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Leukemia - Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
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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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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®).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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).
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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