ImmunoGen TAP Technology Receives Endorsement from Novartis through Collaboration Agreement

ImmunoGen, Inc. announced on Monday 10/11 that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Novartis to discover and develop targeted anticancer therapeutics using antibodies to several antigen targets to be named by Novartis.
Novartis will pay a $45 million upfront fee to ImmunoGen for exclusive rights to the Targeted Antibody Payload (TAP) technology with antibodies to a specified number of antigen targets. ImmunoGen is also entitled to receive milestone payments plus royalties on product sales for each target resulting in an anticancer therapeutic.
A TAP compound consists of a tumor-targeting manufactured antibody with one of ImmunoGen’s proprietary, highly potent cancer killing agents attached as a payload. The antibody serves to deliver the payload specifically to tumor cells, and the payload serves to kill these cells. Essentially it is as if a bomb is sent into the tumor, and explodes inside, killing the cancer cells, but preserving the surrounding tissue. The objective is more targeted delivery of chemotherapy and subsequently lower side effects. Described in a different way, the Company's proprietary TAP, technology combines extremely potent small molecule cytotoxic agents with monoclonal antibodies that bind specifically to cancer cells. The Company's TAP technology is designed to increase the potency of tumor-targeting antibodies and kill cancer cells with only modest damage to healthy tissue.
There are currently seven TAP compounds in the clinic, with a wealth of clinical data reported with the technology. ImmunoGen collaborative partners include Amgen, Bayer Schering Pharma, Biogen Idec, Biotest, Genentech (a member of the Roche Group), Sanofi-Aventis, and now Novartis. The most advanced compound using ImmunoGen's TAP technology, T-DM1, is in Phase III testing through the Company's collaboration with Genentech (as highlighted in our prior blog).
For more information about ImmunoGen you can view the comapany website: http://www.immunogen.com/wt/home/home
For the specific press release about the Novartis agreement click here.

Roche’s Drug T-DM1 for Breast Cancer – Phase II Results are “Stunning”

In advance of the oncology conference of the ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology) in Milan on Monday, Severin Schwan, Chief Executive Officer of Roche Holding AG announced his opinion that the data from the Phase II trial for T-DM1 was “stunning.” T-DM1is in clinical trials for breast cancer. It is the first of a new kind of “armed antibody” that can carry a cell-killing payload into cancer cells. The drug is being developed with partner ImmunoGen. T-DM1’s results were better than than that of Herceptin plus Taxotere. In addition, clinically adverse side effects were lower.
Herceptin, also a Roche drug, and currently has sales of about $5 billion annually.
More details will be released this week.

T-DM1 has advanced to Phase III testing.
For further details about this press information from Reuters please click here.

For products that can help alleviate unpleasant side effects from current breast cancer treatments including radiation and chemotherapy please view our website www.LotsToLiveFor.com

Celldex Brain Cancer Vaccine Update – More Good News on Immunotherapy

The Celldex Therapeutics Inc. vaccine brain cancer received an encouraging result according to US Researchers. Patients with the brain cancer glioblastoma who were treated with this vaccine lived nearly twice as long as those who received radiation and chemotherapy.

This type of cancer often kills patients within a year; patients rarely survive more than three years. In this study, many patients are still alive after five years.

The Celldex Therapeutics Inc. vaccine works by targeting a mutation in a gene called the epidermal growth factor receptor, which fuels cancer growth.

The results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology online. Researchers contributing to the study were Dr. John Sampson of Duke University in conjunction with researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

To read more about this study access the article on Thompson Reuters here.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39505662/ns/health-cancer/

You can also refer to The Journal of Clinical Oncology here.
http://jco.ascopubs.org/

For products to help alleviate unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of radiation and chemotherapy treatment, please click here.
http://www.LotsToLiveFor.com

A Different Approach to Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer – Personalized Treatments

A recent Wall Street Journal article entitled “A New Rx for Medicine” discussed an entirely new approach to clinical trials for potential breast cancer drugs. The trial, called I-Spy 2 is a joint study between Dr. Laura Esserman, Director of the Breast Care Center at the University of California, San Francisco, and Dr. Don Berry at the MD Anderson Hospital in Houston. I-Spy 2 attempts to match experimental drugs from three companies (currently testing 5 drugs from Abbot Laboratories, Amgen Inc, and Pfizer) with the patients who might have the best response to them, as determined by the molecular makeup of the patient’s tumor. It tests multiple drugs at once with the aim to get the most effective ones into later stage trials more quickly. Conventional treatment is also combined with the drugs being tested.

A few important and differentiating points about the trial are:
1. All tumors are tested for biomarkers or molecular traits.
2. The study focuses on women with aggressive breast cancers that have not spread to other organs.
3. MRI identification and evaluation of the tumor is performed periodically to check the size.
4. Chemotherapy is given before surgery (six months of treatment with chemotherapy)
5. Standard chemotherapy is used as well as the experimental agents.
6. All data and results are evaluated during the treatment as compared to conventional trials where the results may be blind until the study reaches completion.

“The goal is to pair drug and biomarker signatures and graduate them into a small phase III trial that has gotten rid of the subset of patients that don’t benefit” stated Dr. Berry.

To read the full Wall Street Journal Article please click here.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703882404575520190576846812.html

For products to help with side effects of chemotherapy and radiation please click here.
http://www.LotsToLiveFor.com

Gel Sheets for Radiation Burn Care – Cool Magic Gel Sheets and Lind Skin Cooler Rolls

Gel sheets are a handy and noninvasive product that can be used for radiation burn care. They help to soothe and calm radiation burns. Some of our customers tell us they provide incredible relief from pain and itching and that allows them to continue with daily chores and especially to sleep at night! The great thing about gel sheets is that they can be left on for long periods of time (for some people, up to 3 days) and they provide continuous relief. You can also put the gel sheets over radiation creams such as the RADX radiation therapy cream or Alra Therapy Lotion.

We carry two kinds of gel sheets on our cancer care product website: http://www.lotstolivefor.com/brands/CoolMagic-Gel-Sheets.html.
Cool Magic gel sheets receive rave customer reviews.
Cool Magic Hydrogel Sheets come in 2 sizes
3.75 inches x 3.75 inches OR 6 inches x 8 inches
They can be purchased individually or in a box of 10 sheets all the same size.
• This light-weight, see-through polymer sheet provides instant cooling to burns, abrasions, skin tears, radiation reactions and sensitive wounds, effectively reducing pain.
• The sterile hydrogel polymer sheet consists of 90% water, 10% inactive crosslinked polyethylene oxide matrix, and it transfers heat away from the wound, providing a cooling effect.
• Cooling action relieves pain of burning, itching, or sore skin
• Can be refrigerated for greater cooling capacity
• Allows oxygen flow while preventing bacteria or foreign material from entering wound.
Cool Magic is mentioned enthusiastically in several cancer blogs by cancer patients who have used these dressings and received relief. (for example cancercompass.com)
Suggestions for use for Cool Magic gel sheets:
Apply over wound for a cool, soothing effect.
Change the dressing every 24 to 36 hours.
Hold in place with tape or stretch gauze (you may not need tape or gauze).
Why it works:
Semi-occlusive: allows flow of oxygen
Prevents bacteria and foreign matter from entering wound
Hydrophilic and absorptive – absorbs three times its weight
Cools live nerve endings due to 90% water-10% polyethylene formulation
Will not damage tissue when removed
The dressing can easily be cut to fit the wound
The dressing leaves no wet or sticky feeling when removed
DO NOT USE Cool Magic FOR:
• Full Thickness Wounds
• Infected Wounds
• 3rd Degree Burns

Lind Skin Cooler Rolls which have aloe vera are also featured on our website.
Lindi Skin Coolers provide intense relief to areas that are burned or dehydrated.
Skin Coolers are especially effective on hyper-sensitive, compromised skin. They can be used on radiation dermatitis, sunburn, “hot flashes”, or itchy, dry skin. During radiation therapy, skin should always be washed and free of any product. Skin Coolers should be used after each treatment.
To relieve areas that are burned or dehydrated, look to the immediate cooling comfort and intense hydration of the Lindi Skin Cooler Roll. The natural properties of water and aloe vera combine to help soothe any compromised area and promote a moist, healing environment for healthy skin. Leave on area for 20-45 minutes. Lindi Skin Cooler Roll is designed to be custom cut for your needs and conform to the size and shape of the wound. Simply cut, apply to skin and then discard after one-time use.
The size of the lindiskin cooler roll is - 1 roll (4 in x 60 in)
Lindi Skin cooler rolls are Dermatologist Tested - Allergy Tested - Non-Irritating
Suggestions for use: open the package and drain the excess liquid. Cut Lindi Skin Cooler to the desired size and peel off backing. For maximum comfort, place on skin for 20-45 minutes. Discard used product. Unused product may be stored in a sealed bag or container in the refrigerator. Do not freeze or leave it uncovered.
Caution – the Skin cooler roll is for external use only. Not for use on broken skin.
The Cool Magic gel sheets and the Lind Skin cooler rolls can be cut to size. They can be refrigerated before use, but they don’t have to be. They will naturally adhere to the skin, and peel off easily when you want to remove them.
To order Cool Magic gel sheets or Lind Skin cooler rolls you can click here.
Cool Magic gel sheets can be purchased in boxes of 10 (3.75 inch square) or (6x8 inch).

You can also view our other radiation care products by clicking here.
To view all the products we offer click here.

Treatment Options for Dry Mouth and Mouth Sores from Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

Oral complications are very common for cancer patients. They can result from chemotherapy medications and / or radiation to the head and neck area. Some common oral complications that can occur are dry mouth and mouth sores.

Dry mouth is not just an uncomfortable side effect; it is also a precursor to what can become further oral complications. Your mouth’s protection comes from three pairs of salivary glands. Cancer treatments can cause salivary gland dysfunction which increases the risk of oral infections and can compromise mouth function and comfort. Persistent dry mouth can also increase decay, and cause bad breath and gum disease.

Biotene Products can help counter some of the effects that chemotherapy and radiation have on the mouth and gums. Click here to view and order Biotene Products.

Oral Hygiene Protocol for cancer patients

1. Cut your food up into small pieces. Take small bites of your food and chew it slowly.
2. Drink plenty of liquids with meals.
3. Avoid sharp or crunchy foods that could scrape or cut your mouth or gums.
4. Gently brush teeth, gums and tongue with an extra soft toothbrush.
5. Use oral care products that are specifically developed for cancer patients and people taking other medications that can affect the mouth.
6. Sip water frequently and suck on ice chips.
7. Stay away from hard sugar candy and carbonated soda.

Product suggestions for cancer mouth sores and cancer dry mouth.

Use a toothpaste that is specifically developed for cancer patients. Biotene toothpaste contains enzymes that boost and replenish your oral defense system. Biotene does not contain Sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a detergent found in many other toothpastes which is known to promote canker sores and mouth ulcers in sensitive mouths.

Biotene sugar-free gum can help to stimulate salivary flow and protect between brushing.

Oral balance gel and Oral Balance Liquid can provide instant relief to serious dry mouth sufferers. Oral Balance products are a saliva substitute. Used before bed, they can provide up to 8 hours of overnight relief. Apply Oral Balance directly onto the tongue and around the mouth.

You can purchase all of the Biotene and Oral Balance products from our website at http://www.lotstolivefor.com/

Salmonella Bacteria May Help Trigger Immune Response to Cancer Cells

Scientists have discovered that treating tumors with salmonella bacteria can induce an immune response that kills cancer cells, scientists have found -- a discovery that may help them create tumor-killing immune cells to inject into patients.

Researchers from Italy and the United States who worked with mouse and human cancer cells in laboratories said their work might help in developing a new drug in a class of cancer treatments called immunotherapies or therapeutic vaccines, which harness the body's immune system to fight disease.

To read the full article from abc news that this short abstract was excerpted from click here.

The full study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine on Wednesday 8/11/10.