Potential Skin Cancer Breakthrough Tested at Scottsdale Healthcare Published Today in New England Journal o...(on Hoff and colleagues at Johns Hopkins ...),Health

Date:9/2/2009

on Hoff and colleagues at Johns Hopkins University and Karmanos Cancer Institute demonstrated that GDC-0449, a Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor, appears to shrink tumors in locally-advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinoma (BCC) while having limited side effects including a loss of sense of taste, and a small amount of hair loss and weight loss. GDC-0449 was discovered by Genentech and was jointly validated through a series of preclinical studies performed under a collaboration agreement between Genentech and Curis, Inc. (Cambridge, Mass). Genentech is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Roche Group.

Known as the "Hedgehog" trial, results suggest a durable clinical benefit, defined as tumor shrinkage visible on X-ray or other physical exam or improvement in symptoms without tumor growth -- was observed in 18 of 33 patients evaluated.

"Until now, we did not have any treatments that can effectively slow the tumor growth in these patients with advanced skin cancer. Using the right drug for each cancer, or precision oncology as we call it, has great potential against other cancers as well," said Dr. Von Hoff.

Abnormal activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway appears to be an important mechanism for many different types of cancers to develop, survive or grow. This pathway can be inactivated by a chemical called cyclopamine found in the California corn lily. Initial observation and isolation of cyclopamine from the corn lily was made in 1957. Subsequently, scientists at Genentech developed an oral drug called GDC-0449 which can inhibit key components of the Hedgehog pathway.

Basal cell cancer was chosen as the first cancer to be studied, as most BCCs have abnormalities or mutations of Hedgehog pathway genes named PATCHED and SMOOTHENED.

"Success of this new therapy is another example of applying genetic information to medicine. We are constantly working to improve treatment op
'/>"/>

SOURCE Scottsdale Healthcare Copyright©2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

0 GOOD

Page: 1 2 3 4
Related medicine technology :

1. Interim Phase II Data Presented at XIV World Congress of Neurological Surgery Supports Potential of Peregrines Cotara(R) for Treatment of Brain Cancer
2. CRi Oosight Imaging System a Key to Breakthrough Gene Replacement Method With Potential to Prevent Inherited Mitochondrial Diseases
3. Studies Published in the New England Journal of Medicine Highlight Potential New Option in the Treatment of Bone Loss
4. First Potential Lupus-Specific Treatment in Sight
5. Innovative Psoriasis Treatment PSORENT(R) Announces Healthcare Cost Savings Potential Consistent with President Obamas Announcement on Healthcare Reform
6. CEL SCI Collaborators Demonstrate Novel L.E.A.P.S. Vaccines Immunize Mice Against Tuberculosis Antigens and Suggest Potential to Treat Swine and Other Influenzas
7. Ethicon Endo-Surgery Studies Presented at DDW Demonstrate Potential of Pure NOTES Surgery With Companys Toolbox
8. Scientists at The Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit Identify Potential New Target for Breast Cancer Therapy
9. Cardium Announces Completion of Patient Recruitment in Phase 2b Clinical Trial of Excellarate(TM) for the Potential Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
10. Ground-Breaking Combination of All-Oral Agents Demonstrates Potential as Hepatitis C Treatment Regimen
11. Endo Pharmaceuticals Announces Research Collaborations to Develop Novel Pain Treatments and Discover Potential Cancer Treatments