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Leukemia Cancer News
Family Quest To Find Leukemia Lifesaver
Terrazzino was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, the most common form of the disease and a fast-growing cancer that attacks the blood and bone marrow. With chemotherapy failing to send Terrazzino's leukemia into remission for more than a few months, his doctors decided he needed a transplant of healthy blood-forming cells provided by a donor.
Sprycel
(dasatinib) Approved By FDA
Bristol-Myers Squibb announced today that the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has approved SPRYCEL, an oral inhibitor of multiple tyrosine
kinases, for the treatment of adults in all phases of chronic myeloid
leukemia (CML) (chronic, accelerated, or myeloid or lymphoid blast
phase) with resistance or intolerance to prior therapy, including
Gleevec (imatinib mesylate).
More
Use Umbilical Cord Blood To Fight Diseases
Collecting the blood is quick and does not interfere with the delivery
room experience, said Payne. The cord blood is extracted after the
cord is cut, and the procedure is canceled if there are any complications
with the birth.
Leukemia
Drugs Given Wrongly 20% Of Time In Study
Kids with leukemia who are treated as outpatients at Seattle Children's
Hospital and Regional Medical Center have about a one in five chance
of being given the wrong medication or the wrong dosage, a study
published today indicates.
Study
Identifies Molecular Process Underlying Leukemia
New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
has identified a molecular process in cells that is crucial to the
development of two common leukemias. The findings help explain how
fundamental cell processes go awry during cancer development and
represent a first step toward new, targeted treatments for leukemia.
Fighting
leukemia is teams' passion
This year's walk is the first for Sandi and Joe Franco and their
8-year-old son Mateo, who was diagnosed with leukemia in September.
Nearly 35,000 people each year are diagnosed with the form of cancer
that's characterized by an uncontrolled accumulation of white blood
cells.
New
Clinical Studies Support Opportunity For Ceflatonin To AML
ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX:CXS and NASDAQ:CXSP) announced
today the recent publication of two clinical research papers that
support the expansion of the clinical development of Ceflatonin®
to include treatment of both newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia
(AML) patients and those with advanced disease resistant to other
therapies.
Spying
on Cancer Cells
Oregon researchers have used a new mass spectrometry technique to
uncover a mutation that can cause leukemia. Their discovery is the
first drug target uncovered by the method, which identifies abnormal
cell-signaling proteins. The new technique, called protein mass
spectrometry, could uncover other drug targets and reveal how drugs
affect cancer cells.
Dacogen
(Decitabine) For Injection Receives European Orphan Drug Designation
for Patients With AML
The most commonly occurring adverse reactions with Dacogen include
neutropenia (90%), thrombocytopenia (89%), anemia (82%), pyrexia
(53%), fatigue (48%), nausea (42%), cough (40%), petechiae (39%),
constipation (35%), and diarrhea (34%).
New
hope in cancer vaccines emerges
The PR1 peptide vaccine is slated to be tested at M. D. Anderson
in other kinds of leukemia of myeloid origin, such as acute myelogenous
leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and pre-leukemic
myelodysplastic syndromes.
Family
to host drive in search of marrow donors
Last year, 30-year-old middle school teacher Johna Kozak found herself
in a three-year marriage with a 1-year-old son and a new diagnosis
of acute myelogenous leukemia. Saturday her family is organizing
a drive to find potential bone marrow donors to add to a national
registry.
Cancer
experts to discuss new findings
Multiple myeloma is a cancer in the bone marrow that affects production
of red cells, white cells and stem cells. With more than 100 drugs
in clinical trials, myeloma is leading the way to the new model
for cancer treatment.
Teen
with Leukemia Cancer Begs For Pesticide Ban
It wasn't until last November that 14-year-old Sarah Mediouni was
diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at the Hospital for Sick
Children. Prior to being diagnosed she met with the mayor in June
2004 and then again with council in January 2005. During both meetings
the group of friends asked to have cosmetic pesticides banned in
town.
Surprises
for leukemia survivor and his family
Joe Galleo, a homebuilder and borough councilman, offered the family
the new townhouse to live in for the next year while Joey recuperates.
Galleo is building homes on the site of the former Bridgeport High
School.
Partnering
for a Leukemia Cure
It’s been a rough year for Jonathan, who has received chemotherapy
and radiation at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
Greenbrier
County Woman Says Benzene Paint Killed Her Son
Donita Taylor filed the lawsuit on behalf of her son Matthew S.
Belford's estate April 12 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Comsat
Corporation, Radiation Systems' Universal Antennas Division, Lockheed
Martin and Harry Morton, an individual.
MDS
Trial Positive for MGI Pharma drug
MGI Pharma has revealed positive results from a phase III trial
evaluating its investigational drug Dacogen injection in the treatment
of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, a group of bone marrow
disorders which can lead to leukemia.
Teen
With Acute Myleogenous Leukemia Seeks Uncommon Bone Marrow Donor
Matt was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), which
develops when there is a defect in the immature cells in the bone
marrow. Though there are around 10,000 cases diagnosed annually
in the United States, AML does not discriminate when it comes to
race, gender or age, but generally afflicts older, white males.
Myelodysplastic
Syndromes Guidelines Updated
The NCCN expert panel recommends lenolidamide (Revlimid, Celgene)
for the treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome who
have an abnormality on part of chromosome number 5 and who have
abnormally low numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells or
platelets. The guideline also recommends the strong consideration
of deferasirox (Exjade, Novartis) or deferiprone (Ferriprox, Apotex)
to reduce iron availability in patients who meet criteria for treatment
of chronic iron overload.
Clolar
- Clofarabine
Information on Clolar, Clofarabine, and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Leukemia
Risk From High Voltage Power Lines?
Living too close to overhead power lines appears to increase the
risk of childhood leukaemia, researchers say. A major study found
children who had lived within 200m of high voltage lines at birth
had a 70% higher risk of leukaemia than those 600m or more away.
Medical
Information and How To Find It
Today's computer technology is making it easier
than ever for people to track down medical and health information.
There are also many other sources of medical information available
in textbooks, journal articles, and reference books and from health
care organizations. This booklet explains how to locate these important
sources of information
Bone
marrow drive aims to help infant with AML Leukemia
Richard and Courtney Campbell, whose baby, Tristan has AML leukemia,
are reaching out seeking help for their son. The drive is hoped
to find a match for Tristan and the other patients searching for
a match.
Community
gives Royersford girl with AML safe homecoming
Abigail Stanfield was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia
early last year. Since then, Karen and Greg Stanfield have dealt
with long nights at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Abba's
sickness from chemotherapy, and the news that Abba's only chance
for survival would be a bone marrow transplant.
Study
Links Household Insecticides, Head Lice Shampoos to Childhood Leukemia
Exposure to household insecticides, including head lice shampoos,
may increase a child’s risk of developing leukemia, according
to findings from a French study.
AML
Leukemia Diagnosis Perplexing
Even though health officials say it is unlikely that any contaminants
from Wyle contributed to Nicole's acute myelogenous leukemia --
and such a relation would be impossible to prove -- many are still
skeptical.
New
Target Found for Treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Presented at ASH
New research shows that a novel antibody could target the specific
cells that lead to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML results when
maverick stem cells in the bone marrow produce unchecked numbers
of immature white blood cells, called myeloid cells. Nearly 12,000
new cases of AML have been diagnosed in the United States this year.
Susan's
long trail - Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
GCI, Ms. Butcher's longtime sponsor, plans to donate money to the
Blood Bank of Alaska to help pay for the bank's Dec. 30 statewide
bone marrow donor drive that ultimately could benefit more than
just Ms. Butcher. That's because people who are tested through the
blood bank will have their names and type information entered into
a national bone marrow database.
Dacogen(TM)
(Decitabine) Injection Complete Response Accepted for Review By
U.S. FDA
MGI PHARMA, INC. (Nasdaq:MOGN) and SuperGen, Inc. (Nasdaq:SUPG)
today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has accepted the Companies' resubmission as of November 15, 2005
as a complete response to the Approvable Letter for Dacogen(TM)
(decitabine) injection for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
The
Unconquered Twin
Brett had leukemia. It turned out to be acute myelogenous leukemia,
a cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells.
It usually strikes adults, not children.
Drug
duo: New hope in cancer fight
The experimental therapy McGuirk and other doctors are trying combines
Neupogen with another drug, AMD3100, that dislodges stem cells from
their home in the bone marrow. The researchers found that with the
addition of AMD3100, considerably more stem cells entered the bloodstream.
That made it possible in most cases for doctors to collect enough
of the cells for a transplant.
Aranesp®
Effective in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
According to a recent article published in the Annals of Oncology,
Aranesp (darbepoetin afla) is effective in the treatment of anemia
in patients with low or intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.
Launch
of Human Clinical Trial of Cancer Drug to Treat Relapsed Leukemia
In previous studies, L-Annamycin has demonstrated encouraging therapeutic
results in preclinical and human clinical trials as a potentially
viable treatment for not only ALL but for another form of leukemia,
acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
GVAX®
cancer vaccine for acute leukemia
The goal of GVAX® vaccine therapy in this setting is to stimulate
an immune response directed against the patient's own tumor and
to enhance the anti-leukemia activity of standard chemotherapy and
transplantation.
Erythropoietin
and Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor Improve Anemia in Patients
with MDS
Researchers affiliated with the Nordic Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Group have reported that approximately 40% of patients with myelodysplastic
syndrome(MDS) treated with Procrit® (epoetin alfa) and granulocyte-colony
stimulating factor (G-CSF, Neupogen®) have partial or complete
correction of anemia without an increase in the incidence of leukemic
transformation or a decrease in survival.
Genzyme
Launches Minimal Residual Disease Test for Common Leukemia
Genzyme Corporation (Nasdaq: GENZ - News) announced today that it
has launched a new test to detect very low levels of disease, also
known as minimal residual disease (MRD), in patients with B-cell
chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).
Italian
Study Links Artificial Sweetener, Aspartame, To Leukemia in Rats
At the conclusion of the test period, the control rats were cancer-free
while many of the female rats that were exposed to the sweetener
developed lymphomas and leukemias. As the amount of aspartame increased,
so did the risk.
Structural
GenomiX Receives $48.5 Million Award From NIH
SGX's lead product candidate is Troxatyl(TM), a novel cancer therapeutic
currently in Phase 2/3 clinical trials for the treatment of Acute
Myelogenous Leukemia and in Phase 1/2 studies for various solid
tumors.
Higher
Cumulative Doses of Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide for Early Breast
Cancer Associated with Increased Risk of Developing Leukemia
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical
Oncology, higher cumulative doses of the chemotherapy agents epirubicin
(Ellence®) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®) in the treatment
of early breast cancer are associated with a higher incidence of
developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic
syndromes (MDL). However, the overall risk of developing acute
myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes remains small in this
group of patients.
National
study looks at leukemia cluster in Nevada
Fallon, Nevada is a quiet desert town, with a population of 8,300,
located next to a naval air station. The town became famous when
15 of its children became sick with leukemia in just a few short
years.
A
quest for answers
In March 2002, when Caitlin was first diagnosed with leukemia —
cancer of the blood — the Spracklens thought of it as a horrible,
but isolated, incident. They would soon learn this, tragically,
wasn’t the case.
Joe
Epifanio is Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Man of Year
After an exciting eight weeks of fund-raising, Joe Epifanio, broker
and president of Stock Realty, a division of Stock Development,
was named Man of the Year 2005 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
FDA
Grants Priority Review for REVLIMID(R) NDA for Treatment of Low-
and Intermediate- Risk MDS With Deletion 5q Chromosomal Abnormality
The Company is seeking approval to market REVLIMID as a targeted
treatment for transfusion-dependent patients with low- and intermediate-risk
myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with deletion 5q chromosomal abnormality.
Vertex,
Merck plan clinical study for cancer treatment
The move is slated to demonstrate the safety and tolerability of
VX-680 in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia, myelodysplastic
syndrome, acute lymphocytic leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Local
Company Employees Band Together to Help Colleague, Other Cancer
Patients at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
Employees of local consumer electronics firm, GoVideo, are joining
together to support their long-time colleague and friend, Kevin
Petersen, 34, who was recently diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous
Leukemia and has been undergoing intense chemotherapy treatments
at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix.
Celgene's
Revlimid Cancer Drug Trial Turns Heads
Revlimid, a close relative to Celgene's lead drug Thalomid, has
been tweaked to deliver more potent benefits and fewer side effects.
Thalomid-the brand name for thalidomide, which caused severe birth
defects when a British company produced it in the 1950s-won approval
for sale in the U.S. in 1998 as a treatment for a skin condition
related to leprosy. Many physicians have since adopted it for off-
label use as a treatment for multiple myeloma, an incurable blood
cancer.
Charleroi
girl will donate bone marrow to help her baby sister
Justess, 19 months, was diagnosed last month with a rare form of
leukemia called myelodysplastic syndromes, a disorder in which the
bone marrow produces too few red blood cells, white blood cells
and, often, platelets.
REVLIMID(R)
(lenalidomide) Study in Low and Intermediate-1 Risk Myelodysplastic
Syndromes
51% of Eligible Low and Intermediate-1 Risk Transfusion Dependent
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Patients Without Deletion 5q Chromosomal
Abnormality Achieve Hematologic Improvement, with 33% Achieving
Transfusion Independence
Vion
Presents Data on CLORETAZINE(TM) (VNP40101M) in Hematologic Malignancies
at ASCO(R) Annual Meeting
Poster #6541, titled Phase II study of VNP40101M in patients
with acute myelogenous leukemia and high-risk myelodysplasia provides
updated initial information on the Company's Phase II single agent
study which was recently closed to new patient enrollment.
REVLIMID(Lenalidomide)
Study in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Presented at 2005 ASCO
REVLIMID is a member of a new class of novel immunomodulatory drugs,
or IMiDs®. Celgene is evaluating treatments with REVLIMID for
a broad range of hematology and oncology conditions, including;
multiple myeloma, the malignant blood cell disorders known as myelodysplastic
syndromes (MDS) as well as solid tumor cancers.
Cephalon
Announces Acquisition of Salmedix
Bendamustine hydrochloride is currently marketed in Germany by a
third party for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic
lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, metastatic breast cancer
and other solid tumors.
FDA
Grants SGX Orphan Drug Designation for Troxatyl(TM); SGX to Present
Troxatyl(TM) Clinical Data at ASCO
Structural GenomiX, Inc. (SGX) announced today that it has been
granted Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
for its lead product candidate, Troxatyl(TM) (troxacitabine), for
the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
New
Eloxatin(R) and Taxotere(R) Research to Be Presented at the Annual
Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
The sanofi-aventis Group announced today that important results
from Eloxatin(R) (oxaliplatin for injection) and Taxotere(R) (docetaxel)
Injection Concentrate clinical studies, including studies on colorectal,
breast, lung, prostate and gastric cancer
Lack
of bone marrow donors hurts minorities
A shortage of minority marrow donors continues to be a major problem
for African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics and American Indians suffering
from diseases of the blood and immune system such as leukemia and
lymphoma.
Johnson
& Johnson Receives Not Approvable Letter From FDA for Tipifarnib
Based on Phase II Data
Tipifarnib is an oral medication studied to treat acute
myeloid leukemia (AML) in elderly patients who are not candidates
for standard chemotherapy.
Haploidentical
natural killer cells may provide hope for some patients with AML
A University of Minnesota Cancer Center study indicates natural
killer cells obtained from a family member and artificially stimulated
may provide renewed hope for some patients who have advanced acute
myelogenous leukemia (AML), a highly fatal cancer of the bone marrow,
that has become resistant to standard treatment with chemotherapy.
New
leukemia drug shows promise in overriding all Gleevec resistance
Temple University researchers have developed a new drug that could
potentially treat all forms of Gleevec-resistant chronic myelogenous
leukemia (CML).
Cord
blood transplantation now a viable option for adult leukemia patients
While two patients with acute leukemia in relapse died from
infection shortly after the transplant, in the remaining 21 patients,
the transplanted stem cells completely incorporated themselves in
the patient's body and began to produce normal, healthy cells.
High
voltage power lines could cause leukemia: Study
Scientists have found corroborating evidence to show that children
exposed to high voltage power lines are at a higher risk of contracting
leukemia -- the cancer of immature white blood cells and the most
common form of cancer among children.
Researchers
eliminate leukemia in mice
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have corrected a flaw
in cancer cells that lets them evade the normal cell-death process,
and as a result they eliminated leukemia cells from mice.
Farnesyl
Transferase Inhibitor and Patients at High-Risk for AML
An oral targeted therapy gentle enough to be used by patients in
their 70s or 80s is showing benefit in treating high-risk myelodysplastic
syndrome (MDS), a pre-leukemic disorder that can progress to acute
myelogenous leukemia (AML), according to a study presented at the
annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology
Complete
remission in myeloid leukemia patients with Peptide vaccine
Nearly all of these patients had either active or relapsed
acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or refractory chronic myelogenous
leukemia (CML) - forms of leukemia in which there is a dangerous
accumulation of immature cells in the bone marrow - or they had
high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a precancerous bone marrow
disorder.
Durable,
High Response Rates Achieved with Clofarabine in Adult Acute Myeloid
Leukaemia -AML-
Clofarabine is a next generation of the drug class, purine nucleoside
analogs that inhibit DNA production necessary for cancer cell growth.
High
risk of second cancers in survivors of childhood soft tissue sarcomas
Previous studies have reported increased risks of acute myelogenous
leukemia following treatment of children with soft tissue sarcoma,
particularly in those receiving chemotherapy for rhabdomyosarcoma.
New
Drug Application Has Been Filed for Revlimid™
MDS is a disease in which the cells in a person's bone marrow are
not functioning normally. The bone marrow (and circulating blood)
contains early blood-forming cells called stem cells, which grow
and mature into the 3 blood cell types: white blood cells, which
protect the body from infection; red blood cells, which carry oxygen
to the tissues; and platelets, which help the blood to clot. In
the case of MDS, not enough normal blood cells are being produced
and/or the blood cells die prematurely.
FDA
Safety Labeling Changes: Ellence, Abilify, Kaletra
The FDA approved revisions to the safety labeling for epirubicin
HCl injection (Ellence, made by Pfizer, Inc.) to warn of the cumulative
dose-related increase in risk of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) secondary to its use.
Novantrone,
cardiotoxicity and secondary acute myelogenous leukemia
Serono sent to healthcare professionals a supplement information
concerning the risks of cardiotoxicity associated with Novantrone
( Mitoxantrone for injection concentrate ) treatment for multiple
sclerosis ( MS ) and also provides supplemental information regarding
secondary acute myelogenous leukemia ( AML ) reported in multiple
sclerosis patients treated with Novantrone
Miraculous
recovery Dexter Twp. triathlete beats leukemia to ride, run, swim
again
Once an elite triathlete, he had lost nearly 50 pounds in his bout
with acute myelogenous leukemia, a diagnosis in the fall of 2003
that shocked him and his family.
Testing
'smart drugs' on children with cancer
Smart drugs like Avastin, Tarceva and Gleevec are transforming the
treatment of many cancers for adults, offering the hope of turning
once-deadly tumors into a manageable, chronic disease. Now doctors
are starting to test whether children will benefit from these drugs
as well.
Study
finds enzyme activity promotes rare form of leukemia, offers potential
target for new drugs
The enzyme hDOT1L activates a set of genes that plays a key role
in the rare and largely incurable acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
This disease affects less than 2 percent of the estimated 16,000
individuals diagnosed with acute leukemia nationwide each year.
Former
LFO Lead Singer Battles Leukemia
Rich Cronin, lead singer of former teen heartthrobs LFO has been
hospitalized with leukemia. Cronin was diagnosed on March 28 with
acute myelogenous leukemia. He is currently receiving treatment
at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre near Boston, his hometown.
Tom
Snyder Battling Leukemia
Former late-night player Tom Snyder has a new battle on his hands,
and this time it's not Conan or Craig. The folksy former NBC newsman
and CBS talk-show emcee has announced he has been diagnosed with
chronic, but treatable, lymphocytic leukemia.
Student's
bond with 10-year-old leukemia patient spurs her to take action
against disease
Josh has Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, AML, a form that affects about
10,000 new people each year, only 15 percent of whom are children.
He had been sick since last Christmas.
Vion
Presents Preclinical Data on KS119 and KS119W at AACR Meeting
VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. announced today that preclinical data
of its anticancer agent KS119 and its water soluble analogue KS119W
would be presented in three poster sessions at the 96th Annual Meeting
of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) in Anaheim,
California on April 16-20th.
Pope
'cured' leukaemia
Jose Heron Badillo was 4 when the pope visited his home state of
Zacatecas, Mexico; Badillo had received treatment both locally and
in Mexico City for leukaemia, but the family considered his disease
incurable.
Honduran
cancer patient reunited with family
Jose, who has acute myelogenous leukemia, was described in a letter
from his physician to the embassy as suffering from a "serious
illness (that) may result in death in the near future."
Ailing
IHS student in recovery since bone-marrow transplant
The 16-year old Ithaca resident was first diagnosed with acute myelogenous
leukemia in September of 2003. The cancer develops when a defect
in the immature cells in the bone marrow prevents the production
of healthy blood cells. Doctors diagnose more than 10,000 new cases
of AML each year.
Vion
Licenses Melasyn(R) Rights
Vion has two agents in clinical trials: CLORETAZINE(TM) (VNP40101M),
a unique sulfonylhydrazine alkylating agent, is being evaluated
in five clinical trials, including a Phase III trial in combination
with Ara-C in relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia, and Triapine(R),
a potent inhibitor of a key step in DNA synthesis, is being evaluated
in combination with gemcitabine in a Phase II trial in pancreatic
cancer and additional Phase I and II trials sponsored by the National
Cancer Institute.
Umbilical
Cord Transplants are Effective in Adults with Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in and affects the
bone marrow and lymph system. The bone marrow produces early blood-forming
cells, which are a type of stem cell called hematopoietic stem cells.
Hematopoietic stem cells grow and mature into the three blood cell
types: white blood cells, which fight infection; red blood cells,
which carry oxygen to tissue; and platelets, which help blood to
clot.
Celgene:
Revlimid shows promise on two fronts
MDS patients frequently become transfusion dependant to manage the
accompanying anemia and fatigue. The condition has previously been
described as a pre-leukemia, with approximately 30% of sufferers
going on to develop acute myeloid leukemia. As such, MDS patients
represent a clinically underserved population where agents that
reduce transfusion dependence and prevent or delay progression to
AML are required.
Teen's
leukemia fight inspires father to run
It has been six years since Julian was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic
leukemia, a cancer that prevents bone marrow from producing normal
red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Who
gets stem cell funding is the $3 Billion Question
Alondra, who is 7 and loves computers and writing, was diagnosed
with acute myelogenous leukemia at age 2. She is one of about 50
children cured through Children's Hospital Oakland's sibling cord
blood bank — the only such program in the world.
Minorities
needed for bone marrow
The 25-year-old aspiring nurse is battling chronic myeloid leukemia,
which forces the body to produce an abnormal number of cancerous
white blood cells. To beat the disease and win back her life, Williams
needs a bone-marrow transplant.
Leukemia:
Bloody disease
Then, there's acute myelogenous leukemia, which affects people of
all ages but mostly adults. Exposure to large doses of radiation
and use of some cancer chemotherapy drugs increase the likelihood
of developing this type of leukemia.
CTI
Announces Enrollment Completion of NCI-Sponsored Cooperative Group
Phase III Trial of TRISENOX Consolidation in Treatment of Newly
Diagnosed Patients With Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (CTI) (Nasdaq: CTIC; Nuovo Mercato) announced
today that a phase III study of TRISENOX consolidation treatment
in patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
completed enrollment with approximately 500 patients.
United
Blood Services Issues Critical Appeal for Platelet Donors
Over the past 30 days, platelet transfusion requirements have nearly
doubled. For every platelet donation given, two patients have required
transfusions.
Experimental
drug stuns cancer doctors
Specialists said Revlimid now looks like a breakthrough and the
first effective treatment for many people with myelodysplastic syndrome,
or MDS, which is even more common than leukemia.
Drug
offers surprise against cancer - Revlimid and myelodysplastic syndromes
(MDS)
Revlimid, a drug found effective against myelodysplatic syndrome,
is similar to thalidomide, a drug notorious for the birth defects
it caused decades ago but that in recent years has proved effective
against another blood cancer, multiple myeloma.
REVLIMID(R)
Study in Myelodysplastic Syndromes With Deletion 5Q Chromosomal
Abnormality Presented at ASCO Plenary Session
REVLIMID is a member of a new class of novel immunomodulatory
drugs, or IMiDs(R). Celgene is evaluating treatments with REVLIMID
for a broad range of hematology and oncology conditions, including;
multiple myeloma, the malignant blood cell disorders known as myelodysplastic
syndromes (MDS) as well as solid tumor cancers.
Medsaic
Antibody Arrays Profile Leukemia
A company in Sydney, Australia, is hoping pathologists will be making
room next to their flow cytometers for a new technology that provides
doctors with a detailed profile of leukemias and lymphomas.
Schools
aid teen in his fight for life
Aaron, a hurdler and a high jumper for the North track team, was
feeling bad for several weeks early this year, said his father,
Bill Fowler, a nurse at Edina's Fairview Southdale. Then on Feb.
7, at his fifth doctor's appointment in three weeks, he was diagnosed
with acute myelogenous leukemia, or AML.
Healthbeat:
Bone Marrow Blood Test
Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood that leads to
an uncontrolled accumulation of blood cells. The disease can be
classified as acute or chronic. Acute leukemia progresses very rapidly.
Vion
Initiates Phase III Trial of CLORETAZINE(TM) (VNP40101M) In Relapsed
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (Nasdaq: VION) announced today that it
commenced dosing the first patient on the Phase III pivotal trial
of its anticancer agent CLORETAZINE(TM) (VNP40101M) in relapsed
acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
Leukemia
lawsuit drags on
The same year Sarah fell ill, the Pollocks tried to sell their house.
In the process, they came across a study that found benzene leaking
from the landfill. Doctors told them the benzene may have caused
their daughter's cancer.
Genetically
modified natural killer immune cells attack, kill leukemia cells
Natural killer (NK) immune system cells can be genetically modified
to brandish a powerful "on-switch" that prompts them to
aggressively attack and kill leukemic cells.
Internet
Patient Recruitment Yields MPD Breakthrough
Using an unusual Internet recruitment strategy that found hundreds
of volunteers with myeloproliferative diseases (MPDs), researchers
at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston have discovered
mutations in a single gene that are responsible for three forms
of these diseases.
Vaccine
for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Shows Promise
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a blood disease characterized
by excess production of white blood cells. This disease is associated
with a chromosomal abnormality called the Philadelphia chromosome.
Vion
Reports Initial Data from Phase II Clinical Trial of CLORETAZINE(TM)
(VNP40101M) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes
The trial is designed to determine the response rate of CLORETAZINE(TM)
(VNP40101M) as a single agent in two distinct patient groups: Group
A consisting of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or high-risk
myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
Cord
blood: An option for leukemia patients
Stem cell transplantation using umbilical cord blood is a standard
treatment option for blood disorders in children, but not for adults,
due to the difficulty of obtaining a sufficiently large dose of
cells.
'Miracle'
survivor gets trip to D.C.
''December 30, 1999, is probably the day we will never forget,''
said Eddie Garcia, speaking of the day Shea was diagnosed with acute
myelogenous leukemia -- one of the most aggressive forms of leukemia.
Topics
in Pediatric Leukemia -- Myelodysplastic and Myeloproliferative
Disorders of Childhood
A number of environmental/toxic exposures and genetic conditions
have been found to predispose children to the development of MDS.
Leukemia
cases raise questions
Lesley Pacey has assembled a list of 12 names of leukemia and lymphoma
victims from the three communities, but two had just moved to the
area when they were diagnosed.
Scientists
Disprove Two Tenets Of Common Leukemia
Scientists at the Institute for Medical Research at North Shore-LIJ
have made a discovery that refutes two longstanding beliefs about
the most common leukemia in the western hemisphere.
Researchers
Blend Folk Treatment, High Tech For Promising Anti-cancer Compound
In the study, researchers exposed human leukemia cells and white
blood cells to the compound. While the leukemia cells quickly died,
the white blood cells remained essentially unharmed.
Life
expectancy of hours, days turns into years
Her teenage daughter faces it with chemotherapy. Acute myelogenous
leukemia. It was caught early, which is good; without treatment,
life expectancy is a few months.
She
still dreams of teaching
Kimberly is now 23 and as enthusiastic as ever about being an educator.
Her career is on hold right now, though. Last April, she was diagnosed
with acute myelogenous leukemia, a cancer of blood-forming tissues
of the bone marrow.
Myelodysplastic
(MDS) Syndrome and Leukemia After Autotransplantation for Lymphoma
The types and intesity of conventional pre- transplant chemotherapy
has the strongest impact on developing MDS/leukemia after autotransplantation.
Amarillo
Biosciences, Inc. Announces a Clinical Trial in Patients With Bone
Marrow Disorders
The study will be conducted at a major cancer center in Texas with
a leading medical authority who specializes in the treatment of
these myeloproliferative disorders.
The
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Welcomes Encouraging News on Revlimid,
Potential Myeloma Treatment
Revlimid is not approved for clinical use in the United States or
anywhere
else in the world. Celgene is evaluating treatments with Revlimid
for a broad
range of blood and cancer conditions, including multiple myeloma,
myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) as well as solid tumor cancers.
Biological
insurance
The patients include a 9-year-old boy in British Columbia suffering
from acute myelogenous leukemia who underwent a stem-cell transplant
with a donation from the center about five years ago.
Study
Finds New Designer Drug Is Potent Treatment For Chronic Myelogenous
Leukemia
A laboratory study led by researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
has shown that a potent and highly selective therapy for chronic
myelogenous leukemia (CML) may ultimately be more effective than
Gleevec®, the current standard of care.
AML
Strikes Out
Lucas is back on the field for the Nittany Lions, but softball season
seemed so far away last June, when she was diagnosed with acute
myelogenous leukemia, more commonly referred to as AML.
PURE
BENZENE PRODUCTION, DEMAND GROW STEADILY IN CHINA
Chemical industry is the main consumer of pure benzene, accounting
for 71 per cent of the total consumption; light industry accounts
for 2 per cent of the total consumption; pharmaceutical industry,
0.5 per cent.
Gene
therapy studies suspended after death
Fischer has treated 17 patients, and virtually all have shown major
improvement--if not a cure. But two years ago, Fischer said that
two of the patients developed leukemia, presumably as a result of
the treatment.
Training
with a purpose
Leatherman is a runner who competes in races and marathons in the
area. Using his ability, he plans to run in a Triathlon to raise
funds for the Leukemia Society. His motivation is a three-year-old
boy named Isaac who was diagnosed in 2001 with Acute Myelogenous
Leukemia.
NCCN
Releases Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Chapters of the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium
The NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium outlines the appropriate
uses of drugs and biologics in the care of cancer patients, as derived
from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology(TM) -- recognized
and applied nationally as the standard for clinical policy in oncology.
Revlimid™
Effective for Low-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes
MDS is a disease in which the cells in a person's bone marrow are
not functioning normally. The bone marrow (and circulating blood)
contains early blood-forming cells called stem cells, which grow
and mature into the 3 blood cell types: white blood cells, which
protect the body from infection; red blood cells, which carry oxygen
to the tissues; and platelets, which help the blood to clot. In
the case of MDS, not enough normal blood cells are being produced
and/or the blood cells die prematurely. This condition is sometimes
referred to as a pre-leukemia or "smoldering" leukemia
because it often develops into acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive
type of cancer.
Protein
that promotes survival of stem cells might be key to poor leukemia
prognosis
Finding that Mcl-1 blocks cell suicide in hematopoietic
stem cells also suggests that interfering with this protein might
improve leukemia treatment
Plant
derivative attacks the roots of leukemia
Parthenolide is the first single agent known to act on myeloid leukemia
at the stem-cell level, which is significant because current cancer
treatments do not strike deep enough to kill mutant cells where
the malignancy is born. In other words, even the most progressive
leukemia treatment, a relatively new drug called Gleevec, is effective
only to a degree.
Vaccine
may Improve Leukemia Treatment
A vaccine that stimulates immune response could boost the effectiveness
of conventional treatment for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia,
according to a new study.
Genome-wide
mouse study yields link to human leukemia
In comparing the mice in the pre-leukemic stage and those with ALL
with normal mice, researchers found that methylation, a chemical
process that adds methyl molecules to DNA, silenced a number of
genes – but only in the mice with full-blown ALL. Further tests
revealed that the methylation pattern in the mice with leukemia
is strikingly similar to the pattern of methylation in human leukemia.
Teva
takes option to commercialize Gamida-Cell's Stem-Ex
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq: TEVA; TASE: TEVA) and
Gamida-Cell Ltd. announced today that Teva has exercised the option
to enter into a joint venture with Gamida-Cell Ltd. The two companies
will develop and commercialize Gamida-Cell's StemEx for the treatment
of leukemia and lymphoma.
New
Drug Helps Children Fight Leukemia
For the first time in more than a decade, there's a new drug to
help children fight leukemia, Local 2 reported Tuesday. The Food
and Drug Administration recently approved clolar for children who
did not respond to traditional therapies.
Xcyte
Therapies, Inc. Announces Publication of Paper Describing Mechanism
of Action of Xcellerated T Cells
Xcyte Therapies, Inc. ("Xcyte") (Nasdaq:XCYT) announced
today the publication of a scientific paper describing the mechanism
of action of its lead product, Xcellerated T Cells, in chronic lymphocytic
leukemia (CLL).
Aranesp®
Effective in Low-Intermediate Risk MDS
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diseases involving
the bone marrow resulting in inadequate production of red blood
cells, white blood cells and platelets. This group of diseases ultimately
progresses to bone marrow failure or acute leukemia.
Callisto
Pharmaceuticals Announces 2005 Corporate Objectives and Update on
Drug Development Pipeline
Callisto is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development
of drugs to treat cancer and osteolytic bone disease. Callisto recently
in-licensed Annamycin, a drug to treat leukemia, based on the drug's
novel therapeutic profile, including activity against resistant
diseases and significantly reduced toxicity
Scripps
can make an astronomical difference
Is there suddenly a leukemia epidemic and people are mobilizing?
Is awareness of lymphoma reaching new heights? No, although the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is certainly a worthy cause. It
aims to find a cure for those dreaded diseases as well as Hodgkin's
and myeloma. It helps patients who are stricken with them.
Leukemia
drug breakthrough study in New England Journal of Medicine
Alan List, M.D., leader of the Hematologic Malignancies Program
at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, recently
conducted a phase I/II trial of the experimental drug Revlimid showing
promise as an innovative way to treat patients with myelodysplastic
syndrome (MDS), a form of pre-leukemia.
Women
fight leukemia with poses
Team in Training is the world's largest endurance sports training
program. The program trains participants for a marathon, triathlon,
or century ride while they raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society. The society is dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma,
Hodgkin's disease and myeloma.
Losing
weight can cut cancer risk
Overweight and obese women also face greater odds of developing
acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), according to the University of
Minnesota Cancer Center study cited in the December issue of the
Environmental Nutrition newsletter.
Cord
Blood Transplant Recipients Call On House Legislators to Pass H.R.
596
Cord blood stem cells, obtained from the placenta and umbilical
cord and donated by the mother, have been successfully used to treat
such malignant and genetic diseases. Cord blood is a non-controversial
source of stem cells, which -- unlike bone marrow -- can be collected
without risk of any kind to donors and stored frozen, in fully usable
conditions, for many years. The great advantage of cord blood transplantation
is that it does not require as exacting a tissue type match as donated
bone marrow does. Thus, patients with uncommon tissue types, as
is the case of many ethnic minority individuals, can find appropriate
matches.
Rare
but deadly side effects
My husband took Lamisil to treat toenail fungus. The fine print
for this prescription drug noted that it might cause neutropenia.
For my husband, it did. This led to MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome,
which was followed by AML (acute myeloid leukemia) and his subsequent
death
Prayer
Power Unleashed - Commentary on the News
He said, that no one with a full blown case of Leukemia(AML), [as
my mom], has been discharged within three weeks of treatment. The
Doctor is still in a shock.
Drug
Helps Patients at High Risk for Leukemia
A drug gentle enough for patients in their 70s or 80s is showing
promise for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a pre-leukemic
disorder that can progress to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML),
Dacogen(TM)
NDA Accepted for Filing by FDA
SuperGen, Inc. and MGI PHARMA, INC. today announced that the New
Drug Application (NDA) for Dacogen(TM) (decitabine) for injection
was accepted for filing by the United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA).
Community,
friends coming to aid of leukemia victim
Mama was right. What goes around does come around. The proof of
that is particularly evident in the case of a local special education
teacher who is fighting her second battle with acute myelogenous
leukemia at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Arsenic
Trioxide and Pixantrone Highlighted in 42 Abstracts and Presentations
at The American Society of Hematology Meeting
Data on arsenic trioxide will be presented in the treatment of leukemia,
multiple myeloma and myelodysplasia. Two phase II studies will provide
updated information on the potential clinical activity of pixantrone
in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Enrolling
in a Study? Most Don't Ask Key Questions
A majority of people who enter clinical trials do so without
knowing what questions to ask, and many don't understand the risks
of study participation, a new survey confirms.
Arsenic
Trioxide & MDS: Leukemia
Arsenic trioxide in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
(MDS): Preliminary results of a phase II clinical study.
Fed
scrutiny over Cell Therapeutics' marketing tactics
To branch into bigger markets with thousands of patients, the company
has tested Trisenox against a deadly bone-marrow cancer, multiple
myeloma and a pre-leukemia syndrome called MDS
Bone
Marrow drive Dec. 1 for Pax engineering tech
Adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer in which
the bone marrow makes abnormal myeloblasts (a type of white blood
cell), red blood cells, or platelets.
Heartfelt
response to area girl's battle with cancer
Jackie, 17, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in
February. The disease, an inability to produce healthy blood cells,
which often leads to acute leukemia, is very rare and fatal without
proper treatment.
CEPSA
invests in new refining and petrochemical projects
The new facility will produce 220,000 tons per year of benzene and
75 tons per day of hydrogen, in addition to other products.
Psychology
department to survey community about motorboat ban
Benzene, a carcinogenic substance, is a pollutant found in the atmosphere
and in gasoline, Legg said. The benzene level in drinking water
cannot exceed five parts per billion, according to the EPA Web site.
R&D
Trends To Set The Future Leukemia Marketplace
To enable people to update their knowledge status at the same time
receive a basic foundation, this report "Competition on the
Future Leukemia Markets" describes and analyzes the latest
year of progress in four different market segments; CLL, CML ALL
and AML.
High-Voltage
Cable Pylons 'double child cancer risk'
Children living under high-voltage power lines could run double
the risk of getting cancer, new research reportedly suggests. Those
living within 100 metres of the cables are more likely to suffer
from leukaemia, the study indicates.
Novel
compound, VX-322, targets key mechanisms implicated in leukemia
Flt-3 inhibition has attracted significant attention among cancer
researchers as a highly targeted approach to the treatment of certain
leukemias as well as other hematological malignancies and solid
tumors. Flt-3 is abnormally activated or upregulated in a wide range
of leukemias, including more than 70% to 100% of patients with acute
myelogenous leukemia (AML).
Herbal
remedy cuts effectiveness of anticancer pill
We found that St. John's Wort may significantly reduce the effect
of Gleevec® by lowering blood levels to the point where patients
may fail therapy if they take both together
Researchers
have documented a novel form of resistance in leukemia cells to
an anti-cancer drug
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer
Center have documented a novel form of resistance in leukemia cells
to an anti-cancer drug, which could help scientists develop new
strategies for treating the disease.
Obesity
Linked to Acute Leukemia
A new study shows that older overweight women significantly increase
their risk of acute leukemia. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is
the most common form of leukemia in adults and the rates of this
cancer are growing among older adults. It is not an inherited disease
but the result of genetic damage to developing cells in the bone
marrow.
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Leukemia Cancer Information