Oral Cancer Foundation News Team – A – Page 207

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center’s research efforts highlighted at annual cancer conference

Source: www.mc.vanderbilt.edu Author: Dagny Stuart A new drug which targets a genetic mutation found in more than 50 percent of melanoma cases, 10 percent to 15 percent of colorectal tumors and 8 percent of other solid tumors, caused tumor shrinkage and extended progression-free survival among patients during a recent Phase 1 clinical trial. Igor Puzanov, M.D., assistant professor of Medicine, and Jeffrey Sosman, M.D., Ingram Professor of Cancer Research, led Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center's participation in the multi-center study. Puzanov delivered the initial findings during a poster session at the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in Orlando, Fla. Puzanov and Sosman were among nearly a dozen VICC cancer investigators who were invited to give oral or poster presentations on their latest research findings during the ASCO conference. PLX4032 is a novel, highly selective drug that targets the BRAFV600E cancer-causing genetic mutation. In addition to tumor shrinkage and delay in tumor progression, some patients reported clinical improvement in symptoms. “The BRAFV600E mutation activates the MAP kinase signaling pathway, causing cells to proliferate. One of the hallmarks of cancer is this uncontrolled, unregulated cell proliferation,” said Puzanov. “The new drug is a very selective inhibitor which appears to target only this mutation, and it blocks the unregulated cell growth and causes cell death.” In patients without the mutation, no clinical response to treatment was observed and progression-free survival was less than two months, consistent with historical data. “This is personalized medicine at its best,” said Sosman. “If continued trials confirm [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2009-06-27T15:28:04-07:00June, 2009|Oral Cancer News|

Zila enters into merger agreement with Tolmar

Source: www.earthtimes.org Author: press release Zila, Inc. today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Tolmar Holding, Inc., a privately held, pharmaceutical research, development, manufacturing and commercial operations company. Under terms of the agreement, Tolmar will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Zila for a cash purchase price of $0.38 per share, representing an approximate premium of 18% over the closing price of Zila’s shares on June 24, 2009. Total consideration paid by Tolmar includes the purchase of Zila’s existing $12 million senior secured convertible debt at a discount. The proposed merger transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Zila’s stockholders, but is not subject to any financing contingency. David Bethune, Zila’s chairman and CEO, stated, “We are fortunate to have entered into this merger agreement with Tolmar, given Zila’s current financial condition and our inability to access the financial markets. The Board of Directors conducted a substantial and exhaustive review of Zila’s available alternatives, before concluding that this transaction was fair to and in the best interest of the company and its stockholders. I am gratified that we have found a way to both satisfy our debt obligations and provide value for our shareholders. This merger will provide the resources and platform for Zila’s dedicated employees to realize the true worldwide potential of Zila’s oral cancer screening and periodontal products." About Zila, Inc. Zila, Inc., headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a diagnostic company dedicated to the prevention, detection and treatment of [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2009-06-27T15:21:37-07:00June, 2009|Oral Cancer News|

Detecting subtle changes in cancer cells with nanofluidic biopsy

Source: www.azonano.com Author: staff By taking two standard laboratory techniques—capillary electrophoresis and antibody-based protein detection—and shrinking them to the nanoscale, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have created a new method for detecting miniscule changes in the levels of proteins associated with cancer. In a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, the investigators used their new device to analyze whether individual cancer-associated proteins were present in the tiny samples and even whether modifications of the proteins varied in response to cancer treatments. Although the study focuses on blood cancers, the hope is that the technique also might provide a faster, less invasive way to track solid tumors. “Currently, we don’t know what’s going on in a patient’s tumor cells when a treatment is given,” said Alice C. Fan, M.D., who along with Dean W. Felsher, M.D., headed the team that developed this nanofluidic proteomic immunoassay (NIA) system. “The standard way we measure whether a treatment is working is to wait several weeks to see if the tumor mass shrinks. It would be a leap forward if we could detect what is happening at a cellular level.” Dr. Felsher, who is a member of the Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence Focused on Therapy Response based at Stanford University, added, “This technology allows us to analyze cancer-associated proteins on a very small scale. “Not only can we detect picogram levels—one-trillionth of a gram—of protein, but we also can see very subtle changes in the ways the protein is modified.” [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2009-06-27T15:14:25-07:00June, 2009|Oral Cancer News|

Anti-smoking bill a victory for kids

Source: www.blackvoicenews.com Author: Dr. Ernest Levister, Jr The health risks of tobacco are well known, yet the rates of smoking and using chewing tobacco continue to grow. Many young people pick up these habits every year — in fact, 90% of all adult smokers started when they were kids. Each day, more than 4,400 kids become regular smokers. So it was particularly encouraging to see President Barack Obama this week surrounded by children from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids sign the strongest anti-smoking measure ever, calling it “an extraordinary accomplishment that will help keep children from getting hooked on cigarettes”. This landmark legislation is a clear victory for kids. With an estimated 3,500 young people smoking their first cigarette each day, the ban on flavorings alone could have significant health benefits. Mr. Obama cited his own long struggle to quit the cigarettes he got hooked on as a teenager and praised the bill for providing critically needed protections for kids. Studies show that African Americans smoke fewer cigarettes when compared to Caucasians, but they share a far greater burden of smoking related health problems. It’s important to make sure kids understand the dangers of tobacco use. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States, and can cause cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. Chewing tobacco (smokeless or spit tobacco) can lead to nicotine addiction, oral cancer, gum disease, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks. Kids might be drawn to smoking and [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2009-06-25T18:23:42-07:00June, 2009|Oral Cancer News|

State rules marijuana smoke is a carcinogen, may require dispensaries to post warnings

Source: www.mercurynews.com Author: April Dembosky Joints and baggies sold at California's medical marijuana dispensaries will soon carry a new warning label. Next to tags like "Purple Haze" and "White Widow" will be the advisory: Contents may cause cancer when smoked. On Friday, California added marijuana smoke to its official list of known carcinogens, joining the ranks of arsenic, asbestos and DDT. Pot brownies, lollipops and other non-inhalables are not affected by the new ruling. Scientists found the pungent smoke shares many of the same harmful properties as tobacco smoke, warranting its inclusion on the Proposition 65 warning list. The law requires the state to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity, and businesses and government agencies must post warnings when they use such chemicals or sell products containing them. "Marijuana smoke is a mixture of different chemicals, and a number of those were already on the Prop. 65 list," said Allan Hirsch, chief deputy director of the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, which made the designation. From a health perspective, pot advocates say the ruling was unsurprising, given the state's track record on documenting the harmful effects of all kinds of smoke inhalation. However, some are worried by its political implications as advocates attempt to legalize recreational use of marijuana. "I definitely have concerns about law enforcement and politicians who aren't in favor of medical marijuana or law reform, who would use this designation to further restrict access," said Allen St. Pierre, executive [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2009-06-21T06:05:56-07:00June, 2009|Oral Cancer News|

Factors associated with early-stage diagnosis of oral and pharyngeal cancer

Source: Community Dent Oral Epidemiol, June 4, 2009 Authors: Jennifer M Watson et al. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the characteristics and treatment-seeking behaviors of patients diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) and to determine whether seeing an oral healthcare provider in the preceding year was associated with an earlier stage of diagnosis. Methods: Trained interviewers administered a pretested survey instrument to a sample of 131 patients newly diagnosed with OPC at two cancer centers in Florida. Analyses were conducted to compare characteristics of patients by cancer summary stage (early or advanced) on receipt of OPC examination, patterns of dental care, and number of initial signs and symptoms. In addition, analyses were also conducted for characteristics of patients' dental care utilization (regular primary care dentist, time of most recent dental visit, and regular dental care) by receipt of OPC examination. Results: Overall, 25.3% of participants reported receiving an OPC examination at their last dental visit and participants who received an OPC examination were significantly more likely (79%) to be diagnosed at early stages than those who did not receive an oral cancer examination (48%). Patients with a regular primary care dentist were more likely to be diagnosed at early stages (65%) than those without a regular primary care dentist (41%). Factors significantly associated with receiving an OPC examination included having a regular primary care dentist (P

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2009-06-19T07:37:59-07:00June, 2009|Oral Cancer News|

Carotid artery resection and reconstruction with superficial femoral artery transplantation: a case report

Source: 7thspace.com Author: staff Introduction: Managing advanced head and neck cancer is often a difficult task, particularly when massive invasion of the carotid artery is present. However, en bloc resection can be a curative procedure, and reconstruction of the carotid artery limits the risk for stroke. The aim of this study was to describe the interest, indication, potential risks, and methods by which we carried out resections as well as reconstructions of the carotid artery using superficial femoral artery transplantation. Subjects and Methods: We presented one case of en bloc resection of the carotid artery with reconstruction with superficial femoral artery transplantation. Results: Postoperative care was uneventful. The patient did not suffer from neurological deficiency. After three years of follow-up, the patient survived without any cancer recurrence. Conclusions: The occurrence of massive cancer invasion into the carotid artery should not be a contraindication for surgery. En bloc resection of the carotid artery with revascularization using the superficial femoral artery allows for appropriate control of the cancer, and carries an acceptable level of neurological risk. Authors: Yoann PonsElsa Ukkola-PonsPhilippe ClementBernard BarangerClaude Conessa Source: Head &Neck Oncology 2009, 1:19

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2009-06-18T14:39:50-07:00June, 2009|Oral Cancer News|

New radiotherapy technique proven safe, less toxic for cancer patients, University Of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute study finds

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com Author: staff A new technique known as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is safe for patients with recurrent head and neck cancers and may improve their quality of life, according to researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI). Results of the phase I study were reported today in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics. Each year approximately 500,000 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck are diagnosed worldwide. While treatment has improved with advances in surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, more than half of patients will die from recurrent disease. Treatment options for patients with recurrent disease are limited, and for many, surgery may not be an option, according to principal investigator Dwight E. Heron, M.D., director, Radiation Oncology Services, UPMC Cancer Centers. "Chemotherapy alone can provide this patient population some palliation and pain relief, but it doesn't prolong survival," said Dr. Heron. "A few patients may be able to receive additional radiation treatments, but head and neck cancers, by their very nature, develop in very delicate areas of the body, which provide significant retreatment challenges." SBRT may offer these patients an alternative, noted Dr. Heron. "At the completion of our study, we found this treatment was tolerated very well. No maximum tolerated dose was reached, and no toxicities occurred that caused us to limit the dosing." SBRT is a relatively new technique using CyberKnife® technology, which delivers high doses of radiation with more precision than conventional techniques. The vast majority of patients [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2009-06-17T19:09:07-07:00June, 2009|Oral Cancer News|

Zila warns of bankruptcy without more funding

Source: triangle.bizjournals.com Author: Angela Gonzales Zila Inc. continues to bleed red ink, but bandages have been put in place to help stem the flow. The Phoenix oral cancer diagnostics company released its fiscal third-quarter results Tuesday, showing a loss of $1.5 million on $5 million in revenue for the three months ended April 30. That compares with a $4.4 million loss on $6.8 million in revenue for the same period in 2008. For the first nine months of 2009, Zila lost nearly $30 million on revenue of $15.6 million, compared with $14 million in losses on $20 million in revenue. In its quarterly filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Zila said revenue has been negatively impacted by the economy and because of customer concern about its viability as an ongoing business. “Concerns about our financial viability have also contributed to an increased turnover in our field sales force and other key staff areas and have led to a reduction in our marketing effectiveness and our reach to new and existing customers,” the company said in its 10-Q. To stem the blood loss, Zila has continued salary reductions for a number of management personnel, reduced its field sales force by 15 percent, eliminated its employee stock purchase plan, furloughed certain manufacturing production personnel and reduced trade show expenditures. Still, the decline in revenue means Zila has been cutting into its cash reserves. As of April 30, the company had $3.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared with $2.5 [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2009-06-15T20:25:07-07:00June, 2009|Oral Cancer News|

Important cancer study finds alarming black-white disparities

Source: www.greenvilleonline.com Author: editorial A recent report identified alarming disparities in cancer rates in black and white South Carolinians. By helping to diagnose the scope of the problem, the study eventually may lead to better cancer prevention. Black South Carolinians get cancer more often than white South Carolinians, researchers at the University of South Carolina found. In addition, blacks who get cancer are more likely to die — even from cancers they get less often than whites. “This study is alarming,” said Dr. James Hebert, lead author and professor at USC's School of Public Health. “It shows health disparities in a visual, graphic way.” The study is one of the nation's first to track the ratio of deaths based on the incidence of specific cancers. For instance, the mortality rate for blacks in South Carolina with prostate, oral and breast cancers is almost double the rate for whites. Even though blacks smoke less than whites, statistics on oral cancer show that African Americans have a higher mortality rate throughout most of the state. The research was deemed significant enough to appear in the June issue of the peer-reviewed journal Cancer. Although the study was conducted in South Carolina, it can be replicated in other states and regions, helping public health officials better understand the extent of the problem and aiding in targeting resources. Though the study has national ramifications, it's particularly important in identifying problems here in South Carolina. The cancer disparities between blacks and whites is greater in the [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2009-06-15T20:17:53-07:00June, 2009|Oral Cancer News|

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