leukemia that involves the central nervous system (CNS). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Blood on May 13, 2008.
Long-term Results of Fludara®, Cytoxan®, and Rituxan® for CLL (7/29/2008)
Researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported six-year follow-up data on 234 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with Fludara® (fludarabine), Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide), and Rituxan® (rituximab) (FCR). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Blood on April 14, 2008.
Lumiliximab and FCR Promising for Relapsed CLL (6/26/2008)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that a regimen of lumilixmab, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (L-FCR) is effective for the treatment of patients with relapsed CLL. The details of this Phase I/II study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago May 30-June 2.
Flavopiridol Has Significant Activity in Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (6/25/2008)
Researchers from Ohio State University have reported that flavopiridol has “pronounded” activity in treating patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago May 30-June 2.
Sprycel® Effective for Patients with Newly Diagnosed CML (6/24/2008)
Researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that Sprycel® (dasatinib) produces rapid and complete cytogenetic response in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). These data were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago May 30-June 2.
Tasigna® Effective for Patients with Newly Diagnosed CML (6/24/2008)
Researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that Tasigna® (nilotinib) produces rapid and complete cytogenetic response in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). These data were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago May 30-June 2.
Patients with Lymphoma and CLL Are at Increased Risk of Lung Cancer (6/20/2008)
Researchers from Wayne State University have reported that patients with Hodgkins lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have a 30-300% increased risk of developing lung cancer compared with controls without these diseases. The details of this study were reported at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago, May 30-June 2.
Treanda® Approved by FDA for Initial Treatment of CLL (3/25/2008)
On March 20, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved IV Treanda® (bendamustine) for initial treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The results were based on data from a randomized multicenter trial that were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), December 8-11, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Treanda® Approved by FDA for Initial Treatment of CLL (3/20/2008)
On March 20, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved IV Treanda® (bendamustine) for initial treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The results were based on data from a randomized multicenter trial that were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), December 8-11, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Effectiveness of Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Confirmed (1/4/2008)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) have presented long-term follow-up data showing that approximately 50% of patients receiving reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplants for advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are alive at five years. This and another study presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology, December 8-11, in Atlanta, Georgia also showed that allogeneic stem cell transplantation was successful in patients with adverse cytogenetics.
Treanda™ Superior to Chlorambucil for Initial Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) (1/3/2008)
Researchers from Germany have reported that Treanda (bendamustine) results in higher response rates and improved progression-free survivals in patients with previously untreated Binet stage B and C chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) compared to chlorambucil. The results of this randomized trial were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), December 8-11, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Improved Response Duration with Leustat® (Cladaribine) Compared to Either Fludara® or Chlorambucil for CLL (1/3/2008)
An international randomized study has shown that Leustat (cladaribine, CdA) may be superior to Fludara and chlorambucil for the initial treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study was presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology, December 8-11, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Sprycel® (Dasatinib) Confirmed Effective for Gleevec-Resistant Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) (1/2/2008)
At the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology, held in Atlanta Georgia, December 8-11, there were several reports concerning treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with two newly FDA approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors; dasatinib (Sprycel) and nilotinib (Tasigna®). Both drugs are approved by the US Food and Drug adminiatration for treatment of patients who fail imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®).
Genasense® May Improve Survival of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Lekemia (CLL) Who Achieve a Complete Remission (12/28/2007)
Researchers involved in a multicenter trial have reported that the addition of Genasense® (oblimersen, Bcl-2 antisense) to Fludara® (fludarabine) and Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide) improves the survival of patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who achieve a complete remission (CR) or near complete remission (nCR). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) December 8-11, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Role of Mitoxantrone in Combination Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Evaluated (12/26/2007)
Researchers from Spain have reported preliminary results of initial treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with a combination of Rituxan® (rituximab), Fludara® (fludarabine), Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide) and Novantrone (mitoxantrone) (R-FCM). However, researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center question the utility of adding mitoxantrone to the combination Fludara, Cytoxan and Rituxan (FCR) regimen. These two studies were presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Cytoxan®, Fludara®, Campath® and Rituxan® (CFAR) for High-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) (12/21/2007)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that a regimen of Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Fludara (fludarabine), Campath (alemtuzumab) and Rituxan (rituximab) (CFAR) shows promising results for the treatment of high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study was presented at an oral session of the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in Atlanta Georgia, December 8-11, 2007.
Prognostic Features of Early Stage Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Defined (12/21/2007)
Researchers from Germany have reported that the thymidine kinase, lymphocyte doubling time, beta-2 microglobulin, absolute lymphocyte count, and age were predictors of overall survival (OS) for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with Binet stage A disease. This study was presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in Atlanta, Georgia December 8-11, 2007.
Fludara® not Superior to Chlorambucil for CLL in the Elderly (12/18/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the German CLL Study Group have reported that elderly patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have no significant clinical benefit from receiving first-line therapy with Fludara (fludarabine) compared to chlorambucil. This study was presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in Atlanta, Georgia, December 8-11.
Long-Term Results of Gleevec for Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Reported (12/14/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the International Randomized Study of interferon versus STI571 (IRIS) study have reported six year follow-up data on over 500 patients in the Gleevec (imatinib) arm. The details of this study were presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), December 8-10, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Gleevec® Effective in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) 70 Years of Age or Older (12/13/2007)
Researchers from Germany have reported that the median age for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) participating in published clinical trials of Gleevec (imatinib) was 49 years while the median age at diagnosis for all patients with CML in various populations is 65-68 years. Thus, clinical trials under-represent older patients with CML. Researchers from France have attempted to address this issue by evaluating the effects of Gleevec in patients with CML who are 70 years of age or older. The details of these two studies were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology, December 8-10 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents do not Affect Long-Term Survival of Gleevec® Treated Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (12/13/2007)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that the use of erythropoiesis agents (ESA) such as epoetin alfa (Epogen®, Procrit®) and darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp®) do not affect survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with Gleevec (imatinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology, December 8-10, in Atlanta Georgia.
Campath® Superior to Chlorambucil for Initial Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (12/10/2007)
European researchers involved in a randomized international trial (CAM-307) have reported that Campath® (alemtuzumab) was superior to chlorambucil for initial treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication on November 5, 2007 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
FDA Approves Campath® for First-Line Treatment of B-cell CLL (11/21/2007)
In October of 2007 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Campath (alemtuzumab) for initial treatment for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This is the first monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA for B-cell CLL.
Increasing Body Mass Associated with Increasing Cancer Incidence and Mortality (11/19/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the UK Million Women Study have reported that increasing body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of 10 specific types of cancer out of 17 evaluated. The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication on November 6, 2007 in the British Medical Journal.
Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation with Reduced Intensity Regimen Effective (11/14/2007)
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have reported that adults with hematological diseases have a three year survival of almost 50% following umbilical cord blood transplantation after a reduced intensity treatment regimen. The details of this study appeared in the October 15, 2007 issue of Blood.
Tasigna® Effective for CML Patients with Gleevec® Resistance or Intolerance (11/13/2007)
Researchers involved in two international Phase II trials have reported that Tasigna (nilotinib) is highly effective for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who are resistant or intolerant to Gleevec®. The details of these studies appeared in the November 15, 2007 issue of Blood.
Zarnestra™ and Gleevec® Effective in Patients with CML who Failed Gleevec (11/8/2007)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that Zarnestra (tipifarnib) and Gleevec (imatinib) improve the response rate of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase who have failed Gleevec. The details of this study appeared in the November 1, 2007, issue of Cancer.
Fludara® and Cytoxan® Confirmed Standard Initial Treatment for CLL (7/23/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the LRF CLL4 Trial have concluded that Fludara (fludarabine) and Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) should be the standard treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and the basis for incorporation of monoclonal antibodies. The details of this study appeared in the July 21, 2007 issue of The Lancet.
Sprycel® Effective in Patients with Ph+ ALL Resistant or Intolerant to Gleevec® (7/18/2007)
Results of an International trial have reported that 58% of patients with Philadelphia chromosome + (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) resistant or intolerant to Gleevec (imatinib) had a complete cytogenetic response to Sprycel® (dasatinib). The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication in Blood on May 11, 2007.
Nilotinib Effective in Patients with CML Intolerant to Gleevec® (6/12/2007)
Researchers involved in an international study have reported that the toxicity profile for nilotinib (AMN 107) is different than for Gleevec (imatinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in June.
Bosutinib: A New Kinase Inhibitor for Treatment of Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Leukemia (6/12/2007)
Researchers involved in an international study have reported that bosutinib (SKI606) is a new active kinase inhibitor for the treatment of patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in June.
Sprycel® Highly Effective as Initial Therapy in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (6/7/2007)
According to results recently presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Sprycel (dasatinib) appears just as effective, if not slightly more effective, than Gleevec® (imatinib) as first-line therapy for Philadelphia chromosome-positive, chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
Sprycel® Effective for CML in Accelerated Phase after Failure of Gleevec® (5/23/2007)
Researchers associated with the CA 180-005 ‘START A’ phase II study reported outcomes of patients with Gleevec-intolerant or resistant patients in the accelerated phase (AP) of CML treated with Sprycel (dasatinib).The details of this study appeared in the May 16, 2007 issue of Blood
Atovaquone Effective Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia in Children (4/10/2007)
Researchers from St Jude Children’s Research Center have reported that atovaquone (Mepron®, Malarone®) is effective prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii in children with leukemia. The details of this study appeared in the April 15, 2007 issue of Cancer.
Expanded Label Filed for Campath® (4/9/2007)
Gemzyme Corporation and Bayer HealthCare have submitted a supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) for their agent Campath® (alemtuzumab) to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Sprycel® Effective after Gleevec® Failure in Patients with CML in Chronic Phase (3/14/2007)
Researchers associated with the CA 180013 ‘START-C’ phase II study have reported that Sprycel (dasatinib) is very effective in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP) who are resistant to or intolerant of Gleevec (imatinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology and have now been published in the March 15, 2007 issue of Blood.
Genasense® Combination Therapy Effective for CLL (2/20/2007)
Researchers involved in a multicenter trial have reported that the addition of Genasense (oblimersen, Bcl-2 antisense) to Fludara® (fludarabine) and Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide) improves the response rate and duration of response in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Lumiliximab Granted Orphan Drug Status and Fast Track Status (2/9/2007)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted both orphan drug status and fast track status to Biogen Idec’s lumiliximab for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Researchers Report Impact of Gleevec® on Subsequent Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant (1/25/2007)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported that patients receiving an allogeneic stem cell transplant for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) after failing Gleevec (imatinib) have similar outcomes to historical control patients not receiving Gleevec.
Sprycel® Superior to High-Dose Gleevec for Gleevec-Resistant CML (1/18/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the START-R randomized trial presented data suggesting that Sprycel (dasatinib) was more effective than escalated doses of Gleevec in patients resistant to Gleevec. The details of this study were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Sprycel® Effective in Gleevec® Resistant or Intolerant Patients with CML in Chronic Phase (1/16/2007)
Researchers associated with the CA 180013 ‘START-C’ phase II study have reported that Sprycel (dasatinib) is very effective in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP) who are resistant to or intolerant of Gleevec (imatinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Nilotinib Effective in Newly Diagnosed Patients with CML (1/9/2007)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported the first results of treating newly diagnosed patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) with nilotinib (AMN107). The details of this study were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.[
Gleevec® Demonstrates Durable Responses (12/11/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the International Randomized Study of Interferon and ST1571 (IRIS) have reported 5-year follow-up results of first-line treatment with Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) that demonstrates continuing long-term, durable responses and improved survival compared to alternative therapy.
Rituxan® and Campath® Show Significant Activity in Newly Diagnosed Poor Risk CLL (12/8/2006)
Dr. Steve Rosen from the Robert T. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University has presented the preliminary results of a phase II study of Rituxan (rituximab) and Campath (alemtuzumab) for initial treatment of patients with poor risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Campath® Safe and Active in Patients With CLL After Extensive Prior Therapy (11/15/2006)
Researchers from Austria have reported data that further confirms the efficacy and safety of Campath® (alemtuzumab) for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have failed prior therapies.
Nipent®, Cytoxan® and Rituxan® Effective for Untreated Poor Risk CLL (10/30/2006)
Researchers from Ohio State University and the Mayo Clinic have reported that the treatment combination consisting of Nipent (pentostatin), Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) and Rituxan (rituximab) (PCR) demonstrates high activity in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with high-risk factors.
FDA Approves Gleevec® for Pediatric CML (10/2/2006)
Approval was based on the treatment of 51 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed CML enrolled in a phase II clinical trial.
Further Evidence that Gleevec Improves Survival of Patients with CML (9/14/2006)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that Gleevec improves the survival of newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) by improving cytogenetic responses.
International Panel Makes Recommendations for Treatment of CML in the Gleevec® Era (9/13/2006)
An international panel has made recommendations concerning the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia with Gleevec.
Major or Complete Cytogenetic Remissions with Gleevec® for CML Improve Survival (8/24/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the multinational IRIS (International Randomized Study of Interferon versus STI571) study comparing Gleevec (imatinib) to interferon alfa and cytarabine for initial treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in first chronic phase have reported that Gleevec therapy is associated with improved survival.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for CML Gleveec® Failures (8/9/2006)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that 6 of 10 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who were resistant to Gleevec (imatinib) were in complete molecular remission after an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
Dasatinib (SprycelTM) Active in Gleevec®-Resistant CML and ALL (6/28/2006)
Researchers from UCLA and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that a new kinase inhibitor, Dasatinib (BMS-354825), has significant activity in patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who have disease resistant to Gleevec (imatinib mesylate). The details of this phase I-II study appeared in the June 15, 2006, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine .
Nilotinib Effective for Treatment of Gleevec®-Resistant CML (6/26/2006)
A multicenter international trial has confirmed that nilotinib (AMN107) is a safe and active drug for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who fail Gleevec (imatinib mesylate). The details of this study appeared in the June 15, 2006, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine .[1]
Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Fludara-Resistant CLL (6/22/2006)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported updated outcomes of 64 patients with Fludara-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplants. These data were presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in June
Cytogenetic Correlation to Responses in Campath® (6/19/2006)
Researchers from several institutions in Europe have reported that specific cytogenetics in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are associated with superior responses to Campath (alemtuzumab). These results may ultimately allow for highly individualized therapies including Campath. These results were reported at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
FCM-R Plus Neulasta® Highly Active in Previously Untreated CLL (6/15/2006)
Results from a phase II study have indicated that treatment including Fludara® (fludarabine), cyclophosphamide, Novantrone® (mitoxantrone), Rituxan® (rituximab) and Neulasta® (pegfilgrastrim) is highly active in symptomatic patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have not received prior therapy and who are 70 years or younger. These results were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
GVAX® Achieves Molecular Remissions in CML (6/15/2006)
Results from a phase II trial indicate that the investigative vaccine GVAX provides promising and durable responses, including long-term molecular remissions, among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with residual disease while on therapy with Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate). These results were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Modified Fludara®, Cyclophosphamide and Rituxan® Highly Effective with Fewer Side Effects for Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (6/14/2006)
Early results from a phase II study indicate that modified doses of Fludara (fludarabine), cyclophosphamide, and Rituxan (rituximab), referred to as mFCR, provide high activity with lower rates of neutropenia than standard FCR in untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. These results were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Campath® Provides Superior Responses to Chlorambucil as First-Line Therapy in CLL (6/8/2006)
Interim results from an international phase III trial demonstrate that Campath (alemtuzumab) provides significantly superior responses with a favorable toxicity profile when compared with chlorambucil as initial therapy of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These results were recently presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Long-Term Follow-Up for Gleevec® Demonstrates Durable Responses (6/6/2006)
Researchers from the Oregon Health and Science have reported 5-year follow-up results of first-line treatment with Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) that demonstrates long-term, durable responses achieved in the treatment of chronic phase CML. In fact, 5-year overall survival with Gleevec is greater than that of any other therapy for CML, and patients experience a diminishing annual frequency of disease progression while on the drug. These results, presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), confirm the use of Gleevec as standard initial therapy for patients with chronic-phase CML.
Gleevec May Cause Hypophosphatemia and Alterations in Bone Metabolism (5/11/2006)
Researchers from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have reported that some patients taking Gleevec (imatinib) develop hypophosphatemia with associated changes in bone and mineral metabolism.
Real-Time PCR Can Substitute for Bone Marrow Cytogenetic Exams in CML (4/10/2006)
Researchers from Australia have suggested that real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BCR-ABL mRNA in the peripheral blood provides a rational approach to monitoring treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Nipent®/Cytoxan®/Rituxan® Shows High Activity in Previously Treated CLL or Low-Grade NHL (4/6/2006)
Researchers from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have reported that Nipent (pentostatin), Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) and Rituxan (rituximab) (PCR) has high activity in previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Long-Term Results of Stem Cell Transplants for CML Reported (3/2/2006)
Dr. John Goldman from the United Kingdom has reported the outcomes of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase receiving stem cell transplants between 1978 and 1998.
Test Now Available to Detect Resistance to Gleevec® in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (2/23/2006)
Genzyme Corporation has announced that they have just made a test available to the public that can detect whether a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is resistant to treatment with Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate).
Revlimid® Has Significant Activity in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (1/25/2006)
Researchers from the Roswell Park Cancer Center and the Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Center have reported that Revlimid (lenalidomide) has significant activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Rituxan® Plus GM-CSF Safe and Effective for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (1/12/2006)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that the combination of Rituxan (rituximab) and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, Leukine®, (sargramostim) is well tolerated and very effective for previously untreated or treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Small Molecule Bcl-2 Protein Inhibitor, GX15-070, Active for Treatment of Refractory Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia (1/12/2006)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the University of California at San Diego, the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto and Georgetown University have reported that the anti-apoptotic molecule, GX15-070, is safe and biologically active for the treatment of refractory chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL).
HuMax®-CD20 Safe and Effective Treatment for Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia (1/11/2006)
Researchers from several European medical centers have reported significant activity for the human monoclonal antibody, HuMax-CD20, for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL).
Nipent®/Cytoxan®/Rituxan® Shows High Activity in High-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (11/23/2005)
Researchers from Ohio State University and the Mayo Clinical have reported that the treatment combination consisting of Nipent (pentostatin), Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) and Rituxan (rituximab) demonstrates high activity in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with high-risk factors.
Aminopyrimidine Inhibitor, AMN107, Effective for Gleevec®-Resistant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (11/11/2005)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that AMN107, an aminopyrimidine ATP-competitive inhibitor of Bcr-Abl, has significant activity in patients with chronic myeloid leukiemia (CML) resistant to Gleevec (imatinib).
Gleevec® Effective for Molecular and Cytogenetic Relapses Occurring after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants for CML (10/26/2005)
Researchers from Germany have reported that Gleevec (imatinib-mesylate) produces a high rate of molecular complete remissions in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who relapse after an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
Regular Long-term Aspirin and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Reduce Risk of Colorectal Cancer (8/24/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the Women’s Health Study have reported that long-term aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer in a time and dose dependent manner.
Fludara®, Cyclophosphamide and Rituxan® Active in Early and Late CLL (6/24/2005)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that a regimen of Fludara (fludarabine), cyclophosphamide, and Rituxan (rituximab) produces results superior to any previously tested for treatment of relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).[1] They also reported that this regimen is very active for initial treatment of CLL.[2]
Increased Exposure to Infection Decreases Incidence of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (6/1/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study (UKCCS) have reported that day care in infancy decreases the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for CLL (5/9/2005)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and several other cooperating transplant centers have reported that reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplants were effective therapy for patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for Refractory CLL and Follicular Lymphoma (4/22/2005)
Researchers from Italy have reported that allogeneic stem cell transplantation using a reduced intensity regimen of thiotepa, fludarabine and cyclophosphamide results in high rate of complete clinical and molecular remissions in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and follicular lymphoma.
Vaccine May Eradicate Minimal Residual Disease in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (3/2/2005)
Researchers from Italy have reported that a vaccine (CMLVAX100) targeting the BCR-ABL-derived p210 fusion protein reduces residual disease in some patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who have reached a maximum response to Gleevec® (imatinib) or interferon alfa. The details of this phase II study appeared in the February 19, 2005 issue of the Lancet.
Are Two Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) Units Better Than One for Transplantation? (2/15/2005)
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have reported that “transplantation of 2 partially HLA-matched UCB is safe and may overcome the cell-dose barrier that limits the use of UCB in many adults and adolescents.” The details of this report appeared in the February 1, 2005 issue of Blood.
Four-Year Results of Salvage Therapy for Advanced CML Still Hold Up (12/13/2004)
Researchers affiliated with the STI571 Study Group have reported the results of 4 years of follow-up of over 1,000 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with advanced disease. They reported an 82.4% survival for chronic phase (CP) patients failing initial interferon therapy and a 38% survival for patients treated in accelerated phase (AP). This analysis was reported at the 2004 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).
Excellent Results of Gleevec® as Initial Therapy of CML Holding Up at 42 Months (12/10/2004)
Researchers affiliated with the IRIS study comparing interferon to Gleevec® as initial therapy for patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase have reported continuing success with Gleevec® therapy after 42 months of follow-up. The results of this analysis were reported at the 2004 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Diego December 4-7.
New Drugs Target Gleevec®-Resistant CML (12/9/2004)
Researchers from UCLA and the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that a new kinase inhibitor BMS-354825 (BMS) has significant activity in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who have disease resistant to Gleevec® (imatinib). Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center and Frankfurt, Germany have also reported success in treating Gleevec®-resistant CML with AMN107, an aminopyrimide inhibitor of Bcr-Able. All three of these studies were presented at the 2004 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), December 4-7 2004.
Gleevec® is Safe and Effective for Children with Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Leukemia (11/3/2004)
Researchers affiliated with Children’s Oncology Group have reported that Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate) is safe and effective in children with PH+ leukemias when administered in doses comparable to those administered to adults. The details of this study appeared in the November 1, 2004 issue of Blood.
ZAP-70 is a Strong Predictor for Progression of CLL (8/26/2004)
Researchers affiliated with the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research Consortium have reported that the presence of the abnormal protein, ZAP 70, is a stronger predictor of aggressive CLL than unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region gene (IgVh). The details of this study appeared in the August 25, 2004 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Occurs in Over 10% of Patients with Plasma Cell Dyscrasias (8/19/2004)
Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic have reported that 13.6% of patients with plasma cell dyscrasias have vitamin B12 deficiency. They suggest that “serum vitamin B12 measurements should be part of the initial evaluation and subsequent workups for anemia in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias.” The details of this report appeared in the August 2004 issue of Cancer.
Neupogen® Corrects Gleevec®-Induced Neutropenia in Patients with CML (6/21/2004)
Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that the administration of Neupogen® corrects Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate)-induced neutropenia in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).[1] The details of this report appeared in the June 15, 2004 issue of Cancer.
Researchers Caution Against Wide Spread Use of Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer (6/16/2004)
Researchers from Duke University and the Mayo Clinic compared mortality rates of CT-scanned individuals at high-risk of lung cancer with those of similar patients screened by X-ray and sputum cytology. They concluded that “CT screening could produce similar outcomes to prior chest radiographic trials in this high-risk group.” The details of these analyses appeared in the June 1, 2004 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Early Treatment of Younger Patients with Aggressive CLL with Autologous Stem Cell Transplants Looks Promising (5/24/2004)
Two recent publications have evaluated high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for younger patients with aggressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Increasing the Dose of Gleevec® Improves Molecular Response Rate in CML (4/13/2004)
Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that increasing the dose of Gleevec® to 400 mg twice daily improves the response rate as measured by cytogenetics and PCR in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The results of this study were published in the April 15, 2004 issue of
Blood.
1
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant for CML in the Gleevec® Era: An EBMT Lecture by John Goldman (4/7/2004)
At the 30th annual meeting of the European Group for Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) in Barcelona, John Goldman from Hammersmith Hospital presented a thorough opening lecture on the status of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in the Gleevec® era.
Thalidomide Effective for Myelofibrosis with Myeloid Metaplasia (2/17/2004)
Researchers from Italy have reported that patients with myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) significantly benefit from low-dose thalidomide treatment. The details of this study were published in the February 3, 2004 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
1
Addition of Rituxan® to Chemotherapy may be Superior to Chemotherapy Alone in CLL (12/19/2003)
While the overall impact of Rituxan® on improving progression-free and overall survival in CLL as compared to fludarabine monotherapy has not been tested in a randomized trial to date, analysis of phase II data shows that fludarabine plus Rituxan® appear to be superior to fludarabine chemotherapy alone. Furthermore, fludarabine and cyclophosphamide plus Rituxan® improves survival over historical treatments including fludarabine plus or minus prednisone and fludarabine/cyclophosphamide.
Gleevec® Treatment of Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive ALL Buys Time for Donor Search (12/12/2003)
Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) represents 40% of ALL cases in patients over the age of 40 years. For adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL, survival at 3 years does not exceed 20% in most studies. Most cooperative groups have ongoing studies designed to improve the outcome of such patients. Most studies are based on the observation that recipients of allogeneic transplant from related or unrelated donors have improved survivals and up to 40%-50% of patients are long-term survivors. The outcomes for autologous stem cell transplants have not been clearly superior to intensive consolidation therapy without stem cell support but may be improved for the subset that achieves PCR negativity allowing the collection of leukemia-free stem cells.
Arsenic Trioxide and ATRA Highly Effective for Remission Induction of APL (12/12/2003)
Chinese and French researchers have reported that the combination of all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide is a very effective induction regimen which improves disease-free survival for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
1 The results of a randomized trial comparing arsenic trioxide alone, ATRA alone or the combination of arsenic trioxide and ATRA suggests synergism between these two drugs. The results of this trial were presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December of 2003.
Zarnestra™, a Farnesyl Transferase Inhibitor, Active in AML (12/10/2003)
Two multicenter US clinical trials have established Zarnestra™ as an active agent for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Zarnestra™ has been evaluated in patients with refractory AML
1 and in elderly or high-risk patients with untreated AML.
2 The results of these 2 phase II clinical trials were presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December 2003.
Molecular Studies Show Superiority of Gleevec® Over Interferon for Treatment of CML (10/9/2003)
Researchers affiliated with the International Randomised Study of Interferon versus STI571 (IRIS) Study Group reported that patients receiving Gleevec® had a higher rate of complete cytogenetic remissions and a higher proportion of patients achieving at least a 3 log reduction in BCR-ABL transcript levels by 12 months of treatment. Since there were no recurrences reported in the group with at least a 3 log reduction, the researchers propose that “a reduction in BCR-ABL transcript levels of at least 3 log be used to define a major cytogenetic response.”
1
Gleevec® Effective in Older Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (9/10/2003)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that older patients (age 60 years or older) benefit as much from imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®) therapy as younger patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The results of this analysis were published in the September 15, 2003 issue of
Cancer.
British Researchers Determine Cost of Gleevec® Treatment of Patients with Advanced CML (8/18/2003)
Gleevec® (imatinib mesilate), a tyrosine kinase inhibitior, has emerged as the most effective non-transplant treatment available for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, it is an expensive drug. Researchers in the United Kingdom have now reported that the costs per quality adjusted life year (QALY) is approximately $40,000 more than conventional therapy for patients treated in accelerated phase and almost $60,000 more for patients treated in blast crisis. These findings were published in the August 18, 2003 issue of the
British Journal of Cancer.
Long-Term Outcomes from Childhood ALL Affected by Irradiation (8/14/2003)
Researchers from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have reported that children with ALL who have not received radiation to the brain have normal long-term survival while irradiation is associated with the development of second neoplasms, a slight excess in mortality, and an increased unemployment rate. These findings were published in the August 14, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine.
European Bone Marrow Transplant Group Reports Outcomes of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants in Children with CML (8/7/2003)
Researchers affiliated with the European Bone Marrow Transplant Group (EBMT) have reported 3 year overall survival rates of 75% for children (average age of 14 years) transplanted in the chronic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and 42% for those transplanted in accelerated phase. These results were publshed in the August 15, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Higher Doses of Gleevec® May Be More Effective for CML (6/25/2003)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that doubling the dose of Gleevec® from 400 mg per day to 400 mg twice per day increases the response rate including PCR negativity in 41%. There were no apparent increases in toxicity. These results were published in the July 1, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Targeted Busulfan Improves Allogeneic Transplant Results for CML (6/25/2003)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported the best survivals yet for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) receiving allogeneic transplants from HLA matched relatives. They attribute much of the improvement to adjusting the doses of busulfan (Bu) in the busulfan/cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy) treatment regimen. These results were reported in the July 1, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Rituxan® and Campath® can be Safely Given Together with Encouraging Responses in Refractory Lymphoid Malignancies Expressing CD20 and CD52 (4/22/2003)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center reported improved response rates in patients with refractory CLL or other B-cell malignancies that coexpressed CD20 and CD52 when treated with combined Rituxan® (rituximab) and (Campath®) alemtuzumab for the treatment of patients with refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or other B-cell malignancies. These reported favorable results were reported in the May 1, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Second Malignancies Are Frequent After Stem Cell Transplants (4/11/2003)
A study of second malignancies in children receiving stem cell transplants revealed that the risk of post-transplant malignancies, especially solid tumors, continues to increase even 20 years after transplant, necessitating long-term close follow-up for these patients. These results were reported by researchers from the University of Minnesota in the April 1, 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Epoetin Improves Quality of Life of Cancer Patients (4/3/2003)
In the April 7, 2003 issue of the
British Journal of Cancer, French researchers present data on a randomized trial quantifying the improvement in quality of life measurements with epoetin compared to placebo. Recombinant erythropoietin (epoetin) is used to treat anemia in cancer patients. Procrit® is the usual form of epoetin, but more recently Aranesp®, a longer acting formulation, has been approved for use by the FDA. All clinicians recognize that anemia can produce significant morbidity, but there is controversy over how and when to use epoetin to correct anemia.
Gleevec® Found to Be Effective for Idiopathic Hypereosinophyllic Syndrome (4/1/2003)
Recently, it was reported that some patients with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome responded to Gleevec. This multicenter study also determined the molecular basis of the defect in one patient. They found that one patient had a complex chromosomal abnormality related to chromosome 4q12. These results were published in the March 27, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine.
Thalidomide Regimen Effective For Myeloid Metaplasia with Myelofibrosis (3/20/2003)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic reported in the April 1, 2003 issue of
Blood that lowering the dose of thalidomide in patients with myeloid metaplasia with myelofibrosis (MMM) and adding oral prednisone improved the therapeutic index of thalidomide. (3)
Adolescents with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Have Better Survivals When Treated on Pediatric Rather Than Adult Protocols (3/3/2003)
Adolescents, ages 15 to 20, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), are treated on either pediatric or adult protocols. The main difference between pediatric and adult protocols is dose intensity. As a generality, pediatric protocols for ALL involve higher doses of drugs administered over a shorter period of time. There have been few analyses of the impact of protocol choice on the outcome of adolescents with ALL. In the March 1, 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology, French researchers report that survival of adolescent patients with ALL was improved if they received treatment on pediatric protocols.
Exposure to Herbicides such as Agent Orange Linked to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (1/29/2003)
Exposure of individuals to herbicides has been associated with an increased incidence of Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). There has been no clear link between exposure to herbicides and the development of acute or chronic leukemia. However, on January 23, 2003 the National Institute of Medicine, which is part of the National Academy of Sciences, released a report linking exposure of herbicides to an increased risk of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). One importance of these findings is that Veterans, who were exposed to the herbicide agent orange, can claim service connected disability if they develop HL, NHL or CLL.
Responses Seen Following Increased Doses of Gleevec® In Patients with CML Refractory to Lower Doses (1/14/2003)
Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®, STI571), a selective BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for initial treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Although Gleevec® is the most active agent ever developed for the treatment of CML, the optimal dose and schedule for this drug remains to be determined. Most clinical trials have not used maximum tolerated doses, which is the custom with most conventional cytotoxic agents. The standard dose is 400 mg per day orally, but higher doses have been used without undue toxicities. It has been known from the earliest in vitro and in vivo studies that some patients would develop resistance to Gleevec®. There has always been the possibility that doses of Gleevec® higher than 400 mg per day might be more effective. In the January 15 2003 issue of
Blood, researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center have now reported that higher doses of Gleevec® can produce responses in patients with CML who did not respond to conventional doses, or who ceased to respond after an initial response.
Gleevec® Approved as Initial Therapy for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (1/2/2003)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Gleevec® for initial treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph-positive) chronic myeloid leukemia.
1 Gleevec® is now approved for all stages of Ph-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.
New Drug, Velcade", Shows Activity in Low-Grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (12/19/2002)
Over the past decade several new agents have been introduced to treat patients with low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) including: Fludara®, Rituxan®, Zevalin™ and Bexxar® resulting in significant prolongation of survival. Now, an additional class of agents, the proteasome inhibitors, also appears to be active in patients with low-grade NHL. Velcade" (bortezomide, PS-341) is the first proteasome inhibitor to reach phase I and II testing in clinical trials. Proteasomes appear to be important for degradation of regulatory proteins that govern cell cycle, transcription factor activation, apoptosis and cell trafficking. Preclinical and clinical data have confirmed that inhibitors of the proteasome can act through multiple mechanisms to arrest tumor growth, tumor spread and angiogenesis. Proteasome inhibits degradation of wild-type tumor suppressor protein p53 and inhibits activation of a key transcription factor, nuclear factor kB. In addition, proteasome overrides bcl-2 gene over-expression, leading to apoptosis. Velcade™ has a high specificity for inhibition of proteasome activity. In phase I trials, Velcade™ was tolerated and showed a dose-related effect on proteasome activity.
Concurrent Rituxan® with Fludara® Improves CR Rate in Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia (CLL) (12/18/2002)
Rituxan® is an anti-CD20 antibody that has been used therapeutically since 1998 and there are numerous publications documenting the effectiveness of this agent for the treatment of low-grade and aggressive NHL, CLL, mantle cell NHL, cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, EBV-associated lymphoma and autoimmune diseases of B cells. Most of the early studies involved the treatment of patients who had failed conventional chemotherapy or stem cell transplants. More recently there has been intense activity aimed at determining the optimal regimen and timing of Rituxan® for patients with CD20 positive B-cell malignancies. A recent report published in the January 2003 issue of Blood suggests that concurrent administration of Rituxan® and Fludara® is much more effective than sequential administration for treatment of CLL.
Bexxar™ Produces Long-Term Responses in Patients with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (12/15/2002)
Currently, there are two antibodies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for malignancies of B cell lymphocytes. Rituxan®, an anti-CD20 antibody, has been approved for the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) who have failed initial therapy. Campath®, an anti-CD52 antibody, has been approved for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have failed initial treatment. In addition, the FDA recently approved Zevalin™, which is essentially Rituxan® linked to 90Yttrium, for treatment of patients with NHL who have failed initial chemotherapy. An application for approval of Bexxar®, which is an anti-B cell antibody linked to iodine 131, is pending and will be reviewed by the FDA on December 17, 2002. There has been consternation about the approval of Zevalin™ and not Bexxar® by the FDA since both drugs appear to be very effective. At the 2002 meeting of the American Society of Hematology there were three important presentations which should help in the approval process for Bexxar®.
British Researchers Fail to Find Benefit From Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant After Intensive Chemotherapy Induction and Consolidation for AML (12/13/2002)
The role of allogeneic stem cell transplants as consolidation therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission is changing due to the increased effectiveness of chemotherapy and the ability of cytogenetics to predict outcome. At the present time it is clear that patients with favorable cytogenetics (acute promyelocytic leukemia, t(8;21) and inv16) should not have an allogeneic stem cell transplant until after first relapse. This is because the results of chemotherapy consolidation are as good or better than for patients receiving an allogeneic stem cell transplant. In this setting, the transplant related mortality offsets the benefits of a lower relapse rate associated with allogeneic stem cell transplants. However, the benefits of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in first remission for those with intermediate or poor cytogenetics remains an open question.
New Vaccine Produces Immunity and Responses in Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (12/11/2002)
Immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer have become more effective in the recent decade. Monoclonal antibodies such as Herceptin® and Rituxan® have evolved as effective treatment strategies for breast cancer and lymphoma. In addition, monoclonal antibodies have allowed the specific targeting of toxins and radioactive isotopes. However, despite a lot of effort, there are no vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cancer. The most advanced vaccine is an idiotypic vaccine that is currently undergoing phase III testing. Vaccines for melanoma are promising, at least for the patients who achieve an immune response. The most recent development in vaccine therapy was reported at the 2002 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology. Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center reported that they had developed a peptide vaccine which resulted in remissions in patients with acute and chronic myeloid leukemia (AML and CML).
Gleevec® Better than Conventional Treatment for Patients with Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (12/11/2002)
Gleevec® is a relatively new drug for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Gleevec® is a specific inhibitor of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase which has produced significant responses in patients with CML who have failed alfa-interferon (INF-alfa) or failed allogeneic stem cell transplants. Phase II studies have suggested that Gleevec® is superior to INF-alfa for the initial treatment of patients with newly diagnosed CML. Based on these observations, investigators from several medical centers performed a randomized clinical trial comparing Gleevec® to INF-alfa and low-dose cytarabine for initial treatment of patients with CML. The researchers reported the results of this trial at the 2002 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Mylotarg® Followed by Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation is Effective Therapy for Patients with Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (12/11/2002)
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia who relapse after initial remission induction have a very poor survival. Approximately 30% of these patients can be induced into a second remission but the duration of remission is usually less than 6 months.
Mylotarg® is a monoclonal antibody linked to a toxin called calicheamycin. The monoclonal antibody is directed at CD33 which is present in 80-90% of AML cells but is not present on the normal hematopoietic stem cell. Thus, the antibody-toxin conjugate can selectively kill leukemia cells. The primary toxicity of this agent is veno-occlusive disease (VOD) of the liver, presumably because there are CD33 positive cells in the liver. Mylotarg® was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000 for the treatment of patients with AML over the age of 60 who had failed initial treatment.
Long Term Follow-up Confirms Importance of ATRA in Curing Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (12/5/2002)
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has become an important part of the treatment regimen for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, the optimal use of this agent has not been entirely clear. It now appears that it is important to include ATRA in both the induction and maintenance phases of treatment. The long term follow-up results of a large inter-group trial were published in the December 15, 2002 issue of
Blood. This trial evaluated the durability of responses that were previously reported.
Rituxan® and Fludara®: An Effective Regimen for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (10/24/2002)
The optimal treatment for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia remains to be determined. At the present time, the most active single agent is Fludara® (fludarabine). Initial treatment with Fludara® alone is associated with a 50-60% response rate, but all patients ultimately relapse. Rituxan® (rituximab) is an active agent for the treatment of patients with CLL who have recurrent disease but have not undergone extensive evaluation as initial therapy. Researchers in Germany have evaluated the combination of Fludara® and Rituxan® as initial therapy and for patients who have failed initial therapy in a phase II clinical trial. They reported their results in the November 1, 2002 issue of
Blood where they conclude that this combination of drugs is active and should be compared to Fludara® alone in a prospective randomized trial.
Non-Myeloablative Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective in Patients Who Fail Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (10/2/2002)
High-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell transplantation is the treatment of choice for selected patients with Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. However, the majority of patients treated with autologous stem cell transplants will ultimately relapse and treatment options are few. Myeloablative regimens followed by allogeneic stem cell transplants are associated with a high treatment-related mortality due to regimen-related toxicities and graft-versus-host disease. The recent development of non-myeloablative treatment regimens followed by allogeneic stem cell transplants has been associated with less early treatment-related mortality. Researchers in England have reported that this approach is successful in half the patients who have failed a previous autologous stem cell transplant. They reported their results in the October 2002 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Vitamin Supplementation Use During Pregnancy Decreases the Incidence of Neuroblastoma (8/28/2002)
It is generally recommended that pregnant women receive vitamin supplementation during pregnancy to assure normal growth and development of the fetus. Several studies have suggested that vitamin supplementation during pregnancy can prevent birth defects in the fetus. There have also been associations established between vitamin supplementation and the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors. In fact, it has been suggested that the widespread use of vitamin supplementation in pregnant women has led to a decrease in the incidence of childhood medulloblastoma. However, the role of vitamin supplementation during pregnancy in the prevention of neuroblastoma has not been extensively explored. Researchers for several institutions in the U.S. and Canada have reported in the September 2002 issue of the journal of
Epidemiology that vitamin supplementation during pregnancy may decrease the incidence of neuroblastoma.
Canadian Study Confirms Better Results with Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Compared to Bone Marrow in Recipients of Allogeneic Transplants for Myeloid Malignancies (8/20/2002)
Over the past decade, peripheral blood stem cells have gradually replaced bone marrow as the source of stem cells for allogeneic transplantation. Randomized studies have consistently shown faster engraftment, similar incidences of acute graft-versus-host disease and, usually, an increased incidence of chronic graft-versus- host disease. To date, the only survival advantage has been in patients transplanted for advanced malignancies. In the September 1, 2002 issue of the journal
Blood, researchers affiliated with the Canadian Bone Marrow Transplant Group have published data that supports the above findings, but in addition, they found a survival advantage for patients transplanted for chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase. However, they also found an increase in the incidence of severe chronic graft-versus-host disease. There were no subgroups who appeared to be harmed by receiving peripheral blood stem cells rather than bone marrow.
Cancer Survivors With Low Sperm Counts Are Candidates for Assisted Reproduction Techniques (8/8/2002)
Chemotherapy, especially with alkylating agents, and radiation therapy cause significant damage to the testes. Sperm production is as sensitive to damage as bone marrow and mucosal cells because of the rapid turnover of cells. Such treatments result in low or absent sperm counts. In men with absent sperm, there is nothing that can currently be done to make them fertile. However, many men will have low sperm counts and can theoretically become fathers by assisted reproduction techniques, especially intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Gleevec® More Effective and Better Tolerated Than Interferon (IFN) for Initial Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) (5/24/2002)
According to results presented by Brian Druker at the 38th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Gleevec® had significantly greater efficacy and was better tolerated than interferon as first-line treatment of CML.
Large Study Defines Results of Gleevec® in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Myeloid Blast Crisis (5/22/2002)
According to results recently published in
Blood, Gleevec® used as a single agent induces responses in patients with CML in blast crisis (BC).
Component of Red Wine Has Potential Anti-cancer Properties (5/20/2002)
According to results recently published in the
British Journal of Cancer, the cancer preventive agent resveratrol metabolizes into the anti-leukemic agent piceatannol, which may provide a novel explanation for the cancer preventive properties of resveratrol.
Campath® Antibody Effective for Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) who Have Failed Fludara® (5/8/2002)
According to results recently published in
Blood, Campath® appears to produce significant responses in patients with CLL who have failed Fludara®.
Transplantation of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Rather than Bone Marrow Improves disease-free-survival after HLA-identical Unrelated Donor Transplants for Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (3/19/2002)
Researchers in Germany compared outcomes of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (n = 37) with bone marrow transplantation (n = 54) for patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia receiving HLA-compatible unrelated donor transplants. The median follow-up was 17 months after PBSCT and 29 months after BMT. Both neutrophil and platelet recovery were faster after peripheral blood stem cell transplants (P <.05). Peripheral blood stem cell transplants were associated with improved immune reconstitution, with higher peripheral blood naive (CD4(+)CD45RA(+)) and memory (CD4(+) CD45RO(+)) helper T cells at 3 months and 12 months after transplantation (P <.03).
Retrospective Study Shows Improved Results of Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cells for Unrelated Donor Transplants for Patients with First Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (2/14/2002)
Peripheral blood stem cells are emerging as a preferred source of stem cells for allogeneic transplantation. However, the transition from bone marrow to peripheral blood has been slow due to concerns over exposing stem cell donors to the risks of Neupogen® for mobilization of stem cells.
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