https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-oncozine-brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is a sponsor-supported, program for healthcare professionals involved in the management and care of cancer patients as well as cancer patients and their family and friends. If you like to join us as a sponsor or advertisers, download our media kit (https://adc.expert/oncozine_media_kit).

If you are living in the US, sign up for our newsletter by texting the words CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>enScienceCopyright Sunvalley Communication, LLChttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/014ad22c914b7bf8c098f8de9e4a8f1a.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/show/the-oncozine-briefTue, 23 Sep 2025 18:24:36 +0000Peter HoflandSunvalley Communication, LLCinfo@sunvalleycommunication.comUpdates from all Oncology & Hematology Disciplines and Sub-specialties.
The Onco'Zine Brief is a sponsor-supported, program for healthcare professionals involved in the management and care of cancer patients as well as cancer patients and their family and friends. If you like to join us as a sponsor or advertisers, download our media kit (https://adc.expert/oncozine_media_kit).

If you are living in the US, sign up for our newsletter by texting the words CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>falseepisodicSupport the podcast!https://www.spreaker.com/episode/covid-19-and-the-impact-of-cryopreservation-on-hematopoietic-cell-grafts--57930273
Stephen Spellman is Vice President and Senior Scientific Director at Be The Match and the Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR).

Hofland and Spellman talk about the outcomes of a study published in Blood Advances, the journal of the American Society of Hematology. [1] The article discusses the impact of cryopreservation of hematopoietic cell grafts on overall survival (OS) and other outcomes within 1 year after hematopoietic cell transplantation.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic the National Marrow Donor Program as together with other national and international donor registries mandated the cryopreservation of hematopoietic cell grafts during the first 6 months of the pandemic because of patient and donor safety concerns. The reason was that during the early days of the pandemic, delivery of donor products after patient conditioning could not be guaranteed. This was, in part, caused by logistical complexities including travel bans, flight delays and cancellations, rerouting of couriers – as well as closed border crossings… In addition, donors were at risk of being infected with the SARS CoV-2 Virus, the virus that causes COVID-19, which, in turn, resulted in last-minute cancellations of graft collection.

To solve the pandemic-related logistical problems, the authors of the study conclude that cryopreservation should be considered a method to eliminate the potential risks with the use of fresh donor graft products or when fresh grafts are not available.

But what was the impact of cryopreservation on patients receiving hematopoietic cell transplantation compared to the effects among patients receiving fresh donor products? Was there a difference in overall survival, disease free survival, or disease recurrence? Was there a risk in Graft vs Host Disease?

In this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Hofland and Spellman talk about this and more.

Reference
[1] Devine SM, Bo-Subait S, Kuxhausen M, Spellman SR, Bupp C, Ahn KW, Stefanski HE, Auletta JJ, Logan BR, Shaw BE. Clinical impact of cryopreservation of allogeneic hematopoietic cell grafts during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Blood Adv. 2023 Oct 10;7(19):5982-5993. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023009786. PMID: 37036959; PMCID: PMC10580174. [Article][Pubmed]

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco’Zine Brief is developed in collaboration with our online journal Onco’Zine, where you can find additional information and the latest news about cancer diagnosis and treatment, and cancer prevention.

The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit our Patreon page, or contact the sales team.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Support for The Onco’Zine Brief comes from the Oncology Directory and from listeners like you. Funding is also provided by Java Original Coffee and RoastMasterz.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57930273Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:54:00 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Stephen Spellman. Stephen Spellman is Vice President and Senior Scientific Director at https://bethematch.org/ and the Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research...
Stephen Spellman is Vice President and Senior Scientific Director at Be The Match and the Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR).

Hofland and Spellman talk about the outcomes of a study published in Blood Advances, the journal of the American Society of Hematology. [1] The article discusses the impact of cryopreservation of hematopoietic cell grafts on overall survival (OS) and other outcomes within 1 year after hematopoietic cell transplantation.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic the National Marrow Donor Program as together with other national and international donor registries mandated the cryopreservation of hematopoietic cell grafts during the first 6 months of the pandemic because of patient and donor safety concerns. The reason was that during the early days of the pandemic, delivery of donor products after patient conditioning could not be guaranteed. This was, in part, caused by logistical complexities including travel bans, flight delays and cancellations, rerouting of couriers – as well as closed border crossings… In addition, donors were at risk of being infected with the SARS CoV-2 Virus, the virus that causes COVID-19, which, in turn, resulted in last-minute cancellations of graft collection.

To solve the pandemic-related logistical problems, the authors of the study conclude that cryopreservation should be considered a method to eliminate the potential risks with the use of fresh donor graft products or when fresh grafts are not available.

But what was the impact of cryopreservation on patients receiving hematopoietic cell transplantation compared to the effects among patients receiving fresh donor products? Was there a difference in overall survival, disease free survival, or disease recurrence? Was there a risk in Graft vs Host Disease?

In this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Hofland and Spellman talk about this and more.

Reference
[1] Devine SM, Bo-Subait S, Kuxhausen M, Spellman SR, Bupp C, Ahn KW, Stefanski HE, Auletta JJ, Logan BR, Shaw BE. Clinical impact of cryopreservation of allogeneic hematopoietic cell grafts during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Blood Adv. 2023 Oct 10;7(19):5982-5993. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023009786. PMID: 37036959; PMCID: PMC10580174. [Article][Pubmed]

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco’Zine Brief is developed in collaboration with our online journal Onco’Zine, where you can find additional information and the latest news about cancer diagnosis and treatment, and cancer prevention.

The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to 2758bone marrow,cancer,cibmtr,covid-19,cryopreservation,donor,hematology,logistics,oncologyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sonalasense-developing-a-safe-and-effective-noninvasive-treatment-for-cancer--57096905The Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland talks with Ely Benaim, MD, the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President Development at SonALAsense and Mark De Souza, Ph.D, President and Chief Executive Officer of SonALAsense.

SonALAsense was founded to create hope in the face of despair with Sonodynamic Therapy (SDT), a non-invasive therapy option using SONALA-001 in combination with Insightec’s MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) to treat and eradicate deadly cancers like High-Grade Gliomas (HGG) that typically require debilitating brain surgery that often leads to tumor recurrence.

SonALAsense’s SDT uses SONALA-001, a proprietary formulation of aminolevulinic acid (ALA), to disrupt heme metabolism in tumor cells, increasing production of protoporphyrin, a heme precursor. From there, energy from focused ultrasound excites protoporphyrin molecules, which produce reactive oxygen species that destroy cancer cells.

Recently, Hasan Syed, MD, at Children’s National Hospital published a peer-reviewed paper on the first DIPG patient treated with SONALA-001 in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology; a major milestone for this deadly and understudied childhood disease. [1]

Hofland, Benaim and De Souza talk about new technologies in the treatment of difficult to treat cancers.

Reference
[1] Syed HR, Kilburn L, Fonseca A, Nazarian J, Oluigbo C, Myseros JS, Packer RJ, Keating RF. First-in-human sonodynamic therapy with ALA for pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: a phase 1/2 study using low-intensity focused ultrasound : Technical communication. J Neurooncol. 2023 Apr;162(2):449-451. doi: 10.1007/s11060-023-04269-8. Epub 2023 Apr 12. PMID: 37046110.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit our Patreon page, or contact the sales team.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee and Roastmasterz by Java Original Coffee.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57096905Thu, 05 Oct 2023 21:48:54 +0000Peter HoflandIn a new episode of https://www.spreaker.com/user/7078249/tob-itunes-full-show-sonalasense-sdt, Peter Hofland talks with Ely Benaim, MD, the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President Development at SonALAsense and Mark De Souza, Ph.D,...The Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland talks with Ely Benaim, MD, the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President Development at SonALAsense and Mark De Souza, Ph.D, President and Chief Executive Officer of SonALAsense.

SonALAsense was founded to create hope in the face of despair with Sonodynamic Therapy (SDT), a non-invasive therapy option using SONALA-001 in combination with Insightec’s MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) to treat and eradicate deadly cancers like High-Grade Gliomas (HGG) that typically require debilitating brain surgery that often leads to tumor recurrence.

SonALAsense’s SDT uses SONALA-001, a proprietary formulation of aminolevulinic acid (ALA), to disrupt heme metabolism in tumor cells, increasing production of protoporphyrin, a heme precursor. From there, energy from focused ultrasound excites protoporphyrin molecules, which produce reactive oxygen species that destroy cancer cells.

Recently, Hasan Syed, MD, at Children’s National Hospital published a peer-reviewed paper on the first DIPG patient treated with SONALA-001 in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology; a major milestone for this deadly and understudied childhood disease. [1]

Hofland, Benaim and De Souza talk about new technologies in the treatment of difficult to treat cancers.

Reference
[1] Syed HR, Kilburn L, Fonseca A, Nazarian J, Oluigbo C, Myseros JS, Packer RJ, Keating RF. First-in-human sonodynamic therapy with ALA for pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: a phase 1/2 study using low-intensity focused ultrasound : Technical communication. J Neurooncol. 2023 Apr;162(2):449-451. doi: 10.1007/s11060-023-04269-8. Epub 2023 Apr 12. PMID: 37046110.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit our Patreon page, or contact the sales team.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee and Roastmasterz by Java Original Coffee.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2936brain,cancer,gallbladder,gbm,glioblastoma,liver,mr-guided,pancreatic,sdt,sonala-001,sonalasense,sonodynamic,treatment,ultrasoundfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/be-the-match-improving-outcomes-and-providing-hope-to-patients-in-need--57096163The Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland talks with Jeffery Auletta, MD is Senior Vice President, Patient Outcomes and Experience, National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP)/Be The Match®.

Be The Match® is a global leader in bone marrow transplantation. The organization conducts research to improve transplant outcomes provide support and resources for patients, and partner with a global network.

Unmet medical need
Every three or four minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with a hematological malignancy such as leukemia, a cancer of blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow.

For many patients, their only hope for a cure is a stem cell transplant. In the program, Hofland and Auletta talk about these unmet medical needs and about the new developments exploring the use of a standardized method of assessing measurable residual disease (MRD) before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) in patients with leukemia and how this provides valuable insight into MRD as a predictive tool to inform HCT decisions and individualize treatment to improve outcomes.

Hofland and Auletta also talk about the importance of people to join and register with Be The Match® as a bone marrow donor to bring hope to people in need.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit our Patreon page, or contact the sales team.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee and Roastmasterz by Java Original Coffee.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57096163Thu, 28 Sep 2023 21:29:00 +0000Peter HoflandIn a new episode of https://www.spreaker.com/user/7078249/tob-itunes-full-be-the-match, Peter Hofland talks with Jeffery Auletta, MD is Senior Vice President, Patient Outcomes and Experience, National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP)/Be The Match®....The Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland talks with Jeffery Auletta, MD is Senior Vice President, Patient Outcomes and Experience, National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP)/Be The Match®.

Be The Match® is a global leader in bone marrow transplantation. The organization conducts research to improve transplant outcomes provide support and resources for patients, and partner with a global network.

Unmet medical need
Every three or four minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with a hematological malignancy such as leukemia, a cancer of blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow.

For many patients, their only hope for a cure is a stem cell transplant. In the program, Hofland and Auletta talk about these unmet medical needs and about the new developments exploring the use of a standardized method of assessing measurable residual disease (MRD) before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) in patients with leukemia and how this provides valuable insight into MRD as a predictive tool to inform HCT decisions and individualize treatment to improve outcomes.

Hofland and Auletta also talk about the importance of people to join and register with Be The Match® as a bone marrow donor to bring hope to people in need.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit our Patreon page, or contact the sales team.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee and Roastmasterz by Java Original Coffee.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>3129blood,bone-marrow-transplantation,cancer,donor,hvg,match,nmdp,registryfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/developing-a-new-standard-of-care-cancer-treatment-with-photoimmunotherapy--56505989
Hofland and Cognetti talk about head and neck cancer and a novel treatment approach called Photoimmunotherapy.

Head and Neck Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, Head and neck cancer accounts for about 4% of all cancers in the United States. In the United States in 2023, an estimated 67,000 people will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer and about 15,000 patients are expected to die of the disease.

Today, many cancers of the head and neck can be cured, especially if they are found early. And while eliminating the cancer is the primary goal of treatment, preserving the function of the nearby nerves, organs, and tissues is also very important.

Beyond Current Treatment
Photoimmunotherapy is a recently developed hybrid cancer therapy to treat diseases by linking specific antibodies with photosensitizers to form photoimmunoconjugates.

But let’s go back to the beginning.

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have dominated the treatment of oncologic. These therapies aim to eradicate cancer cells but, unfortunately, do that at the expense of normal, or healthy cells/ In turn, this can lead to severe and sometimes lethal side-effects.

Overall, the success of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is measured by what we call a ‘therapeutic index.’

This ‘therapeutic index’ compares the potential benefits of treatment to the potential risks associated with treatment.

Unfortunately, the unintended, off-target side effects of these therapies can have profound effects on the health-related quality of life of patients.

For example, both radiation and chemotherapy sometimes preferentially kill lymphocytes much earlier than cancer cells because of the increased radiation sensitivity and high proliferation rate of lymphocytes, potentially leading to dose-limiting toxicity for some chemotherapy regimens.
To find a solution, researchers have developed new therapeutic strategies. And while these therapies have created an exciting new direction for the treatment of cancer therapy, there remain limitation to these novel approaches.

Now, in theory, the perfect cancer therapy would both directly destroy cancer cells to minimize residual cancer cells as well as activate the local host immune response to wipe out remaining cancer cells.

And while such a therapy would be highly selective for cancer cells but have minimal or no off-target effects in the tumor microenvironment.

Photoimmunotherapy
And that’s where photoimmunotherapy comes in. Photoimmunotherapy, designed to selectively destroy target cells.

The therapy that induces direct cancer killing via immunogenic cell death, thus activating the anti-cancer immune system locally in the tumor microenvironment.

The specificity of this approach comes from the antibody that is designed to target an expressed antigen on the tumor surface and is conjugated to the photo-activating chemical.

The safety of Photoimmunotherapy is based on the fact that the antibody–photo-absorber conjugate predominantly binds to specifically targeted cancer cells and that it is only activated in areas exposed to Near-infrared light at a specific activating wavelength.

By choosing tumor-specific antigens, this therapy specifically destroys cancer cells while not or only minimally harming any adjacent normal or healthy cells, particularly tumor-infiltrating immune T cells or blood vessels. Furthermore, the photo-activating chemical is a water-soluble photo-absorbing dye without cytotoxic properties of its own.

Clinical studies have shown that this combination can enhance the immune response, and, as a result, have a good effect on the treatment of residual tumor and metastatic cancer.

The first human study of a Photoimmunotherapy was with ASP-1929 – which is being developed by Rakuten Medical to treat inoperable head and neck cancer.

ASP-1929 is a conjugate of cetuximab, an anti-EGFR antibody plus the photo-absorber called IR700.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit our Patreon page, or contact the sales team.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee and Roastmasterz by Java Original Coffee.
.
Clinical trials
ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) Study in Recurrent Head/Neck Cancer for Patients Who Have Failed at Least Two Lines of Therapy - NCT03769506
ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy Combined With Pembrolizumab in Patients With Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer, With or Without Metastases - NCT05265013
ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) Study in in Patients With Recurrent Head/​Neck Cancer - NCT05182866
An Open-label Study Using ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy in Combination With Anti-PD1 Therapy in EGFR Expressing Advanced Solid Tumors - NCT04305795

Reference
[1] Kobayashi H, Furusawa A, Rosenberg A, Choyke PL. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy of cancer: a new approach that kills cancer cells and enhances anti-cancer host immunity. Int Immunol. 2021 Jan 1;33(1):7-15. doi: 10.1093/intimm/dxaa037. PMID: 32496557; PMCID: PMC7771006.
[2] Kobayashi H, Griffiths GL, Choyke PL. Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy: Photoactivatable Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs). Bioconjug Chem. 2020 Jan 15;31(1):28-36. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00546. Epub 2019 Sep 13. PMID: 31479610; PMCID: PMC7414968.

Feature Image Courtesy: © 2020 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. Used with permission.

=====

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56505989Mon, 14 Aug 2023 23:09:00 +0000Peter Hofland In a new episode of The Onco'Zine Brief, Peter Hofland talks with David M. Cognetti, MD, a Professor and Chair in the Department Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Hofland and Cognetti talk about head and...
Hofland and Cognetti talk about head and neck cancer and a novel treatment approach called Photoimmunotherapy.

Head and Neck Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, Head and neck cancer accounts for about 4% of all cancers in the United States. In the United States in 2023, an estimated 67,000 people will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer and about 15,000 patients are expected to die of the disease.

Today, many cancers of the head and neck can be cured, especially if they are found early. And while eliminating the cancer is the primary goal of treatment, preserving the function of the nearby nerves, organs, and tissues is also very important.

Beyond Current Treatment
Photoimmunotherapy is a recently developed hybrid cancer therapy to treat diseases by linking specific antibodies with photosensitizers to form photoimmunoconjugates.

But let’s go back to the beginning.

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have dominated the treatment of oncologic. These therapies aim to eradicate cancer cells but, unfortunately, do that at the expense of normal, or healthy cells/ In turn, this can lead to severe and sometimes lethal side-effects.

Overall, the success of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is measured by what we call a ‘therapeutic index.’

This ‘therapeutic index’ compares the potential benefits of treatment to the potential risks associated with treatment.

Unfortunately, the unintended, off-target side effects of these therapies can have profound effects on the health-related quality of life of patients.

For example, both radiation and chemotherapy sometimes preferentially kill lymphocytes much earlier than cancer cells because of the increased radiation sensitivity and high proliferation rate of lymphocytes, potentially leading to dose-limiting toxicity for some chemotherapy regimens.
To find a solution, researchers have developed new therapeutic strategies. And while these therapies have created an exciting new direction for the treatment of cancer therapy, there remain limitation to these novel approaches.

Now, in theory, the perfect cancer therapy would both directly destroy cancer cells to minimize residual cancer cells as well as activate the local host immune response to wipe out remaining cancer cells.

And while such a therapy would be highly selective for cancer cells but have minimal or no off-target effects in the tumor microenvironment.

Photoimmunotherapy
And that’s where photoimmunotherapy comes in. Photoimmunotherapy, designed to selectively destroy target cells.

The therapy that induces direct cancer killing via immunogenic cell death, thus activating the anti-cancer immune system locally in the tumor microenvironment.

The specificity of this approach comes from the antibody that is designed to target an expressed antigen on the tumor surface and is conjugated to the photo-activating chemical.

The safety of Photoimmunotherapy is based on the fact that the antibody–photo-absorber conjugate predominantly binds to specifically targeted cancer cells and that it is only activated in areas exposed to Near-infrared light at a specific activating wavelength.

By choosing tumor-specific antigens, this therapy specifically destroys cancer cells while not or only minimally harming any adjacent normal or healthy cells, particularly tumor-infiltrating immune T cells or blood vessels. Furthermore, the photo-activating chemical is a water-soluble photo-absorbing dye without cytotoxic properties of its own.

Clinical studies have shown that this combination can enhance...]]>2460alluminox™,cancer,photoimmunotherapyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/highlights-from-ash-conversations-with-christopher-heery-and-srdan-verstovsek--56301647
First, Hofland talks with Christopher Heery, MD.

Dr Heery is a board-certified medical oncologist with primary expertise in the translational and clinical development of immunotherapies, including, but not limited to PD-L1 inhibitors, therapeutic cancer vaccines, immune suppressor modulator, adoptive NK cells, and other therapeutics.

As the chief medical officer at Arcellx, he is responsible for medical oversight, clinical strategy, medical affairs, and regulatory strategy for the company’s pipeline of novel – investigational drug.

In the second half of the program, Hofland talks with Srdan Verstovsek, Dr Srdan Verstovsek, MD, PhD., a Medical Oncologist and Professor in the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, about some of the developments in the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasm, which are types of blood cancer that begin with an abnormal mutation or change, in a stem cell in the bone marrow. These change leads to an overproduction of any combination of white cells, red blood cells and platelets – and results in a number of diseases, including:

• Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) Is a rare blood disease in which the bone marrow produces too many platelets;
• Myelofibrosis, a rare disorder in which abnormal blood cells and fibers build up in the bone marrow;
• Polycythemia Vera (PV) – a disease in which too many red blood cells are made in the bone marrow and, in many cases, the numbers of white blood cells and platelets are also elevated.

 In a new episode of The Onco'Zine Brief, Peter Hofland talks with David M. Cognetti, MD, a Professor and Chair in the Department Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Hofland and Cognetti talk about head and neck cancer and a novel treatment approach called Photoimmunotherapy.

Head and Neck Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, Head and neck cancer accounts for about 4% of all cancers in the United States. In the United States in 2023, an estimated 67,000 people will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer and about 15,000 patients are expected to die of the disease.

Today, many cancers of the head and neck can be cured, especially if they are found early. And while eliminating the cancer is the primary goal of treatment, preserving the function of the nearby nerves, organs, and tissues is also very important.

Beyond Current Treatment
Photoimmunotherapy is a recently developed hybrid cancer therapy to treat diseases by linking specific antibodies with photosensitizers to form photoimmunoconjugates.

But let’s go back to the beginning.

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have dominated the treatment of oncologic. These therapies aim to eradicate cancer cells but, unfortunately, do that at the expense of normal, or healthy cells/ In turn, this can lead to severe and sometimes lethal side-effects.

Overall, the success of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is measured by what we call a ‘therapeutic index.’

This ‘therapeutic index’ compares the potential benefits of treatment to the potential risks associated with treatment.

Unfortunately, the unintended, off-target side effects of these therapies can have profound effects on the health-related quality of life of patients.

For example, both radiation and chemotherapy sometimes preferentially kill lymphocytes much earlier than cancer cells because of the increased radiation sensitivity and high proliferation rate of lymphocytes, potentially leading to dose-limiting toxicity for some chemotherapy regimens.
To find a solution, researchers have developed new therapeutic strategies. And while these therapies have created an exciting new direction for the treatment of cancer therapy, there remain limitation to these novel approaches.

Now, in theory, the perfect cancer therapy would both directly destroy cancer cells to minimize residual cancer cells as well as activate the local host immune response to wipe out remaining cancer cells.

And while such a therapy would be highly selective for cancer cells but have minimal or no off-target effects in the tumor microenvironment.

Photoimmunotherapy
And that’s where photoimmunotherapy comes in. Photoimmunotherapy, designed to selectively destroy target cells.

The therapy that induces direct cancer killing via immunogenic cell death, thus activating the anti-cancer immune system locally in the tumor microenvironment.

The specificity of this approach comes from the antibody that is designed to target an expressed antigen on the tumor surface and is conjugated to the photo-activating chemical.

The safety of Photoimmunotherapy is based on the fact that the antibody–photo-absorber conjugate predominantly binds to specifically targeted cancer cells and that it is only activated in areas exposed to Near-infrared light at a specific activating wavelength.

By choosing tumor-specific antigens, this therapy specifically destroys cancer cells while not or only minimally harming any adjacent normal or healthy cells, particularly tumor-infiltrating immune T cells or blood vessels. Furthermore, the photo-activating chemical is a water-soluble photo-absorbing dye without cytotoxic properties of its own.

Clinical studies have shown that this combination can enhance the immune response, and, as a result, have a good effect on the treatment of residual tumor and metastatic cancer.

The first human study of a Photoimmunotherapy was with ASP-1929 – which is being developed by Rakuten Medical to treat inoperable head and neck cancer.

ASP-1929 is a conjugate of cetuximab, an anti-EGFR antibody plus the photo-absorber called IR700.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit our Patreon page, or contact the sales team.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee and Roastmasterz by Java Original Coffee.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56301647Sun, 16 Apr 2023 04:48:00 +0000Peter Hofland In this episode of The Onco'Zine Brief, Peter Hofland talks with two experts about their research and the impact the outcomes from these studies may have on the treatment of patients diagnosed with cancer. First, Hofland talks with Christopher...
First, Hofland talks with Christopher Heery, MD.

Dr Heery is a board-certified medical oncologist with primary expertise in the translational and clinical development of immunotherapies, including, but not limited to PD-L1 inhibitors, therapeutic cancer vaccines, immune suppressor modulator, adoptive NK cells, and other therapeutics.

As the chief medical officer at Arcellx, he is responsible for medical oversight, clinical strategy, medical affairs, and regulatory strategy for the company’s pipeline of novel – investigational drug.

In the second half of the program, Hofland talks with Srdan Verstovsek, Dr Srdan Verstovsek, MD, PhD., a Medical Oncologist and Professor in the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, about some of the developments in the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasm, which are types of blood cancer that begin with an abnormal mutation or change, in a stem cell in the bone marrow. These change leads to an overproduction of any combination of white cells, red blood cells and platelets – and results in a number of diseases, including:

• Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) Is a rare blood disease in which the bone marrow produces too many platelets;
• Myelofibrosis, a rare disorder in which abnormal blood cells and fibers build up in the bone marrow;
• Polycythemia Vera (PV) – a disease in which too many red blood cells are made in the bone marrow and, in many cases, the numbers of white blood cells and platelets are also elevated.

 In a new episode of The Onco'Zine Brief, Peter Hofland talks with David M. Cognetti, MD, a Professor and Chair in the Department Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Hofland and Cognetti talk about head and neck cancer and a novel treatment approach called Photoimmunotherapy.

Head and Neck Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, Head and neck cancer accounts for about 4% of all cancers in the United States. In the United States in 2023, an estimated 67,000 people will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer and about 15,000 patients are expected to die of the disease.

Today, many cancers of the head and neck can be cured, especially if they are found early. And while eliminating the cancer is the primary goal of treatment, preserving the function of the nearby nerves, organs, and tissues is also very important.

Beyond Current Treatment
Photoimmunotherapy is a recently developed hybrid cancer therapy to treat diseases by linking specific antibodies with photosensitizers to form photoimmunoconjugates.

But let’s go back to the beginning.

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have dominated the treatment of oncologic. These therapies aim to eradicate cancer cells but, unfortunately, do that at the expense of normal, or healthy cells/ In turn, this can lead to severe and sometimes lethal side-effects.

Overall, the success of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is measured by what we call a ‘therapeutic index.’

This ‘therapeutic index’ compares the potential benefits of treatment to the potential risks associated with treatment.

Unfortunately, the unintended, off-target side effects...]]>2692cancer,essential-thrombocythemia,hematology,myelofibrosis,nk-cells,oncology,oncozine,pd-l1,polycythemia-verafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-fantastic-voyage-from-magic-bullet-to-antibody-drug-conjugate-us-version--53218850
Antibody-drug conjugates consist of three parts:

• an antibody specific to the target associated antigen,
• a payload (sometimes calles a warhead) designed to kill target cancer cells, and
• a chemical linker specifically designed to attach or link the payload to the antibody.

Today, antibody-drug conjugates have widespread treatment potential in obcology and hematology, and beyond. However, safe manufacturing of these highly potent drugs requires also requires a highly skilled capable team of experts in well-controlled manufacturing facilities.

In this episode of the Onco’Zine Brief, produced in collaboration with ADC Review | Journal of Antibody-drug Conjugates, Peter Hofland talks with Dr. Matthias Bucerius.

Dr. Bucerius is Vice President and General Manager at MilliporeSigma. He is responsible for Contract Development and Manufacturing Organsation (CDMO) business of the company, leading a fully integrated global team with Manufacturing Operations, Commercial, Marketing & Strategy, Technology & Innovation organizations.

The company is helping its clients in developing and manufacturing a variety of products, including antibody-drug conjugates.

Antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs are targeted therapies that have opened new ways in targeting diseases like cancer and hematological malignancies.

What is unique about ADCs is that they leverage the specific targetability benefits offered by antibodies and combine that with the high potency of small-molecule drugs. This combination makes these agents uniquely targetable therapies. And unlike traditional chemotherapy, these ADCs target tumors by delivering the attached payload to destroy cancer cells while sparing the healthy or normal cells, thereby potentially reducing negative side effects for patients.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, Download our Media Kit, or visit our Patreon page.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

• To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee – the home of artisan roasted coffee and Roastmasterz by Java Original.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53218850Tue, 14 Mar 2023 18:33:00 +0000Peter HoflandAntibody-drug conjugates or ADCs are a class of biopharmaceutical drugs designed as a targeted therapy for treating cancer. However, unlike chemotherapy, ADCs are intended to directly target and kill tumor cells while, at the same time sparing normal,...
Antibody-drug conjugates consist of three parts:

• an antibody specific to the target associated antigen,
• a payload (sometimes calles a warhead) designed to kill target cancer cells, and
• a chemical linker specifically designed to attach or link the payload to the antibody.

Today, antibody-drug conjugates have widespread treatment potential in obcology and hematology, and beyond. However, safe manufacturing of these highly potent drugs requires also requires a highly skilled capable team of experts in well-controlled manufacturing facilities.

In this episode of the Onco’Zine Brief, produced in collaboration with ADC Review | Journal of Antibody-drug Conjugates, Peter Hofland talks with Dr. Matthias Bucerius.

Dr. Bucerius is Vice President and General Manager at MilliporeSigma. He is responsible for Contract Development and Manufacturing Organsation (CDMO) business of the company, leading a fully integrated global team with Manufacturing Operations, Commercial, Marketing & Strategy, Technology & Innovation organizations.

The company is helping its clients in developing and manufacturing a variety of products, including antibody-drug conjugates.

Antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs are targeted therapies that have opened new ways in targeting diseases like cancer and hematological malignancies.

What is unique about ADCs is that they leverage the specific targetability benefits offered by antibodies and combine that with the high potency of small-molecule drugs. This combination makes these agents uniquely targetable therapies. And unlike traditional chemotherapy, these ADCs target tumors by delivering the attached payload to destroy cancer cells while sparing the healthy or normal cells, thereby potentially reducing negative side effects for patients.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, Download our Media Kit, or visit our Patreon page.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

• To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee – the home of artisan roasted coffee and Roastmasterz by Java Original.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2675adc,adc-express,antibody-drug-conjugates,bispecifics,cdmo,chetosensar™,dolastatins,dolcore™,hpapi,linker/payload,maycore™,maytansinoids,milliporesigma,oligonucleotides,pbdcore™,pharmaceutical,pyrrolobenzodiazepines,radionuclides,safebridge®-certification,therapeuticfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/highlights-from-ash-conversations-about-multiple-myeloma-with-thomas-martin-and-monica-soni--53898279American Society of Hematology took place in the vibrant city of New Orleans and brought together tens of thousands of participants from across the world to present and discuss the results of studies that ranged from initial hypothesis to practice-changing results.

In this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks to two people about their research and the impact the outcomes from these studies may have.

First, Hofland talks with Thomas G. Martin, MD.

Martin is the Associate Director of the University of California San Francisco Myeloma Program and Director of the Unrelated Donor Transplantation program for adults at UCSF Medical Center.

Martin's research interests include developing treatments for myeloma and leukemia as well as expanding the use of bone marrow transplants. He has a special interest in umbilical cord blood transplants, and he is involved in efforts to improve outcomes for patients who have transplants from unrelated donors.

In this episode Hofland and Martin talk about updated results from a Phase 1b expansion study evaluating subcutaneous administration of Isatuximab-irfc (Sarclisa®; Sanofi) by an on-body delivery system in combination with pomalidomide (Pomalyst®; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company) and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. How does subcutaneous delivery vs. intravenous administration of Isatuximab benefits patients? Hofland and Martin also talk about the results of a Subgroup Analysis of the IKEMA trial.

Then, With Monica Soni, MD, Director of Specialty Care for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, the second-largest municipal health system in the United States. She is also an assistant clinical professor within the UCLA Department of Medicine.

Soni is commitment to improving quality, equity and affordability in health care.

In this episode Hofland and Soni talks about the results of a study in which the investigators looked at the utilization of bone-modifying agents (BMA) in the treatment of multiple myeloma, particularly among Medicaid patients.

What invesrigatriors found was shocking!

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit Patreon at or contact the sales team.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee – the home of artisan roasted coffee.

Clinical trial
Multinational Clinical Study Comparing Isatuximab, Carfilzomib And Dexamethasone To Carfilzomib And Dexamethasone In Relapse And/Or Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients (IKEMA) -NCT03275285

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53898279Fri, 17 Feb 2023 00:34:00 +0000Peter HoflandIn December 2022 the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology took place in the vibrant city of New Orleans and brought together tens of thousands of participants from across the world to present and discuss the results of studies that...American Society of Hematology took place in the vibrant city of New Orleans and brought together tens of thousands of participants from across the world to present and discuss the results of studies that ranged from initial hypothesis to practice-changing results.

In this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks to two people about their research and the impact the outcomes from these studies may have.

First, Hofland talks with Thomas G. Martin, MD.

Martin is the Associate Director of the University of California San Francisco Myeloma Program and Director of the Unrelated Donor Transplantation program for adults at UCSF Medical Center.

Martin's research interests include developing treatments for myeloma and leukemia as well as expanding the use of bone marrow transplants. He has a special interest in umbilical cord blood transplants, and he is involved in efforts to improve outcomes for patients who have transplants from unrelated donors.

In this episode Hofland and Martin talk about updated results from a Phase 1b expansion study evaluating subcutaneous administration of Isatuximab-irfc (Sarclisa®; Sanofi) by an on-body delivery system in combination with pomalidomide (Pomalyst®; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company) and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. How does subcutaneous delivery vs. intravenous administration of Isatuximab benefits patients? Hofland and Martin also talk about the results of a Subgroup Analysis of the IKEMA trial.

Then, With Monica Soni, MD, Director of Specialty Care for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, the second-largest municipal health system in the United States. She is also an assistant clinical professor within the UCLA Department of Medicine.

Soni is commitment to improving quality, equity and affordability in health care.

In this episode Hofland and Soni talks about the results of a study in which the investigators looked at the utilization of bone-modifying agents (BMA) in the treatment of multiple myeloma, particularly among Medicaid patients.

What invesrigatriors found was shocking!

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit Patreon at or contact the sales team.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee – the home of...]]>2503affordability,ash,cancer,equity,hematology,isatuximab-,quality,ucla,ucsf,value-basedfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mismatched-unrelated-donors-a-key-to-erasing-the-gap-in-donor-availability-in-hct--52480847
In the program today Hofland and Spellman talk about bone-marrow transplants.

The likelihood of finding a fully matched unrelated donor for a patient who needs a bone marrow transplantvaries greatly depending on a patient’s ethnic background, and that ethnically diverse patients have – historically – been at a disadvantage. However, new research shows that when donor registry models are expanded to include mismatched unrelated donors, finding access for patients may greatly improve.[1]

Based on this understanding, Spellman believes that mismatched unrelated donors hold the key to erasing the gap in donor availability and deliver allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) to all patient populations.

For more information about the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, please visit the organization’s website.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit Patreon at or contact the sales team.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866. The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee – the home of artisan roasted coffee.

Reference
[1] Spellman S. Is finding a Donor for All in Need of Allogeneic HCT Possible? New Modeling Says Yes – Onco’Zine on September 5, 2022. [Link to article]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52480847Tue, 17 Jan 2023 06:03:00 +0000Peter HoflandIn the 100th episode of the Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Stephen Spellman, Vice President of Research and Senior Scientific Director of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research at the National Marrow Donor...
In the program today Hofland and Spellman talk about bone-marrow transplants.

The likelihood of finding a fully matched unrelated donor for a patient who needs a bone marrow transplantvaries greatly depending on a patient’s ethnic background, and that ethnically diverse patients have – historically – been at a disadvantage. However, new research shows that when donor registry models are expanded to include mismatched unrelated donors, finding access for patients may greatly improve.[1]

Based on this understanding, Spellman believes that mismatched unrelated donors hold the key to erasing the gap in donor availability and deliver allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) to all patient populations.

For more information about the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, please visit the organization’s website.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit Patreon at or contact the sales team.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866. The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee – the home of artisan roasted coffee.

Reference
[1] Spellman S. Is finding a Donor for All in Need of Allogeneic HCT Possible? New Modeling Says Yes – Onco’Zine on September 5, 2022. [Link to article]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2510background,bone-marrow,cancer,ethnic,hct,hematology,oncologyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/susanna-greer-ph-d-advancing-funding-for-cutting-edge-cancer-research--52070922
An accomplished strategist, she develops and articulates priorities to enhance the V Foundation’s research portfolio, gifts, grants, and sponsorships that advance the V Foundation’s distinctive brand of cutting-edge and disruptive research.

The V Foundation was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary NC State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The mission of the V Foundation is to funds game-changing research and all-star scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. Today the V Foundation funds research for all cancer types, at leading cancer centers and research facilities nationwide. The organization awards 100% of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses.


About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit Patreon at or contact the sales team.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee – the home of artisan roasted coffee.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52070922Tue, 29 Nov 2022 21:00:00 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco'Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D, talks with Susanna F. Greer, Ph.D. the Chief Scientific Officer of the V Foundation. In her role, Dr. Greer is a visionary ambassador of the V Foundation, who works with the foundation’s...
An accomplished strategist, she develops and articulates priorities to enhance the V Foundation’s research portfolio, gifts, grants, and sponsorships that advance the V Foundation’s distinctive brand of cutting-edge and disruptive research.

The V Foundation was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary NC State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The mission of the V Foundation is to funds game-changing research and all-star scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. Today the V Foundation funds research for all cancer types, at leading cancer centers and research facilities nationwide. The organization awards 100% of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses.


About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit Patreon at or contact the sales team.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee – the home of artisan roasted coffee.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2907cancer,care,clinical-trials,community-hospitals,disparities,funding,information,research,tele-medicine,v-foundationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-novel-approach-to-advancing-breast-cancer-therapy--51699740
In today’s episode of The Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Sean P. Bohen, MD, Ph.D., the president and Chief Executive Officer of Olema Therapeutics.

Olema Terapeutics is developing new treatment options designed to improve outcomes for women with metastatic breast cancer. The company’s lead investigational drug is OP-1250.
This drug is a is a novel agent with combined activity as both an advanced complete estrogen receptor antagonist, and a selective estrogen receptor degrader. This approach is expected to drive deeper, more durable responses than currently available therapies.

OP-1250 is currently in development as a treatment for estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (ER+/HER2- MBC), in both monotherapy and combination settings.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit Patreon at or contact the sales team.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee – the home of artisan roasted coffee.

Clinical trials
- Phase 1b Combo w/ Ribociclib and Alpelisib | NCT05508906
- A Phase 1 Study of Oral OP-1250 in Combination With Palbociclib in HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer Patients - NCT05266105
-A Dose Escalation/Expansion Study of Oral OP-1250 in Subjects With Advanced and/or Metastatic HR+, HER2- Breast Cancer - NCT04505826

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51699740Thu, 27 Oct 2022 00:59:52 +0000Peter HoflandDespite availability of endocrine therapies for advanced or metastatic breast cancer, there remains a critical unmet need for more effective and convenient treatment options that improve both the patient experience and health outcomes. In today’s...
In today’s episode of The Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Sean P. Bohen, MD, Ph.D., the president and Chief Executive Officer of Olema Therapeutics.

Olema Terapeutics is developing new treatment options designed to improve outcomes for women with metastatic breast cancer. The company’s lead investigational drug is OP-1250.
This drug is a is a novel agent with combined activity as both an advanced complete estrogen receptor antagonist, and a selective estrogen receptor degrader. This approach is expected to drive deeper, more durable responses than currently available therapies.

OP-1250 is currently in development as a treatment for estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (ER+/HER2- MBC), in both monotherapy and combination settings.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit Patreon at or contact the sales team.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee – the home of artisan roasted coffee.

Clinical trials
- Phase 1b Combo w/ Ribociclib and Alpelisib | NCT05508906
- A Phase 1 Study of Oral OP-1250 in Combination With Palbociclib in HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer Patients - NCT05266105
-A Dose Escalation/Expansion Study of Oral OP-1250 in Subjects With Advanced and/or Metastatic HR+, HER2- Breast Cancer - NCT04505826

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2378bc,estrogen,her2-negative,mbc,olema,oncology,op-1250falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/esmo-2022-advances-in-the-treatment-of-cancer--51460283
In this episode of the Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D., talks with:

- Eric Vivier DVM, Ph.D, senior vice president and scientific officer of Innate Pharma about anti-cancer drugs designed to harness the power of Natural Killer (NK-) Cells. During the ESMO Congress, the company presented a number of studies discussing the safety and efficacy of lacutamab in patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma that express KIR3DL2 and the design of multispecific antibodies (ANKET for antigen-specific activation of NK cells).

- Daniel Teper, PharmD, MBA, co-founder, chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Cytovia Therapeutics, a company developing Precision NK Therapeutics which may revolutionize cancer treatment. During the annual ESMO Congress, the company presented new preclinical data for its GPC3 Flex-NK™ cell engager antibody in combination with natural killer cells.

- Neil H. Bander, MD, Director of Urological Oncology Research at Weill Cornell Medicine and Co-founder of Convergent Therapeutics about prostate cancer. The company is developing a therapeutic platform that is capable of targeting validated and novel cancer antigens, including the first antibodies to specifically target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit Patreon at or contact the sales team.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee – the home of artisan roasted coffee.

Clinical trials

• Study of Lacutamab in Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma - NCT04984837
• Safety and Efficacy of Lacutamab in Patients With Relapse Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma That Express KIR3DL2 - NCT05321147
• IPH4102 Alone or in Combination With Chemotherapy in Patients With Advanced T Cell Lymphoma (TELLOMAK) - NCT03902184

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51460283Sat, 01 Oct 2022 06:44:00 +0000Peter HoflandThe annual congress of the European Society for Medical oncology or ESMO, is one of the most influential oncology meetings for clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, and healthcare industry representatives from all over the world. This year the...
In this episode of the Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D., talks with:

- Eric Vivier DVM, Ph.D, senior vice president and scientific officer of Innate Pharma about anti-cancer drugs designed to harness the power of Natural Killer (NK-) Cells. During the ESMO Congress, the company presented a number of studies discussing the safety and efficacy of lacutamab in patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma that express KIR3DL2 and the design of multispecific antibodies (ANKET for antigen-specific activation of NK cells).

- Daniel Teper, PharmD, MBA, co-founder, chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Cytovia Therapeutics, a company developing Precision NK Therapeutics which may revolutionize cancer treatment. During the annual ESMO Congress, the company presented new preclinical data for its GPC3 Flex-NK™ cell engager antibody in combination with natural killer cells.

- Neil H. Bander, MD, Director of Urological Oncology Research at Weill Cornell Medicine and Co-founder of Convergent Therapeutics about prostate cancer. The company is developing a therapeutic platform that is capable of targeting validated and novel cancer antigens, including the first antibodies to specifically target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit to download our Media Kit, visit Patreon at or contact the sales team.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

The Onco’Zine Brief is made possible, in part, by Java Original Coffee – the home of artisan roasted coffee.

Clinical trials

• Study of Lacutamab in Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma - NCT04984837
• Safety and Efficacy of Lacutamab in Patients With Relapse Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma That Express KIR3DL2 - NCT05321147
• IPH4102 Alone or in Combination With Chemotherapy in Patients With Advanced T Cell Lymphoma (TELLOMAK) - NCT03902184

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2944actinium-225,activation,anket,antigen-specific,car-t-cell,conv01-α,ctcl,cutaneous,cytovia,esmo,innate,lacutamab,lymphoma,nk-cells.,prostate,psma,ptcl,sézary,t-cellfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/redefining-the-rules-of-cancer-treatment--51099277
According to the American Cancer Society, United States, doctors diagnose between 12,000 and 14,000 patients with glioblastoma in the U.S. each year. There is currently no cure for glioblastoma. The median length of survival after a diagnosis is 15-
18 months, while the disease’s five-year survival rate is around 10%.

And while all glioblastomas recur, initial treatments may keep the tumor controlled
for months or even years.

To improve the current standard of care, ongoing research and development is required.
Earlier this year, researchers at Modifi Biosciences published a critical study in thejournal
Science, validating a new oncology platform based on new classes of molecules
that exploit tumor-associated DNA repair defects through direct cancer cell DNA modification.

This approach redefines the rules on how to selectively kill cancer cells via direct DNA
modification

The technology bypasses conventional approaches that indirectly target proteins in cancer cells and demonstrates robust anti-tumor activity in glioma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer, while sparing normal tissue.

In the publication in Science, a new class of molecules were found to be very selective against cancer cells that lack expression of a key DNA repair protein.

And approximately half of all glioblastomas and up to 80% of gliomas lack this particular protein. Furthermore. emerging research indicates that this deficiency is seen in many
other tumor types, suggesting broad applicability for this strategy in treating cancer.

Based on this research, scientists at Modifi Bio are creating a new class of molecules, based on research conducted at Yale.

In this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Ranjit S. Bindra, MD, Ph.D., a physician-scientist at Yale School of Medicine and the co-founder of Modify Bio.


Reference
[1] Lin K, Gueble SE, Sundaram RK, Huseman ED, Bindra RS, Herzon SB. Mechanism-based design of agents that selectively target drug-resistant glioma. Science. 2022 Jul 29;377(6605):502-511. doi: 10.1126/science.abn7570. Epub 2022 Jul 28. PMID: 35901163.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit Onco'Zine to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon to become a Sustaining Member of the show and support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51099277Fri, 19 Aug 2022 01:41:00 +0000Peter HoflandGlioblastoma is an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. And while the disease can occur at any age, it tends to occur more often in older people. According to the American Cancer Society, United States, doctors...
According to the American Cancer Society, United States, doctors diagnose between 12,000 and 14,000 patients with glioblastoma in the U.S. each year. There is currently no cure for glioblastoma. The median length of survival after a diagnosis is 15-
18 months, while the disease’s five-year survival rate is around 10%.

And while all glioblastomas recur, initial treatments may keep the tumor controlled
for months or even years.

To improve the current standard of care, ongoing research and development is required.
Earlier this year, researchers at Modifi Biosciences published a critical study in thejournal
Science, validating a new oncology platform based on new classes of molecules
that exploit tumor-associated DNA repair defects through direct cancer cell DNA modification.

This approach redefines the rules on how to selectively kill cancer cells via direct DNA
modification

The technology bypasses conventional approaches that indirectly target proteins in cancer cells and demonstrates robust anti-tumor activity in glioma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer, while sparing normal tissue.

In the publication in Science, a new class of molecules were found to be very selective against cancer cells that lack expression of a key DNA repair protein.

And approximately half of all glioblastomas and up to 80% of gliomas lack this particular protein. Furthermore. emerging research indicates that this deficiency is seen in many
other tumor types, suggesting broad applicability for this strategy in treating cancer.

Based on this research, scientists at Modifi Bio are creating a new class of molecules, based on research conducted at Yale.

In this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Ranjit S. Bindra, MD, Ph.D., a physician-scientist at Yale School of Medicine and the co-founder of Modify Bio.


Reference
[1] Lin K, Gueble SE, Sundaram RK, Huseman ED, Bindra RS, Herzon SB. Mechanism-based design of agents that selectively target drug-resistant glioma. Science. 2022 Jul 29;377(6605):502-511. doi: 10.1126/science.abn7570. Epub 2022 Jul 28. PMID: 35901163.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit Onco'Zine to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon to become a Sustaining Member of the show and support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine.

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2708brain-cancer,cancer,dna-modification,glioblastoma,glioma,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/valena-wright-md-it-s-time-you-knew-the-power-of-your-choices-to-prevent-women-s-cancer--50566008
In "It’s Time you Knew’ - The Power of Your Choices to Prevent Women's Cancer", board certified gynecological oncologist Dr Valene Wright offers simple and straightforward tools to help women listen to their own body – and in doing so take control of their own health.

In this episode Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with board certified gynecological oncologist and surgeon Valene Wright, MD. In her book, Wright helps women - but also men - to make critical choices help prevent cancer.

To order Dr. Wright's book, click on the link: https://amzn.to/3P5wIxl

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50566008Fri, 24 Jun 2022 04:12:00 +0000Peter HoflandYour annual doctors- (or wellness-) visit may not be enough to prevent diseases like cancer. Daily health and lifestyle choices are the key to cancer prevention - but what are these choices? What is important? In "It’s Time you Knew’ - The Power...
In "It’s Time you Knew’ - The Power of Your Choices to Prevent Women's Cancer", board certified gynecological oncologist Dr Valene Wright offers simple and straightforward tools to help women listen to their own body – and in doing so take control of their own health.

In this episode Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with board certified gynecological oncologist and surgeon Valene Wright, MD. In her book, Wright helps women - but also men - to make critical choices help prevent cancer.

To order Dr. Wright's book, click on the link: https://amzn.to/3P5wIxl

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2769diet,habits,health,oncology,ovarian-cancer,overweight,prevention,sleep,weight,well-beingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lynch-syndrome-and-genetic-testing--50041837
In this episode Peter Hofland PhD talks with Noelle Carbognin and Elizabeth Chao, MD, FACMG, a Medical Geneticist at UC Irvine about about Lynch Syndrome, a type of inherited cancer syndrome associated with a genetic predisposition to different cancer types, including Colorectal cancer and about various aspects of genetic testing, new technologies, including next generation sequencing technology, and the potential future possibilities and benefits of genetic testing in preventing disease.[1][2]

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Reference
[1] Espenschied CR, LaDuca H, Li S, McFarland R, Gau CL, Hampel H. Multigene Panel Testing Provides a New Perspective on Lynch Syndrome. J Clin Oncol. 2017 Aug 1;35(22):2568-2575. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2016.71.9260. Epub 2017 May 17. PMID: 28514183; PMCID: PMC7186580.
[2] Karam R, Conner B, LaDuca H, McGoldrick K, Krempely K, Richardson ME, Zimmermann H, Gutierrez S, Reineke P, Hoang L, Allen K, Yussuf A, Farber-Katz S, Rana HQ, Culver S, Lee J, Nashed S, Toppmeyer D, Collins D, Haynes G, Pesaran T, Dolinsky JS, Tippin Davis B, Elliott A, Chao E. Assessment of Diagnostic Outcomes of RNA Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer. JAMA Netw Open. 2019 Oct 2;2(10):e1913900. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.13900. PMID: 31642931; PMCID: PMC6820040.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50041837Tue, 24 May 2022 18:21:00 +0000Peter HoflandAfter checking your cholesterol, hemoglobin A1C, and glucose level during your annual wellness check, your primary care phycisian says: 'It looks like we haven't done your genome. Why don't we do that?' How would you respond? If you have a genetic...
In this episode Peter Hofland PhD talks with Noelle Carbognin and Elizabeth Chao, MD, FACMG, a Medical Geneticist at UC Irvine about about Lynch Syndrome, a type of inherited cancer syndrome associated with a genetic predisposition to different cancer types, including Colorectal cancer and about various aspects of genetic testing, new technologies, including next generation sequencing technology, and the potential future possibilities and benefits of genetic testing in preventing disease.[1][2]

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Reference
[1] Espenschied CR, LaDuca H, Li S, McFarland R, Gau CL, Hampel H. Multigene Panel Testing Provides a New Perspective on Lynch Syndrome. J Clin Oncol. 2017 Aug 1;35(22):2568-2575. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2016.71.9260. Epub 2017 May 17. PMID: 28514183; PMCID: PMC7186580.
[2] Karam R, Conner B, LaDuca H, McGoldrick K, Krempely K, Richardson ME, Zimmermann H, Gutierrez S, Reineke P, Hoang L, Allen K, Yussuf A, Farber-Katz S, Rana HQ, Culver S, Lee J, Nashed S, Toppmeyer D, Collins D, Haynes G, Pesaran T, Dolinsky JS, Tippin Davis B, Elliott A, Chao E. Assessment of Diagnostic Outcomes of RNA Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer. JAMA Netw Open. 2019 Oct 2;2(10):e1913900. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.13900. PMID: 31642931; PMCID: PMC6820040.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2933ambry,cancer,colonoscopy,crc,diagnostics,family,genetics,health,hereditary,lynch-syndrome,research,stressfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/marie-e-lamont-lessons-learned-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-help-in-transforming-patient-access-to-clinical-trials--49648876screenings dropped significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The study, published in the February 2022 edition of Journal of the National
Comprehensive Cancer Network, examined data from the Ontario Cancer Registry in
Canada. The results showed that in March 2020 the week-to-week rate of cancer diagnosis dropped by 34.3%. And this worries doctors, because over the last few decades, the
cancer survival rates have improved, in part because of earlier detection of disease. [1]

Doctors fear that this disruption to healthcare access may negatively impact early detection of cancers which may lead to serious problems later.

Another aspect doctors worry about is that delayed diagnoses and treatments means
that in some cases a patient’s diagnoses may not be brought to light until later stages – stage 3 and 4 – when cancer is more difficult to treat.

Based on the available data, some experts predict a spike in new cancer diagnosis
later this year and in 2023. The main reason, they believe, is pandemic-related, including
lockdowns and fears of the coronavirus – which cause COVID-19.

In addition to early diagnosis, the pandemic also stalled, delayed, or canceled clinical trials.
Based on some estimates, this impacted as many as 60% of all oncology clinical trials and biological therapies in the United States.

One big question remains, what are the real implications of stalling or canceling these
clinical trials?

In this episode of The Onco'Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph,D. talks with Marie E. Lamont, the general manager and chief executive officer of Inteliquet, a company that strives to match patients to clinical trials, accurately and promptly – or, in other words, the company ensures that physicians and their patients have access to the latest and best clinical trials, using decision, making technology developed by the company.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Reference
[1] Eskander A, Li Q, Yu J, Hallet J, Coburn NG, Dare A, Chan KKW, Singh S, Parmar A, Earle CC, Lapointe-Shaw L, Krzyzanowska MK, Hanna TP, Finelli A, Louie AV, Look Hong N, Irish JC, Witterick IJ, Mahar A, Noel CW, Urbach DR, McIsaac DI, Enepekides D, Sutradhar R. Incident Cancer Detection During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2022 Feb 1:1-9. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2021.7114. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35104788.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49648876Mon, 21 Feb 2022 04:01:00 +0000Peter HoflandResearch out earlier this year confirms what many doctors had feared: Cancer screenings dropped significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study, published in the February 2022 edition of Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network,...screenings dropped significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The study, published in the February 2022 edition of Journal of the National
Comprehensive Cancer Network, examined data from the Ontario Cancer Registry in
Canada. The results showed that in March 2020 the week-to-week rate of cancer diagnosis dropped by 34.3%. And this worries doctors, because over the last few decades, the
cancer survival rates have improved, in part because of earlier detection of disease. [1]

Doctors fear that this disruption to healthcare access may negatively impact early detection of cancers which may lead to serious problems later.

Another aspect doctors worry about is that delayed diagnoses and treatments means
that in some cases a patient’s diagnoses may not be brought to light until later stages – stage 3 and 4 – when cancer is more difficult to treat.

Based on the available data, some experts predict a spike in new cancer diagnosis
later this year and in 2023. The main reason, they believe, is pandemic-related, including
lockdowns and fears of the coronavirus – which cause COVID-19.

In addition to early diagnosis, the pandemic also stalled, delayed, or canceled clinical trials.
Based on some estimates, this impacted as many as 60% of all oncology clinical trials and biological therapies in the United States.

One big question remains, what are the real implications of stalling or canceling these
clinical trials?

In this episode of The Onco'Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph,D. talks with Marie E. Lamont, the general manager and chief executive officer of Inteliquet, a company that strives to match patients to clinical trials, accurately and promptly – or, in other words, the company ensures that physicians and their patients have access to the latest and best clinical trials, using decision, making technology developed by the company.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Reference
[1] Eskander A, Li Q, Yu J, Hallet J, Coburn NG, Dare A, Chan KKW, Singh S, Parmar A, Earle CC, Lapointe-Shaw L, Krzyzanowska MK, Hanna TP, Finelli A, Louie AV, Look Hong N, Irish JC, Witterick IJ, Mahar A, Noel CW, Urbach DR, McIsaac DI, Enepekides D, Sutradhar R. Incident Cancer Detection During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2022 Feb 1:1-9. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2021.7114. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35104788.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2910access,cancer,covid-19,disparities,fda,healthcare,hematology,oncology,pandemic,sars_cov_2,study,treatment,trialsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sabcs-2021-key-findings-in-breast-cancer-research--48243577
In this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with talking with Stephen Malamud, MD, who is the regional director of medical oncology at Nuvance Health, a health network with hospitals, medical practices, and care centers located throughout New York’s Hudson Valley and Western Connecticut.

Hofland and Malamud talk about some of the results of studies presented during the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held December 7 – 10, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas, and virtually via streaming media. For this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief, the producers and editors selected just a few key presentations. In each case, Hofland and Malamud briefly discuss the study as well as how the results may improve the health-related Quality of Life (hrQoL) of patients. They also try to answer if the study results may change the way medicine is practiced.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48243577Tue, 11 Jan 2022 00:13:07 +0000Peter HoflandIn the past 30 years, the survival rate for breast cancer has improved by about 40%, one of the highest survival rates of any cancer. The increase in survival is, in part, due to advances in screening technology as well as improvement in cancer...
In this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with talking with Stephen Malamud, MD, who is the regional director of medical oncology at Nuvance Health, a health network with hospitals, medical practices, and care centers located throughout New York’s Hudson Valley and Western Connecticut.

Hofland and Malamud talk about some of the results of studies presented during the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held December 7 – 10, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas, and virtually via streaming media. For this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief, the producers and editors selected just a few key presentations. In each case, Hofland and Malamud briefly discuss the study as well as how the results may improve the health-related Quality of Life (hrQoL) of patients. They also try to answer if the study results may change the way medicine is practiced.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2986adc,antibody,breast,cancer,hrqol,nuvance,sabcs,screening,treatrmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/working-tirelessly-to-improve-the-lives-of-cancer-patients--47876498
Pandya is Vice President Clinical Development and Global Head of Cancer Metabolism at Servier Pharmaceuticals. She is also a board-certified Hematologist-Oncologist and a master clinician with a passion for innovation in cancer treatment. In her current role as Vice President of Clinical Development at Servier Pharmaceuticals Pandya is overseeing hematology and oncology clinical development programs. She is involved in developing novel therapeutics in rare oncology indications and is leading teams with the design, planning, and execution of Phase 1 and Phase 3 global pivotal studies.

Hofland and Pandya talk about how Servier Pharmaceuticals has made oncology one of the company's foremost priorities and endeavors to become a major player in treatments for cancers that are difficult to treat and for which therapeutic needs are generally not yet met, such as gastrointestinal, hematologic, pancreatic and pediatric cancers.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47876498Sat, 11 Dec 2021 02:50:55 +0000Peter HoflandCancer remains the second leading cause of death in the world, and numbers are on the rise. To respond to the growing need for therapeutic solutions, much research is needed. In this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with...
Pandya is Vice President Clinical Development and Global Head of Cancer Metabolism at Servier Pharmaceuticals. She is also a board-certified Hematologist-Oncologist and a master clinician with a passion for innovation in cancer treatment. In her current role as Vice President of Clinical Development at Servier Pharmaceuticals Pandya is overseeing hematology and oncology clinical development programs. She is involved in developing novel therapeutics in rare oncology indications and is leading teams with the design, planning, and execution of Phase 1 and Phase 3 global pivotal studies.

Hofland and Pandya talk about how Servier Pharmaceuticals has made oncology one of the company's foremost priorities and endeavors to become a major player in treatments for cancers that are difficult to treat and for which therapeutic needs are generally not yet met, such as gastrointestinal, hematologic, pancreatic and pediatric cancers.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2834ag-120,ag-221,agile,aml,ash,azacitidine,cytarabine,etoposide,eukemia,hematology,idh1,idh2,ivosidenib,mitoxantrone,oncology,servier,tibsovofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-novel-first-in-class-photodynamic-therapy-for-patients-with-ctcl--47624175
In our program today Hofland and Kim talk about the success of HyBryte™ (previously known as (SGX301); hypericin ointment 0.25%) in the broad cutaneous T-cell lymphoma patient population.

HyBryte™, being developed by Soligenix, a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat rare diseases where there is an unmet medical need, is a novel, first-in-class, photodynamic therapy utilizing safe, visible light for activation.

The active ingredient in HyBryte™ is synthetic hypericin, a potent photosensitizer that is topically applied to skin lesions that is taken up by the malignant T-cells, and then activated by visible light 16 to 24 hours later. The use of visible light in the red-yellow spectrum has the advantage of penetrating more deeply into the skin (much more so than ultraviolet light) and therefore potentially treating deeper skin disease and thicker plaques and lesions. This treatment approach avoids the risk of secondary malignancies (including melanoma) inherent with the frequently employed DNA-damaging drugs and other types of phototherapy that are dependent on ultraviolet exposure.

Combined with photoactivation, hypericin has demonstrated significant anti-proliferative effects on activated normal human lymphoid cells and inhibited the growth of malignant T-cells isolated from CTCL patients. In a published Phase 2 clinical study in CTCL, patients experienced a statistically significant (p=0.04) improvement with topical hypericin treatment whereas the placebo was ineffective.

HyBryte™ has received orphan drug and fast track designations from the FDA, as well as an orphan designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Reference
FLASH [Fluorescent Light Activated Synthetic Hypericin] Clinical Study: Topical SGX301 (Synthetic Hypericin) for the Treatment of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (Mycosis Fungoides) - NCT02448381

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47624175Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:08:00 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland Ph.D. talks with Ellen J. Kim, MD. Kim is the Medical Director of the Dermatology Clinic at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine and Professor of Dermatology at the Hospital of the University...
In our program today Hofland and Kim talk about the success of HyBryte™ (previously known as (SGX301); hypericin ointment 0.25%) in the broad cutaneous T-cell lymphoma patient population.

HyBryte™, being developed by Soligenix, a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat rare diseases where there is an unmet medical need, is a novel, first-in-class, photodynamic therapy utilizing safe, visible light for activation.

The active ingredient in HyBryte™ is synthetic hypericin, a potent photosensitizer that is topically applied to skin lesions that is taken up by the malignant T-cells, and then activated by visible light 16 to 24 hours later. The use of visible light in the red-yellow spectrum has the advantage of penetrating more deeply into the skin (much more so than ultraviolet light) and therefore potentially treating deeper skin disease and thicker plaques and lesions. This treatment approach avoids the risk of secondary malignancies (including melanoma) inherent with the frequently employed DNA-damaging drugs and other types of phototherapy that are dependent on ultraviolet exposure.

Combined with photoactivation, hypericin has demonstrated significant anti-proliferative effects on activated normal human lymphoid cells and inhibited the growth of malignant T-cells isolated from CTCL patients. In a published Phase 2 clinical study in CTCL, patients experienced a statistically significant (p=0.04) improvement with topical hypericin treatment whereas the placebo was ineffective.

HyBryte™ has received orphan drug and fast track designations from the FDA, as well as an orphan designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Reference
FLASH [Fluorescent Light Activated Synthetic Hypericin] Clinical Study: Topical SGX301 (Synthetic Hypericin) for the Treatment of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (Mycosis Fungoides) - NCT02448381

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2760biopharma,cancer,ctcl,flash,hybryte,hypericin,light,lymphoma,photosensitizer,phototerapy,skin,soligenix,t-cellfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-promising-treatment-option-for-patients-diagnosed-with-head-and-neck-cancer--47265353
Multikine® is currently in late-stage development and is being investigated as a possible new adjuvant therapy for patients diagnosed with head-and-neck cancer and cervical dysplasia.

The published results of clinical studies, including a recently concluded Phase 3 study, are very promising in patients diagnosed with head-and-neck cancer. Patients treated with this new anticancer agent in combination with standard of care (SOC) versus standard of care alone had an overall survival benefit of 14.1% at five years. These results exceeded the predefined 10% overall survival benefit set out for the study population as a whole.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47265353Mon, 01 Nov 2021 23:36:17 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Eyal Talor, Ph.D., a clinical immunologist with over 25 years of hands-on management experience in clinical research and drug development. Talor joined CEL-SCI in October 1993 and...
Multikine® is currently in late-stage development and is being investigated as a possible new adjuvant therapy for patients diagnosed with head-and-neck cancer and cervical dysplasia.

The published results of clinical studies, including a recently concluded Phase 3 study, are very promising in patients diagnosed with head-and-neck cancer. Patients treated with this new anticancer agent in combination with standard of care (SOC) versus standard of care alone had an overall survival benefit of 14.1% at five years. These results exceeded the predefined 10% overall survival benefit set out for the study population as a whole.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2931cancer,cel-sci,head-and-neck,immunotherapy,interleukin,leukocyte,multikine®falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/precede-transforming-the-early-detection-and-prevention-of-pancreatic-cancer--47075151
Hofland also talks with Tom Schoenherr, the Chief Executive Officer of Ambry Genetics, one of the participating industry partners of the PRECEDE program.

In today’s episode Simeone, Schoenherr, and Hofland talk about Pancreatic Cancer and a new, international collaborative initiative called The Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection or PRECEDE Consortium, which includes more than 35 leading academic medical centers across the globe. The PRECEDE Consortium wants to transform the early detection and prevention of pancreatic cancer, with the aim of increasing the 5-year survival rate from 10 percent today to 50 percent within the next 10 years

In addition to academic centers, the PRECEDE Consortium includes industry partners who bring their expertise and resources in genetic testing, pathology, and imaging as well as in information technology to support the program; to determine who is at an elevated risk for developing pancreatic cancer, define that risk, and invite those with a higher risk to participate in a state-of-the-art clinical screening program.

The PRECEDE Consortium analyzes and standardizes data curated through an integrated diagnostics platform called LATTICE™, a platform that runs on Amazon Web Services or AWS. LATTICE uses Amazon HealthLake, a HIPAA-eligible service that helps organizations store, transform, query, and analyze health data, and will help researchers and clinicians gain new genomic insights for detecting and preventing pancreatic cancer.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47075151Thu, 21 Oct 2021 06:45:03 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Diane Simeone, MD, the Committee Chair and Principal Investigator and Executive Committee Chair of the PRECEDE Consortium. Simeone is also the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Professor...
Hofland also talks with Tom Schoenherr, the Chief Executive Officer of Ambry Genetics, one of the participating industry partners of the PRECEDE program.

In today’s episode Simeone, Schoenherr, and Hofland talk about Pancreatic Cancer and a new, international collaborative initiative called The Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection or PRECEDE Consortium, which includes more than 35 leading academic medical centers across the globe. The PRECEDE Consortium wants to transform the early detection and prevention of pancreatic cancer, with the aim of increasing the 5-year survival rate from 10 percent today to 50 percent within the next 10 years

In addition to academic centers, the PRECEDE Consortium includes industry partners who bring their expertise and resources in genetic testing, pathology, and imaging as well as in information technology to support the program; to determine who is at an elevated risk for developing pancreatic cancer, define that risk, and invite those with a higher risk to participate in a state-of-the-art clinical screening program.

The PRECEDE Consortium analyzes and standardizes data curated through an integrated diagnostics platform called LATTICE™, a platform that runs on Amazon Web Services or AWS. LATTICE uses Amazon HealthLake, a HIPAA-eligible service that helps organizations store, transform, query, and analyze health data, and will help researchers and clinicians gain new genomic insights for detecting and preventing pancreatic cancer.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: http://www.oncozine.com to download our Media Kit or visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief to support the program.

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2898amazon,ambry,aws,cancer,detection,diagnoses,healthlake,lattice,nyu,pancreas,precede,treatmemntfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advancements-in-the-treatment-of-glioblastoma-more-drug-is-not-always-better--46833731
Dr. Sanai is the director of the Ivy Brain Tumor Center and the director of neurosurgical oncology at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. In this episode of the program Hofland asked Sanai about Phase 0 studies – also known as micro-dosing studies – and why they are so important in the development of promising new drugs. They also talk about a potential, non-invasive treatment option for glioblastoma as well as and data Dr. Sanai presented during the annual meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology the meeting of the European Association for Neuro-Oncology.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46833731Thu, 30 Sep 2021 17:19:00 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Nader Sanai, MD. Dr. Sanai is the director of the Ivy Brain Tumor Center and the director of neurosurgical oncology at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. In...
Dr. Sanai is the director of the Ivy Brain Tumor Center and the director of neurosurgical oncology at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. In this episode of the program Hofland asked Sanai about Phase 0 studies – also known as micro-dosing studies – and why they are so important in the development of promising new drugs. They also talk about a potential, non-invasive treatment option for glioblastoma as well as and data Dr. Sanai presented during the annual meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology the meeting of the European Association for Neuro-Oncology.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2998brain,cancer,esmo,glioblastoma,health,ivy,medicine,pharma,research,sanai,sdt,trialsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/antibody-drug-conjugates-coming-of-age--45405728www.ADCReview.com), Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with William (Bill) Newell, JD, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Sutro Biopharma (www.sutrobio.com)

Sutro is a clinical-stage drug discovery, development, and manufacturing company using precise protein engineering and rational design to advance the development of the next-generation oncology therapeutics for unmet medical needs and areas where the current standard of care is suboptimal.

To date, Sutro’s technology platform has led to the development of cytokine-based immuno-oncology therapies, antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs, vaccines, and bispecific antibodies.
In addition to Sutro’s own pipeline of novel drugs, including STRO-001, a CD74-targeting ADC currently being investigated in a Phase 1 clinical trial of patients with advanced B-cell malignancies, such as multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and STRO-002, a folate receptor alpha (FolRα)-targeting ADC, currently being investigated in a Phase 1 clinical trial of patients with ovarian and endometrial cancers, the company is also collaborating with select pharmaceutical and biotech companies to discover and develop novel, next-generation therapeutics.

Antibody-drug conjugates like STRO-001 and STRO-002, are highly targeted biopharmaceutical drugs that combine monoclonal antibodies specific to surface antigens present on particular tumor cells with highly potent anti-cancer agents linked via a chemical linker.

Today there are 10 approved ADC on the market – and many more in development. And as a result, ADCs have become a powerful class of therapeutic agents in oncology and hematology.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45405728Tue, 22 Jun 2021 02:03:00 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief, developed in collaboration with ADC Review | Journal of Antibody-drug Conjugates (at www.ADCReview.com), Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with William (Bill) Newell, JD, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the...www.ADCReview.com), Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with William (Bill) Newell, JD, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Sutro Biopharma (www.sutrobio.com)

Sutro is a clinical-stage drug discovery, development, and manufacturing company using precise protein engineering and rational design to advance the development of the next-generation oncology therapeutics for unmet medical needs and areas where the current standard of care is suboptimal.

To date, Sutro’s technology platform has led to the development of cytokine-based immuno-oncology therapies, antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs, vaccines, and bispecific antibodies.
In addition to Sutro’s own pipeline of novel drugs, including STRO-001, a CD74-targeting ADC currently being investigated in a Phase 1 clinical trial of patients with advanced B-cell malignancies, such as multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and STRO-002, a folate receptor alpha (FolRα)-targeting ADC, currently being investigated in a Phase 1 clinical trial of patients with ovarian and endometrial cancers, the company is also collaborating with select pharmaceutical and biotech companies to discover and develop novel, next-generation therapeutics.

Antibody-drug conjugates like STRO-001 and STRO-002, are highly targeted biopharmaceutical drugs that combine monoclonal antibodies specific to surface antigens present on particular tumor cells with highly potent anti-cancer agents linked via a chemical linker.

Today there are 10 approved ADC on the market – and many more in development. And as a result, ADCs have become a powerful class of therapeutic agents in oncology and hematology.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2808adc,antibody-drug_conjugates,b-cell_malignancies,clinical-stage,hematology,oncology,stro-001,stro-002,sutrofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/harnessing-the-immune-system-to-fight-cancer-an-interview-with-innate-pharma-s-mondher-mahjoubi-md--45082810
Innate Pharma’s broad pipeline of antibodies includes several potentially first-in-class clinical and preclinical candidates in cancers with high unmet medical needs. The company, based in the South of France, has been a pioneer in the understanding of the biology of natural killer (NK-) cell, and has expanded its expertise in the tumor microenvironment and tumor-antigens, as well as antibody engineering. This innovative approach has resulted in a diversified portfolio and major alliances with leaders in the biopharmaceutical industry including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and a multi-products collaboration with AstraZeneca.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45082810Thu, 27 May 2021 20:39:00 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D., talks with Mondher Mahjoubi, MD, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board of Innate Pharma, a clinical-stage oncology-focused biotech company dedicated to improving...
Innate Pharma’s broad pipeline of antibodies includes several potentially first-in-class clinical and preclinical candidates in cancers with high unmet medical needs. The company, based in the South of France, has been a pioneer in the understanding of the biology of natural killer (NK-) cell, and has expanded its expertise in the tumor microenvironment and tumor-antigens, as well as antibody engineering. This innovative approach has resulted in a diversified portfolio and major alliances with leaders in the biopharmaceutical industry including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and a multi-products collaboration with AstraZeneca.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2309cancer,hematology,innate,nk-cells,oncology,physiciansfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/shaping-the-possibilities-for-patients-everywhere-a-conversation-with-zymeworks-tony-polverino-phd--45032532
Zymeworks’ lead clinical candidate, zanidatamab (ZW25), is a novel Azymetric™ bispecific antibody that has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA and is currently enrolling in a pivotal clinical trial for refractory HER2-amplified biliary tract cancer (HERIZON-BTC-01)[1][2][3[[4] as well as several Phase 2 clinical trials for HER2-expressing gastroesophageal and breast cancers. Zymeworks’ second clinical candidate, ZW49, is a novel bispecific HER2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate currently in Phase 1 clinical development and combines the unique design and antibody framework of zanidatamab with Zymeworks’ proprietary ZymeLink™ linker and cytotoxin. Zymeworks is also advancing a deep preclinical pipeline in oncology (including immuno-oncology agents) and other therapeutic areas.

In our program today Hofland asks Polverino about his work in oncology, his work before joining Zymeworks, and the work he and his co-workers are doing at Zymeworks.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Reference
[1] A Study of ZW25 (Zanidatamab) in Subjects With Advanced or Metastatic HER2-Amplified Biliary Tract Cancers - NCT04466891
[2] A Study of ZW25 (Zanidatamab) With Palbociclib Plus Fulvestrant in Patients With HER2+/HR+ Advanced Breast Cancer - NCT04224272
[3] A Safety and Efficacy Study of ZW25 (Zanidatamab) Plus Combination Chemotherapy in HER2-expressing Gastrointestinal Cancers, Including Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma, Biliary Tract Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer - NCT03929666
[4] A Dose-Finding Study of ZW49 in Patients With HER2-Positive Cancers - NCT03821233

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45032532Tue, 25 May 2021 19:43:13 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D talks with Tony Polverino, PhD. In September 2918 Polverino joined Zymeworks, a clinical-stage, biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation multifunctional biotherapeutics. He...
Zymeworks’ lead clinical candidate, zanidatamab (ZW25), is a novel Azymetric™ bispecific antibody that has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA and is currently enrolling in a pivotal clinical trial for refractory HER2-amplified biliary tract cancer (HERIZON-BTC-01)[1][2][3[[4] as well as several Phase 2 clinical trials for HER2-expressing gastroesophageal and breast cancers. Zymeworks’ second clinical candidate, ZW49, is a novel bispecific HER2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate currently in Phase 1 clinical development and combines the unique design and antibody framework of zanidatamab with Zymeworks’ proprietary ZymeLink™ linker and cytotoxin. Zymeworks is also advancing a deep preclinical pipeline in oncology (including immuno-oncology agents) and other therapeutic areas.

In our program today Hofland asks Polverino about his work in oncology, his work before joining Zymeworks, and the work he and his co-workers are doing at Zymeworks.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Reference
[1] A Study of ZW25 (Zanidatamab) in Subjects With Advanced or Metastatic HER2-Amplified Biliary Tract Cancers - NCT04466891
[2] A Study of ZW25 (Zanidatamab) With Palbociclib Plus Fulvestrant in Patients With HER2+/HR+ Advanced Breast Cancer - NCT04224272
[3] A Safety and Efficacy Study of ZW25 (Zanidatamab) Plus Combination Chemotherapy in HER2-expressing Gastrointestinal Cancers, Including Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma, Biliary Tract Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer - NCT03929666
[4] A Dose-Finding Study of ZW49 in Patients With HER2-Positive Cancers - NCT03821233

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2813aacr,adc,antibody,azymetric,biotherapeutics,breast,canada,covid-19,gastroesophageal,hematology,her2,kite,lego,oncocolgy,washington,zanidatamab,zw25,zw49,zymelink™,zymeworksfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-new-way-to-prevent-colon-cancer-a-conversation-with-check-cap-s-yoav-kimchy-ph-d--45083243
Kimchy has more than 20 years of experience in the development and management of innovative medical device companies. He founded Check-Cap in 2005 and served as the company's Chief Technology Officer.

Check-Cap is a clinical-stage medical diagnostics company aiming to redefine colorectal cancer screening/ through the introduction of C-Scan®, the first patient-friendly preparation-free screening test to detect polyps before they may transform into colorectal cancer. The new screening technology is being designed to enable early intervention and cancer prevention.

The capsule-based screening technology is expected to significantly increase screening adherence worldwide, and help millions of people to stay healthy through preventive colorectal cancer screening.

The technology is based on an ultra-low-dose X-ray capsule, an integrated positioning, control, and recording system, as well as proprietary software to generate a 3D map of the inner lining of the colon as it travels naturally along the gastrointestinal tract.

One of the benefits of the technology is that it is non-invasive and requires no sedation. And unlike other capsule technologies, it requires no preparation, allowing the patients to continue their daily routine without interruption.

An important caveat is that the technology is not intended to replace a colonoscopy. In the program, Kimchy argues that at all times a positive result should be followed by colonoscopy.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45083243Mon, 26 Apr 2021 21:25:00 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Yoav Kimchy, Ph.D. Kimchy has more than 20 years of experience in the development and management of innovative medical device companies. He founded Check-Cap in 2005 and served...
Kimchy has more than 20 years of experience in the development and management of innovative medical device companies. He founded Check-Cap in 2005 and served as the company's Chief Technology Officer.

Check-Cap is a clinical-stage medical diagnostics company aiming to redefine colorectal cancer screening/ through the introduction of C-Scan®, the first patient-friendly preparation-free screening test to detect polyps before they may transform into colorectal cancer. The new screening technology is being designed to enable early intervention and cancer prevention.

The capsule-based screening technology is expected to significantly increase screening adherence worldwide, and help millions of people to stay healthy through preventive colorectal cancer screening.

The technology is based on an ultra-low-dose X-ray capsule, an integrated positioning, control, and recording system, as well as proprietary software to generate a 3D map of the inner lining of the colon as it travels naturally along the gastrointestinal tract.

One of the benefits of the technology is that it is non-invasive and requires no sedation. And unlike other capsule technologies, it requires no preparation, allowing the patients to continue their daily routine without interruption.

An important caveat is that the technology is not intended to replace a colonoscopy. In the program, Kimchy argues that at all times a positive result should be followed by colonoscopy.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2425cancer,capsule-based,colon,colonoscopy,colorectal,crc,c-scan®,diagnostics,gastrointestinal,oncology,prevention,screening,ultra-low-dose,x-rayfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advancing-the-diagnosis-and-treatment-of-ductal-carcinoma-in-situ-dcis--44025575
In today’s program, Hofland and Farber talk about Ductal Carcinoma in Situ or DCIS and DCISionRT, the only risk assessment test for patients with this disease, that predicts radiation therapy benefit.

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
In the US, over 60,000 women are newly diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS each year, accounting for an estimated 18 – 25% of the total number of newly diagnosed breast tumors. Fortunately, DCIS is a highly curable disease with a 10-year cancer-specific survival of about 97%. Because DCIS is a "forerunner" of invasive breast cancer – and is often referred to as a pre-cancer - early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing the risk of developing invasive breast cancer.

Current treatment strategies include breast-conserving surgery with radiotherapy, breast-conserving surgery alone, mastectomy or observation.

A recent study demonstrated that 53% of DCIS patients' risk scores were under classified and 34% were overclassified using traditional methods, resulting in overtreatment or undertreatment.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44025575Wed, 24 Mar 2021 00:34:13 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Leonard Farber, MD, a board-certified Radiation Oncologist, and healthcare executive. Farber is recognized for his ability to identify ground-breaking technologies and position...
In today’s program, Hofland and Farber talk about Ductal Carcinoma in Situ or DCIS and DCISionRT, the only risk assessment test for patients with this disease, that predicts radiation therapy benefit.

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
In the US, over 60,000 women are newly diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS each year, accounting for an estimated 18 – 25% of the total number of newly diagnosed breast tumors. Fortunately, DCIS is a highly curable disease with a 10-year cancer-specific survival of about 97%. Because DCIS is a "forerunner" of invasive breast cancer – and is often referred to as a pre-cancer - early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing the risk of developing invasive breast cancer.

Current treatment strategies include breast-conserving surgery with radiotherapy, breast-conserving surgery alone, mastectomy or observation.

A recent study demonstrated that 53% of DCIS patients' risk scores were under classified and 34% were overclassified using traditional methods, resulting in overtreatment or undertreatment.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2818breast-cancer,dcis,genomics,overtreatment,undertreatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/increasing-awareness-of-colorectal-cancer-changing-colonoscopy-prep--43724439
At the beginning of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, we talk about colorectal cancer and the prevention of this form of cancer.

One of the best screening tools to help prevent colon or colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy. And colonoscopies are highly effective screening tools – considered the ‘gold standard’ - used to not only detect colon cancer, rectal cancer, and other conditions – but to actually help prevent these conditions from developing.

Colonoscopies are very safe, but not completely without risk. However, and this is what every gastroenterologist, every oncologist, and in fact, every physician will tell you, … colonoscopies are done every day by experienced physicians… But more importantly… they will tell you that your chances of getting colon or colorectal cancer far outweigh the possibility of complications from a colonoscopy.

In the program, Hofland, Stern, and Spielberg talk about one of the issues most patients undergoing a colonoscopy may find hard to deal with… It is what happens before the actual procedure: the preparation or prep.

With the HyGIeaCare® System, physicians can offer their patients a simpler and easier bowel prep for a colonoscopy.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43724439Wed, 03 Mar 2021 20:09:24 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Dr. William R. Stern, M.D., a board-certified gastroenterologist and Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, at the Capital Digestive Care group outside of Washington,...
At the beginning of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, we talk about colorectal cancer and the prevention of this form of cancer.

One of the best screening tools to help prevent colon or colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy. And colonoscopies are highly effective screening tools – considered the ‘gold standard’ - used to not only detect colon cancer, rectal cancer, and other conditions – but to actually help prevent these conditions from developing.

Colonoscopies are very safe, but not completely without risk. However, and this is what every gastroenterologist, every oncologist, and in fact, every physician will tell you, … colonoscopies are done every day by experienced physicians… But more importantly… they will tell you that your chances of getting colon or colorectal cancer far outweigh the possibility of complications from a colonoscopy.

In the program, Hofland, Stern, and Spielberg talk about one of the issues most patients undergoing a colonoscopy may find hard to deal with… It is what happens before the actual procedure: the preparation or prep.

With the HyGIeaCare® System, physicians can offer their patients a simpler and easier bowel prep for a colonoscopy.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2543cancer,colon,colonoscopy,colorectal,gastroenterologist,hygieacare®,prep,preperation,prevention,screeningfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-bold-approach-in-the-treatment-of-patients-with-relapsed-and-or-refractory-multiple-myeloma--43277408
Hofland, Nooka, and Trudel talk about a recently approved drug indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma, a type of hematological cancer, in which patients may, initially, not notice any symptoms. But as the disease progresses, bone pain, anemia, kidney dysfunction, infections, and other symptoms may occur. There’s no cure, but treatments may slow the progression of the disease.

The new drug, called belantamab mafodotin, commercially known as Blenrep®, is an antibody-drug conjugate that was approved in 2020. The drug was developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) .

During the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in December 2020, a number of studies were presented, which underscore the commitment of GSK to advancing research across newly diagnosed and relapsed and/or refractory patients, and to improving the lives of patients with this type of blood cancer.

These presentations included a poster presentation of the DREAMM-6 study and an oral presentation of the ALGONQUIN study, a supportive collaborative study led by the Canadian Myeloma Research Group.

Both studies demonstrate the potential of belantamab mafodotin in combination with standard of care therapies and in earlier lines of treatment.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43277408Thu, 04 Feb 2021 02:45:27 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D., talk with Ajay Nooka, MD, MPH, FACP, Associate Professor in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, and Suzanne Trudel, MSc, MD,...
Hofland, Nooka, and Trudel talk about a recently approved drug indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma, a type of hematological cancer, in which patients may, initially, not notice any symptoms. But as the disease progresses, bone pain, anemia, kidney dysfunction, infections, and other symptoms may occur. There’s no cure, but treatments may slow the progression of the disease.

The new drug, called belantamab mafodotin, commercially known as Blenrep®, is an antibody-drug conjugate that was approved in 2020. The drug was developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) .

During the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in December 2020, a number of studies were presented, which underscore the commitment of GSK to advancing research across newly diagnosed and relapsed and/or refractory patients, and to improving the lives of patients with this type of blood cancer.

These presentations included a poster presentation of the DREAMM-6 study and an oral presentation of the ALGONQUIN study, a supportive collaborative study led by the Canadian Myeloma Research Group.

Both studies demonstrate the potential of belantamab mafodotin in combination with standard of care therapies and in earlier lines of treatment.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2992adc,algonquin,asntibody-drug-conjugate,blenrep,cancer,dreamm-6,hematology,mm,myelomafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/developing-transformative-therapies-for-patients-with-diffuse-large-b-cell-lymphoma--43277198
In our program today, which was originally recorded in August 2020, Hofland, Peters, and Langmuir also talk about the companies and the transformative therapies they have developed for patients diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma that has come back or that did not respond to previous treatment and who cannot receive a stem cell transplant.

Hofland, Peters, and Langmuir also talk about a tafasitamab, which is branded as Monjuvi.

This drug is the first drug, in combination with lenalidomide (Revlimid®; Bristol-Myers Squibb) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the second-line treatment of adult patients diagnosed with Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma.

Tafasitamab is a humanized CD19 targeting monoclonal antibody.

The drug was approved under accelerated approval based on the overall response rate. Continued approval may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults worldwide. The disease, characterized by rapidly growing masses of malignant B-cells in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, or other organs, is typically diagnosed in patients in their sixties. But that does not mean that younger patients may not get the disease.

Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma is an aggressive disease, with about one in three patients not responding to initial therapy or relapsing soon thereafter.

In the United States each year approximately 10,000 patients are diagnosed with the disease who cannot receive a stem cell transplant.

And that means that managing relapsed or refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma continues to be a challenge for the treating physicians and care team.

Despite the treatment advances, approximately 40% of patients relapse or are refractory to chemotherapy, with low subsequent response rates and an associated poor prognosis, poor health-related quality of life, and a loss of life expectancy of about 5 years, compared with the general population.

As a result, the disease represents a major medical need, and researchers and scientists are continuing their quest in trying to find an optimal treatment option.

The combination therapy which includes tafasitamab, is expected to help reduce this need.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43277198Thu, 04 Feb 2021 02:29:38 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Malte Peters, MD, Chief Research and Development Officer at MorphoSys, and Peter Langmuir, MD., Vice President, Oncology Drug Development at Incyte. In our program today,...
In our program today, which was originally recorded in August 2020, Hofland, Peters, and Langmuir also talk about the companies and the transformative therapies they have developed for patients diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma that has come back or that did not respond to previous treatment and who cannot receive a stem cell transplant.

Hofland, Peters, and Langmuir also talk about a tafasitamab, which is branded as Monjuvi.

This drug is the first drug, in combination with lenalidomide (Revlimid®; Bristol-Myers Squibb) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the second-line treatment of adult patients diagnosed with Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma.

Tafasitamab is a humanized CD19 targeting monoclonal antibody.

The drug was approved under accelerated approval based on the overall response rate. Continued approval may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults worldwide. The disease, characterized by rapidly growing masses of malignant B-cells in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, or other organs, is typically diagnosed in patients in their sixties. But that does not mean that younger patients may not get the disease.

Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma is an aggressive disease, with about one in three patients not responding to initial therapy or relapsing soon thereafter.

In the United States each year approximately 10,000 patients are diagnosed with the disease who cannot receive a stem cell transplant.

And that means that managing relapsed or refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma continues to be a challenge for the treating physicians and care team.

Despite the treatment advances, approximately 40% of patients relapse or are refractory to chemotherapy, with low subsequent response rates and an associated poor prognosis, poor health-related quality of life, and a loss of life expectancy of about 5 years, compared with the general population.

As a result, the disease represents a major medical need, and researchers and scientists are continuing their quest in trying to find an optimal treatment option.

The combination therapy which includes tafasitamab, is expected to help reduce this need.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2635cancer,cd19,hematology,incyte.,lymphoma,morphosys,tafasitamabfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/richard-schilsky-m-d-a-deep-passion-for-cancer-medicine--42524546
Dr. Schilsky, the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), is an oncologist who specializes in new drug development and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. His impressive experience and many accomplishments in both clinical medicine and clinical research, reflect his deep passion for cancer medicine.

As a highly respected leader in the field of clinical oncology, Dr. Schilsky has spent the majority of his career at the University of Chicago, where he joined the faculty in 1984.
In 2013 he joined ASCO where he launched ASCO’s first-ever prospective clinical trial, the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry or TAPUR Study.

Dr. Schilsky also established the Center for Research & Analytics, developed a Board-approved Policy on Research Scope, set up a process to review and fulfill requests for ASCO data, built a Division of Biostatistics and Research Data Governance, and initiated ASCO’s Research Survey Pool to support surveys of ASCO members for research purposes.

Being at the forefront of cancer medicine, Dr. Schilsky also worked on developing ASCO’s CancerLinQ which helped define a real-world evidence research strategy in cancer care, recognizing early on that big data can help us to learn from every patient’s cancer experience—not just from the 3% of patients who are able to participate in clinical trials.

In February 2021 Dr. Schilsky will be retiring from his role of chief medical officer at the American Society of Clinical Oncology. In the interview today Hofland and Schilsky talk about progress made in the treatment of cancer.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42524546Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:03:17 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Richard Schilsky, M.D. Dr. Schilsky, the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), is an oncologist who specializes in...
Dr. Schilsky, the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), is an oncologist who specializes in new drug development and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. His impressive experience and many accomplishments in both clinical medicine and clinical research, reflect his deep passion for cancer medicine.

As a highly respected leader in the field of clinical oncology, Dr. Schilsky has spent the majority of his career at the University of Chicago, where he joined the faculty in 1984.
In 2013 he joined ASCO where he launched ASCO’s first-ever prospective clinical trial, the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry or TAPUR Study.

Dr. Schilsky also established the Center for Research & Analytics, developed a Board-approved Policy on Research Scope, set up a process to review and fulfill requests for ASCO data, built a Division of Biostatistics and Research Data Governance, and initiated ASCO’s Research Survey Pool to support surveys of ASCO members for research purposes.

Being at the forefront of cancer medicine, Dr. Schilsky also worked on developing ASCO’s CancerLinQ which helped define a real-world evidence research strategy in cancer care, recognizing early on that big data can help us to learn from every patient’s cancer experience—not just from the 3% of patients who are able to participate in clinical trials.

In February 2021 Dr. Schilsky will be retiring from his role of chief medical officer at the American Society of Clinical Oncology. In the interview today Hofland and Schilsky talk about progress made in the treatment of cancer.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2942asco,biostatistics,cancer,cancerlinq,gastrointestinal,health,hematology,medicine,oncology,research,tapur,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pascal-touchon-a-mission-to-transform-the-lives-of-patients-with-serious-medical-conditions--42271244
With more than 30 years of global biopharmaceutical leadership experience, Pascal Touchon has committed his career to transform the lives of patients with serious medical conditions.

Before joining Atara Biotherapeutics Dr. Touchon was Global Head, Cell & Gene and member of the Oncology Executive Committee at Novartis Oncology, where he was responsible for the global launch of Novartis’ CAR T-cell drug and expanded global CAR T-cell manufacturing and technical operations.

Now, at Atara Biotherapeutics, Dr. Touchon guides the company in developing the next-generation of off-the-shelf CAR T-cell immunotherapies, using a technology platform that makes it possible to manufacture a T-cell library in advance of a patient’s specific medical needs.

The company is developing a host of potentially transformative T-cell immunotherapies for cancer, autoimmune, and viral diseases, using Epstein-Barr Virus T-Cells from donors with a healthy immune function.

Epstein-Barr Virus is associated with a wide range of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, as well as certain autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Among the novel therapies the company is developing, is ATA3271, a next-generation, off-the-shelf, allogeneic Epstein-Barr Virus CAR T-cell therapy targeting mesothelin, a cell surface antigen that is strongly expressed in mesothelial cells and is highly expressed in pancreatic cancers, ovarian cancers, mesotheliomas, and some other cancers.

The investigational drug is designed for the treatment of solid tumors.

Earlier this year, during the 35th annual meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) the company presented favorable findings from in vitro and in vivo evaluation of ATA3271

During the upcoming 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), being held virtually from December 5th through 8th this year, pre-clinical data of another investigational agent, ATA3219, will be presented.

The available data shows that ATA3219 demonstrates efficient targeting of CD19-expressing tumor cells, both in vitro and in vivo

In the interview today, originally recorded in June 2020, Hofland and Touchon talk about the company and the transformative therapies being developed for patients diagnosed with solid tumors, hematologic cancers, and autoimmune disease.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42271244Wed, 02 Dec 2020 03:58:46 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Pascal Touchon, President, Chief Executive Officer, and member of the Board of Directors Atara Biotherapeutics. With more than 30 years of global biopharmaceutical leadership...
With more than 30 years of global biopharmaceutical leadership experience, Pascal Touchon has committed his career to transform the lives of patients with serious medical conditions.

Before joining Atara Biotherapeutics Dr. Touchon was Global Head, Cell & Gene and member of the Oncology Executive Committee at Novartis Oncology, where he was responsible for the global launch of Novartis’ CAR T-cell drug and expanded global CAR T-cell manufacturing and technical operations.

Now, at Atara Biotherapeutics, Dr. Touchon guides the company in developing the next-generation of off-the-shelf CAR T-cell immunotherapies, using a technology platform that makes it possible to manufacture a T-cell library in advance of a patient’s specific medical needs.

The company is developing a host of potentially transformative T-cell immunotherapies for cancer, autoimmune, and viral diseases, using Epstein-Barr Virus T-Cells from donors with a healthy immune function.

Epstein-Barr Virus is associated with a wide range of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, as well as certain autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Among the novel therapies the company is developing, is ATA3271, a next-generation, off-the-shelf, allogeneic Epstein-Barr Virus CAR T-cell therapy targeting mesothelin, a cell surface antigen that is strongly expressed in mesothelial cells and is highly expressed in pancreatic cancers, ovarian cancers, mesotheliomas, and some other cancers.

The investigational drug is designed for the treatment of solid tumors.

Earlier this year, during the 35th annual meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) the company presented favorable findings from in vitro and in vivo evaluation of ATA3271

During the upcoming 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), being held virtually from December 5th through 8th this year, pre-clinical data of another investigational agent, ATA3219, will be presented.

The available data shows that ATA3219 demonstrates efficient targeting of CD19-expressing tumor cells, both in vitro and in vivo

In the interview today, originally recorded in June 2020, Hofland and Touchon talk about the company and the transformative therapies being developed for patients diagnosed with solid tumors, hematologic cancers, and autoimmune disease.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2948ash,ata3219,ata3271,atara,atarabio,biotherapeutics,blood,cancer,car-t,cd19-expressing,epstein-barr,health,hematology,immunotherapy,medicine,ms,oncology,oncozine,sitc,touchonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/accelerate-the-development-of-precision-medicine-diagnostics--42028591
Peter Keeling is the chief executive officer and Founder of Diaceutics. Since its founding, the company has built the world’s largest repository of diagnostic testing data with a growing network of 2,500 laboratories in 51 countries.

The company recently launched the world’s first digital diagnostics platform solution. Diaceutics has launched this new platform – called --The Diagnostic Network® ---to help solve the many problems that exist today within the patient diagnosis process.

A proper diagnostic test is an essential step to ensure that a patient receives the most effective treatment.

Correctly diagnosing also leads to efficiently managing a patient’s disease, which, in turn, results in improved healthcare outcomes.

In contrast, the failure to diagnose a condition correctly can reduce the possibility of a good healthcare outcome and limit a patient's ability to fully recover.

Diaceutics’ network has been designed to accelerate the end-to-end development and commercialization of precision medicine diagnostics. But more importantly, the platform is designed to get every patient the treatment he or she deserves.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42028591Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:15:01 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Peter Keeling about Personalized Medicine, diagnostic testing, and the effect of Covid-19 on cancer and cancer diagnostics. Hofland and Keeling also talk about the world’s first...
Peter Keeling is the chief executive officer and Founder of Diaceutics. Since its founding, the company has built the world’s largest repository of diagnostic testing data with a growing network of 2,500 laboratories in 51 countries.

The company recently launched the world’s first digital diagnostics platform solution. Diaceutics has launched this new platform – called --The Diagnostic Network® ---to help solve the many problems that exist today within the patient diagnosis process.

A proper diagnostic test is an essential step to ensure that a patient receives the most effective treatment.

Correctly diagnosing also leads to efficiently managing a patient’s disease, which, in turn, results in improved healthcare outcomes.

In contrast, the failure to diagnose a condition correctly can reduce the possibility of a good healthcare outcome and limit a patient's ability to fully recover.

Diaceutics’ network has been designed to accelerate the end-to-end development and commercialization of precision medicine diagnostics. But more importantly, the platform is designed to get every patient the treatment he or she deserves.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2892diaceutics,diagnostics,dxrx,health,hematology,medicine,oncology,testfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-burden-of-chemotherapy-induced-myelosuppression--41666933
Malik is Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, R&D, at G1 Therapeutics. He leads the company’s clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory affairs, biometrics, translational medicine and preclinical teams. Epstein is an epidemiologist with extensive expertise in pharmaco-economics and health outcomes research. He served in academia and public health prior to joining the private sector and is currently the Chief Executive Officer and co-Founder of Epstein Health, providing strategic consultancy services to life sciences companies

Hofland and his guests talk about the burden of Chemotherapy-induced Myelosuppression (CIM), which is also referred to as Bone Marrow Depression. [1]

Chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression is a common side effect of chemotherapy. It generally ranges from mild to severe. Severe cases of myelosuppression, referred to as myeloablation, can be fatal.

As a result, the side effects of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression remain a major source of concern for both patients and health care providers. And the consequences include anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia, all of which can cause severe complications, and limit the ability of patients to receive chemotherapy on time and at standard-of-care doses. [1]

Chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression is one of the most common dose-limiting complications of cancer treatment and is associated with a range of symptoms that can significantly impact patients’ health related quality of life.

Despite the current availability and use of various supportive care interventions, chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression places a substantial burden on patients with advanced solid tumors, impacting many aspects of their daily lives

Breakthrough Therapy
In the program today Hofland and his guests also talk about G1 Therapeutics first-in-class FDA-designated "Breakthrough Therapy" designed to improve outcomes for people with cancer who are treated with chemotherapy and we talk about myelopreservation which may reduce chemotherapy-related toxicity, making chemotherapy safer and more tolerable, and also reduce the need for rescue interventions that address the effects of myelosuppression, such as growth factors or blood and platelet transfusions.

Data from a study published earlier this year in advances in therapy highlights that despite the various methods used to address chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression, and the patient-focused approach of oncologists, the real-world impact of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression on patients is substantial.

Based on the results of the study, the authors conclude that improving communication between patients and health care providers may help improve patients’ understanding of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and foster shared decision-making in terms of treatment.

For more information about chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and GI Therapeutics visit the company’s web site at https://www.g1therapeutics.com/

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

References
[1] Epstein, R.S., Aapro, M.S., Basu Roy, U.K. et al. Patient Burden and Real-World Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Myelosuppression: Results from an Online Survey of Patients with Solid Tumors. Adv Ther 37, 3606–3618 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-020-01419-6

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41666933Tue, 27 Oct 2020 18:52:51 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland Ph.D., talks with Raj Malik M.D. and Robert Epstein M.D. Malik is Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, R&D, at G1 Therapeutics. He leads the company’s clinical development, medical...
Malik is Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, R&D, at G1 Therapeutics. He leads the company’s clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory affairs, biometrics, translational medicine and preclinical teams. Epstein is an epidemiologist with extensive expertise in pharmaco-economics and health outcomes research. He served in academia and public health prior to joining the private sector and is currently the Chief Executive Officer and co-Founder of Epstein Health, providing strategic consultancy services to life sciences companies

Hofland and his guests talk about the burden of Chemotherapy-induced Myelosuppression (CIM), which is also referred to as Bone Marrow Depression. [1]

Chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression is a common side effect of chemotherapy. It generally ranges from mild to severe. Severe cases of myelosuppression, referred to as myeloablation, can be fatal.

As a result, the side effects of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression remain a major source of concern for both patients and health care providers. And the consequences include anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia, all of which can cause severe complications, and limit the ability of patients to receive chemotherapy on time and at standard-of-care doses. [1]

Chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression is one of the most common dose-limiting complications of cancer treatment and is associated with a range of symptoms that can significantly impact patients’ health related quality of life.

Despite the current availability and use of various supportive care interventions, chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression places a substantial burden on patients with advanced solid tumors, impacting many aspects of their daily lives

Breakthrough Therapy
In the program today Hofland and his guests also talk about G1 Therapeutics first-in-class FDA-designated "Breakthrough Therapy" designed to improve outcomes for people with cancer who are treated with chemotherapy and we talk about myelopreservation which may reduce chemotherapy-related toxicity, making chemotherapy safer and more tolerable, and also reduce the need for rescue interventions that address the effects of myelosuppression, such as growth factors or blood and platelet transfusions.

Data from a study published earlier this year in advances in therapy highlights that despite the various methods used to address chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression, and the patient-focused approach of oncologists, the real-world impact of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression on patients is substantial.

Based on the results of the study, the authors conclude that improving communication between patients and health care providers may help improve patients’ understanding of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and foster shared decision-making in terms of treatment.

For more information about chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and GI Therapeutics visit the company’s web site at https://www.g1therapeutics.com/

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at 2810anemia,blood,bonemarrow,cancer,chemotherapy,chemotherapy-induced,myeloablation,myelopreservation,myelosuppression,neutropenia,oncology,standard-of-care,thrombocytopenia,transfusionsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/antibody-dye-conjugates-a-targeted-light-activated-anti-cancer-treatment--41620837
Rakuten Medical is developing a technology platform called Illuminox™ which is based on a cancer therapy called Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy. This technology was originally developed by Hisataka Kobayashi, M.D., Ph.D. and his team at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States. [1]

Rakuten Medical’s first investigational drug, based on it’s Illuminox™ platform technology, is called cetuximab saratolacan (previously known as ASP-1929 and RM-1929).

Cetuximab saratolacan is an antibody-dye conjugate which includes the antibody, cetuximab (Erbitux®; Eli Lilly and Merck Serono) and a near-infrared, water-soluble, silicon-phthalocyanine derivative, photosensitizer or light activatable dye called IRdye700DX (IR700).

The antibody-dye conjugate specifically targets the epidermal growth factor receptor or EGFR, which is broadly expressed in tumors such as head and neck cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, lung and pancreatic cancers as well as glioblastoma.[2]

The investigational agent has a unique mechanism of action. After cetuximab saratolacan is administered and binds to EGFRs on tumor cells, the drug is locally activated with non-thermal red light using a device laser system (called BioBlade® Laser System), which is the medical device used in the combination with cetuximab saratolacan.

Pre-clinical data shows that following activation, cetuximab saratolacan induces rapid cell membrane disruption of the targeted cancer cells, leading to cell necrosis, and immune-o-genic cell death. Pre-clinical data also shows that cetuximab saratolacan can also induce innate and adaptive anti-cancer immune responses.

Rakuten Medical is currently conducting a global Phase III multi-center clinical trial with cetuximab saratolacan to evaluate the efficacy and safety in patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

In this program we talk about the platform technology and the regulatory aspects of developing this novel approach. We also talk about clinical trials, trial recruitment and real-world data.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Note
* Previously know as Aspyrian Therapeutics

References
[1] Kobayashi H, Choyke PL. Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy of Cancer. Acc Chem Res. 2019 Aug 20;52(8):2332-2339. doi: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00273. Epub 2019 Jul 23. PMID: 31335117; PMCID: PMC6704485.
[2] Baselga J. Why the epidermal growth factor receptor? The rationale for cancer therapy. Oncologist. 2002;7 Suppl 4:2-8. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.7-suppl_4-2. PMID: 12202782.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41620837Sat, 24 Oct 2020 16:09:36 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Peggy Berry, Vice president of Global Regulatory Affairs at Rakuten Medical.* Rakuten Medical is developing a technology platform called Illuminox™ which is based on a cancer therapy...
Rakuten Medical is developing a technology platform called Illuminox™ which is based on a cancer therapy called Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy. This technology was originally developed by Hisataka Kobayashi, M.D., Ph.D. and his team at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States. [1]

Rakuten Medical’s first investigational drug, based on it’s Illuminox™ platform technology, is called cetuximab saratolacan (previously known as ASP-1929 and RM-1929).

Cetuximab saratolacan is an antibody-dye conjugate which includes the antibody, cetuximab (Erbitux®; Eli Lilly and Merck Serono) and a near-infrared, water-soluble, silicon-phthalocyanine derivative, photosensitizer or light activatable dye called IRdye700DX (IR700).

The antibody-dye conjugate specifically targets the epidermal growth factor receptor or EGFR, which is broadly expressed in tumors such as head and neck cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, lung and pancreatic cancers as well as glioblastoma.[2]

The investigational agent has a unique mechanism of action. After cetuximab saratolacan is administered and binds to EGFRs on tumor cells, the drug is locally activated with non-thermal red light using a device laser system (called BioBlade® Laser System), which is the medical device used in the combination with cetuximab saratolacan.

Pre-clinical data shows that following activation, cetuximab saratolacan induces rapid cell membrane disruption of the targeted cancer cells, leading to cell necrosis, and immune-o-genic cell death. Pre-clinical data also shows that cetuximab saratolacan can also induce innate and adaptive anti-cancer immune responses.

Rakuten Medical is currently conducting a global Phase III multi-center clinical trial with cetuximab saratolacan to evaluate the efficacy and safety in patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

In this program we talk about the platform technology and the regulatory aspects of developing this novel approach. We also talk about clinical trials, trial recruitment and real-world data.

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Note
* Previously know as Aspyrian Therapeutics

References
[1] Kobayashi H, Choyke PL. Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy of Cancer. Acc Chem Res. 2019 Aug 20;52(8):2332-2339. doi: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00273. Epub 2019 Jul 23. PMID: 31335117; PMCID: PMC6704485.
[2] Baselga J. Why the epidermal growth factor receptor? The rationale for cancer therapy. Oncologist. 2002;7 Suppl 4:2-8. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.7-suppl_4-2. PMID: 12202782.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2958adc,antibody-dye-conjugate,aspyrian,bioblade®,cetuximab,egfr,erbitux,fda,head-and-neck-cancer,illuminox™,light-activated,near-infrared,photoimmunotherapy,rakuten,regulatory,saratolacan,trialsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/c3-looking-for-ideas-beyond-medicine-to-change-cancer-care--41071025
To understand patient centricity, consider the fact that 10 years ago, patient-centricity wasn’t even a concept – In most cases, drugs were developed if scientists could achieve innovation, without considering if companies should actually develop a medicine based on the real-world unmet medical needs and the perspectives of the patient.

And while ‘patient-centricity’ has become an industry’s catchphrase, not everyone has the same understanding of its true meaning. The concept of 'patient-centricity' comes from the United Kingdom’s National Health Service -idea of “no decision about me, without me.”

But 'Patient-centricity' is more than a catchphrase.

In the most advanced form, it is about the meaningful use of insights from patients - to support the development of health solutions, including the development of novel therapeutics.

The essence of patient-centricity requires companies to have a 'listening ear' – to listen to the patient, to listen to what they think and understand – and really understand what they mean.

According to a number of peer-reviewed studies patient-centricity – and with that - increased engagement with patients and providers leads to better care, decreased levels of disease, and a decrease of overall health-related expenses.

In this process Information is essential. Information may help all participants involved in this process to have a better understanding of a particular disease and the individual, unmet medical needs of the patient.

If patient-centricity is to succeed, engaging with the patient at a much earlier stage than has traditionally been the case may be essential. For example, patients, patient advocates, and their organizations may help in the drug development phase, including clinical trial design.

By doing so, pharma – and in its wake the entire life sciences industry - can then leverage the patients’ expertise and detailed knowledge of their own disease and their own medical history to provide more effective patient-centric care.

In his role as Senior Vice President and Head of Patient Centricity at Astellas, Yanni is responsible for leading the development and execution of the company’s global patient-centricity strategy. In that capacity, he helps guide the company to really understand the patient journey in a real-world setting - along with the continued development of a patient-focused corporate culture.

In his view, medicine is more than a novel drug: “At the end of the day,” Yanni notes, “we are not here to treat a patient – we’re here to care for a person. Having a conscious awareness of that person in every activity, from every area of the company, every single day, ensures we will create truly meaningful innovations.”

More than ever before, there is a need for meaningful innovation that can ease the challenges and worries patients and their caregivers have. And this is particularly so amid the current COVID-19 pandemic.

In their process of listing to the patient, Astellas Oncology, years ago, established the Changing Cancer Care or C3 Prize.

This prize is more than a listening exercise. It’s an effort to foster innovation in cancer care beyond medicine and change the entire experience for patients, caregivers, and loved ones.

The C3 Prize is open to anyone with a great idea to change cancer care. Past winners have developed charity initiatives, patient education programs, apps, augmented reality experiences, and other programs aimed at changing the overall experience of cancer care. Any idea that can have an impact, especially if it is simple – is welcome.

This year, Astellas Oncology is looking for ideas beyond medicine that can bring solutions to everyday challenges facing people with cancer, including concepts that can ease the increased burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care and health disparities affecting patients and caregivers. The program will award U.S. $ 200,000 in grants and resources to help winners further develop and advance their ideas.

The award is open to anyone with a great idea – past winners included patients and their caregivers, healthcare providers, business leaders, and more. The C3 Prize is a global initiative and past prize winners included participants from Nigeria, Europe, the United States, Australia, and other countries.

To learn about past winners, go to https://www.c3prize.com/winning-ideas
To learn more and apply go to www.C3Prize.com - Applications to participate are open now until September 28, 2020

About The Onco'Zine Brief
The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41071025Tue, 22 Sep 2020 21:32:37 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Anthony Yanni, M.D., Senior Vice President, patient-centricity at Astellas. In this role, Yanni is responsible for leading the development and execution of Astellas’ global...
To understand patient centricity, consider the fact that 10 years ago, patient-centricity wasn’t even a concept – In most cases, drugs were developed if scientists could achieve innovation, without considering if companies should actually develop a medicine based on the real-world unmet medical needs and the perspectives of the patient.

And while ‘patient-centricity’ has become an industry’s catchphrase, not everyone has the same understanding of its true meaning. The concept of 'patient-centricity' comes from the United Kingdom’s National Health Service -idea of “no decision about me, without me.”

But 'Patient-centricity' is more than a catchphrase.

In the most advanced form, it is about the meaningful use of insights from patients - to support the development of health solutions, including the development of novel therapeutics.

The essence of patient-centricity requires companies to have a 'listening ear' – to listen to the patient, to listen to what they think and understand – and really understand what they mean.

According to a number of peer-reviewed studies patient-centricity – and with that - increased engagement with patients and providers leads to better care, decreased levels of disease, and a decrease of overall health-related expenses.

In this process Information is essential. Information may help all participants involved in this process to have a better understanding of a particular disease and the individual, unmet medical needs of the patient.

If patient-centricity is to succeed, engaging with the patient at a much earlier stage than has traditionally been the case may be essential. For example, patients, patient advocates, and their organizations may help in the drug development phase, including clinical trial design.

By doing so, pharma – and in its wake the entire life sciences industry - can then leverage the patients’ expertise and detailed knowledge of their own disease and their own medical history to provide more effective patient-centric care.

In his role as Senior Vice President and Head of Patient Centricity at Astellas, Yanni is responsible for leading the development and execution of the company’s global patient-centricity strategy. In that capacity, he helps guide the company to really understand the patient journey in a real-world setting - along with the continued development of a patient-focused corporate culture.

In his view, medicine is more than a novel drug: “At the end of the day,” Yanni notes, “we are not here to treat a patient – we’re here to care for a person. Having a conscious awareness of that person in every activity, from every area of the company, every single day, ensures we will create truly meaningful innovations.”

More than ever before, there is a need for meaningful innovation that can ease the challenges and worries patients and their caregivers have. And this is particularly so amid the current COVID-19 pandemic.

In their process of listing to the patient, Astellas Oncology, years ago, established the Changing Cancer Care or C3 Prize.

This prize is more than a listening exercise. It’s an effort to foster innovation in cancer care beyond medicine and change the entire experience for patients, caregivers, and loved ones.

The C3 Prize is open to anyone with a great idea to change cancer care. Past winners have developed charity initiatives, patient education programs, apps, augmented reality experiences, and other programs aimed at changing the overall experience of cancer care. Any idea that can have an impact, especially if it is...]]>2862astellas,award,c3-prize,cancer,cancer-care,care,health,hematology,hrqol,innovations,medicine,oncology,patient-centricityfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-non-invasive-blood-test-designed-to-advance-infectious-disease-diagnostics--40490517
Karius, based in Redwood City, CA, has developed a non-invasive liquid biopsy, a blood test, called the Karius Test®. The test is based on next-generation sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA and can rapidly detect pathogens causing serious infections, including those diseases that are difficult to diagnose through conventional methods. The test can identify and quantify over 1,000 clinically relevant pathogens, including bacteria, DNA viruses, fungi, and parasites. The test can be used to identify infections related to complicated and atypical pneumonia, infections in immunocompromised patients including invasive fungal infections, viral infections and neutropenic fever, and endocarditis and other cardiovascular infections.

In the right patient population, the test is faster than conventional culture-based diagnostics and eliminates traditional diagnostic methods for deep-tissue infections, which may require a diagnostic surgical procedure.

But overall, the test helps clinicians make rapid, treatment decisions.

And this is especially important for infectious disease diagnostics in immunocompromised patients, including patients with cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, about 650,000 cancer patients receive chemotherapy in an outpatient oncology clinic in the United States. And while chemotherapy is important for the treatment of cancer and hematological malignancies, it may also lead to a condition known as neutropenia, a dramatic reduction of white blood cells.

These cells, called leukocytes, include B-cells, T-cells, and NK- or natural killer - cells. They are designed to help fight infections. But when their numbers are reduced by cancer therapy, infections may develop easier and are harder to control.

Infections may make treating cancer more complicated.

When infections develop, the medical team needs to eradicate the infection before they can start another cycle of chemotherapy or radiation therapy or perform any surgical procedures. Preventing or eradicating infection is vital to continuing a patient’s cancer-targeted therapy. A complicating factor is that the medical team must also be on the lookout for side effects caused by the medications they use to treat the infection in patients who are already dealing with side effects related to their cancer therapy.

Without a doubt, patients receiving chemotherapy are at a higher risk of developing infections. In turn, these infections may lead to hospitalization, disruptions in chemotherapy schedules, and even death.

The CDC estimates that about 60,000 cancer patients are hospitalized with infections every year in the United States. In fact, infections remain a primary cause of severe morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. In some cases, even more so than the morbidity caused by cancer itself.

About The Onco'Zine Brief

The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only), text the word CANCER to 66866.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40490517Tue, 25 Aug 2020 20:42:07 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D., talks with Tim Blauwkamp, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Karius. Karius, based in Redwood City, CA, has developed a non-invasive liquid biopsy, a blood test, called the...
Karius, based in Redwood City, CA, has developed a non-invasive liquid biopsy, a blood test, called the Karius Test®. The test is based on next-generation sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA and can rapidly detect pathogens causing serious infections, including those diseases that are difficult to diagnose through conventional methods. The test can identify and quantify over 1,000 clinically relevant pathogens, including bacteria, DNA viruses, fungi, and parasites. The test can be used to identify infections related to complicated and atypical pneumonia, infections in immunocompromised patients including invasive fungal infections, viral infections and neutropenic fever, and endocarditis and other cardiovascular infections.

In the right patient population, the test is faster than conventional culture-based diagnostics and eliminates traditional diagnostic methods for deep-tissue infections, which may require a diagnostic surgical procedure.

But overall, the test helps clinicians make rapid, treatment decisions.

And this is especially important for infectious disease diagnostics in immunocompromised patients, including patients with cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, about 650,000 cancer patients receive chemotherapy in an outpatient oncology clinic in the United States. And while chemotherapy is important for the treatment of cancer and hematological malignancies, it may also lead to a condition known as neutropenia, a dramatic reduction of white blood cells.

These cells, called leukocytes, include B-cells, T-cells, and NK- or natural killer - cells. They are designed to help fight infections. But when their numbers are reduced by cancer therapy, infections may develop easier and are harder to control.

Infections may make treating cancer more complicated.

When infections develop, the medical team needs to eradicate the infection before they can start another cycle of chemotherapy or radiation therapy or perform any surgical procedures. Preventing or eradicating infection is vital to continuing a patient’s cancer-targeted therapy. A complicating factor is that the medical team must also be on the lookout for side effects caused by the medications they use to treat the infection in patients who are already dealing with side effects related to their cancer therapy.

Without a doubt, patients receiving chemotherapy are at a higher risk of developing infections. In turn, these infections may lead to hospitalization, disruptions in chemotherapy schedules, and even death.

The CDC estimates that about 60,000 cancer patients are hospitalized with infections every year in the United States. In fact, infections remain a primary cause of severe morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. In some cases, even more so than the morbidity caused by cancer itself.

About The Onco'Zine Brief

The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcasts and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

To sign up for The Onco'Zine Newsletter (open for residents of the United States only),...]]>2950blood,cancer,death,deep-tissue,diagnosis,diagnostics,endocarditis,hematology,hospitalization,immunocompromised,infections,karius,leukocytes,morbidity,neutropenia,oncology,oncozine,pathogens,patients,pneumoniafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/diagnosed-with-a-rare-cancer-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-what-now--40372022
Margo Shoup is a nationally recognized surgical oncologist who specializes in gastrointestinal cancers and sarcomas. She is also the senior vice president, and system chair of the Nuvance Health Cancer Institute, where she provides strategic and clinical leadership for all aspects of Nuvance Health’s cancer services.

Vince McRuiz is a patient of Dr. Shoup.

In March 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic was ramping up in the northeastern United States, Vince was diagnosed with a retroperitoneal sarcoma — a rare abdominal cancer —that develops in the lining of the abdominal wall and the soft tissues that surround the kidneys, pancreas, and blood vessels.

Vince needed surgery to remove the tumor.

But removing this kind of cancer requires one of the most complex types of surgery. And while a diagnosis of cancer alone can be daunting, what if the cancer is rare and you’re diagnosed during a pandemic?

In this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Hofland talks about that experience with Vince McRuiz, a father of three and grandfather of four, who has experienced several health and personal challenges over the past several years.

In 2013 Vince was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and in 2019 he underwent major colon surgery, which required a three-week hospital stay. In 2018, Vince also lost his wife, Cynthia, to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

And, then, in March 2020, during a routine CT scan to follow up on the colon surgery, doctors discovered a mass in Vince’s abdomen. Biopsy results confirmed that the mass was malignant.

About retroperitoneal sarcoma

The retroperitoneum is the space between the peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall that contains the kidneys and associated structures, the pancreas, and part of the aorta and inferior vena cava.

According to the American Cancer Society, 15% of all diagnosed soft tissue sarcomas arise in the retroperitoneum. And approximately one-third of malignant tumors that arise in the retroperitoneum are sarcomas. With approximately 8,600 patients diagnosed each year in the United States, representing less than 1% of all newly diagnosed malignancies, soft tissue sarcomas, including retroperitoneal sarcoma, are considered rare.

The most common types of retroperitoneal sarcomas diagnosed in adults are liposarcomas, leiomyosarcomas, and malignant fibrous histiocytomas.

Patients diagnosed with retroperitoneal sarcoma are often diagnosed in later stages with advanced disease because these tumors arise in the large potential spaces of the retroperitoneum where they can grow very large without producing symptoms.

Furthermore, because retroperitoneal sarcoma is a rare disease in an anatomically complex location, evaluation, and treatment is challenging.

The overall survival rates of patients are affected by the tumor size on presentation, the inability to achieve wide surgical margins, and the limitations of treating retroperitoneal sarcoma with radiation and chemotherapy.

After surgery patients are scheduled for quarterly follow-up CT scans to make sure they are healing well and to determine if additional treatment is required.

About The Onco'Zine Brief

The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcast and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40372022Mon, 17 Aug 2020 17:25:35 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D., talks with Vince McRuiz and Margo Shoup, MD, FACS. Margo Shoup is a nationally recognized surgical oncologist who specializes in gastrointestinal cancers and sarcomas. She is also the...
Margo Shoup is a nationally recognized surgical oncologist who specializes in gastrointestinal cancers and sarcomas. She is also the senior vice president, and system chair of the Nuvance Health Cancer Institute, where she provides strategic and clinical leadership for all aspects of Nuvance Health’s cancer services.

Vince McRuiz is a patient of Dr. Shoup.

In March 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic was ramping up in the northeastern United States, Vince was diagnosed with a retroperitoneal sarcoma — a rare abdominal cancer —that develops in the lining of the abdominal wall and the soft tissues that surround the kidneys, pancreas, and blood vessels.

Vince needed surgery to remove the tumor.

But removing this kind of cancer requires one of the most complex types of surgery. And while a diagnosis of cancer alone can be daunting, what if the cancer is rare and you’re diagnosed during a pandemic?

In this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Hofland talks about that experience with Vince McRuiz, a father of three and grandfather of four, who has experienced several health and personal challenges over the past several years.

In 2013 Vince was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and in 2019 he underwent major colon surgery, which required a three-week hospital stay. In 2018, Vince also lost his wife, Cynthia, to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

And, then, in March 2020, during a routine CT scan to follow up on the colon surgery, doctors discovered a mass in Vince’s abdomen. Biopsy results confirmed that the mass was malignant.

About retroperitoneal sarcoma

The retroperitoneum is the space between the peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall that contains the kidneys and associated structures, the pancreas, and part of the aorta and inferior vena cava.

According to the American Cancer Society, 15% of all diagnosed soft tissue sarcomas arise in the retroperitoneum. And approximately one-third of malignant tumors that arise in the retroperitoneum are sarcomas. With approximately 8,600 patients diagnosed each year in the United States, representing less than 1% of all newly diagnosed malignancies, soft tissue sarcomas, including retroperitoneal sarcoma, are considered rare.

The most common types of retroperitoneal sarcomas diagnosed in adults are liposarcomas, leiomyosarcomas, and malignant fibrous histiocytomas.

Patients diagnosed with retroperitoneal sarcoma are often diagnosed in later stages with advanced disease because these tumors arise in the large potential spaces of the retroperitoneum where they can grow very large without producing symptoms.

Furthermore, because retroperitoneal sarcoma is a rare disease in an anatomically complex location, evaluation, and treatment is challenging.

The overall survival rates of patients are affected by the tumor size on presentation, the inability to achieve wide surgical margins, and the limitations of treating retroperitoneal sarcoma with radiation and chemotherapy.

After surgery patients are scheduled for quarterly follow-up CT scans to make sure they are healing well and to determine if additional treatment is required.

About The Onco'Zine Brief

The Onco'Zine Brief is distributed in the United States via PRX (Public Radio Exchange). In the United Kingdom and Europe, the program is distributed via UK Health Radio (UKHR). And the program can be downloaded via most podcast and streaming media services, including iTunes, Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: 2867abdomen,cancer,covid-19,diagnosis,health,histiocytomas,leiomyosarcomas,liposarcomas,malignant,nuvance,oncozine,pancreas,pandemic,retroperitoneum,sarcoma,sar-cov-2,shoup,surgery,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/transforming-cell-therapy-manufacturing-by-squeezing-cells-an-interview-with-armon-sharei--38841463Traditionally, the foundation of cancer treatment included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

But over the last few decades, targeted therapies —drugs that specifically target molecular changes seen primarily on cancer cells—have become a standard treatment for many cancers.
In addition, over the past several years, immunotherapies—therapies that are designed to use the power of a patient's own immune system to attack cancer, have emerged as a new treatment.
One of the rapidly emerging immunotherapy approaches is called adoptive cell transfer. It is based on collecting and using patients' own immune cells to treat their cancer.

Although there are several types of these therapies, one approach that has advanced the furthest in clinical development is called Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy or CAR T-cell therapy.

In 2017, as the result of the remarkable responses seen in some patients—both children and adults— two CAR T-cell therapies were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

One treatment was approved for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the other for adults with advanced lymphomas. But given the unique and personalized approach, the Manufacturing of cell therapies is expensive and complex. One reason is that because CAR T-cell therapies are hyper-personalized - using a patient’s own T-Cells - it may take 3 – 4 weeks, and sometimes even longer - to manufacture such a personalized and unique treatment option.

And the manufacturing comes with a high price tag. So, scientists started to look for alternatives.

Scientists at SQZ Biotech - a privately-held clinical-stage company are developing transformative cell therapy candidates for patients with cancer and other serious diseases.

Hofland talks with Sharei about SQZ Biotech’s cell engineering platform which was named as a top 10 world-changing technology by Scientific American in 2014.

SQZ Biotech’s approach could provide treatment options for patients across many different diseases, including, but not limited, to cancer and hematological malignancies.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/38841463Sun, 12 Jul 2020 05:34:06 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Armon Sharei, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer of SQZ Biotech, about the development and manufacturing of cell therapies. Traditionally, the foundation of cancer treatment included...Traditionally, the foundation of cancer treatment included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

But over the last few decades, targeted therapies —drugs that specifically target molecular changes seen primarily on cancer cells—have become a standard treatment for many cancers.
In addition, over the past several years, immunotherapies—therapies that are designed to use the power of a patient's own immune system to attack cancer, have emerged as a new treatment.
One of the rapidly emerging immunotherapy approaches is called adoptive cell transfer. It is based on collecting and using patients' own immune cells to treat their cancer.

Although there are several types of these therapies, one approach that has advanced the furthest in clinical development is called Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy or CAR T-cell therapy.

In 2017, as the result of the remarkable responses seen in some patients—both children and adults— two CAR T-cell therapies were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

One treatment was approved for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the other for adults with advanced lymphomas. But given the unique and personalized approach, the Manufacturing of cell therapies is expensive and complex. One reason is that because CAR T-cell therapies are hyper-personalized - using a patient’s own T-Cells - it may take 3 – 4 weeks, and sometimes even longer - to manufacture such a personalized and unique treatment option.

And the manufacturing comes with a high price tag. So, scientists started to look for alternatives.

Scientists at SQZ Biotech - a privately-held clinical-stage company are developing transformative cell therapy candidates for patients with cancer and other serious diseases.

Hofland talks with Sharei about SQZ Biotech’s cell engineering platform which was named as a top 10 world-changing technology by Scientific American in 2014.

SQZ Biotech’s approach could provide treatment options for patients across many different diseases, including, but not limited, to cancer and hematological malignancies.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2646act,antigen,biology,cancer,car-t,cd4,cd8,hematology,hpv,immunotherapy,malignancies,oncology,patient-friendly,sqzbiotech,t-cell,treatment,tumor,vaccinefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asco-2020-new-developments-in-the-treatment-of-hard-to-treat-cancers--38839329
This year, amidst the SAR-CoV-2 or coronavirus pandemic, the ASCO organization has been hard at work to offer a unique scientific program for oncology professionals, patient advocates, and industry representatives.

In the program, Hofland and Massacesi talk about AZD9833, a drug in clinical development for the treatment of women with ER+ HER2- advanced breast cancer. They also talk about a drug AstraZeneca is developing for the treatment of Tripple Negative Breast Cancer… and a potential treatment for a very uncommon form of lung cancer … and, last but not least, they talk about the company’s partnerships with Daiichi Sankyo in developing a very targeted drug – an Antibody-drug Conjugate or ADC – called Trastuzumab Deruxtecan - for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer – and other HER2-positive cancers.

In the second part of the program, Hofland talks with Jeffrey Skolnik about the DNA medicines Inovio Pharmaceuticals is developing to potentially treat and protect people from serious diseases, including life-threatening diseases associated with HPV, cancer, and infectious diseases.

They talk about the company’s presentations during ASCO, including data about their HPV treatment and novel treatment for Glioblastoma or GBM, a hard to treat form of brain cancer. They also talk about the complexity of conducting clinical trials during the coronavirus pandemic and how the pandemic is impacting the clinical trial process.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/38839329Sun, 12 Jul 2020 01:21:27 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D. talks with Christian Massacesi, MD, Senior Vice President, Head of Late Development Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca and with Jeffrey Skolnik, MD, Vice President, Clinical Development at Inovio...
This year, amidst the SAR-CoV-2 or coronavirus pandemic, the ASCO organization has been hard at work to offer a unique scientific program for oncology professionals, patient advocates, and industry representatives.

In the program, Hofland and Massacesi talk about AZD9833, a drug in clinical development for the treatment of women with ER+ HER2- advanced breast cancer. They also talk about a drug AstraZeneca is developing for the treatment of Tripple Negative Breast Cancer… and a potential treatment for a very uncommon form of lung cancer … and, last but not least, they talk about the company’s partnerships with Daiichi Sankyo in developing a very targeted drug – an Antibody-drug Conjugate or ADC – called Trastuzumab Deruxtecan - for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer – and other HER2-positive cancers.

In the second part of the program, Hofland talks with Jeffrey Skolnik about the DNA medicines Inovio Pharmaceuticals is developing to potentially treat and protect people from serious diseases, including life-threatening diseases associated with HPV, cancer, and infectious diseases.

They talk about the company’s presentations during ASCO, including data about their HPV treatment and novel treatment for Glioblastoma or GBM, a hard to treat form of brain cancer. They also talk about the complexity of conducting clinical trials during the coronavirus pandemic and how the pandemic is impacting the clinical trial process.

For more information about The Onco'Zine Brief or how to sponsor or support this public radio broadcast and podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

For more information about cancer and cancer treatments, visit our online journal Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2809adc,asco,astrazeneca,azd9833,cancer,cancertreatment,coronavirus,covid-19,diagnostics,discovery,dna-medicines,drugdevelopment,gbm,glioblastoma,hpv,inovio,sar-cov-2,tnbc,treatment,vaccinesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advancing-car-t-cell-therapy-in-difficult-to-treat-cancers-an-interview-with-precigen-s-helen-sabzevari--35603989
Precigen is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and clinical-stage development of the next generation of gene and cell therapies using precision technology. The company is developing novel therapeutic agents that are designed to target the most urgent and difficult diseases in immuno-oncology, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

During the second part of the virtual meeting of the American Association of Clinical Research – AACR - being held June 22 to June 24, 2020, the company presented preclinical results of an investigational drug called PRGN-3005 which is being developed for the treatment of patients with advanced, recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

And there is a large unmet medical need for these patients.

Worldwide, nearly 300,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year with approximately 22,000 of them in the US.

Since early ovarian cancer is often without obvious symptoms, the disease is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage where cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

Five-year survival rates depend on stage and type of ovarian cancer with rates decreasing for advanced-stage cancers that have spread to distant parts of the body.  

The novel drug being developed by Precigen is a new kind of CAR T-cell therapy.

CAR T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy that uses specially altered T cells — a part of the immune system — to fight cancer.

Traditionally a sample of a patient's T cells are collected from the patient’s own blood, then modified to produce special structures called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface. When these CAR T cells are reinfused into the patient, the new receptors enable them to latch onto a specific antigen on the patient's tumor cells and kill them.

In addition to the standard CAR-T-cell therapies which are approved and commercially available in the United States, different forms CAR T-cell therapies have been developed

This includes the so-called ‘off-the-shelve’ CAR T-cell – which are in clinical development.

In our interview today, we talk with Helen Sabzevari about Precigen’s approach in the development of their CAR T-cell therapy, which is unique and different from the traditional and the ‘off-the-shelve’ approach.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/35603989Fri, 03 Jul 2020 06:12:30 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland talking with Helen Sabzevari, the president of Precigen. Precigen is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and clinical-stage development of the next generation of gene and...
Precigen is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and clinical-stage development of the next generation of gene and cell therapies using precision technology. The company is developing novel therapeutic agents that are designed to target the most urgent and difficult diseases in immuno-oncology, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

During the second part of the virtual meeting of the American Association of Clinical Research – AACR - being held June 22 to June 24, 2020, the company presented preclinical results of an investigational drug called PRGN-3005 which is being developed for the treatment of patients with advanced, recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

And there is a large unmet medical need for these patients.

Worldwide, nearly 300,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year with approximately 22,000 of them in the US.

Since early ovarian cancer is often without obvious symptoms, the disease is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage where cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

Five-year survival rates depend on stage and type of ovarian cancer with rates decreasing for advanced-stage cancers that have spread to distant parts of the body.  

The novel drug being developed by Precigen is a new kind of CAR T-cell therapy.

CAR T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy that uses specially altered T cells — a part of the immune system — to fight cancer.

Traditionally a sample of a patient's T cells are collected from the patient’s own blood, then modified to produce special structures called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface. When these CAR T cells are reinfused into the patient, the new receptors enable them to latch onto a specific antigen on the patient's tumor cells and kill them.

In addition to the standard CAR-T-cell therapies which are approved and commercially available in the United States, different forms CAR T-cell therapies have been developed

This includes the so-called ‘off-the-shelve’ CAR T-cell – which are in clinical development.

In our interview today, we talk with Helen Sabzevari about Precigen’s approach in the development of their CAR T-cell therapy, which is unique and different from the traditional and the ‘off-the-shelve’ approach.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2866cancer,cancertreatment,car-t,immunotherapy,ovarian,platinum-resistant,precigen,prgn-3005falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sacituzumab-govitecan-a-novel-treatment-for-patients-with-mtnbc--31289479
Sacituzumab govitecan, previously known as IMMU-132, is Immunomedics’ lead product and the most advanced program in the company’s unique antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform. The drug binds the humanized anti-trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (Trop-2) monoclonal antibody (mAb) hRS7 IgG1κ through the cleavable CL2A linker to the anti-cancer drug SN-38 to kill cancer cells. Trop-2 is expressed in more than 85% of all cancers, including breast cancer and TNBC.

With the FDA’s decision, sacituzumab govitecan is the eight approved and available ADCs reaching the market, making these targeted drugs a powerful class of therapeutic agents in oncology and hematology.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/31289479Tue, 16 Jun 2020 21:44:16 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco'Zine Brief, Peter Hofland talks with Thorsten Sperber, Global Head Medical Affairs at Immunomedics. Hofland and Sperber talk about sacituzumab govitecan, a novel antibody-drug conjugate. At the time of the interview, the...
Sacituzumab govitecan, previously known as IMMU-132, is Immunomedics’ lead product and the most advanced program in the company’s unique antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform. The drug binds the humanized anti-trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (Trop-2) monoclonal antibody (mAb) hRS7 IgG1κ through the cleavable CL2A linker to the anti-cancer drug SN-38 to kill cancer cells. Trop-2 is expressed in more than 85% of all cancers, including breast cancer and TNBC.

With the FDA’s decision, sacituzumab govitecan is the eight approved and available ADCs reaching the market, making these targeted drugs a powerful class of therapeutic agents in oncology and hematology.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2825adc,antibody-drug,breast,cancer,fda,hematology,immu-132,immunomedics,mtnbc,oncology,trodelvyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/finding-community-after-a-cancer-diagnosis-a-conversation-with-terri-conneran--29232164
That autumn brought the excuse of allergies, plus time for the new inhaler to take effect.

By Christmas 2016, nasal congestion, and a heavy feeling chest with shortness of breath it was time to again see her doctor. Hearing fluid in her lungs, an x-ray showed a mass with fluid. Pneumonia was diagnosed, a return appointment was scheduled for two weeks later.

In the first week of 2017, the wheezing and congestion worsened. Already concerned about the mass shown in the x-ray, a CT scan was ordered. Terri scheduled an appointment with a pulmonologist.

Based on the initial CT results, the pulmonologist confidently stated this is unlikely cancer. To be certain, a PET plus biopsy was necessary.

Late in the evening of the following Friday, the pulmonologist called with the results. The diagnosis: non-small cell lung cancer

To think of the call, Terri recalls that it still feels surreal hearing those words of the pulmonologist. She exactly remembers where she sitting as I wrote the words he doctor spoke on the paper in front of her.

The call forever changed her life - It would be the beginning of her journey as a cancer patient and patient advocate.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/29232164Thu, 04 Jun 2020 01:49:56 +0000Peter HoflandStruggling in the heat and humidity of the summer of 2016, Terri Conneran believed that her asthma was uncontrolled. In August that year, her physician assistant prescribed her a preventive inhaler. That autumn brought the excuse of allergies,...
That autumn brought the excuse of allergies, plus time for the new inhaler to take effect.

By Christmas 2016, nasal congestion, and a heavy feeling chest with shortness of breath it was time to again see her doctor. Hearing fluid in her lungs, an x-ray showed a mass with fluid. Pneumonia was diagnosed, a return appointment was scheduled for two weeks later.

In the first week of 2017, the wheezing and congestion worsened. Already concerned about the mass shown in the x-ray, a CT scan was ordered. Terri scheduled an appointment with a pulmonologist.

Based on the initial CT results, the pulmonologist confidently stated this is unlikely cancer. To be certain, a PET plus biopsy was necessary.

Late in the evening of the following Friday, the pulmonologist called with the results. The diagnosis: non-small cell lung cancer

To think of the call, Terri recalls that it still feels surreal hearing those words of the pulmonologist. She exactly remembers where she sitting as I wrote the words he doctor spoke on the paper in front of her.

The call forever changed her life - It would be the beginning of her journey as a cancer patient and patient advocate.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2846advocate,cancer,community,diagnosis,information,kras,lung,oncologist,oncology,patient,pulmonologist,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/susan-rafte-a-25-year-survivor-of-metastatic-breast-cancer-and-patient-advocate--21044954
In 1994, eight and a half months after birth to her daughter Marika, Susan Rafte, only 30 years old, was diagnosed with stage III ductal carcinoma.

While she was pregnant with her daughter, she first felt a lump in her breast. Her doctors attributed the lump to her pregnancies. However, 18 months later, when Rafte pushed for a biopsy, the lump was diagnosed as a malignant tumor.

Rafte was treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, by a multidisciplinary care team with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.

In 1995, soon after her initial treatment, Susan’s sister Jane Weiner, and three other dancers in New York City co-founded the Pink Ribbons Project®. After her recovery from a stem cell transplant in 1997, Jane and Susan brought the project to Houston.

The Pink Ribbons Project® was the first arts and dance initiative founded solely to promote awareness about breast cancer and help raise funding for breast cancer advocacy and education. And over the Pink Ribbons Project’s lifetime, the organization raised more than US $ 6,000,000 for that cause.

Beyond the Pink Ribbons Project and from the beginning of her diagnosis, Rafte has always been public about her disease. She felt it was important to spread awareness and provide education about breast health and breast cancer, because, as she explains: “I knew from personal experience that this disease has no boundaries.”

As part of her work Rafte became a peer-to-peer support volunteer through MD Anderson Cancer Center. In 2000, Rafte helped start an on-site peer support program at the breast cancer center at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She also serves on many research projects and committees as a patient advocate.

As a volunteer, Rafte’s involvements also includes dividing her volunteer hours with the Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Breast Health Collaborative of Texas as well as the affiliations she holds with The Rose Diagnostic Center and Harris County Hospital Clinic – Breast Care Centers.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21044954Wed, 25 Dec 2019 01:41:10 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode The Onco’Zine Brief, recorded during the 42nd San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) held December 10 – 14, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas, Peter Hofland talks with Susan Rafte, a 25+ year survivor of metastatic breast cancer and...
In 1994, eight and a half months after birth to her daughter Marika, Susan Rafte, only 30 years old, was diagnosed with stage III ductal carcinoma.

While she was pregnant with her daughter, she first felt a lump in her breast. Her doctors attributed the lump to her pregnancies. However, 18 months later, when Rafte pushed for a biopsy, the lump was diagnosed as a malignant tumor.

Rafte was treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, by a multidisciplinary care team with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.

In 1995, soon after her initial treatment, Susan’s sister Jane Weiner, and three other dancers in New York City co-founded the Pink Ribbons Project®. After her recovery from a stem cell transplant in 1997, Jane and Susan brought the project to Houston.

The Pink Ribbons Project® was the first arts and dance initiative founded solely to promote awareness about breast cancer and help raise funding for breast cancer advocacy and education. And over the Pink Ribbons Project’s lifetime, the organization raised more than US $ 6,000,000 for that cause.

Beyond the Pink Ribbons Project and from the beginning of her diagnosis, Rafte has always been public about her disease. She felt it was important to spread awareness and provide education about breast health and breast cancer, because, as she explains: “I knew from personal experience that this disease has no boundaries.”

As part of her work Rafte became a peer-to-peer support volunteer through MD Anderson Cancer Center. In 2000, Rafte helped start an on-site peer support program at the breast cancer center at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She also serves on many research projects and committees as a patient advocate.

As a volunteer, Rafte’s involvements also includes dividing her volunteer hours with the Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Breast Health Collaborative of Texas as well as the affiliations she holds with The Rose Diagnostic Center and Harris County Hospital Clinic – Breast Care Centers.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2890advocate,awareness,bc,cacer,chemotherapy,dics,mbc,metastatic,peer-to-peer,pink,pregnancy,radiotherapy,sabcs,support,volunteerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/candid-conversations-on-mets-sex-and-side-effects-a-panel-discussion-with-breast-cancer-oncologists-women-s-health-experts-and-patients--21044266
The expert panel includes;

- David Portman, MD, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sermonix Pharmaceuticals. Portman is a respected Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in the field, presented clinical data at national and international conferences, and published dozens of peer-reviewed papers in the field of menopause, VVA, SERMs and sexual health. Before founding Sermonix in 2014, Portman was founder and director of the Columbus Center for Women’s Health Research for 18 years where he conducted over 140 clinical trials in women’s health. He received his BA from Northwestern University and his MD and Obstetric and Gynecology residency from The Ohio State University College of Medicine where he is an adjunct instructor.

- Kelli Davis, metastatic breast cancer patient and director of social media at Metavivor. Davis, is an outspoken advocate on behalf of women living with the disease, was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer in 2009 and stage IIIc in 2013. She learned she had stage IV, or metastatic, breast cancer in late 2014.

- Stephanie L. Graff, MD, director of the Breast Cancer Program at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health and associate director of the Breast Cancer Research Program at Sarah Cannon Research Institute. Graff, an award-winning writer and social media influencer, has broad experience as a principal investigator on numerous clinical trials. She received the Frist Humanitarian Award for her work improving the lives of people in her healthcare community, and serves on the boards of the American Cancer Society Kansas/Kansas City Area and The Research Foundation.

- Kelly Shanahan, MD, an Ob/Gyn, Metavivor board member, metastatic breast cancer patient and advocate. Shanahan is a wife, a mother, a daughter, a doctor, a woman living with metastatic breast cancer. She is also an outspoken advocate. Metastatic breast cancer stole her career and through the horrible diagnosis, she was introduced to amazing women and men who showed her that she, as a trained physician, could still help others and make a difference through advocacy.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21044266Wed, 25 Dec 2019 01:05:25 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief, recorded during the 42nd San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), held December 10 - 14, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas, Peter Hofland talks with leading breast cancer experts, and patients about metastatic...
The expert panel includes;

- David Portman, MD, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sermonix Pharmaceuticals. Portman is a respected Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in the field, presented clinical data at national and international conferences, and published dozens of peer-reviewed papers in the field of menopause, VVA, SERMs and sexual health. Before founding Sermonix in 2014, Portman was founder and director of the Columbus Center for Women’s Health Research for 18 years where he conducted over 140 clinical trials in women’s health. He received his BA from Northwestern University and his MD and Obstetric and Gynecology residency from The Ohio State University College of Medicine where he is an adjunct instructor.

- Kelli Davis, metastatic breast cancer patient and director of social media at Metavivor. Davis, is an outspoken advocate on behalf of women living with the disease, was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer in 2009 and stage IIIc in 2013. She learned she had stage IV, or metastatic, breast cancer in late 2014.

- Stephanie L. Graff, MD, director of the Breast Cancer Program at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health and associate director of the Breast Cancer Research Program at Sarah Cannon Research Institute. Graff, an award-winning writer and social media influencer, has broad experience as a principal investigator on numerous clinical trials. She received the Frist Humanitarian Award for her work improving the lives of people in her healthcare community, and serves on the boards of the American Cancer Society Kansas/Kansas City Area and The Research Foundation.

- Kelly Shanahan, MD, an Ob/Gyn, Metavivor board member, metastatic breast cancer patient and advocate. Shanahan is a wife, a mother, a daughter, a doctor, a woman living with metastatic breast cancer. She is also an outspoken advocate. Metastatic breast cancer stole her career and through the horrible diagnosis, she was introduced to amazing women and men who showed her that she, as a trained physician, could still help others and make a difference through advocacy.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>3002advocate,bc,breast,cancer,health,hrqol,metastatic,metavivor,oncologist,pain,patient,sexfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/catherine-ivy-a-tireless-advocate-for-brain-cancer-patients--20222989
The Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation, established in 2005, is the largest non-government organization supporter of brain tumor - including glioblastoma (GBM) - research in the world. To date, the Ivy Foundation has funded clinical trials and basic science in North America, Europe, and Asia. 

Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme, is an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. Glioblastoma forms from cells called astrocytes, that support nerve cells. The disease can occur at any age, but tends to occur more often in older adults.

Glioblastoma can cause worsening headaches, nausea, vomiting and seizures. It can be very difficult to treat and a cure is often not possible.

Catherine Ivy, is a tireless advocate for glioblastoma patients everywhere. 

Since 2005, the Ivy foundation has committed more than US $ 92 million to brain tumor research. The expectation is that this investment will, in time, lead to an eventual cure. The Ivy Foundation is dedicated to this effort because funding leads to answers, and answers lead to hope.

Ivy Foundation-supported research is always patient-focused and highly translational.  The organizational philosophy is to embrace risk, advocate collaboration, and fiercely support the brain tumor patient community. 

This forward-leaning strategy reflects the ideals of both Ms. Ivy and her late husband, Ben, who died from a glioblastoma in 2005. 

In this interview with The Onco'Zine Brief, Catherine Ivy tells the story of her husband, Ben Ivy, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in August 2005. In addition to his devastating diagnosis, Ben’s suffering made a difficult situation overwhelmingly painful – Ben Ivy passed away four months after being diagnosed, in November 2005. 

Ben and Catherine Ivy felt it was important to give back to their community and they’ve always actively supported education and healthcare. Following Ben’s death, the Ben and Catherine Ivy foundation refocused its mission to find a cure for brain cancer. 

Catharine Ivy explained that her husband’s suffering and the awareness of the lack of options to fight brain cancer motivated her to find better diagnostics and to develop new therapies to help patients.

And that’s what she did.

The mission of the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation is to fund brain cancer research in order to develop diagnostics and treatments that lead to long-term survival and a high quality of life for patients with this disease.

More information about the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation
For more information about the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation, visit the website of the organization at: www.ivyfoundation.org

About Onco'Zine
The Onco’Zine Brief is developed in collaboration with the online journal, Onco’Zine at oncozine.com - where you can find additional information and the latest news about cancer, cancer diagnosis and treatment, and cancer prevention.

How to support The Onco'Zine Brief
For more information about supporting The Onco’Zine Brief, check our online journal Onco’Zine at Onco’Zine.com or visit Patreaon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

Newsletter
If you’re living in the United States and want to receive our Newsletter, text the word CANCER to 66866 - and we’ll make sure that you’ll receive our newsletter which includes an overview of the latest news in oncology and hematology.

Read more
- Hofland P. First-in-human Study to Determine Effectiveness of Novel, Non-invasive Therapy for Brain Cancer. Onco'Zine. November 21, 2019. Online: https://www.oncozine.com/first-in-human-study-to-determine-effectiveness-of-novel-non-invasive-therapy-for-brain-cancer/
- Hofland P. New Breast Cancer Drug has the Potential to be a Novel Therapy for Glioblastoma. Onco'Zine, July 25, 2019. Online: https://www.oncozine.com/new-breast-cancer-drug-has-the-potential-to-be-a-novel-therapy-for-glioblastoma/
- Nader Sanai, MD, FAANS, FACS. As New Drugs Lag, Accelerated Clinical Trials Lead Charge in Brain Cancer Fight? Onco'Zine. April 12, 2019. Online: https://www.oncozine.com/as-new-drugs-lag-accelerated-clinical-trials-lead-charge-in-brain-cancer-fight%ef%bb%bf/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20222989Sat, 23 Nov 2019 22:49:08 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Catherine Ivy, the Founder and President of the Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation. The Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation, established in 2005, is the largest non-government organization...
The Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation, established in 2005, is the largest non-government organization supporter of brain tumor - including glioblastoma (GBM) - research in the world. To date, the Ivy Foundation has funded clinical trials and basic science in North America, Europe, and Asia. 

Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme, is an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. Glioblastoma forms from cells called astrocytes, that support nerve cells. The disease can occur at any age, but tends to occur more often in older adults.

Glioblastoma can cause worsening headaches, nausea, vomiting and seizures. It can be very difficult to treat and a cure is often not possible.

Catherine Ivy, is a tireless advocate for glioblastoma patients everywhere. 

Since 2005, the Ivy foundation has committed more than US $ 92 million to brain tumor research. The expectation is that this investment will, in time, lead to an eventual cure. The Ivy Foundation is dedicated to this effort because funding leads to answers, and answers lead to hope.

Ivy Foundation-supported research is always patient-focused and highly translational.  The organizational philosophy is to embrace risk, advocate collaboration, and fiercely support the brain tumor patient community. 

This forward-leaning strategy reflects the ideals of both Ms. Ivy and her late husband, Ben, who died from a glioblastoma in 2005. 

In this interview with The Onco'Zine Brief, Catherine Ivy tells the story of her husband, Ben Ivy, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in August 2005. In addition to his devastating diagnosis, Ben’s suffering made a difficult situation overwhelmingly painful – Ben Ivy passed away four months after being diagnosed, in November 2005. 

Ben and Catherine Ivy felt it was important to give back to their community and they’ve always actively supported education and healthcare. Following Ben’s death, the Ben and Catherine Ivy foundation refocused its mission to find a cure for brain cancer. 

Catharine Ivy explained that her husband’s suffering and the awareness of the lack of options to fight brain cancer motivated her to find better diagnostics and to develop new therapies to help patients.

And that’s what she did.

The mission of the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation is to fund brain cancer research in order to develop diagnostics and treatments that lead to long-term survival and a high quality of life for patients with this disease.

More information about the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation
For more information about the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation, visit the website of the organization at: www.ivyfoundation.org

About Onco'Zine
The Onco’Zine Brief is developed in collaboration with the online journal, Onco’Zine at oncozine.com - where you can find additional information and the latest news about cancer, cancer diagnosis and treatment, and cancer prevention.

How to support The Onco'Zine Brief
For more information about supporting The Onco’Zine Brief, check our online journal Onco’Zine at Onco’Zine.com or visit Patreaon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

Newsletter
If you’re living in the United States and want to receive our Newsletter, text the word CANCER to 66866 - and we’ll make sure that you’ll receive our newsletter which includes an overview of the latest news in oncology and hematology.

Read more
- Hofland P. First-in-human Study to Determine Effectiveness of Novel, Non-invasive Therapy for Brain Cancer. Onco'Zine....]]>2553astrocytes,brain-cencer,cancer,clinical,diagnosis,funding,gbm,glioblastoma,health,invasive-therapy,ivy,ivy-center,ivyfoundation,medicine,neurology,oncology,science,study,survival,trialfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tardis-a-simple-blood-draw-to-determining-a-patient-s-response-to-neoadjuvant-therapy--20221155
Murtaza is Assistant Professor and co-Director of the Center for Noninvasive Diagnostics at TGen in Phoenix, AZ, and Dr. Slavin is Assistant Clinical Professor, Departments of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research and Population Sciences, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California.

Hofland talks with Murtaza and Slavin specifically about a test called TARDIS — which stands for TARgeted DIgital Sequencing. This test, according to a study published earlier this year, is as much as 100 times more sensitive than other blood-based cancer monitoring tests. TARDIS is a “liquid biopsy” that specifically identifies and quantifies small fragments of cancer DNA circulating in the patient’s bloodstream, known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).
 
About Onco'Zine
The Onco’Zine Brief is developed in collaboration with the online journal, Onco’Zine at www.oncozine.com - where you can find additional information and the latest news about cancer, cancer diagnosis and treatment, and cancer prevention.

How to support The Onco'Zine Brief
For more information about supporting The Onco’Zine Brief, check our online journal Onco’Zine at www.Onco’Zine.com or visit Patreaon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

Newsletter
If you’re living in the United States and want to receive our Newsletter, text the word CANCER to 66866 - and we’ll make sure that you’ll receive our newsletter which includes an overview of the latest news in oncology and hematology.

For more information about TARgeted DIgital Sequencing (TARDIS):
- Garcia D. Federal Grant helps TGen Refine Cancer-detection Blood Tests for Breast Cancer Patients. Onco'Zine - October 15, 2019 - https://www.oncozine.com/federal-grant-helps-tgen-refine-cancer-detection-blood-tests-for-breast-cancer-patients/
- Hofland P. New ‘Liquid Biopsy’ Helps to Improve Breast Cancer Diagnostics and Avoid Unnecessary Surgeries - August 8, 2019 - https://www.oncozine.com/new-liquid-biopsy-helps-improves-breast-cancer-diagnostics-and-avoid-unnecessary-surgeries/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20221155Sat, 23 Nov 2019 21:44:07 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Dr. Muhammed Murtaza and Dr. Thomas Slavin about liquid biopsies Murtaza is Assistant Professor and co-Director of the Center for Noninvasive Diagnostics at TGen in Phoenix, AZ, and...
Murtaza is Assistant Professor and co-Director of the Center for Noninvasive Diagnostics at TGen in Phoenix, AZ, and Dr. Slavin is Assistant Clinical Professor, Departments of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research and Population Sciences, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California.

Hofland talks with Murtaza and Slavin specifically about a test called TARDIS — which stands for TARgeted DIgital Sequencing. This test, according to a study published earlier this year, is as much as 100 times more sensitive than other blood-based cancer monitoring tests. TARDIS is a “liquid biopsy” that specifically identifies and quantifies small fragments of cancer DNA circulating in the patient’s bloodstream, known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).
 
About Onco'Zine
The Onco’Zine Brief is developed in collaboration with the online journal, Onco’Zine at www.oncozine.com - where you can find additional information and the latest news about cancer, cancer diagnosis and treatment, and cancer prevention.

How to support The Onco'Zine Brief
For more information about supporting The Onco’Zine Brief, check our online journal Onco’Zine at www.Onco’Zine.com or visit Patreaon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief

Newsletter
If you’re living in the United States and want to receive our Newsletter, text the word CANCER to 66866 - and we’ll make sure that you’ll receive our newsletter which includes an overview of the latest news in oncology and hematology.

For more information about TARgeted DIgital Sequencing (TARDIS):
- Garcia D. Federal Grant helps TGen Refine Cancer-detection Blood Tests for Breast Cancer Patients. Onco'Zine - October 15, 2019 - https://www.oncozine.com/federal-grant-helps-tgen-refine-cancer-detection-blood-tests-for-breast-cancer-patients/
- Hofland P. New ‘Liquid Biopsy’ Helps to Improve Breast Cancer Diagnostics and Avoid Unnecessary Surgeries - August 8, 2019 - https://www.oncozine.com/new-liquid-biopsy-helps-improves-breast-cancer-diagnostics-and-avoid-unnecessary-surgeries/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2879biopsy,bloodtest,cancer,cancerdiagnosis,cancertreatment,ctdna,diagnosis,dna,health,healthcare,hematology,liquid-biopsy,medicine,monitoring-test,neoadjuvant,oncology,oncozine,science,tardis,tgenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-does-checkpoint-inhibitor-therapy-work-when-there-s-no-checkpoint-expressed-on-a-patient-s-cancer--18716979
By combining leading-edge science with true compassion and personalized treatment for each and every patient, scientists, researchers, doctors, nurses and in fact anyone at City of Hope, share in one single goal: Outsmarting cancer to eliminate it.
  
Recognizing the accomplishments in cancer research, treatment, patient care, education and prevention, the National Cancer Institute has designated City of Hope as a comprehensive cancer center, an honor reserved for only 49 institutions nationwide.

Numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology pioneered by City of Hope. These drugs are saving lives of patients worldwide.

In addition to cancer research, millions of people with diabetes benefit from synthetic human insulin, developed through research conducted at City of Hope.

In today’s program, Hofland talk with Dr. Caligiuri and Dr. Yu about some of the results of this research – and how this is benefiting patients.

Research
In a study published in Cancer Discovery, a journal published by the American Association for Cancer Research, Dr. Caligiuri and Dr. Yu and their colleagues, provide, for first time a scientific explanation as to how checkpoint inhibitor therapy can work when there’s no checkpoint expressed on a patient’s cancer cells

This understanding may lead to a new powerful therapy against even more cancers

Immune System
The immune system is a powerful collection of structures and processes within the body, designed to prevent or limit infection and protect against disease. And while the immune system can naturally defend us against cancer, cancer, in turn, has the ability to evade the immune system by seducing it not to attack it.

To succeed, cancer exploits immune checkpoints, which regulate immune activation and prevent the immune system form attacking healthy cells. But this mechanism can also be used by a tumor to protect itself from being attacked by the immune system.

Checkpoints on tumor cells and on T cells, which are also called T lymphocyte, type of white blood cell, help keep immune responses in check.

In contrast, blocking these checkpoints releases the brakes on the immune system, giving it the ability to do what it is designed to do: eradicate cancer.

The study published in Cancer Discovery helps understand some of the complex mechanisms involved.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18716979Sat, 03 Aug 2019 22:32:43 +0000Peter HoflandToday in The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Dr. Michael Caligiuri, President of City of Hope National Medical Center in Los Angeles, California and Deana and Steve Campbell Physician-in-Chief Distinguished Chair, and Dr. Jianhua Yu,...
By combining leading-edge science with true compassion and personalized treatment for each and every patient, scientists, researchers, doctors, nurses and in fact anyone at City of Hope, share in one single goal: Outsmarting cancer to eliminate it.
  
Recognizing the accomplishments in cancer research, treatment, patient care, education and prevention, the National Cancer Institute has designated City of Hope as a comprehensive cancer center, an honor reserved for only 49 institutions nationwide.

Numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology pioneered by City of Hope. These drugs are saving lives of patients worldwide.

In addition to cancer research, millions of people with diabetes benefit from synthetic human insulin, developed through research conducted at City of Hope.

In today’s program, Hofland talk with Dr. Caligiuri and Dr. Yu about some of the results of this research – and how this is benefiting patients.

Research
In a study published in Cancer Discovery, a journal published by the American Association for Cancer Research, Dr. Caligiuri and Dr. Yu and their colleagues, provide, for first time a scientific explanation as to how checkpoint inhibitor therapy can work when there’s no checkpoint expressed on a patient’s cancer cells

This understanding may lead to a new powerful therapy against even more cancers

Immune System
The immune system is a powerful collection of structures and processes within the body, designed to prevent or limit infection and protect against disease. And while the immune system can naturally defend us against cancer, cancer, in turn, has the ability to evade the immune system by seducing it not to attack it.

To succeed, cancer exploits immune checkpoints, which regulate immune activation and prevent the immune system form attacking healthy cells. But this mechanism can also be used by a tumor to protect itself from being attacked by the immune system.

Checkpoints on tumor cells and on T cells, which are also called T lymphocyte, type of white blood cell, help keep immune responses in check.

In contrast, blocking these checkpoints releases the brakes on the immune system, giving it the ability to do what it is designed to do: eradicate cancer.

The study published in Cancer Discovery helps understand some of the complex mechanisms involved.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2873cancer,checkpoint,immune,inhibitor,nk-cellfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bcan-s-mission-to-increase-public-awareness-advance-bladder-cancer-research-and-support-patients--18682061
Together with her late husband John Quale, Diane, who holds a BA from Stanford University and a JD from the National Law Center, George Washington University, is Co-Founder and Director of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN), the only national advocacy organization devoted to advancing bladder cancer research and supporting those impacted by the disease.

BCAN is on the front-lines advocating for greater public awareness and increased funding for research to identify effective treatments and eventually, a cure for bladder cancer.

Each year, BCAN provides thousands of patients, caregivers and the medical community with the educational resources and support services they need to navigate their bladder cancer journey.

The organization works collaboratively with the medical and research professionals who are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer and empowers the patient community by allowing them to share experiences with others, and to participate in building awareness of the need for a cure.

In the interview today Peter Hofland and Diane Zipursky Quale talk about BCAN and more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18682061Wed, 31 Jul 2019 06:03:49 +0000Peter HoflandToday in The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Diane Zipursky Quale. Together with her late husband John Quale, Diane, who holds a BA from Stanford University and a JD from the National Law Center, George Washington University, is Co-Founder...
Together with her late husband John Quale, Diane, who holds a BA from Stanford University and a JD from the National Law Center, George Washington University, is Co-Founder and Director of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN), the only national advocacy organization devoted to advancing bladder cancer research and supporting those impacted by the disease.

BCAN is on the front-lines advocating for greater public awareness and increased funding for research to identify effective treatments and eventually, a cure for bladder cancer.

Each year, BCAN provides thousands of patients, caregivers and the medical community with the educational resources and support services they need to navigate their bladder cancer journey.

The organization works collaboratively with the medical and research professionals who are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer and empowers the patient community by allowing them to share experiences with others, and to participate in building awareness of the need for a cure.

In the interview today Peter Hofland and Diane Zipursky Quale talk about BCAN and more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2883advocacy,bcan,blader,cancer,caregivers,diagnosis,medicine,research,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/finding-aswers-and-improving-patient-care-how-genetic-tests-can-be-helpful-part-2--18680731
Ms. Smith leads a large team responsible for the implementation of key strategic initiatives for Ambry Genetics.

This includes the daily support and education for patients and healthcare providers, as well as marketing and sales support functions.

Ms. Smith has been with Ambry Genetics since 2013 and she has held a number of positions, most recently as the National Director of the Genetic Specialist team – a position she held for three years.

Before joining the company, she worked as a Board Certified Genetic Counselor at Baylor Sammons Cancer Center, in Dallas, Texas, where she led an initiative to grow the oncology and cardiology genetics services.

Ambry Genetics, the company Ms. Smith works for, is a leading clinical diagnostics company offering genetic testing, which includes screening and diagnosis, for conditions including hereditary cancer, hereditary cardiovascular disease, neuro-developmental disorders, epilepsy and others.

As part of Konica Minolta Precision Medicine, Ambry Genetics translates scientific research into clinically actionable test results based upon a deep understanding of the human genome and the biology behind genetic disease.

This enables more prescriptive, proactive and preventive care.

But what is genetic testing?

As mentioned in a previous episode of The Onco’Zine Brief, Genetic testing is a specific type of medical test designed to identify changes in an individuals’ chromosomes, genes, or proteins.

A genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition.

It can also help determine a person's chance of developing or even passing on a genetic disorder, which may lead to a specific disease.

Generally, there are two main types of genetic testing:

If, for example, you have been diagnosed with a type of cancer, the doctor may have told you about somatic or tumor testing.

Such a tests involves a sample of the tumor.

This test studies the DNA to determine what kind of treatment may be best for you – as a patient.
It may look at different, targeted or even personalized treatments to determine which may be better or worse.

An oncologist - or his or her team - will be the best resource to discuss this type of genetic testing and the results:

The second type of genetic testing is called germline genetic testing. This test is using a blood or saliva sample.

The DNA in blood cells is studied to see if there is a mutation that causes an increased risk to develop cancer or another disease

This test is for both people who have a specific disease cancer but also for people who do not.
And the results of this test can be best discussed with a genetic counselor or healthcare provider.

While genetic testing is available for many, it may not make sense for everyone.

A genetic counselor can help a patient determine their risk for genetic disease and catch genetic diseases at an earlier more treatable phase.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18680731Wed, 31 Jul 2019 01:27:25 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Laura Panos Smith, a certified genetic counselor and vice president of commercial operations at Ambry Genetics. Ms. Smith leads a large team responsible for the implementation of key...
Ms. Smith leads a large team responsible for the implementation of key strategic initiatives for Ambry Genetics.

This includes the daily support and education for patients and healthcare providers, as well as marketing and sales support functions.

Ms. Smith has been with Ambry Genetics since 2013 and she has held a number of positions, most recently as the National Director of the Genetic Specialist team – a position she held for three years.

Before joining the company, she worked as a Board Certified Genetic Counselor at Baylor Sammons Cancer Center, in Dallas, Texas, where she led an initiative to grow the oncology and cardiology genetics services.

Ambry Genetics, the company Ms. Smith works for, is a leading clinical diagnostics company offering genetic testing, which includes screening and diagnosis, for conditions including hereditary cancer, hereditary cardiovascular disease, neuro-developmental disorders, epilepsy and others.

As part of Konica Minolta Precision Medicine, Ambry Genetics translates scientific research into clinically actionable test results based upon a deep understanding of the human genome and the biology behind genetic disease.

This enables more prescriptive, proactive and preventive care.

But what is genetic testing?

As mentioned in a previous episode of The Onco’Zine Brief, Genetic testing is a specific type of medical test designed to identify changes in an individuals’ chromosomes, genes, or proteins.

A genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition.

It can also help determine a person's chance of developing or even passing on a genetic disorder, which may lead to a specific disease.

Generally, there are two main types of genetic testing:

If, for example, you have been diagnosed with a type of cancer, the doctor may have told you about somatic or tumor testing.

Such a tests involves a sample of the tumor.

This test studies the DNA to determine what kind of treatment may be best for you – as a patient.
It may look at different, targeted or even personalized treatments to determine which may be better or worse.

An oncologist - or his or her team - will be the best resource to discuss this type of genetic testing and the results:

The second type of genetic testing is called germline genetic testing. This test is using a blood or saliva sample.

The DNA in blood cells is studied to see if there is a mutation that causes an increased risk to develop cancer or another disease

This test is for both people who have a specific disease cancer but also for people who do not.
And the results of this test can be best discussed with a genetic counselor or healthcare provider.

While genetic testing is available for many, it may not make sense for everyone.

A genetic counselor can help a patient determine their risk for genetic disease and catch genetic diseases at an earlier more treatable phase.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2878ambry,care,diagnostics,doctors,genetics,health,healthcare,medicine,neuro-developmental,patientsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/finding-aswers-and-improving-patient-care-how-genetic-tests-can-be-helpful-part-1--18680498
Identifying an individual’s genetic information is nothing new. And while, over the last decades, most people have become familiar with genetic ancestry testing, or genetic genealogy, as a way for people interested in their family history to go beyond what they can learn from relatives or from historical documentation, genetic testing is much more than that.

In essence, genomic data helps to accelerate the understanding of human disease.

Ambry Genetics, is a leading clinical diagnostics company offering genetic testing, which includes screening and diagnosis, for conditions including hereditary cancer, hereditary cardiovascular disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, epilepsy and others diseases.

As part of Konica Minolta Precision Medicine, Ambry Genetics translates scientific research into, what the company calls, clinically actionable test results based upon a deep understanding of the human genome and the biology behind genetic disease. This approach enables more prescriptive, proactive and preventive care.

With an eclectic mix of backgrounds and specialties, a team of doctors, scientists, genetic counselors, lab technicians, artists, ocean-lovers and science geeks, the people at Ambry Genetics are looking for answers using the most advanced technology and quality processes in the diagnostics industry.

This unique team of dedicated people is committed to delivering the most accurate genetic test results possible. And, when it comes to making important healthcare decisions, the company believes that patients would choose the most reliable and comprehensive test for themselves and their family.

But what is genetic testing?

In short, genetic testing is a type of medical test, usually a blood test, that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder, which may lead to a disease.

Generally, there are two main types of genetic testing:

- If you have cancer, the doctor may have told you about somatic or tumor testing. This tests involves a sample of the tumor. The DNA in the tumor is studied to determine if different treatments may be better or worse for the patient. In this case, the oncologists or his or her team will be the best resource to discuss this type of genetic testing.

- The second type of genetic testing is called germline genetic testing and is done using a blood or saliva sample. The DNA in blood cells is studied to see if there is a mutation that causes an increased risk to develop cancer. This test is for both people who have cancer but also for people who do not. And the results can best be discussed with a genetic counselor or healthcare provider to discuss genetic testing.

In talking to the people at Ambry Genetics, one thing stands out. Not only have the people working for the company a diverse backgrounds, they never lose sight of the fact that there is a human life attached to every genetic sample they receive and every result they generate. And they want to ensure that they deliver accurate results that can trusted by both healthcare providers and patients.

For patients, taking a proactive stand about health and healthcare is empowering. So, if you consider a genetic test, talk to a healthcare provider to find out if genetic testing is right thing for you to do. Together with your healthcare provider you can find the best next steps to take.
This is especially important if you think that you may have an increased risk for cancer or another hereditary disease.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18680498Wed, 31 Jul 2019 01:09:25 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Holly LaDuca, a certified genetic counselor and manager of clinical Research oncology at Ambry Genetics. Identifying an individual’s genetic information is nothing new. And while, over...
Identifying an individual’s genetic information is nothing new. And while, over the last decades, most people have become familiar with genetic ancestry testing, or genetic genealogy, as a way for people interested in their family history to go beyond what they can learn from relatives or from historical documentation, genetic testing is much more than that.

In essence, genomic data helps to accelerate the understanding of human disease.

Ambry Genetics, is a leading clinical diagnostics company offering genetic testing, which includes screening and diagnosis, for conditions including hereditary cancer, hereditary cardiovascular disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, epilepsy and others diseases.

As part of Konica Minolta Precision Medicine, Ambry Genetics translates scientific research into, what the company calls, clinically actionable test results based upon a deep understanding of the human genome and the biology behind genetic disease. This approach enables more prescriptive, proactive and preventive care.

With an eclectic mix of backgrounds and specialties, a team of doctors, scientists, genetic counselors, lab technicians, artists, ocean-lovers and science geeks, the people at Ambry Genetics are looking for answers using the most advanced technology and quality processes in the diagnostics industry.

This unique team of dedicated people is committed to delivering the most accurate genetic test results possible. And, when it comes to making important healthcare decisions, the company believes that patients would choose the most reliable and comprehensive test for themselves and their family.

But what is genetic testing?

In short, genetic testing is a type of medical test, usually a blood test, that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder, which may lead to a disease.

Generally, there are two main types of genetic testing:

- If you have cancer, the doctor may have told you about somatic or tumor testing. This tests involves a sample of the tumor. The DNA in the tumor is studied to determine if different treatments may be better or worse for the patient. In this case, the oncologists or his or her team will be the best resource to discuss this type of genetic testing.

- The second type of genetic testing is called germline genetic testing and is done using a blood or saliva sample. The DNA in blood cells is studied to see if there is a mutation that causes an increased risk to develop cancer. This test is for both people who have cancer but also for people who do not. And the results can best be discussed with a genetic counselor or healthcare provider to discuss genetic testing.

In talking to the people at Ambry Genetics, one thing stands out. Not only have the people working for the company a diverse backgrounds, they never lose sight of the fact that there is a human life attached to every genetic sample they receive and every result they generate. And they want to ensure that they deliver accurate results that can trusted by both healthcare providers and patients.

For patients, taking a proactive stand about health and healthcare is empowering. So, if you consider a genetic test, talk to a healthcare provider to find out if genetic testing is right thing for you to do. Together with your healthcare provider you can find the best next steps to take.
This is especially important if you think that you may have an increased risk for cancer or another hereditary disease.

Become a supporter of this podcast: 2606ambry,diagnosis,genetic,genomic,genomics,hereditary,medicine,testfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asco-2019-form-biomarker-discovery-to-photo-immunotherapy--18576063
Hofland talks with:

- Dr. Hartmut Juhl, the Chief Executive Officer of Indivumed, a physician-led, integrated global oncology company. The company offers specialized products and services designed to support the discovery of biomarkers, drug development, clinical trials, and individualized treatment for patients with cancer, and

- Dr. Jeannie Hou, Vice President Clinical Development at Rakuten Medical, a company developing precision-targeted medicines through the development of a novel, proprietary photo-immunotherapy platform.

For more information, please visit Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18576063Wed, 17 Jul 2019 22:37:15 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of the Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland reports from the 2019 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology – ASCO – which was held May 31st – June 4th, 2019. Hofland talks with: - Dr. Hartmut Juhl, the Chief Executive...
Hofland talks with:

- Dr. Hartmut Juhl, the Chief Executive Officer of Indivumed, a physician-led, integrated global oncology company. The company offers specialized products and services designed to support the discovery of biomarkers, drug development, clinical trials, and individualized treatment for patients with cancer, and

- Dr. Jeannie Hou, Vice President Clinical Development at Rakuten Medical, a company developing precision-targeted medicines through the development of a novel, proprietary photo-immunotherapy platform.

For more information, please visit Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2497asco,biomarker,cancer,hematology,indivumed,oncology,photo-immunotherapy,rakuten,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asco-2019-supportive-care-and-developments-in-gynecological-cancer--18551138
Today in The OncoZine Brief Hofland an hus guests discuss two different aspects of the treatment of cancer: palliative and supportive care and the treatment of Gynecological cancers.

Hofland's interview with Dr. Lee Schwartzberg confirmed the importance of Palliative and supportive care in the treatment of patients with cancer. In essence, Palliative care is focused on improving the quality of life for people living with a serious illness like cancer. People with cancer may receive palliative care at any time from the point of diagnosis, throughout treatment, and beyond. This kind of care helps patients and caregivers manage the symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment.

In the second part of the program, Hofland and Dr. Shannon Westinwe spoke about the progress made in the treatment of Gynecological cancers.

While all women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and this risk increases with age, when gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective. But, the diagnosis of gynecological cancers can be difficult. In America, every six minutes a woman is diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer. And, according to the American Cancer Society, this year alone an estimated be 92,000 women will be diagnosed with a gynecological cancer in the United States. Sadly, this will also result in a predicted 28,000 women killed by various forms of this group of cancers.

Some of these gynecologic cancers have been called “silent killers” because women are often unaware of the signs and symptoms associated with these cancers and do not catch them until it is too late.

For more information, go to Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18551138Mon, 15 Jul 2019 06:33:36 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief, recorded during the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, ASCO, being held May 31 – June 4, 2019, Peter Hofland talks with Lee Schwartzberg MD, FACP, is a Medical Oncologist and...
Today in The OncoZine Brief Hofland an hus guests discuss two different aspects of the treatment of cancer: palliative and supportive care and the treatment of Gynecological cancers.

Hofland's interview with Dr. Lee Schwartzberg confirmed the importance of Palliative and supportive care in the treatment of patients with cancer. In essence, Palliative care is focused on improving the quality of life for people living with a serious illness like cancer. People with cancer may receive palliative care at any time from the point of diagnosis, throughout treatment, and beyond. This kind of care helps patients and caregivers manage the symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment.

In the second part of the program, Hofland and Dr. Shannon Westinwe spoke about the progress made in the treatment of Gynecological cancers.

While all women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and this risk increases with age, when gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective. But, the diagnosis of gynecological cancers can be difficult. In America, every six minutes a woman is diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer. And, according to the American Cancer Society, this year alone an estimated be 92,000 women will be diagnosed with a gynecological cancer in the United States. Sadly, this will also result in a predicted 28,000 women killed by various forms of this group of cancers.

Some of these gynecologic cancers have been called “silent killers” because women are often unaware of the signs and symptoms associated with these cancers and do not catch them until it is too late.

For more information, go to Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2683cancer,care,gynecological,palliative,supportive,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asco-2019-the-courage-and-expertese-to-outsmart-cancer--18550679
The American Society of Clinical Oncology is the world's leading professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals caring for people with cancer. During the annual meeting Peter Hofland spoke with:

• Anna Protopapas, the president and Chief Executive Office of Mersana Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotech company developing antibody-drug conjugates – a very specific kind of targeted anti-cancer drug;
• Eliran Malki, the Chief executive officer of BELONG.life, the world’s largest social network for cancer patients and caregivers designed to gain a better understanding of the cancer patient journey, with the goal of optimizing treatment and outcomes;
• Dr. Rod Humerickhouse, asset strategy leader oncology at AbbVie, a highly focused research-driven biopharmaceutical company. As a major developer of anticancer drugs, AbbVie’s oncology scientists understand that outsmarting cancer takes a potent combination of courage, scientific expertise and strategy.

For more information, go to Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18550679Mon, 15 Jul 2019 04:45:25 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland report from the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology – ASCO – which was held May 31st – June 4th, 2019. The American Society of Clinical Oncology is the world's leading...
The American Society of Clinical Oncology is the world's leading professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals caring for people with cancer. During the annual meeting Peter Hofland spoke with:

• Anna Protopapas, the president and Chief Executive Office of Mersana Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotech company developing antibody-drug conjugates – a very specific kind of targeted anti-cancer drug;
• Eliran Malki, the Chief executive officer of BELONG.life, the world’s largest social network for cancer patients and caregivers designed to gain a better understanding of the cancer patient journey, with the goal of optimizing treatment and outcomes;
• Dr. Rod Humerickhouse, asset strategy leader oncology at AbbVie, a highly focused research-driven biopharmaceutical company. As a major developer of anticancer drugs, AbbVie’s oncology scientists understand that outsmarting cancer takes a potent combination of courage, scientific expertise and strategy.

For more information, go to Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2821adc,cancer,targeted-therapies,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/patients-taking-back-control-of-their-own-healthcare-information--18281311
As part of a growing push to let patients control and manage their own medical history, Luskin’s Vyrty has launched a mobile app called Sync.MD that is designed by healthcare professionals to lets users – patients - store and share their own medical records with doctors. The app is a Personal Health Records (PHR-) system operated directly on behalf of and by patients, making them the real guardians of their health data.

As the custodian of their own healthcare information, patients can keep all their health data in one place and easily share it with health professionals to streamline registrations, referrals, and coordinated care. For patients, it takes just seconds to sync with any computer in a fully secure and encrypted process.

For healthcare professionals, Sync.MD makes it easy to share data and information in real-time (as required by HIPAA) with anyone involved in providing or assisting their your patient’s healthcare needs

The web-based interface grantees easy accessing, uploading, or downloading of documents and does no require the installation of complex software. The system is also easier and more affordable than large electronic health records (EHR) systems developed by the likes of Epic Systems, Cerner and Allscripts.

With multiple challenges in accessing and sharing data via legacy EHR-system as a result of remaining interoperability problems, Sync.MD-developers have created an easy to integrated, and low-costs, system designed to benefit both patients and doctors.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18281311Sat, 15 Jun 2019 17:22:48 +0000Peter HoflandThis week The Onco’Zine Brief comes from Chicago, Illinois and the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) being held May 31 – June 4, 2019. In this episode Peter Hofland talks with a Eugene Luskin, Chief Executive Officer...
As part of a growing push to let patients control and manage their own medical history, Luskin’s Vyrty has launched a mobile app called Sync.MD that is designed by healthcare professionals to lets users – patients - store and share their own medical records with doctors. The app is a Personal Health Records (PHR-) system operated directly on behalf of and by patients, making them the real guardians of their health data.

As the custodian of their own healthcare information, patients can keep all their health data in one place and easily share it with health professionals to streamline registrations, referrals, and coordinated care. For patients, it takes just seconds to sync with any computer in a fully secure and encrypted process.

For healthcare professionals, Sync.MD makes it easy to share data and information in real-time (as required by HIPAA) with anyone involved in providing or assisting their your patient’s healthcare needs

The web-based interface grantees easy accessing, uploading, or downloading of documents and does no require the installation of complex software. The system is also easier and more affordable than large electronic health records (EHR) systems developed by the likes of Epic Systems, Cerner and Allscripts.

With multiple challenges in accessing and sharing data via legacy EHR-system as a result of remaining interoperability problems, Sync.MD-developers have created an easy to integrated, and low-costs, system designed to benefit both patients and doctors.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2762custodian,data,doctors,ehr-system,guardians,hcp,healthcare,hipaa,information,interoperability,patients,records,syncmd,vyrtyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/beyond-the-emergence-of-targeted-therapies-and-the-treatment-of-bladder-cancer--18223848
In this episode Peter Hofland talks with a Adil Akhtar, MD, an Oncologist and Palliative Care Expert, Associate Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology at the Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine. He is also director, of Inpatient Clinical Operations at the Karmanos-McLaren Oakland Cancer Center in Michigan and Chief, Division of Palliative & End of Life Care, Michigan Health Professionals.

Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the U.S., with 81,000 new cases diagnosed each year, and 17,000 deaths annually. The most common type of bladder cancers arises from the transitional epithelium and are called transitional cell or urothelial carcinomas.

Typically, the patient’s choice of treatment will depend on the invasion of the muscle layer of the bladder, and has traditionally involved surgery, chemotherapy and/ or radiation treatment.

Earlier this year, a new drug called erdafitinib, marketed as Balversa® (The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson), was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This drug is part of a new crop of potentially life-saving drugs is radically changing what the future of cancer care looks like— and improving outcomes for patients suffering from some of the most prevalent cancers. In the United States erdafitinib, the first-ever personalized treatment for bladder cancer, is one of these drugs.

Immunotherapy is also increasingly used in advanced stages, but until now there have been no approved targeted agents for bladder cancer.

The way physicians approach the disease is rapidly transforming. Tailoring treatment in accordance with the patient’s precise genetic mutation or biomarker is quickly becoming the new standard in cancer care. This is in contrast to the traditional way of thinking in which cancer was specifically focusing on an organ or body part (i.e. brain cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, etc.).

The use of targeted therapies in bladder cancer is still an emerging field of research— but the apparent success of erdafitinib showcases the promise they may hold.

Palliative Care Expert.
In addition to being an oncologist, Dr. Akhtar’s medical specializations also include, palliative care and end of life/hospice care. He believes that everyone has a right to decide what kind of medical care they want. He is very passionate about the healthcare living will and advance care planning. He has founded Advance Care Now to help people understand and make decisions about advance care planning.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18223848Mon, 10 Jun 2019 03:36:23 +0000Peter HoflandThis week The Onco’Zine Brief comes from Chicago, Illinois and the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) being held May 31 – June 4, 2019. In this episode Peter Hofland talks with a Adil Akhtar, MD, an Oncologist and...
In this episode Peter Hofland talks with a Adil Akhtar, MD, an Oncologist and Palliative Care Expert, Associate Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology at the Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine. He is also director, of Inpatient Clinical Operations at the Karmanos-McLaren Oakland Cancer Center in Michigan and Chief, Division of Palliative & End of Life Care, Michigan Health Professionals.

Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the U.S., with 81,000 new cases diagnosed each year, and 17,000 deaths annually. The most common type of bladder cancers arises from the transitional epithelium and are called transitional cell or urothelial carcinomas.

Typically, the patient’s choice of treatment will depend on the invasion of the muscle layer of the bladder, and has traditionally involved surgery, chemotherapy and/ or radiation treatment.

Earlier this year, a new drug called erdafitinib, marketed as Balversa® (The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson), was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This drug is part of a new crop of potentially life-saving drugs is radically changing what the future of cancer care looks like— and improving outcomes for patients suffering from some of the most prevalent cancers. In the United States erdafitinib, the first-ever personalized treatment for bladder cancer, is one of these drugs.

Immunotherapy is also increasingly used in advanced stages, but until now there have been no approved targeted agents for bladder cancer.

The way physicians approach the disease is rapidly transforming. Tailoring treatment in accordance with the patient’s precise genetic mutation or biomarker is quickly becoming the new standard in cancer care. This is in contrast to the traditional way of thinking in which cancer was specifically focusing on an organ or body part (i.e. brain cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, etc.).

The use of targeted therapies in bladder cancer is still an emerging field of research— but the apparent success of erdafitinib showcases the promise they may hold.

Palliative Care Expert.
In addition to being an oncologist, Dr. Akhtar’s medical specializations also include, palliative care and end of life/hospice care. He believes that everyone has a right to decide what kind of medical care they want. He is very passionate about the healthcare living will and advance care planning. He has founded Advance Care Now to help people understand and make decisions about advance care planning.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2845asco,balversa®,bladder,cancer,care,erdafitinib,immunotherapy,oncology,palliative,soc,transforming,treatment,urothelialfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/immuno-oncology-augmenting-the-immune-system-s-natural-ability-to-see-and-eliminate-cancer--18126436
The company is developing an investigational drug called NT-219, a novel small molecule drug designed to targets two signal proteins that are part of an anti-cancer drug resistance mechanism. 
Based on recent findings, Kitov researchers demonstrated that NT-219 binds directly to the two proteins.

In previous preclinical models where NT-219 was administered in combination with various oncology therapies, outstanding efficacy in preventing acquired resistance and reversing tumor resistance was demonstrated.

Immuno-oncology is increasingly recognized as the future in cancer therapy and many immuno-oncology candidates, including NT-219, have been identified and are currently being tested in preclinical studies or the clinic.

Founded upon the key principles of the immune response, Immuno-Oncology research seeks to understand how the body’s natural defenses, can be leveraged to empower antitumor immunity.
Immuno-oncology is different than traditional cancer treatments.

It works by augmenting the immune system’s natural ability to see and eliminate cancer cells much in the same way it protects us against infection from viruses and bacteria.

As a living, dynamic system, the immune system is able to detect cancer anywhere in the body, which is especially important in treating patients with cancers that have spread or metastasized to other organs.

Recent clinical success has resulted in the approval of a number of novel immuno-oncology therapies, both alone and in combination with other treatments, for nearly 20 types of cancer, including advanced solid tumor and blood cancers as well as cancers with a specific genetic defect resulting in a high frequency of mutation, regardless of tissue type.

In bladder cancer, melanoma, and certain types of lung cancer, these immuno-oncology therapies have received approval by the Unites States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as first-line treatment, replacing or, in the case of combination therapies, improving conventional treatments like chemotherapy.

Immuno-oncology therapies are also FDA-approved to treat some patients for whom prior treatments were ineffective. Today, clinical trials are ongoing to test the benefits of Immuno-oncology agents in many other types of cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18126436Thu, 30 May 2019 19:39:43 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Mr. Isaac Israel, the CEO of Kitov Pharma, a pharmaceutical drug development company developing new options to treat osteoarthritis pain and hypertension simultaneously, as well as novel...
The company is developing an investigational drug called NT-219, a novel small molecule drug designed to targets two signal proteins that are part of an anti-cancer drug resistance mechanism. 
Based on recent findings, Kitov researchers demonstrated that NT-219 binds directly to the two proteins.

In previous preclinical models where NT-219 was administered in combination with various oncology therapies, outstanding efficacy in preventing acquired resistance and reversing tumor resistance was demonstrated.

Immuno-oncology is increasingly recognized as the future in cancer therapy and many immuno-oncology candidates, including NT-219, have been identified and are currently being tested in preclinical studies or the clinic.

Founded upon the key principles of the immune response, Immuno-Oncology research seeks to understand how the body’s natural defenses, can be leveraged to empower antitumor immunity.
Immuno-oncology is different than traditional cancer treatments.

It works by augmenting the immune system’s natural ability to see and eliminate cancer cells much in the same way it protects us against infection from viruses and bacteria.

As a living, dynamic system, the immune system is able to detect cancer anywhere in the body, which is especially important in treating patients with cancers that have spread or metastasized to other organs.

Recent clinical success has resulted in the approval of a number of novel immuno-oncology therapies, both alone and in combination with other treatments, for nearly 20 types of cancer, including advanced solid tumor and blood cancers as well as cancers with a specific genetic defect resulting in a high frequency of mutation, regardless of tissue type.

In bladder cancer, melanoma, and certain types of lung cancer, these immuno-oncology therapies have received approval by the Unites States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as first-line treatment, replacing or, in the case of combination therapies, improving conventional treatments like chemotherapy.

Immuno-oncology therapies are also FDA-approved to treat some patients for whom prior treatments were ineffective. Today, clinical trials are ongoing to test the benefits of Immuno-oncology agents in many other types of cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2891bladder,chemotherapy,combinatio-therapies,immuno-oncology,kitov,melanoma,nt-219falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/better-pain-management-improves-health-related-quality-of-life-hrqol--18126355
An internationally recognized Interventional Pain Specialist, board certified in hospice and palliative medicine and pain management, Dr. Stearns’ passion for changing the face of acute and chronic pain-treatment is evidenced by her ongoing care for her patients and her active research to find a better way to manage pain.

In addition to her work at the Center for Pain and Supportive Care, Dr. Stearns has authored numerous research articles and frequently speaks at medical society meetings around the world to share her knowledge and her passion to help her patients.

Cancer and cancer treatments can be painful. And patients often experience pain from surgery - from tumors pressing on bones, nerves, or organs and from chemotherapy and radiation. But each of these kinds of pain can be controlled and kept at a bearable level.

Dr. Sterns and her co-workers at the Center for Pain and Supportive Care work with cancer patients to develop a unique pain-management and rehabilitation-plan, based on a patient’s type of cancer.

Using a palliative care model Dr. Stearns brings together a team of healthcare professionals to help create the best possible quality of life for her patients and their overall health and wellness.

As a nation we battle an escalating opioid-overdose crisis – driven by synthetic opioids such as fentanyl but also tramadol and other drugs. Based on the latest data, this crisis claims more than 100 lives per day.

In their response to this crisis, the government has enacted tougher new laws and regulations on opioid prescribing. These laws are, however well-intentioned, also restricting access to opioids for cancer patients. At the same time, opioid-use, has an addiction stigma among many patients with cancer.

But, how common are opioid-related deaths in patients with cancer? To answer this question, researchers at the Duke University School of Medicine conducted a retrospective review of death certificate data from the National Center of Health Statistics, which provides information about the cause of death as well as and the contributing factors. The researchers looked at data from deaths due to opioids from 2006 to 2016.

They calculated the opioid death incidence from the estimated cancer survivor population, as well as the total population of the United States. The researchers found that from 2006 to 2016, about 900 deaths were related to opioids in patients with cancer.

However, this was compared with about 200,000 deaths in the non-cancer population.
Opioid deaths in both groups did increase over time, from about 5 to almost 9 per 100,000 people in the general population and 0.5 to 0.7 per 100,000 in the cancer patient population.

The researchers noted that in real, practical terms, the volume of overdose deaths in patients with cancer is very small. It increased from 59 patients in 2006 to 102 patients in 2016. The researchers involved in this study found that deaths from opioid abuse, as the primary cause of death, is about 10 times less likely to occur in patients with cancer.

Healthcare professionals like Dr. Lisa Stearns are committed to help cancer patients with pain management designed to improve the individual’s health related Quality of Life.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18126355Thu, 30 May 2019 19:31:02 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talk with Dr. Lisa Stearns, the founder and medical director of Center for Pain and Supportive Care, in Phoenix, Arizona. An internationally recognized Interventional Pain Specialist, board...
An internationally recognized Interventional Pain Specialist, board certified in hospice and palliative medicine and pain management, Dr. Stearns’ passion for changing the face of acute and chronic pain-treatment is evidenced by her ongoing care for her patients and her active research to find a better way to manage pain.

In addition to her work at the Center for Pain and Supportive Care, Dr. Stearns has authored numerous research articles and frequently speaks at medical society meetings around the world to share her knowledge and her passion to help her patients.

Cancer and cancer treatments can be painful. And patients often experience pain from surgery - from tumors pressing on bones, nerves, or organs and from chemotherapy and radiation. But each of these kinds of pain can be controlled and kept at a bearable level.

Dr. Sterns and her co-workers at the Center for Pain and Supportive Care work with cancer patients to develop a unique pain-management and rehabilitation-plan, based on a patient’s type of cancer.

Using a palliative care model Dr. Stearns brings together a team of healthcare professionals to help create the best possible quality of life for her patients and their overall health and wellness.

As a nation we battle an escalating opioid-overdose crisis – driven by synthetic opioids such as fentanyl but also tramadol and other drugs. Based on the latest data, this crisis claims more than 100 lives per day.

In their response to this crisis, the government has enacted tougher new laws and regulations on opioid prescribing. These laws are, however well-intentioned, also restricting access to opioids for cancer patients. At the same time, opioid-use, has an addiction stigma among many patients with cancer.

But, how common are opioid-related deaths in patients with cancer? To answer this question, researchers at the Duke University School of Medicine conducted a retrospective review of death certificate data from the National Center of Health Statistics, which provides information about the cause of death as well as and the contributing factors. The researchers looked at data from deaths due to opioids from 2006 to 2016.

They calculated the opioid death incidence from the estimated cancer survivor population, as well as the total population of the United States. The researchers found that from 2006 to 2016, about 900 deaths were related to opioids in patients with cancer.

However, this was compared with about 200,000 deaths in the non-cancer population.
Opioid deaths in both groups did increase over time, from about 5 to almost 9 per 100,000 people in the general population and 0.5 to 0.7 per 100,000 in the cancer patient population.

The researchers noted that in real, practical terms, the volume of overdose deaths in patients with cancer is very small. It increased from 59 patients in 2006 to 102 patients in 2016. The researchers involved in this study found that deaths from opioid abuse, as the primary cause of death, is about 10 times less likely to occur in patients with cancer.

Healthcare professionals like Dr. Lisa Stearns are committed to help cancer patients with pain management designed to improve the individual’s health related Quality of Life.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2864cancer,cancertreatment,care,fentanyl,health,hrqol,opioid-overdose,opioids,pain,pain-management,rehabilitation-plan,support,tramadol,wellnessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-new-combination-therapy-may-help-stop-triple-negative-breast-cancer-from-spreading--18126297
Together with a team of researchers Dr. Hyder found that a combination drug therapy, reduces the spread of triple negative breast cancer to other locations of the body by 50%

A breast cancer cell is like a house with three locks on the front door. Keys, or receptors, allow drugs to unlock the door and kill the cell. However, in triple-negative breast cancer, these keys are absent, thereby resulting in few options for drug therapy.

Until now.

A protein called p53 suppresses and kills cancer in people.

However, in contrast - a defective, mutant form of p53 helps cancer cells grow and multiply.

Triple negative breast cancer lacks ways to treat the cancer with hormone therapies or anti-HER2 targeted therapies. While chemotherapy can work well in Triple Negative Breast cancer – and a patient may even respond better to chemotherapy than some other types of breast cancer - these drugs are toxic, and non-specific.

Research has shown that most people who die as the result of breast cancer, in particular women with triple-negative breast cancer, do so following metastasis, or spread of the cancer to other organs in the body. Triple negative breast cancer lacks ways to treat the cancer with hormone therapies or anti-HER2 targeted therapies.

While chemotherapy can work well in Triple Negative Breast cancer – and a patient with Triple Negative Breast cancer may even respond better to chemotherapy than patients with other types of breast cancer – chemotherapeutic drugs are generally toxic, and non-specific.

Dr. Hyder and his team wanted to see if a new combination therapy could provide a new, non-toxic targeted approach for treatment. In a preclinical study with two previously discovered drugs —one that restores the p53 protein’s ability to kill cancer cells and another that targets the blood vessels in order to kill cancer cells — they observed an effect on metastatic triple negative breast cancer.

And according to the researchers, the results are promising. Dr Hyder noted that the cancer did not spread as fast when both drugs were given separately, and a little more with the combination of the two agents.

The two investigational drugs, APR-246 and 2aG4, are currently in clinical trials. Researchers hope that these findings will help enhance personalized treatment for breast cancer by reducing existing cancer cells and preventing the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18126297Thu, 30 May 2019 19:20:44 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Dr. Salman Hyder, Professor in Tumor Angiogenesis and professor of biomedical sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center at the...
Together with a team of researchers Dr. Hyder found that a combination drug therapy, reduces the spread of triple negative breast cancer to other locations of the body by 50%

A breast cancer cell is like a house with three locks on the front door. Keys, or receptors, allow drugs to unlock the door and kill the cell. However, in triple-negative breast cancer, these keys are absent, thereby resulting in few options for drug therapy.

Until now.

A protein called p53 suppresses and kills cancer in people.

However, in contrast - a defective, mutant form of p53 helps cancer cells grow and multiply.

Triple negative breast cancer lacks ways to treat the cancer with hormone therapies or anti-HER2 targeted therapies. While chemotherapy can work well in Triple Negative Breast cancer – and a patient may even respond better to chemotherapy than some other types of breast cancer - these drugs are toxic, and non-specific.

Research has shown that most people who die as the result of breast cancer, in particular women with triple-negative breast cancer, do so following metastasis, or spread of the cancer to other organs in the body. Triple negative breast cancer lacks ways to treat the cancer with hormone therapies or anti-HER2 targeted therapies.

While chemotherapy can work well in Triple Negative Breast cancer – and a patient with Triple Negative Breast cancer may even respond better to chemotherapy than patients with other types of breast cancer – chemotherapeutic drugs are generally toxic, and non-specific.

Dr. Hyder and his team wanted to see if a new combination therapy could provide a new, non-toxic targeted approach for treatment. In a preclinical study with two previously discovered drugs —one that restores the p53 protein’s ability to kill cancer cells and another that targets the blood vessels in order to kill cancer cells — they observed an effect on metastatic triple negative breast cancer.

And according to the researchers, the results are promising. Dr Hyder noted that the cancer did not spread as fast when both drugs were given separately, and a little more with the combination of the two agents.

The two investigational drugs, APR-246 and 2aG4, are currently in clinical trials. Researchers hope that these findings will help enhance personalized treatment for breast cancer by reducing existing cancer cells and preventing the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>26782ag4,anti-her2,apr-246,breastcancer,cancer,chemotherapy,cytotoxic,hormone,hyder,non-specific,p53,tnbc,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/improving-the-effect-of-anti-cancer-radiation-and-chemotherapy--18126095
The company is developing a number of drug candidates including an advanced dosage formulation of the generic anti-cancer agent called idronoxil, which is designed to specifically target cancer cells, rendering them less able to survive radiotherapy. The drug is marketed as Veyonda®

Radiation seeks to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA beyond any ability of the cancer cell to repair that damage.

However, all cells have a well-developed mechanism to repair DNA damage. And if a cancer cell is successful in repairing the damage caused by radiation designed to kill it, and survives, therapy is unsuccessful.

Scientists have developed a number of drugs designed to block that repair mechanism.
This means that more cancer cells can be killed following radiotherapy.

Unfortunately, many of these agents have not yet been successful. One reason is that they do not discriminate between repair mechanisms in cancer cells and repair mechanisms in healthy cells. And these drugs also increase the toxic side-effects of radiotherapy, countering any benefit from their use.

Idronoxil is different because it only blocks repair mechanisms in cancer cells... as a result, healthy cells remain unaffected. But in order to block the repair mechanism, idronoxil needs to be present on a continuous basis. When it is not present, the repair process continues unabated.

Researchers at Noxopharm have been able to develop a formulation of idronoxil that keeps the agent in the body in an active form for long periods of time.

The result is a continuous anti-cancer effect for as many days as the drug is administered. The drug has also being studies as an adjunct therapy to a standard of care chemotherapy drug.

The purpose of this approach is to increasing the sensitivity of widely-used chemotherapies while, at the same time, reducing many the well-documented damaging side-effects.

Earlier this year data from the first series of pre-clinical studies confirmed that idronoxil activates the cells associated with both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Noxopharm’s Veyonda® works in tandem with both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The drug is designed to increasing the number of cancer cells killed by those treatments.

But the drug goes a step further when it acts as an immuno-oncology drug by switching on the body’s first-line immune defense mechanism. This is the main mechanism responsible for fighting cancer. What distinguishes Noxopharm’s investigational drug is that it works with, not against the body’s defenses against cancer.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are destructive treatments. Although they are designed to kill cancer, they can also damage healthy cells. And unfortunately they can also damage the defense mechanisms that the body relies on to fight cancer. The end result with standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy is a restricted anti-cancer effect because those treatments may also have disabled the body’s defense mechanisms. 

The aim NoxoPharm’s treatment is that it ensures that the immune system is switched ON and Primed to kill any cancer cells that survive the chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

This early defense system is known as the innate immune system and is very effective at detecting and eradicating abnormal cells such as cancer cells. Noxopharm’s Veyonda® is considered to be a first-in-class activator of the innate immune system. This is the system, that scientists increasingly are beginning to see, must be activated if a cancer is to have any chance of being permanently eradicated.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18126095Thu, 30 May 2019 19:13:04 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Greg Van Wyk, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Noxopharm, a clinical-stage Australian drug development company with offices in Sydney, New York and Hong Kong. The...
The company is developing a number of drug candidates including an advanced dosage formulation of the generic anti-cancer agent called idronoxil, which is designed to specifically target cancer cells, rendering them less able to survive radiotherapy. The drug is marketed as Veyonda®

Radiation seeks to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA beyond any ability of the cancer cell to repair that damage.

However, all cells have a well-developed mechanism to repair DNA damage. And if a cancer cell is successful in repairing the damage caused by radiation designed to kill it, and survives, therapy is unsuccessful.

Scientists have developed a number of drugs designed to block that repair mechanism.
This means that more cancer cells can be killed following radiotherapy.

Unfortunately, many of these agents have not yet been successful. One reason is that they do not discriminate between repair mechanisms in cancer cells and repair mechanisms in healthy cells. And these drugs also increase the toxic side-effects of radiotherapy, countering any benefit from their use.

Idronoxil is different because it only blocks repair mechanisms in cancer cells... as a result, healthy cells remain unaffected. But in order to block the repair mechanism, idronoxil needs to be present on a continuous basis. When it is not present, the repair process continues unabated.

Researchers at Noxopharm have been able to develop a formulation of idronoxil that keeps the agent in the body in an active form for long periods of time.

The result is a continuous anti-cancer effect for as many days as the drug is administered. The drug has also being studies as an adjunct therapy to a standard of care chemotherapy drug.

The purpose of this approach is to increasing the sensitivity of widely-used chemotherapies while, at the same time, reducing many the well-documented damaging side-effects.

Earlier this year data from the first series of pre-clinical studies confirmed that idronoxil activates the cells associated with both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Noxopharm’s Veyonda® works in tandem with both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The drug is designed to increasing the number of cancer cells killed by those treatments.

But the drug goes a step further when it acts as an immuno-oncology drug by switching on the body’s first-line immune defense mechanism. This is the main mechanism responsible for fighting cancer. What distinguishes Noxopharm’s investigational drug is that it works with, not against the body’s defenses against cancer.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are destructive treatments. Although they are designed to kill cancer, they can also damage healthy cells. And unfortunately they can also damage the defense mechanisms that the body relies on to fight cancer. The end result with standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy is a restricted anti-cancer effect because those treatments may also have disabled the body’s defense mechanisms. 

The aim NoxoPharm’s treatment is that it ensures that the immune system is switched ON and Primed to kill any cancer cells that survive the chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

This early defense system is known as the innate immune system and is very effective at detecting and eradicating abnormal cells such as cancer cells. Noxopharm’s Veyonda® is considered to be a first-in-class activator of the innate immune system. This is the system, that scientists increasingly are beginning to see, must be activated if a cancer is to have any chance of being permanently eradicated.

Become a supporter of this podcast: 2873cancer,cancerresearch,cancertherapy,cancertreatment,chemotherapy,idronoxil,immuno-oncology,noxopharm,pre-clinical,radiotherapy,veyondafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ending-the-opioid-crisis-how-targeted-drug-delivery-may-improve-pain-management--17820795
While considered safe, reliable, and effective for all types of pain, opioids are also a potentially abuseable drugs. And the public health consequence of opioid abuse, is really bad.

More than 11.5 million people abused prescription opioids. As a result, every day, more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for misusing prescription opioids.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the total economic burden of prescription opioid misuse in the United States alone, to be $78.5 billion dollar each year.
This includes the costs of health care, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and the involvement of the criminal justice system.

A review of latest information also confirms that many steps to mitigate and reduce the risks associated with long-term systemic opioid use, including misuse, addiction and overdose -- have failed – leading to the Opioid Crisis we see today.

The burden of cancer continues to increase on a personal and societal level – and the National Cancer Institute projects that the yearly cost of cancer treatment in the United States will increase to $157 billion in 2020.

And pain is prevalent in all cancer patients. A recent study published in the journal of the American Medical Association confirms that 55 percent of cancer patients, undergoing active treatment, report pain.

Pain has been identified as a preventable reason for hospital admission and is associated with more than 40 percent of cancer Emergency Room visits. And despite increased health care utilization cost, in most cases, liberal oral opioid use for cancer pain, remains the standard of care. So, what can be done to provide better care for patients? Are their alternatives?

In this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Hofland and Covert talk about Medtronic, a company with a 40-year history of developing medical devices.

One of their options to help patients with acute and chronic pain involves Targeted Drug Delivery.

And the results of this approach are noteworthy.

In one study published in Neuromodulation, a peer-reviewed journal, patients report a reduction in pain scores after receiving targeted drug delivery. The journal also reports that more than 51% of patients completely eliminated the use of other prescribed opioids within 12 months.

Another study, this one published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, shows that using targeted drug delivery may also reduce health care utilization and cost for cancer-pain patients.

This study found significant cost savings to payors, with fewer inpatient visits, shorter inpatient length of stay, and fewer emergency department visits.

This good news for doctors helping their patients

It’s good news for friends and family members of cancer patients

But above all, it’s good news for cancer patients suffering from acute and chronic pain.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17820795Fri, 03 May 2019 01:24:06 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Charlie Covert, Vice President & General Manager Targeted Drug Delivery, Restorative Therapies Group - Pain Division at Medtronic, about opioids and pain management in patients with...
While considered safe, reliable, and effective for all types of pain, opioids are also a potentially abuseable drugs. And the public health consequence of opioid abuse, is really bad.

More than 11.5 million people abused prescription opioids. As a result, every day, more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for misusing prescription opioids.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the total economic burden of prescription opioid misuse in the United States alone, to be $78.5 billion dollar each year.
This includes the costs of health care, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and the involvement of the criminal justice system.

A review of latest information also confirms that many steps to mitigate and reduce the risks associated with long-term systemic opioid use, including misuse, addiction and overdose -- have failed – leading to the Opioid Crisis we see today.

The burden of cancer continues to increase on a personal and societal level – and the National Cancer Institute projects that the yearly cost of cancer treatment in the United States will increase to $157 billion in 2020.

And pain is prevalent in all cancer patients. A recent study published in the journal of the American Medical Association confirms that 55 percent of cancer patients, undergoing active treatment, report pain.

Pain has been identified as a preventable reason for hospital admission and is associated with more than 40 percent of cancer Emergency Room visits. And despite increased health care utilization cost, in most cases, liberal oral opioid use for cancer pain, remains the standard of care. So, what can be done to provide better care for patients? Are their alternatives?

In this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Hofland and Covert talk about Medtronic, a company with a 40-year history of developing medical devices.

One of their options to help patients with acute and chronic pain involves Targeted Drug Delivery.

And the results of this approach are noteworthy.

In one study published in Neuromodulation, a peer-reviewed journal, patients report a reduction in pain scores after receiving targeted drug delivery. The journal also reports that more than 51% of patients completely eliminated the use of other prescribed opioids within 12 months.

Another study, this one published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, shows that using targeted drug delivery may also reduce health care utilization and cost for cancer-pain patients.

This study found significant cost savings to payors, with fewer inpatient visits, shorter inpatient length of stay, and fewer emergency department visits.

This good news for doctors helping their patients

It’s good news for friends and family members of cancer patients

But above all, it’s good news for cancer patients suffering from acute and chronic pain.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2874abuse,acute,cancer,chronic,crisis,epidemic,healthcare,help,hematology,insurance,medtronic,neuromodulation,oncology,opioid,opioid-involved,overdoses,pain,tdd,therapy,utilizationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/get-a-colonoscopy-prevent-colorectal-cancer--17726759
Hofland and Vega talk about the prevention of colorectal cancer by means of a colonoscopy.

Unfortunately, many people postpone or refuse a colonoscopy because of fear.

Dr. Vega, one of the newest members of the Digestive Health Center at Augusta University in Georgia, has made it his mission to turn anxiety, fear and stress about the procedure into peace, calmness and relaxation about the experience.

In this episode learn more about how to benefit from a colonoscopy and how to best prepare.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17726759Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:19:38 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Dr. Kenneth Vega, chief of Gastroenterology and co-director of the Digestive Health Center at Augusta University Health, a public research university and academic medical center located...
Hofland and Vega talk about the prevention of colorectal cancer by means of a colonoscopy.

Unfortunately, many people postpone or refuse a colonoscopy because of fear.

Dr. Vega, one of the newest members of the Digestive Health Center at Augusta University in Georgia, has made it his mission to turn anxiety, fear and stress about the procedure into peace, calmness and relaxation about the experience.

In this episode learn more about how to benefit from a colonoscopy and how to best prepare.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2586cancer,colonoscopy,diagnosis,fear,health,healthcare,preventionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/towards-the-first-blood-test-for-colorectal-cancer-screening-and-prevention--17662465
Ms. Sundar is Vice President of Strategy and Market Access at CellMax Life, a company developing a simple blood test or liquid biopsy for cancer screening. The company is using a proprietary technology for detecting pre-cancer and cancer cells in a single blood sample.

Together with a team of experts across multiple disciplines, including pre-cancer and cancer cell capture and imaging, algorithm development, biostatistics, and development and commercialization of clinical grade tests, CellMax Life is developing a liquid biopsy for the detection of colorectal cancer.

The benefit of liquid biopsies is that they are non-invasive and require only a small amount of blood. The biggest benefit of these tests is that they help detect disease and disease progression early, long before this may trigger clinical symptoms.

One of the applications of CellMax Life’s product is in Colorectal Cancer.

According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women the United States. Each year there more 150,000 people who hear that they have been diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer These new cases require an estimated US $14 billion dollar spent on treatment each year.

But most cases of colorectal cancer can be prevented with proper screening, early detection, and removal of precancerous polyps. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard of colorectal cancer screening. The reason is that a colonoscopy allows a doctor to view the entire colon, and both detect and remove polyps during the same procedure.

Unfortunately, recent data shows that less than 40%, of people undergo a Colonoscopy. And more importantly, approximately two-thirds of the Americans aged 50 - 75 years of age is up-to-date with Colorectal Cancer Screening. That leaves one-third of Americans who are not. This is an estimated of 23 million people.

Researchers have long been looking for a simple blood test to help them diagnose colorectal cancer. And earlier this year, CellMax Life presented new findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium, indicating that their blood test, based on their proprietary technology, can detect pre-cancers with close to 90% accuracy.

CellMax Life's blood test isolates and analyzes both circulating tumor cells and cell-free DNA from a sample of blood to detect six types of analytes, including four classes of genomic mutations, microsatellite instability, and circulating tumor cells.

The results of the study show that it is possible to accurately differentiate between healthy patients and those with pre-cancer. Further, an increase in cell count was significantly correlated with an increase in disease severity. And while a colonoscopy remains the Gold Standard, these results are exciting, because for the very first time patients who are reluctant or unwilling to undergo a colonoscopy, may have a potential screening alternative - a highly sensitive non-invasive testing option for pre-cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17662465Wed, 17 Apr 2019 02:10:27 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Padma Sundar. Ms. Sundar is Vice President of Strategy and Market Access at CellMax Life, a company developing a simple blood test or liquid biopsy for cancer screening. The company is...
Ms. Sundar is Vice President of Strategy and Market Access at CellMax Life, a company developing a simple blood test or liquid biopsy for cancer screening. The company is using a proprietary technology for detecting pre-cancer and cancer cells in a single blood sample.

Together with a team of experts across multiple disciplines, including pre-cancer and cancer cell capture and imaging, algorithm development, biostatistics, and development and commercialization of clinical grade tests, CellMax Life is developing a liquid biopsy for the detection of colorectal cancer.

The benefit of liquid biopsies is that they are non-invasive and require only a small amount of blood. The biggest benefit of these tests is that they help detect disease and disease progression early, long before this may trigger clinical symptoms.

One of the applications of CellMax Life’s product is in Colorectal Cancer.

According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women the United States. Each year there more 150,000 people who hear that they have been diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer These new cases require an estimated US $14 billion dollar spent on treatment each year.

But most cases of colorectal cancer can be prevented with proper screening, early detection, and removal of precancerous polyps. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard of colorectal cancer screening. The reason is that a colonoscopy allows a doctor to view the entire colon, and both detect and remove polyps during the same procedure.

Unfortunately, recent data shows that less than 40%, of people undergo a Colonoscopy. And more importantly, approximately two-thirds of the Americans aged 50 - 75 years of age is up-to-date with Colorectal Cancer Screening. That leaves one-third of Americans who are not. This is an estimated of 23 million people.

Researchers have long been looking for a simple blood test to help them diagnose colorectal cancer. And earlier this year, CellMax Life presented new findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium, indicating that their blood test, based on their proprietary technology, can detect pre-cancers with close to 90% accuracy.

CellMax Life's blood test isolates and analyzes both circulating tumor cells and cell-free DNA from a sample of blood to detect six types of analytes, including four classes of genomic mutations, microsatellite instability, and circulating tumor cells.

The results of the study show that it is possible to accurately differentiate between healthy patients and those with pre-cancer. Further, an increase in cell count was significantly correlated with an increase in disease severity. And while a colonoscopy remains the Gold Standard, these results are exciting, because for the very first time patients who are reluctant or unwilling to undergo a colonoscopy, may have a potential screening alternative - a highly sensitive non-invasive testing option for pre-cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2719biopsy,blood,cancer,colorectal,testfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-bold-approach-to-identify-new-and-effective-therapies-for-malignant-brain-tumors--17577060
Dr. Sanai is the director of the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the principal architect of the Center’s accelerated clinical trials program, the largest in the word.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17577060Tue, 09 Apr 2019 04:14:17 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Dr. Nader Sanai an internationally-recognized neurosurgical oncologist with clinical and research expertise in the treatment of all brain tumors, including glioblastoma, the most...
Dr. Sanai is the director of the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the principal architect of the Center’s accelerated clinical trials program, the largest in the word.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2883brain,cancer,drugs,gbm,glioblastoma,ivy,neurology,pharma,phoenix,research,study,trial,tumorfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/curing-america-s-unpayable-trillion-dollar-healthcare-debt--17549875
In today's show Hofland and Goff talk about the problem of medical debt and how we got here. They talk about the impossibility of making insurance coverage broad and affordable when the cost of medical services is so prohibitive.

And finally, they talk about how "RIP Medical Debt," the organization he represents, helps to empower donors to forgive the billions in oppressive medical debt - while, at the same time, helping people to benefit from medical debt relief.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17549875Fri, 05 Apr 2019 23:59:56 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Robert Goff about Medical Debt. Goff is one of the co-authors of a new book (“End Medical Debt: Curing America’s $1 Trillion Unpayable Healthcare Debt”) about the subject. He co-authored...
In today's show Hofland and Goff talk about the problem of medical debt and how we got here. They talk about the impossibility of making insurance coverage broad and affordable when the cost of medical services is so prohibitive.

And finally, they talk about how "RIP Medical Debt," the organization he represents, helps to empower donors to forgive the billions in oppressive medical debt - while, at the same time, helping people to benefit from medical debt relief.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2882cancer,cure,debt,impossible,medical,non-profit,problem,relieffalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cannabinoid-based-drug-discovery-and-development-designed-to-benefit-cancer-patients--17499183
Chamberland, is a Master Herbalist as well as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of Tetra Bio-Pharma, a biopharmaceutical company developing cannabinoid-based drugs.

Tetra Bio-Pharma has a clinical development program aimed at bringing novel drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers.

To do this, the Company has several subsidiaries that are engaged in the development of Bio Pharmaceutical drugs and Natural Health Products containing Cannabis and other medicinal plant based elements.

Tetra Bio-Pharma is focused on combining the traditional methods of medicinal cannabis-use with the supporting scientific validation and safety-data required by federal and national regulators, physicians and insurance companies.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17499183Mon, 01 Apr 2019 15:44:36 +0000Peter HoflandThis week in The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D talks with Guy Chamberland, M.Sc., Ph.D, about medicinal cannabis. Chamberland, is a Master Herbalist as well as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of Tetra Bio-Pharma, a...
Chamberland, is a Master Herbalist as well as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of Tetra Bio-Pharma, a biopharmaceutical company developing cannabinoid-based drugs.

Tetra Bio-Pharma has a clinical development program aimed at bringing novel drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers.

To do this, the Company has several subsidiaries that are engaged in the development of Bio Pharmaceutical drugs and Natural Health Products containing Cannabis and other medicinal plant based elements.

Tetra Bio-Pharma is focused on combining the traditional methods of medicinal cannabis-use with the supporting scientific validation and safety-data required by federal and national regulators, physicians and insurance companies.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2896cancer,cannabinoid-based,cannabis,dea,drug,fda,health,healthcare,insurance,marijuana,medicine,natural,pain,pharma,pharmaceutical-grade,physicians,plant-based,regulators,science,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/national-colorectal-cancer-awareness-month-2019-part-3--17494623www.oncozine.com, Peter Hofland, PhD. talks with Paul J. Berggreen, MD and Daniel M. Jondle, MD, both from Arizona Digestive Health, in Phoenix, Arizona, and Sukhdeep S Padda, MD from Arizona Gastrointestinal Associates and Arrowhead Gastroenterology Associates, in Glendale, Arizona.

Colorectal Cancer is also the second leading cause of death from cancers that affect both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, the overall lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 22 for men and 1 in 24 for women. But in many cases the disease is preventable. And Prevention starts with awareness and accurate knowledge

This Month is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Doctors recommend screening for healthy people with no signs or symptoms in order to look for early evidence of Colorectal Cancer, which is also known as colon cancer.

Finding colorectal cancer at its earliest stage makes it easier to treat. Overall, screening has been shown to reduce the risk of dying of colorectal; cancer.

People with an average risk of colorectal cancer should consider screening beginning at age 50.

But if you have an increased risk, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, you should consider screening sooner.

In this episode listen to the experts when they discuss the ‘Gold Standard’ in screening for Colorectal Cancer as well as alternatives, share information about the latest treatment options and talk about the importance of clinical trials.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17494623Mon, 01 Apr 2019 05:18:35 +0000Peter HoflandIn the third and final part of a 3-part series about colorectal cancer, developed in collaboration with the online journal OncoZine at www.oncozine.com, Peter Hofland, PhD. talks with Paul J. Berggreen, MD and Daniel M. Jondle, MD, both from Arizona...www.oncozine.com, Peter Hofland, PhD. talks with Paul J. Berggreen, MD and Daniel M. Jondle, MD, both from Arizona Digestive Health, in Phoenix, Arizona, and Sukhdeep S Padda, MD from Arizona Gastrointestinal Associates and Arrowhead Gastroenterology Associates, in Glendale, Arizona.

Colorectal Cancer is also the second leading cause of death from cancers that affect both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, the overall lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 22 for men and 1 in 24 for women. But in many cases the disease is preventable. And Prevention starts with awareness and accurate knowledge

This Month is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Doctors recommend screening for healthy people with no signs or symptoms in order to look for early evidence of Colorectal Cancer, which is also known as colon cancer.

Finding colorectal cancer at its earliest stage makes it easier to treat. Overall, screening has been shown to reduce the risk of dying of colorectal; cancer.

People with an average risk of colorectal cancer should consider screening beginning at age 50.

But if you have an increased risk, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, you should consider screening sooner.

In this episode listen to the experts when they discuss the ‘Gold Standard’ in screening for Colorectal Cancer as well as alternatives, share information about the latest treatment options and talk about the importance of clinical trials.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2409cancer,colon,colonoscopy,colorectal,diagnostics,prevention,screening,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/national-colorectal-cancer-awareness-month-2019-part-2--17494597www.oncozine.com, Peter Hofland, PhD. talks with Paul J. Berggreen, MD and Daniel M. Jondle, MD, both from Arizona Digestive Health, in Phoenix, Arizona, and Sukhdeep S Padda, MD from Arizona Gastrointestinal Associates and Arrowhead Gastroenterology Associates, in Glendale, Arizona.

Colorectal Cancer is also the second leading cause of death from cancers that affect both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, the overall lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 22 for men and 1 in 24 for women. But in many cases the disease is preventable. And Prevention starts with awareness and accurate knowledge

This Month is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Doctors recommend screening for healthy people with no signs or symptoms in order to look for early evidence of Colorectal Cancer, which is also known as colon cancer.

Finding colorectal cancer at its earliest stage makes it easier to treat. Overall, screening has been shown to reduce the risk of dying of colorectal; cancer.

People with an average risk of colorectal cancer should consider screening beginning at age 50.

But if you have an increased risk, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, you should consider screening sooner.

In this episode listen to the experts when they discuss the ‘Gold Standard’ in screening for Colorectal Cancer as well as alternatives, share information about the latest treatment options and talk about the importance of clinical trials.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17494597Mon, 01 Apr 2019 05:13:31 +0000Peter HoflandIn the second part of a 3-part series about colorectal cancer, developed in collaboration with the online journal OncoZine at www.oncozine.com, Peter Hofland, PhD. talks with Paul J. Berggreen, MD and Daniel M. Jondle, MD, both from Arizona Digestive...www.oncozine.com, Peter Hofland, PhD. talks with Paul J. Berggreen, MD and Daniel M. Jondle, MD, both from Arizona Digestive Health, in Phoenix, Arizona, and Sukhdeep S Padda, MD from Arizona Gastrointestinal Associates and Arrowhead Gastroenterology Associates, in Glendale, Arizona.

Colorectal Cancer is also the second leading cause of death from cancers that affect both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, the overall lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 22 for men and 1 in 24 for women. But in many cases the disease is preventable. And Prevention starts with awareness and accurate knowledge

This Month is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Doctors recommend screening for healthy people with no signs or symptoms in order to look for early evidence of Colorectal Cancer, which is also known as colon cancer.

Finding colorectal cancer at its earliest stage makes it easier to treat. Overall, screening has been shown to reduce the risk of dying of colorectal; cancer.

People with an average risk of colorectal cancer should consider screening beginning at age 50.

But if you have an increased risk, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, you should consider screening sooner.

In this episode listen to the experts when they discuss the ‘Gold Standard’ in screening for Colorectal Cancer as well as alternatives, share information about the latest treatment options and talk about the importance of clinical trials.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2748cancer,care,colon,colonoscopy,colorectal,health,healthcare,prevention,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/national-colorectal-cancer-awareness-month-prevention-diagnosis-and-treatment-part-1--17236952
Today’s program is the first of a 3-part series about the disease, which is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancers that affect both men and women. And the disease affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most common in people age 50 and older.

But in many cases the disease is preventable.

And during the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month a lot will be said about screening.

If everyone age 50 and older got regular screenings, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Hence, communities, health professionals, and families are encouraged to work together to increase the number of people to be screened.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17236952Wed, 06 Mar 2019 07:06:33 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Dr. Paul Berggreen and Dr. Daniel Jondle, both from Arizona Digestive Health, in Phoenix, Arizona, about Colorectal Cancer. Today’s program is the first of a 3-part series about the...
Today’s program is the first of a 3-part series about the disease, which is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancers that affect both men and women. And the disease affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most common in people age 50 and older.

But in many cases the disease is preventable.

And during the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month a lot will be said about screening.

If everyone age 50 and older got regular screenings, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Hence, communities, health professionals, and families are encouraged to work together to increase the number of people to be screened.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2883awareness,cancer,colon,colorectal,diagnosis,prevention,screening,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/revolutionizing-the-manufacturing-of-antibody-drug-conjugates-a-conversation-with-adc-bio-s-charlie-johnson--17165577
Antibody-drug Conjugates, also known as ADCs, are a novel type of targeted anticancer agents. Today 4 drugs in this class of drugs have been approved by regulators around the world, but there are more than 150 investigational agents in this class of drugs in development.

The antibody used in an Antibody-drug Conjugate or ADC specifically target cancer cells. This approach offers various advantages over current therapies based on standard chemotherapeutic drugs currently used in the treatment of cancer. Among these advantages is that the drug kills cancer cells, but does not harm healthy cells.

In today’s episode Hofland talks with Johnson about the manufacturing of ADCs, including the complexities of the typical supply chain.

This interview was originally recorded during CPhI worldwide, the pharmaceutical industry meeting, held October 9 – 11, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. This edition was a co-production with ADC Review | the Journal of Antibody-drug Conjugates (www.adcreview.com ) and OncoZine (www.oncozine.com )

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17165577Wed, 27 Feb 2019 03:52:30 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Charlie Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of ADC Bio, a biotechnology company, specialized in the development of Antibody-drug Conjugates. Antibody-drug Conjugates, also known as ADCs,...
Antibody-drug Conjugates, also known as ADCs, are a novel type of targeted anticancer agents. Today 4 drugs in this class of drugs have been approved by regulators around the world, but there are more than 150 investigational agents in this class of drugs in development.

The antibody used in an Antibody-drug Conjugate or ADC specifically target cancer cells. This approach offers various advantages over current therapies based on standard chemotherapeutic drugs currently used in the treatment of cancer. Among these advantages is that the drug kills cancer cells, but does not harm healthy cells.

In today’s episode Hofland talks with Johnson about the manufacturing of ADCs, including the complexities of the typical supply chain.

This interview was originally recorded during CPhI worldwide, the pharmaceutical industry meeting, held October 9 – 11, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. This edition was a co-production with ADC Review | the Journal of Antibody-drug Conjugates (www.adcreview.com ) and OncoZine (www.oncozine.com )

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2453adc,antibody,antibody-drug-conjugate,biotechnology,cancer,chemotherapy,drugs,hematology,manufacturing,oncologyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/improving-treatment-for-patients-with-pancreatic-cancer--15206208
The group develops and commercializes innovative medicines in three key therapeutic areas – Oncology, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases. Its commitment to Oncology is exemplified through its growing portfolio of key therapies for prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, renal cell carcinoma and pancreatic cancer. Ipsen also has a well-established Consumer Healthcare business.

ASCO is the largest organization of its kind, and this year, during the socities annual meeting, nearly 40,000 attendees gathered in Chicago, Illinois, to discuss the latest findings and advancements in oncology.

The theme of this year’s ASCO is Delivering Discoveries: Expanding the Reach of Precision Medicine. In the past few decades, precision medicines have allowed for many advantages for improving treatments for patients with advanced, difficult to treat diseases that don’t respond to traditional chemotherapy.

In this interview Hofland and Portillo are talking with Dr. Stergiopoulos, about some of the exciting presentations at this year’s ASCO. We also discuss an investigational drug regimen that is being studied for use as first line treatment in metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Metastatic pancreatic cancer is very difficult to treat disease that does not have many treatment options.

It is also a disease that- like colorectal or ovarian cancer - is often discovered in late stages, when treatment becomes exceedingly difficult and chances of survival decrease.

Hofland and Portillo ask Dr Stergiopoulos about the data presented regarding this challenging disease area, as well as other topics that were discussed at this year’s ASCO meeting.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15206208Fri, 06 Jul 2018 20:00:15 +0000Peter HoflandIn this Edition of the OncoZine Brief, recorded during the Annual meeting of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), which took place June 1-5, 2018 in Chicago Illinois, Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo interview Dr. Sotirios Stergiopoulos, who...
The group develops and commercializes innovative medicines in three key therapeutic areas – Oncology, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases. Its commitment to Oncology is exemplified through its growing portfolio of key therapies for prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, renal cell carcinoma and pancreatic cancer. Ipsen also has a well-established Consumer Healthcare business.

ASCO is the largest organization of its kind, and this year, during the socities annual meeting, nearly 40,000 attendees gathered in Chicago, Illinois, to discuss the latest findings and advancements in oncology.

The theme of this year’s ASCO is Delivering Discoveries: Expanding the Reach of Precision Medicine. In the past few decades, precision medicines have allowed for many advantages for improving treatments for patients with advanced, difficult to treat diseases that don’t respond to traditional chemotherapy.

In this interview Hofland and Portillo are talking with Dr. Stergiopoulos, about some of the exciting presentations at this year’s ASCO. We also discuss an investigational drug regimen that is being studied for use as first line treatment in metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Metastatic pancreatic cancer is very difficult to treat disease that does not have many treatment options.

It is also a disease that- like colorectal or ovarian cancer - is often discovered in late stages, when treatment becomes exceedingly difficult and chances of survival decrease.

Hofland and Portillo ask Dr Stergiopoulos about the data presented regarding this challenging disease area, as well as other topics that were discussed at this year’s ASCO meeting.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2341asco,cancer,health,ipsen,medicine,oncology,pancreas,pancreatic,science,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advancing-treatment-for-patients-with-advanced-triple-negative-breast-cancer--15162763
At this year’s ASCO meeting, nearly 40,000 attendees gathered to discuss the growing body of data on advanced, difficult to treat diseases that do not have many treatment options.

Hofland and Portillo speak with Pehl about some of the exciting developments that are taking place at this year’s meeting, including some of the data that his company presented about advancements in the development of targeted anti-cancer drugs such as antibody-drug conjugates.

Traditional chemotherapy often fails to treat advanced or metastatic forms of cancer. This is because while chemotherapy disrupts tumors, it also harms other, healthy cells. In turn, this makes it difficult to deliver a potent anti-cancer drug, without causing too much harm to healthy cells.

Antibody-drug conjugates on the other hand, are a form of targeted anti-cancer drugs that are able to target tumors cells, while sparing healthy cells. This means that more of an anti-cancer drugs can be delivered to the tumor, with less side effects.

However, developing successful antibody-drug conjugates has remained a challenge for several decades. And to date only 4 different antibody-drug conjugates have been approved for the treatment of various forms of cancer.

Hofland and Portillo ask Pehl how antibody-drug conjugate can be used for the treatment of advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer, a form of breast cancer that occurs in about 10% - 20% of all cases of breast cancer.

In this type of cancer, the tumor cells lack the expression or amplification of targetable biomarkers, such as receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, also known as HER2. Because in this type of cancer the cancer does not have the most common types of receptors known to fuel most cancer growth, common treatments like hormone therapy and drugs that target estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 are ineffective.

Hence the name, triple negative.

Using chemotherapy to treat triple negative breast cancer is still an effective option. In fact, triple negative breast cancer may respond even better to chemotherapy in the earlier stages than many other forms of cancer.

But this type of cancer is extremely hard to treat, and – generally - has a poor prognosis. As many as 50% of patients diagnosed with early stage triple-negative breast cancer - that is stages 1 to 3 - experience disease recurrence, and 37% of patients die in the first 5 years after surgery.

And while, as mentioned earlier, patients with metastatic or advanced triple-negative breast cancer may respond to chemotherapy, they do not always respond very well to traditional chemotherapy. These patients typically see a median progression free survival of only 3 to 4 months after failure of first-line of chemotherapy.

Now, who are at risk for Triple negative breast cancer?

As mention earlier, the disease occurs in about 10-20% of patients diagnosed breast cancers. The disease is also more likely to affect younger people, African Americans, Hispanics, and/or those with a BRCA1 gene mutation. In general, triple negative breast cancer can be more aggressive and difficult to treat.

Also, the cancer is more likely to spread and recur. The stage of breast cancer and the grade of the tumor will influence the prognosis. For anti-cancer drug developers and oncologists treating this type of breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer is a major unmet medical need.

To try meet this need, Immunomedics recently submitted a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a new antibody-body drug conjugate for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer who previously received at least two prior therapies for metastatic disease.

Hofland and Portillo speak with Dr. Pehl about some of the latest data his company presented about a first-in-class drug – and how precision medicines for cancer, including antibody-drug conjugates, can be used for the treatment of advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15162763Sat, 30 Jun 2018 01:26:31 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief, recorded during the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), held in Chicago, Illinois, June 1 - 5, 2018, Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo talk with Michael Pehl, President and Chief...
At this year’s ASCO meeting, nearly 40,000 attendees gathered to discuss the growing body of data on advanced, difficult to treat diseases that do not have many treatment options.

Hofland and Portillo speak with Pehl about some of the exciting developments that are taking place at this year’s meeting, including some of the data that his company presented about advancements in the development of targeted anti-cancer drugs such as antibody-drug conjugates.

Traditional chemotherapy often fails to treat advanced or metastatic forms of cancer. This is because while chemotherapy disrupts tumors, it also harms other, healthy cells. In turn, this makes it difficult to deliver a potent anti-cancer drug, without causing too much harm to healthy cells.

Antibody-drug conjugates on the other hand, are a form of targeted anti-cancer drugs that are able to target tumors cells, while sparing healthy cells. This means that more of an anti-cancer drugs can be delivered to the tumor, with less side effects.

However, developing successful antibody-drug conjugates has remained a challenge for several decades. And to date only 4 different antibody-drug conjugates have been approved for the treatment of various forms of cancer.

Hofland and Portillo ask Pehl how antibody-drug conjugate can be used for the treatment of advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer, a form of breast cancer that occurs in about 10% - 20% of all cases of breast cancer.

In this type of cancer, the tumor cells lack the expression or amplification of targetable biomarkers, such as receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, also known as HER2. Because in this type of cancer the cancer does not have the most common types of receptors known to fuel most cancer growth, common treatments like hormone therapy and drugs that target estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 are ineffective.

Hence the name, triple negative.

Using chemotherapy to treat triple negative breast cancer is still an effective option. In fact, triple negative breast cancer may respond even better to chemotherapy in the earlier stages than many other forms of cancer.

But this type of cancer is extremely hard to treat, and – generally - has a poor prognosis. As many as 50% of patients diagnosed with early stage triple-negative breast cancer - that is stages 1 to 3 - experience disease recurrence, and 37% of patients die in the first 5 years after surgery.

And while, as mentioned earlier, patients with metastatic or advanced triple-negative breast cancer may respond to chemotherapy, they do not always respond very well to traditional chemotherapy. These patients typically see a median progression free survival of only 3 to 4 months after failure of first-line of chemotherapy.

Now, who are at risk for Triple negative breast cancer?

As mention earlier, the disease occurs in about 10-20% of patients diagnosed breast cancers. The disease is also more likely to affect younger people, African Americans, Hispanics, and/or those with a BRCA1 gene mutation. In general, triple negative breast cancer can be more aggressive and difficult to treat.

Also, the cancer is more likely to spread and recur. The stage of breast cancer and the grade of the tumor will influence the prognosis. For anti-cancer drug developers and oncologists treating this type of breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer is a major unmet medical need.

To try meet this need,...]]>2341adc,antibody-drug,anti-cancer,asco,biomarkers,bla,black,brca1,chemotherapy,estrogen,fda,her2,hispanic,immunomedics,medicine,mtnbc,progesterone,prognosis,therapy,womenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/results-from-asco-2018-expanding-the-reach-of-precision-medicine-part-1--15145551
The theme of this year’s ASCO conference is: Delivering Discoveries: Expanding the Reach of Precision Medicine. More than 40,000 people attended the meeting.

Hofland and Portillo interview Robert Dreicer, MD, MS, MACP, FASCO, the Associate Director for Clinical Research and the Deputy Director of the University of Virginia Cancer Center. Dreicer shares his perspective on a highly-anticipated presentations dealing with racial disparities when treating black men and white men with advanced metastatic prostate cancer.

The study presented on Saturday, June 2nd, revealed that when black men and white men with advanced prostate cancer are treated with the same standard treatment for advanced disease, black men were more responsive and showed better results. However, In the United States, black man are twice as likely as white man to die from prostate cancer. Prostate cancer
incidence rates are 60% higher for black man, and they are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age.

In a second interview, Hofland and Portillo interview Jed Katzel, a medical oncologist at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Clara, CA., who is the senior author of this study.

In this interview they talk about disparities in oncology and differences found in treatment and outcomes for head and neck cancer in men vs. women

An analysis of cancer registry data from a hospital system in California revealed that women with head and neck cancer were less likely to receive intensive chemotherapy and radiation when compared to men. The findings from this study raise the possibility that women with head and neck cancer may be undertreated.

In the final interview in today's program, Sonia Portillo talks with Kimberly Blackwell, MD, the vice president of early phase development and immune-oncology at Lilly Oncology.

In this interview they talk about the results from 30 oral presentations, poster presentations and e-publications underscoring Lilly Oncology's focus on making a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with cancer through clinical development and collaboration.

Portillo also ask Dr. Blackwell about the MONARCH studies presented by Lilly that evaluated a new drug to treat different patient subgroups of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

Explaining the significance of these study results, Dr. Blackwell mentioned the company’s focus on understanding and serving the needs of women with disease characteristics that are typically associated with a less favorable prognosis, and how doctors can better understand these clinical characteristics – which may help them optimize treatment and treatment decisions for women with advanced disease.

Finally Hofland and Portillo talk about an interactive exhibit and reception hosted by Lilly Oncology called: “Portraits of Resolve,” which provided doctors a unique perspectives of people living with cancer.

Through words and pictures this unique exhibit reflects the experience of people living with cancer – what they look like, how they feel, who they are and what they are saying. The unyielding and often very determined spirit of the patient is the main theme throughout the exhibit.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15145551Thu, 28 Jun 2018 02:43:26 +0000Peter HoflandThis week in The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo talk with experts in oncology about some of the results presented during the annual meeting for the American Society of Clinical Oncology, held in Chicago, Ill, June 1 - 5, 2018. The...
The theme of this year’s ASCO conference is: Delivering Discoveries: Expanding the Reach of Precision Medicine. More than 40,000 people attended the meeting.

Hofland and Portillo interview Robert Dreicer, MD, MS, MACP, FASCO, the Associate Director for Clinical Research and the Deputy Director of the University of Virginia Cancer Center. Dreicer shares his perspective on a highly-anticipated presentations dealing with racial disparities when treating black men and white men with advanced metastatic prostate cancer.

The study presented on Saturday, June 2nd, revealed that when black men and white men with advanced prostate cancer are treated with the same standard treatment for advanced disease, black men were more responsive and showed better results. However, In the United States, black man are twice as likely as white man to die from prostate cancer. Prostate cancer
incidence rates are 60% higher for black man, and they are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age.

In a second interview, Hofland and Portillo interview Jed Katzel, a medical oncologist at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Clara, CA., who is the senior author of this study.

In this interview they talk about disparities in oncology and differences found in treatment and outcomes for head and neck cancer in men vs. women

An analysis of cancer registry data from a hospital system in California revealed that women with head and neck cancer were less likely to receive intensive chemotherapy and radiation when compared to men. The findings from this study raise the possibility that women with head and neck cancer may be undertreated.

In the final interview in today's program, Sonia Portillo talks with Kimberly Blackwell, MD, the vice president of early phase development and immune-oncology at Lilly Oncology.

In this interview they talk about the results from 30 oral presentations, poster presentations and e-publications underscoring Lilly Oncology's focus on making a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with cancer through clinical development and collaboration.

Portillo also ask Dr. Blackwell about the MONARCH studies presented by Lilly that evaluated a new drug to treat different patient subgroups of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

Explaining the significance of these study results, Dr. Blackwell mentioned the company’s focus on understanding and serving the needs of women with disease characteristics that are typically associated with a less favorable prognosis, and how doctors can better understand these clinical characteristics – which may help them optimize treatment and treatment decisions for women with advanced disease.

Finally Hofland and Portillo talk about an interactive exhibit and reception hosted by Lilly Oncology called: “Portraits of Resolve,” which provided doctors a unique perspectives of people living with cancer.

Through words and pictures this unique exhibit reflects the experience of people living with cancer – what they look like, how they feel, who they are and what they are saying. The unyielding and often very determined spirit of the patient is the main theme throughout the exhibit.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2310asco,chemotherapy,diagnostics,disparities,hematology,immune-oncology,monarch-study,oncology,radiation,undertreatment,womenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/improving-the-clinical-outcomes-of-patients-with-gastrointestinal-illness--15145327
The overall goal of Dr. Kisiel is to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with gastrointestinal illness by providing excellent bedside care and conducting clinical and translational research. His primary research focus is the prevention and early diagnosis of cancers and pre-cancers in high-risk patients.

In today’s program Hofland and Portillo talk with Dr Kisiel about finding cancer early– which is part of an evolution of cancer diagnostics since the signing of the National Cancer Act and the start of the ‘War on cancer’ in the 1970’s. Over the last decades the development of new technologies designed to detect cancer early, has become a priority in research.

The clear advantage of being able to treat cancer sooner, is that it may lead to better results and offer a survival advantage. And with an early diagnosis, treatment may also be less invasive. At the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Dr. Kisiel is among a select number of physicians working on the development of these novel tools.

Together with a multidisciplinary team of doctors and scientists Dr. Kisiel validated, for example, the use of stool DNA to detect cancers and pre-cancers. These diagnostic tests use state-of-the-art molecular genetic techniques, and are developed in collaboration with industry partners, including Exact Sciences, and various centers of medical excellence.

The collaboration between Exact Sciences and Mayo Clinic started in 2009. One of the results of this collaboration was the development of the Cologuard, a stool-based, advanced-DNA screening test for colorectal cancer. This non-invasive test was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2014 and has been used by more than 1 million patients.

Stool DNA testing, which has been validated in the general population for detecting colon cancers and polyps, shows promise for detecting cancers throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Kisiel and his colleagues are working to develop this technology to noninvasively screen for cancers that are difficult to detect by currently available tools. With this effort, they hope to reduce patient discomfort, improve patient care and – which is also a key consideration - lower costs of care.

Among other types of novel diagnostics tests being developed by Dr. Kisiel and his coworkers at Mayo Clinic is a new test designed to identify a blood-based DNA Biomarker panel to accurately diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma.

Data Presented at the Digestive Disease Week, held June 2 – 5, 2018 in Washington, DC, shows that a panel of six biomarkers is 95% sensitive for most common type of liver cancer. Working together with researchers at Exact Sciences, Dr. Kisiel and his coworkers announced significant progress toward developing a panel of novel, blood-based, DNA biomarkers that could accurately detect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common cancer that originates in the liver.

The researchers detailed their findings during a presentation at Digestive Disease Week, the world’s largest gathering of gastroenterologists and scientists in this field. The biomarker panel was shown to be 95 percent sensitive for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma across all stages. Sensitivity among patients with curable-stage disease was 91%. The panel has overall specificity of 93%, demonstrating its ability to discriminate between normal and diseased patients. Sensitivity and specificity are the most important statistical measures of a cancer detection test’s performance. These results are further validation of advanced DNA technology and the multi-biomarker approach for the detection of the deadliest forms of cancers.

Hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for nearly 90% of all liver cancers and is the fastest-growing cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Mayo Clinic experts predict that liver and bile duct cancers will be the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States by 2030 due, in part, to the obesity epidemic. Individuals diagnosed with cirrhosis have the greatest risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, and it is recommended that they undergo ultrasound and blood monitoring every six to 12 months. The three-year survival rate for patients regularly tested is approximately 60 percent, compared to approximately 30 percent for those who are not regularly tested .

When hepatocellular carcinoma is detected early and treated, patient survival rates improve significantly.

Researchers a Exact Sciences estimates that more than 3 million Americans are eligible for hepatocellular carcinoma testing and surveilance. Because current options for monitoring at-risk patients are “sub-optimal”, the potential of an accurate, non-invasive blood test that can identify early-stage disease could potentially transform the way patients are monitored and lead to the identification of many more curable-stage tumors.

Today fewer than half of at-risk patients are tested regularly, and some estimates suggest the monitoring rate is less than 20 percent in primary care settings, where most people get their care.

Using DNA extracted from the blood samples of 244 people, including 95 diagnosed across all stages of hepatocellular carcinoma, 51 with cirrhosis, and 98 healthy volunteers, researchers tested the samples against 15 biomarkers to identify the combination of six biomarkers that yielded the most accurate detection of hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers must now confirm the accuracy of the biomarkers they’ve studied for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

But in the end, they are seeking to apply this DNA assay technology to detects all cancers, and the findings presented at the Digestive Disease Week – focusing on hepatocellular carcinoma - are an important step toward that goal.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15145327Thu, 28 Jun 2018 01:54:25 +0000Peter HoflandIn this Edition of the Onco'Zine Brief, Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo talk with Dr. John B. Kisiel, Assistant Professor of Medicine and a Consultant in the, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine at the Mayo...
The overall goal of Dr. Kisiel is to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with gastrointestinal illness by providing excellent bedside care and conducting clinical and translational research. His primary research focus is the prevention and early diagnosis of cancers and pre-cancers in high-risk patients.

In today’s program Hofland and Portillo talk with Dr Kisiel about finding cancer early– which is part of an evolution of cancer diagnostics since the signing of the National Cancer Act and the start of the ‘War on cancer’ in the 1970’s. Over the last decades the development of new technologies designed to detect cancer early, has become a priority in research.

The clear advantage of being able to treat cancer sooner, is that it may lead to better results and offer a survival advantage. And with an early diagnosis, treatment may also be less invasive. At the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Dr. Kisiel is among a select number of physicians working on the development of these novel tools.

Together with a multidisciplinary team of doctors and scientists Dr. Kisiel validated, for example, the use of stool DNA to detect cancers and pre-cancers. These diagnostic tests use state-of-the-art molecular genetic techniques, and are developed in collaboration with industry partners, including Exact Sciences, and various centers of medical excellence.

The collaboration between Exact Sciences and Mayo Clinic started in 2009. One of the results of this collaboration was the development of the Cologuard, a stool-based, advanced-DNA screening test for colorectal cancer. This non-invasive test was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2014 and has been used by more than 1 million patients.

Stool DNA testing, which has been validated in the general population for detecting colon cancers and polyps, shows promise for detecting cancers throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Kisiel and his colleagues are working to develop this technology to noninvasively screen for cancers that are difficult to detect by currently available tools. With this effort, they hope to reduce patient discomfort, improve patient care and – which is also a key consideration - lower costs of care.

Among other types of novel diagnostics tests being developed by Dr. Kisiel and his coworkers at Mayo Clinic is a new test designed to identify a blood-based DNA Biomarker panel to accurately diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma.

Data Presented at the Digestive Disease Week, held June 2 – 5, 2018 in Washington, DC, shows that a panel of six biomarkers is 95% sensitive for most common type of liver cancer. Working together with researchers at Exact Sciences, Dr. Kisiel and his coworkers announced significant progress toward developing a panel of novel, blood-based, DNA biomarkers that could accurately detect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common cancer that originates in the liver.

The researchers detailed their findings during a presentation at Digestive Disease Week, the world’s largest gathering of gastroenterologists and scientists in this field. The biomarker panel was shown to be 95 percent sensitive for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma across all stages. Sensitivity among patients with curable-stage disease was 91%. The panel has overall specificity of 93%, demonstrating its ability to discriminate between normal and diseased patients. Sensitivity and specificity are the most important statistical measures of a cancer detection test’s performance. These results are further validation of advanced DNA technology and the multi-biomarker approach for the detection of...]]>2390biomarker,cancer,carcinoma,diagnostic,gastroenterologists,gastrointestinal,hepatocellular,mayo,non-invasive,oncology,sensitivity,state-of-the-artfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/neil-canavan-how-scientists-unleash-the-immune-system-to-kill-cancer--15145260
Canavan is a veteran journalist with more than 20 years of experience reporting on science and medicine. For the last 5 years he has reported exclusively on issues related to drug development in cancer.

In his new book "A Cure Within - Scientists Unleashing The Immune System to Kill Cancer," published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Neil Canavan writes about the power of the immune system and his reasons and motivation to write the book.

Canavan explains how the way we treat cancer is about to change forever. He writes about a revolution--and it is precisely that--which was sparked not by the invention of a new drug, but by the evolution of an entirely new way of thinking about and managing cancer.

Going forward, doctors will not use pharmaceuticals to attack tumors--not directly. Rather, the oncologist will treat the patient's immune system with a drug, and then the patient's own immune system will kill the tumor.

Based entirely on interviews with the investigators, Canavan tells the story of the pioneers of immuno-oncology. It’s a story of failure, resurrection, and success. It’s a story about science, it’s a story about discovery, and intuition, and cunning. It’s a peek into the lives and thoughts of some of the most gifted medical scientists on the planet.

Canavan's new book is not a textbook; It's a 'life' book. Precision medicine will save, is saving lives, and the book celebrates the living, breathing, thinking, charming, arrogant, funny, obstinate, amazing human beings who are making immuno-oncology happen.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15145260Thu, 28 Jun 2018 01:41:47 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief, Sonia Portillo talks with Neil Canavan about the people involved in developing novel, advanced – and sometimes – highly personalized - anti-cancer treatments. Canavan is a veteran journalist with more than 20...
Canavan is a veteran journalist with more than 20 years of experience reporting on science and medicine. For the last 5 years he has reported exclusively on issues related to drug development in cancer.

In his new book "A Cure Within - Scientists Unleashing The Immune System to Kill Cancer," published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Neil Canavan writes about the power of the immune system and his reasons and motivation to write the book.

Canavan explains how the way we treat cancer is about to change forever. He writes about a revolution--and it is precisely that--which was sparked not by the invention of a new drug, but by the evolution of an entirely new way of thinking about and managing cancer.

Going forward, doctors will not use pharmaceuticals to attack tumors--not directly. Rather, the oncologist will treat the patient's immune system with a drug, and then the patient's own immune system will kill the tumor.

Based entirely on interviews with the investigators, Canavan tells the story of the pioneers of immuno-oncology. It’s a story of failure, resurrection, and success. It’s a story about science, it’s a story about discovery, and intuition, and cunning. It’s a peek into the lives and thoughts of some of the most gifted medical scientists on the planet.

Canavan's new book is not a textbook; It's a 'life' book. Precision medicine will save, is saving lives, and the book celebrates the living, breathing, thinking, charming, arrogant, funny, obstinate, amazing human beings who are making immuno-oncology happen.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2396asco,cancer,future,healthcare,immuno-oncology,medicine,oncology,personalized,precision,research,science,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/delivering-discoveries-and-expanding-the-reach-of-precision-medicine-a-preview-asco-2018--15145189
The theme of this year’s conference is: Delivering Discoveries: Expanding the Reach of Precision Medicine. More than 2,500 abstracts were accepted for presentation while an additional 3,350 abstracts were accepted for online publication.

Approximately 40,000 oncology professionals from around the world will be attending this meeting.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15145189Thu, 28 Jun 2018 01:26:04 +0000Peter HoflandIn the edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo review some of the most exciting and important study to be presented at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), to be held in Chicago, June...
The theme of this year’s conference is: Delivering Discoveries: Expanding the Reach of Precision Medicine. More than 2,500 abstracts were accepted for presentation while an additional 3,350 abstracts were accepted for online publication.

Approximately 40,000 oncology professionals from around the world will be attending this meeting.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2402asco,cancer,chicago,disparities,meetingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-distinguished-public-service-award-for-exceptional-leadership-in-cancer-advocacy-interview--14902186
Each year, the American Association for Cancer Research presents Special Recognition Awards to four individuals whose work made extraordinary contributions to the organization’s mission to accelerate the prevention and cure of all cancers through research, education, communication, and collaboration.

These AACR Awards recognize groundbreaking, innovative work across the entire cancer community, and they reflect a wide range of contributions to cancer science and medicine. This year’s award recipients, Anna D. Barker, PhD; C. Kent Osborne, MD; Phillip A. Sharp, PhD; and Col. James E. Williams, truly represent meritorious work in research, patient care, policymaking, and advocacy.

Williams, a retired Army colonel who served in the Vietnam War, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1991.

After he beats the disease, he embarked on a passionate effort to educate men about the disease.

His advocacy efforts include serving as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the AACR’s Cancer Today magazine; serving as Chairman of the Board of The Intercultural Cancer Council (ICC); serving as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Coalition; participating on the Patient Advocacy Committee of the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology; and serving as a Board member of the Alliance for Prostate Cancer Prevention. Williams is an inspiration and a role model - not only to other cancer survivors, but also to the scientific community at large.

As a steadfast passionate advocate Williams increased funding and research dedicated to men’s health issues, with an emphasis on prostate cancer. His selfless efforts are also instrumental in improving outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities and the medically underserved.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14902186Sun, 27 May 2018 19:00:55 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of the Onco’Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D and Sonia Portillo talk with Col. James E. Williams who, during the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), held April 14 - 18, 2018 in Chicago, Ill, received...
Each year, the American Association for Cancer Research presents Special Recognition Awards to four individuals whose work made extraordinary contributions to the organization’s mission to accelerate the prevention and cure of all cancers through research, education, communication, and collaboration.

These AACR Awards recognize groundbreaking, innovative work across the entire cancer community, and they reflect a wide range of contributions to cancer science and medicine. This year’s award recipients, Anna D. Barker, PhD; C. Kent Osborne, MD; Phillip A. Sharp, PhD; and Col. James E. Williams, truly represent meritorious work in research, patient care, policymaking, and advocacy.

Williams, a retired Army colonel who served in the Vietnam War, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1991.

After he beats the disease, he embarked on a passionate effort to educate men about the disease.

His advocacy efforts include serving as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the AACR’s Cancer Today magazine; serving as Chairman of the Board of The Intercultural Cancer Council (ICC); serving as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Coalition; participating on the Patient Advocacy Committee of the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology; and serving as a Board member of the Alliance for Prostate Cancer Prevention. Williams is an inspiration and a role model - not only to other cancer survivors, but also to the scientific community at large.

As a steadfast passionate advocate Williams increased funding and research dedicated to men’s health issues, with an emphasis on prostate cancer. His selfless efforts are also instrumental in improving outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities and the medically underserved.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2341aacr,advocacy,award,cancer,hematology,leadership,oncology,prostate,public,research,servicefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/transforming-cancer-to-a-treatable-disease-an-interview-with-dr-elizabeth-m-jaffee--14837395
Dr. Jaffee’s, who's research is focused on the development of immune based therapies for pancreatic and breast cancers, is the deputy director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. She is also the leader of the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C)-Lustgarten Foundation Dream Team: Transforming Pancreatic Cancer to a Treatable Disease.

In their interview, recorded during the annual meeting of the AACR, held April 14-18th, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois, Hofland and Portillo asked Dr. Jaffee about her work, her expectations and her plans as the current president of the AACR.

They also asked her about the importance of clinical trials and patient participation in these trials as being a key step towards progress in oncology.

Today only about 5% of cancer patients are expected to participate in a trial. The fact that only a limited number of patients participate in a clinical trial, goes beyond the (un)willingness of patients to participate, but has a lot to do with the fact that most patients have to travel to the nation’s major research hospitals in order to participate.

Another concern is that many patients may not realize that when they participate in a clinical trial, they will get that same level of care that they would with cancer treatments outside of a trial. Hence, Dr. Jaffee emphasizes that it is not only important to make sure that patients understand the difference between medical treatment and clinical research, but that it is also crucial to improve accessibility to clinical trials.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14837395Sun, 20 May 2018 03:06:32 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo are talking with Elizabeth M. Jaffee, MD, the 2018 - 2019 president of the American Association​ for Cancer Research (AACR). Dr. Jaffee’s, who's research is focused on the...
Dr. Jaffee’s, who's research is focused on the development of immune based therapies for pancreatic and breast cancers, is the deputy director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. She is also the leader of the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C)-Lustgarten Foundation Dream Team: Transforming Pancreatic Cancer to a Treatable Disease.

In their interview, recorded during the annual meeting of the AACR, held April 14-18th, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois, Hofland and Portillo asked Dr. Jaffee about her work, her expectations and her plans as the current president of the AACR.

They also asked her about the importance of clinical trials and patient participation in these trials as being a key step towards progress in oncology.

Today only about 5% of cancer patients are expected to participate in a trial. The fact that only a limited number of patients participate in a clinical trial, goes beyond the (un)willingness of patients to participate, but has a lot to do with the fact that most patients have to travel to the nation’s major research hospitals in order to participate.

Another concern is that many patients may not realize that when they participate in a clinical trial, they will get that same level of care that they would with cancer treatments outside of a trial. Hence, Dr. Jaffee emphasizes that it is not only important to make sure that patients understand the difference between medical treatment and clinical research, but that it is also crucial to improve accessibility to clinical trials.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2154aacr,cancer,diagnosis,research,su2c,treatment,trial,vaccinesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-otis-brawley-meeting-the-challeng-of-attacking-cancer-from-every-angle--14811687
Hofland and Portillo ask Dr. Brawley about the past, present, and future of the fight against cancer, including screening, diagnostics and treatment with novel, targeted drugs, and the role of the American Cancer Society in helping to prevent cancer.

In today’s interview they further address some of the most pressing issues in oncology today, such as cancer health disparities and access to healthcare in lower income areas, as well implementing healthy lifestyle choices and reducing cancer risk factors, in order to make the biggest impact possible on reducing the number of cancer-related deaths.

Hofland and Portillo also ask Dr. Brawley how to go about meeting the challenges in healthcare and find a solution for cancer health disparities, as well as how to educate the public on how to prevent and reduce risks of cancer in our daily lives - including the need of a healthy diet and to stop smoking.

This interview, took place during the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research held April 14-18th, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14811687Wed, 16 May 2018 20:05:45 +0000Peter HoflandThis week in The Onco’Zine Brief: Peter Hofland, Ph.D and Sonia Portillo talk with Otis Brawley, MD, MACP the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society. Hofland and Portillo ask Dr. Brawley about the past, present, and...
Hofland and Portillo ask Dr. Brawley about the past, present, and future of the fight against cancer, including screening, diagnostics and treatment with novel, targeted drugs, and the role of the American Cancer Society in helping to prevent cancer.

In today’s interview they further address some of the most pressing issues in oncology today, such as cancer health disparities and access to healthcare in lower income areas, as well implementing healthy lifestyle choices and reducing cancer risk factors, in order to make the biggest impact possible on reducing the number of cancer-related deaths.

Hofland and Portillo also ask Dr. Brawley how to go about meeting the challenges in healthcare and find a solution for cancer health disparities, as well as how to educate the public on how to prevent and reduce risks of cancer in our daily lives - including the need of a healthy diet and to stop smoking.

This interview, took place during the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research held April 14-18th, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2379aacr,acs,american,cancer,diagnostics,disparities,hematology,oncology,prevention,risk,smoking,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/addressing-key-challenges-in-cancer-diagnostics-and-treatment-cancer-health-disparities--14811541
The Interview was recorded during the 2018 annual meeting of American Association​ for Cancer Research (AACR) held April 14-18th, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.

Michael A. Caligiuri is a renowned physician-scientist known for his work in immunology that is focused on human natural killer cells and their modulation for the treatment of leukemia, myeloma, and glioblastoma. To date over 1,500 cancer patients have been treated on clinical protocols that have originated from the Dr. Caligiuri laboratory.

Dr. Caligiuri is the president and physician-in-chief of City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is one of only 49 comprehensive cancer centers in the United States, as designated by the National Cancer Institute. The center’s main campus is located just northeast of Los Angeles, with additional locations across Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino counties, and focuses on the treatment of patients with cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses.

Before joining City-of-Hope, Dr. Caligiuri was the director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and CEO of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio He was also the 2017 president of the American Association​ for Cancer Research – AACR – which is the world's oldest and largest professional association related to cancer research.

Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the AACR focuses on all aspects of cancer research, including basic, clinical, and translational research into the cause, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

Last year, following his appointment as the AACR president, Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo sat down with Dr. Caligiuri to ask him about his passion, his hopes, his drive and what he wanted to accomplish during his tenure as president of the American Association​ for Cancer Research during 2017 and the beginning of 2018.

This year, at the end of his tenure as president of the AACR, we again had the opportunity to sit down with him … This time Hofland and Portillo asked him about his experience, and how he was able to help solve some of the key challenges he had noted before. Dr. Caligiuri has been actively involved with the AACR since 1990, serving as a member, and more recently, chairperson of the Publications Committee and a member of the Clinical and Translational Cancer Research Committee, among other things.

One of Dr. Caligiuri main concerns – indicated in our interview in 2017 - is the problem of Cancer health disparities that represent a major public health problem in our country.

By promoting the exchange of novel ideas and information between the AACR and a wide range of professionals from academia, industry, government, and the community, Dr. Caligiuri hoped to drive a movement to help eliminate the disparities and harness the potential and maximize the many opportunities for bringing research on health disparities from bench to bedside or community, and back again.

As part of that effort, he wanted, during his tenure as president of the AACR, bring together scientists and other professionals working in a variety of disciplines to discuss the latest findings in the field and to stimulate the development of new research in cancer health disparities.

And it must be said… One of the challenges society faces today is how to ensure that everyone benefits equally from the groundbreaking advances in cancer treatment and prevention.

Cancer health disparities are indeed a huge problem.

For example, African-Americans have the shortest survival for most cancers compared with those in other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Hence, there is a large unmet need to do more to understand the reasons for disparities as well as ways to address them.

The issue of disparities is a complex, multifactorial problem that involves genetic, behavioral, and socio-economic factors, among others, and it will require a multifaceted, evidence-based approach to solving the problem.

In our interview, Dr. Caligiuri is addressing some of the problems as well as what he and the AACR hopes to accomplish in the upcoming years.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14811541Wed, 16 May 2018 19:40:11 +0000Peter HoflandToday in The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo talk with Dr. Michael Caligiuri., MD The Interview was recorded during the 2018 annual meeting of American Association​ for Cancer Research (AACR) held April 14-18th, 2018 in Chicago,...
The Interview was recorded during the 2018 annual meeting of American Association​ for Cancer Research (AACR) held April 14-18th, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.

Michael A. Caligiuri is a renowned physician-scientist known for his work in immunology that is focused on human natural killer cells and their modulation for the treatment of leukemia, myeloma, and glioblastoma. To date over 1,500 cancer patients have been treated on clinical protocols that have originated from the Dr. Caligiuri laboratory.

Dr. Caligiuri is the president and physician-in-chief of City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is one of only 49 comprehensive cancer centers in the United States, as designated by the National Cancer Institute. The center’s main campus is located just northeast of Los Angeles, with additional locations across Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino counties, and focuses on the treatment of patients with cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses.

Before joining City-of-Hope, Dr. Caligiuri was the director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and CEO of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio He was also the 2017 president of the American Association​ for Cancer Research – AACR – which is the world's oldest and largest professional association related to cancer research.

Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the AACR focuses on all aspects of cancer research, including basic, clinical, and translational research into the cause, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

Last year, following his appointment as the AACR president, Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo sat down with Dr. Caligiuri to ask him about his passion, his hopes, his drive and what he wanted to accomplish during his tenure as president of the American Association​ for Cancer Research during 2017 and the beginning of 2018.

This year, at the end of his tenure as president of the AACR, we again had the opportunity to sit down with him … This time Hofland and Portillo asked him about his experience, and how he was able to help solve some of the key challenges he had noted before. Dr. Caligiuri has been actively involved with the AACR since 1990, serving as a member, and more recently, chairperson of the Publications Committee and a member of the Clinical and Translational Cancer Research Committee, among other things.

One of Dr. Caligiuri main concerns – indicated in our interview in 2017 - is the problem of Cancer health disparities that represent a major public health problem in our country.

By promoting the exchange of novel ideas and information between the AACR and a wide range of professionals from academia, industry, government, and the community, Dr. Caligiuri hoped to drive a movement to help eliminate the disparities and harness the potential and maximize the many opportunities for bringing research on health disparities from bench to bedside or community, and back again.

As part of that effort, he wanted, during his tenure as president of the AACR, bring together scientists and other professionals working in a variety of disciplines to discuss the latest findings in the field and to stimulate the development of new research in cancer health disparities.

And it must be said… One of the challenges society faces today is how to ensure that everyone benefits equally from the groundbreaking advances in cancer treatment and prevention.

Cancer health disparities are indeed a huge problem.

For example, African-Americans have the shortest survival for most cancers compared with those in other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Hence, there is a large unmet need...]]>2293aacr,cancer,diagnostics,disparities,health,research,socio-economic,translational,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-importance-of-oral-care-and-the-link-with-cancer-and-cancer-treatment--14805231
In their interview with Dr.Ratcliff, Hofland and Portillo ask about the importance of oral care – and the link with cancer.

Patients receiving treatment for cancer can experience a number of potential side effects in response to the treatment they receive. Most clinicians and patients are aware of the adverse events that can result from administration of certain chemotherapeutics.

Without offering a complete list of side effects, known side effects include fatigue, alopecia – which affects many patients and is probably one of the most disturbing side effects, sometimes preventing people from accepting or refusing treatments based on chemotherapy. Other adverse effects include:

- Sexual dysfunction, which can be the result of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and affecting about 60% to 80% of patients receiving chemotherapy.
- Thromobocytopenia or low platelet count can affect clotting and cause bleeding.
- The gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation


And, one of the most serious side effects, cardiotoxicity, which can occur early or late in treatment. But one of the often forgotten side effects are cutaneous toxicities can include skin rash and mucositis.

Mucositis is also one of the common side - is the painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract and may include mouth sores often affecting food intake.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14805231Wed, 16 May 2018 04:14:24 +0000Peter HoflandToday in the OncoZine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D and Sonia Portillo talk with Jim Ratcliff, CEO of Chairman of Rowpar Pharmaceuticals, the developer, manufacturer and marketer of best-in-class oral care products, sold under the CloSYS brand in...
In their interview with Dr.Ratcliff, Hofland and Portillo ask about the importance of oral care – and the link with cancer.

Patients receiving treatment for cancer can experience a number of potential side effects in response to the treatment they receive. Most clinicians and patients are aware of the adverse events that can result from administration of certain chemotherapeutics.

Without offering a complete list of side effects, known side effects include fatigue, alopecia – which affects many patients and is probably one of the most disturbing side effects, sometimes preventing people from accepting or refusing treatments based on chemotherapy. Other adverse effects include:

- Sexual dysfunction, which can be the result of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and affecting about 60% to 80% of patients receiving chemotherapy.
- Thromobocytopenia or low platelet count can affect clotting and cause bleeding.
- The gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation


And, one of the most serious side effects, cardiotoxicity, which can occur early or late in treatment. But one of the often forgotten side effects are cutaneous toxicities can include skin rash and mucositis.

Mucositis is also one of the common side - is the painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract and may include mouth sores often affecting food intake.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2381cancer,chemoterapy,closys,mucositis,oral,oral-care,side-effectsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/manon-rinsma-13-diamonds-life-before-death-from-a-child-s-perspective--14804604
In her book, Rinsma writes about losing her mother at a very young age - something so traumatic that it completely changed how she viewed the world. Rinsma's mother died of a form of brain cancer.

For her remaining family - finding an answer to the question "how do you help a child when a family member has cancer," was not only difficult, it was also one without a definite answer.How do you help a child:

- If the family member is a parent, father or mother, or a sibling, brother or sister.
- To understand a parent’s illness? An illness such as cancer - especially if there is no hope for a cure?

For most people this is a very painful and personal topic, be hard to deal with and emotional. Some people don’t want to talk about it at all because they don’t understand the disease. By the time a patient’s is told that his or her cancer is terminal, he or she has probably already been dealing with it for a while and its effects on the family may even be clearly noticeable. This may be the case, for many months or even years.

But in other cases, a patient may find out that he or she has cancer when the disease is quite advanced. As a result, they may not have a lot of time to deal with the effects on their family. If there is time, it may be good to help the child prepare for the loss of a parent. Preparing means to give them information and support. This helps them understand what to expect.

The pain of losing a parent may be worse if a child is not prepared. It may confuse them, hurt them, and make them angry that important facts – explained on the level of understanding of the child’s age – where not shared with them.

Children truly rely on parents to bring order and security into their lives. Parents help them understand the world around them and their place in it. But no matter how long cancer has been part of a patient’s life, it still can be very hard for him or her and their loved ones to think about all the things that go along with the end of life. The remaining partner may understand what this means.But what does it mean for a child to lose a parent?

What are the psychosocial effects – now and later in life? Especially if this is a parent and the child is still young?

In this edition of The Onco'Zine Brief we will try to answer some common questions parents have and help patients take important steps to prepare a child to cope with death. Although it’s not possible to control the reality of dying, it is possible to make a real difference in how a child manage it … and go on with his or her lives after a parent is gone.

Rinsma’s book is proof of all of this.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14804604Wed, 16 May 2018 02:32:57 +0000Peter HoflandThe Netherlands-born writer Manon Rinsma is the author of a new book called “13 Diamonds – Life before death from a Child’s Perspective. In her book, Rinsma writes about losing her mother at a very young age - something so traumatic that it...
In her book, Rinsma writes about losing her mother at a very young age - something so traumatic that it completely changed how she viewed the world. Rinsma's mother died of a form of brain cancer.

For her remaining family - finding an answer to the question "how do you help a child when a family member has cancer," was not only difficult, it was also one without a definite answer.How do you help a child:

- If the family member is a parent, father or mother, or a sibling, brother or sister.
- To understand a parent’s illness? An illness such as cancer - especially if there is no hope for a cure?

For most people this is a very painful and personal topic, be hard to deal with and emotional. Some people don’t want to talk about it at all because they don’t understand the disease. By the time a patient’s is told that his or her cancer is terminal, he or she has probably already been dealing with it for a while and its effects on the family may even be clearly noticeable. This may be the case, for many months or even years.

But in other cases, a patient may find out that he or she has cancer when the disease is quite advanced. As a result, they may not have a lot of time to deal with the effects on their family. If there is time, it may be good to help the child prepare for the loss of a parent. Preparing means to give them information and support. This helps them understand what to expect.

The pain of losing a parent may be worse if a child is not prepared. It may confuse them, hurt them, and make them angry that important facts – explained on the level of understanding of the child’s age – where not shared with them.

Children truly rely on parents to bring order and security into their lives. Parents help them understand the world around them and their place in it. But no matter how long cancer has been part of a patient’s life, it still can be very hard for him or her and their loved ones to think about all the things that go along with the end of life. The remaining partner may understand what this means.But what does it mean for a child to lose a parent?

What are the psychosocial effects – now and later in life? Especially if this is a parent and the child is still young?

In this edition of The Onco'Zine Brief we will try to answer some common questions parents have and help patients take important steps to prepare a child to cope with death. Although it’s not possible to control the reality of dying, it is possible to make a real difference in how a child manage it … and go on with his or her lives after a parent is gone.

Rinsma’s book is proof of all of this.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>212813-diamonds,book,brain,cancer,child,cure,hematology,oncology,parents,psycho-social,youngfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/early-detection-of-solid-tumor-based-cancers--14793616
Dr. Kumar, is the inventor of the company’s Cchek™ technology for the early detection of tumor-based cancers and has been an investor, founder, director and CEO of several technology enterprises, both public and private.

In today’s program Hofland and Portillo talk with Dr. Kumar about cancer, the evolution of cancer diagnostics since the signing of the National Cancer Act and the start of the ‘War on cancer’ in the 1970’s and the development of new technologies designed to detect cancer early – with the clear advantage of being able to treat cancer sooner, which may lead to better results and offer a survival advantage.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14793616Tue, 15 May 2018 04:15:39 +0000Peter HoflandIn this Edition of the OncoZine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D and Sonia Portillo talk with Amit Kumar, Ph.D, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer of ITUS Corporation Executive Chairman of Anixa Diagnostics Corporation Dr. Kumar, is the...
Dr. Kumar, is the inventor of the company’s Cchek™ technology for the early detection of tumor-based cancers and has been an investor, founder, director and CEO of several technology enterprises, both public and private.

In today’s program Hofland and Portillo talk with Dr. Kumar about cancer, the evolution of cancer diagnostics since the signing of the National Cancer Act and the start of the ‘War on cancer’ in the 1970’s and the development of new technologies designed to detect cancer early – with the clear advantage of being able to treat cancer sooner, which may lead to better results and offer a survival advantage.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2462anixa,biotechnology,cancer,cchek,detection,diagnosis,early,hematology,itus,oncologyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/improving-targeted-therapies-for-patients-with-previously-untreated-advanced-classic-hodgkin-lymphoma--14486755
Dr. Connors is also the lead investigator of the ECHELON-1 clinical trial, a trial focusing on a new treatment option for Hodgekin Lymphoma.

In this interview Hofland and Portillo talks with Dr. Connor about some of the latest results from the ECHELON-1 clinical trial, which tests an antibody-drug conjugate or ADC called brentuximab vedotin (ADCETRIS; being developed by Seattle Genetics and Takeda), as a frontline treatment option for patients with advanced classical Hodgkin Lymphoma. They also talk with Dr. Connors about how the ECHELON-1 study was conducted, and why it is important for this patient group, and for cancer research as a whole.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14486755Sun, 08 Apr 2018 18:43:47 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco'Zine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D and Sonia Portillo talk with Dr. Joseph M. Connors, MD., FRCPC, Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, at the University of British Columbia and the...
Dr. Connors is also the lead investigator of the ECHELON-1 clinical trial, a trial focusing on a new treatment option for Hodgekin Lymphoma.

In this interview Hofland and Portillo talks with Dr. Connor about some of the latest results from the ECHELON-1 clinical trial, which tests an antibody-drug conjugate or ADC called brentuximab vedotin (ADCETRIS; being developed by Seattle Genetics and Takeda), as a frontline treatment option for patients with advanced classical Hodgkin Lymphoma. They also talk with Dr. Connors about how the ECHELON-1 study was conducted, and why it is important for this patient group, and for cancer research as a whole.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2400adc,adcetris,antibody,antibody-drug conjugate,brentuximab vedotin,british columbia cancer agency,cancer,cancer patients,cancer research,echelon-1 clinical trial,frcpc,hodgekin lymphoma,joseph m. connors,lead investigator,lymphoma tumor group,md.,new treatment options,seattle genetics,takeda,targeted therapiesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/computational-oncology-and-tumor-modeling-the-next-phase-in-personalized-therapies-for-cancer-patients--14382069
Thomas Yankeelov serves as Director of Cancer Imaging Research in the LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes of the Dell Medical School. He holds the W.A. "Tex" Moncrief Jr., Simulation-Based Engineering and Sciences Professorship II – Computational Oncology and leads the Tumor Modeling Group in the university’s Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences.

Yankeelov is the recipient of a distinguished US $ 6 million recruitment grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). He was The University of Texas’ first faculty member to hold positions in both the engineering and medical schools.

Yankeelov clinical research focuses on improving patient care by employing advanced imaging methods for the early identification, assessment and prediction of tumors and their response to therapy.

He has developed successful tumor-forecasting methods by combining imaging technologies with patient-specific data to build predictive, multi-scale biophysical models of tumor growth. His research emphasizes the importance of offering personalized therapies to cancer patients. Yankeelov is a fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers and has served on the editorial boards of scientific publications.

The overall goal of Yankeelov's clinical research is to improve patient care by employing advanced imaging methods for the early identification, assessment, and prediction of tumors' response to therapy. In order todo that, he has developed tumor forecasting methods by integrating advanced imaging technologies with patient-specific data and builds predictive, multi-scale biophysical models of tumor growth with the purpose of optimizing therapies for the individual cancer patient.

In this interview Yankeelov, Hofland and Portillo ask about computational oncology, what this is and how it fits in cancer treatment. They also ask about oncology models, what these models are trying to tell us, and how are they developed and how using these cancer models leads to a different way in looking at cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14382069Sun, 25 Mar 2018 22:53:13 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The OncoZine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D and Sonia Portillo talk with Thomas Yankeelov, Ph.D, a computational biomedical engineer who came to The University of Texas at Austin from Vanderbilt University, where he served as the Ingram...
Thomas Yankeelov serves as Director of Cancer Imaging Research in the LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes of the Dell Medical School. He holds the W.A. "Tex" Moncrief Jr., Simulation-Based Engineering and Sciences Professorship II – Computational Oncology and leads the Tumor Modeling Group in the university’s Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences.

Yankeelov is the recipient of a distinguished US $ 6 million recruitment grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). He was The University of Texas’ first faculty member to hold positions in both the engineering and medical schools.

Yankeelov clinical research focuses on improving patient care by employing advanced imaging methods for the early identification, assessment and prediction of tumors and their response to therapy.

He has developed successful tumor-forecasting methods by combining imaging technologies with patient-specific data to build predictive, multi-scale biophysical models of tumor growth. His research emphasizes the importance of offering personalized therapies to cancer patients. Yankeelov is a fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers and has served on the editorial boards of scientific publications.

The overall goal of Yankeelov's clinical research is to improve patient care by employing advanced imaging methods for the early identification, assessment, and prediction of tumors' response to therapy. In order todo that, he has developed tumor forecasting methods by integrating advanced imaging technologies with patient-specific data and builds predictive, multi-scale biophysical models of tumor growth with the purpose of optimizing therapies for the individual cancer patient.

In this interview Yankeelov, Hofland and Portillo ask about computational oncology, what this is and how it fits in cancer treatment. They also ask about oncology models, what these models are trying to tell us, and how are they developed and how using these cancer models leads to a different way in looking at cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2462advanced imaging methods,biological engineers,cancer,cancer biology,clinical research,computational oncology,cprit,diagnosis,healthcare,medicine,multi-scale biophysical models,oncology,oncology models,patient-specific data,personalized cancer therapies,radiological sciences,response to therapy,science,tumor,tumor-forecasting methodsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-development-of-probody-therapeutics-for-the-targeting-of-cancer--14381679
In addition to his work for CytomX, McCarthy is the author on multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications, issued patents and filed patent applications.

CytomX is unlocking the potential of antibody therapeutics in oncology by developing a novel therapeutic antibody class of highly targeted Probody™ therapeutics.

In this interview, Hofland and Portillo ask McCarty about the history of of Cytomx, the development of a new class of highly targeted drugs, basic research and the company’s collaboration with industry partners.

In late 2017, Bristol-Myers Squibb, one of the company's industry partners, received acceptance of the Investigational New Drug application (IND) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a CTLA-4-directed Probody™ therapeutic. CTLA-4, the clinically validated target of the Bristol-Myers Squibb checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab (Yervoy®), the first target to advance into the clinic under the companies’ strategic collaboration formed in May 2014.

Hofland and Portillo also ask McCarty about the future potential of his company's Probody therapeutics and how this technology may ultimately change cancer treatment. They ask him where this technology fits in with other available cancer treatments, which patient populations can ultimately benefit most from Probody Therapeutics, and how these novel agents address the currently unmet medical needs of patients.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14381679Sun, 25 Mar 2018 20:13:41 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The OncoZine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D and Sonia Portillo talk Sean McCarthy, D.Phil, President and Chief Executive Officer of CytomX, a biotechnology company developing a novel 'Probody Platform' which allows them to design...
In addition to his work for CytomX, McCarthy is the author on multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications, issued patents and filed patent applications.

CytomX is unlocking the potential of antibody therapeutics in oncology by developing a novel therapeutic antibody class of highly targeted Probody™ therapeutics.

In this interview, Hofland and Portillo ask McCarty about the history of of Cytomx, the development of a new class of highly targeted drugs, basic research and the company’s collaboration with industry partners.

In late 2017, Bristol-Myers Squibb, one of the company's industry partners, received acceptance of the Investigational New Drug application (IND) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a CTLA-4-directed Probody™ therapeutic. CTLA-4, the clinically validated target of the Bristol-Myers Squibb checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab (Yervoy®), the first target to advance into the clinic under the companies’ strategic collaboration formed in May 2014.

Hofland and Portillo also ask McCarty about the future potential of his company's Probody therapeutics and how this technology may ultimately change cancer treatment. They ask him where this technology fits in with other available cancer treatments, which patient populations can ultimately benefit most from Probody Therapeutics, and how these novel agents address the currently unmet medical needs of patients.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2261antibody therapeutics,biotechnology,bristol-myers squibb,cancer,checkpoint inhibitor,ctla-4,cytomx,fda,highly targeted drugs,investigational new drug,ipilimumab,medicine,oncology,probody platform,probody therapeutics,science,selectively activated drugs,tumor microenvironment,unmet medical needs,yervoyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-novel-treatment-option-for-hepatocellular-carcinoma--14381159
Following early work in model genetic systems, Exelixis, a genomics-based drug discovery company located in South San Francisco, CA, established a broad drug discovery and development platform that has served as the foundation for the company’s continued efforts to bring new cancer therapies to patients in need. The company discovered and developed its lead compounds, cabozantinib and cobimetinib, and advanced them into clinical development before entering into partnerships with leading biopharmaceutical companies in an effort to bring these medicines to patients globally.

Hofland and Portillo ask Schwab about hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC, the most common, primary malignancy of the liver and the fifth most common cancer in men, worldwide, and seventh among women, with the highest incidence in Asian and developing countries. They talk about the disease, diagnoses and treatment. And they talk about Exelixis' global phase III Celestial trial with cabozantinib (Cabometyx®) , a novel cancer agent which met its primary endpoint of overall survival (OS), and providing a clinically meaningful improvement in median OS compared to placebo in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

In their concluding commentary Hofland and Portillo talk about the process of cancer staging.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14381159Sun, 25 Mar 2018 18:45:16 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The OncoZine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D and Sonia Portillo talk with Gisela Schwab, MD, President, Product Development and Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Exelixis. Following early work in model genetic systems,...
Following early work in model genetic systems, Exelixis, a genomics-based drug discovery company located in South San Francisco, CA, established a broad drug discovery and development platform that has served as the foundation for the company’s continued efforts to bring new cancer therapies to patients in need. The company discovered and developed its lead compounds, cabozantinib and cobimetinib, and advanced them into clinical development before entering into partnerships with leading biopharmaceutical companies in an effort to bring these medicines to patients globally.

Hofland and Portillo ask Schwab about hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC, the most common, primary malignancy of the liver and the fifth most common cancer in men, worldwide, and seventh among women, with the highest incidence in Asian and developing countries. They talk about the disease, diagnoses and treatment. And they talk about Exelixis' global phase III Celestial trial with cabozantinib (Cabometyx®) , a novel cancer agent which met its primary endpoint of overall survival (OS), and providing a clinically meaningful improvement in median OS compared to placebo in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

In their concluding commentary Hofland and Portillo talk about the process of cancer staging.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>23745th most common cancer in men,cabozantinib,cancer,cancer staging,cobimetinib,exelixis,hcc,healthcare,hepatocellular carcinoma,highest incidence in asian,liver,malignant,medicine,oncology,overall survival,phase iii celestial trial,primary malignancy,science,tnm classification,tumorfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-cure-within-understanding-the-power-of-the-immune-system-in-the-treatment-of-cancer--14205615
In today's show Hofland and Portillo ask Dr. Hill about CAR T cell therapy- a technology that holds very high expectations for the future of cancer care. In a number of clinical trials in certain severe cancer types, CAR-Ts have shown remission rates up to 94%, which is very impressive considering most patients in CAR T trials have not responded to many, if not all other available treatments.

The first two CAR-T have recently been approved- and now there are over 240 CAR-T clinical trials that are ongoing. And while the CAR-T field is booming, and the technology is very exciting, there are severe side effects in clinical trials that lead us to believe the technology might not be ready, or might not be worth it’s very high price tag.

Hofland and Portillo speak with Dr. Hill about some of his research regarding the risk of infection in CAR T patients, as well as his perspective on where this technology is going in the near future.

And finally, Hofland and Portillo talk about a new book – A Cure Within, published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press and written by veteran journalist and author Neil Canavan.

Canavan's book discusses the power of the immune system and tells the story of a the tenacious few medical scientists who refused to abandon novel scientific concepts.

Based entirely on interviews with medical researchers the book tells the story of the pioneers of immuno-oncology. It’s a story of failure, resurrection and success.

But above all, it’s a story about discovery and intuition and cunning. It’s a peek into the lives and thoughts of some of the most gifted men and women – the medical scientists – who are, on a daily basis - working hard to find a Cure for Cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14205615Mon, 05 Mar 2018 21:10:12 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland, Ph.D and Sonia Portillo are speaking with Joshua A. Hill, MD, an Associate in Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle Washington. Dr. Hill is also an...
In today's show Hofland and Portillo ask Dr. Hill about CAR T cell therapy- a technology that holds very high expectations for the future of cancer care. In a number of clinical trials in certain severe cancer types, CAR-Ts have shown remission rates up to 94%, which is very impressive considering most patients in CAR T trials have not responded to many, if not all other available treatments.

The first two CAR-T have recently been approved- and now there are over 240 CAR-T clinical trials that are ongoing. And while the CAR-T field is booming, and the technology is very exciting, there are severe side effects in clinical trials that lead us to believe the technology might not be ready, or might not be worth it’s very high price tag.

Hofland and Portillo speak with Dr. Hill about some of his research regarding the risk of infection in CAR T patients, as well as his perspective on where this technology is going in the near future.

And finally, Hofland and Portillo talk about a new book – A Cure Within, published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press and written by veteran journalist and author Neil Canavan.

Canavan's book discusses the power of the immune system and tells the story of a the tenacious few medical scientists who refused to abandon novel scientific concepts.

Based entirely on interviews with medical researchers the book tells the story of the pioneers of immuno-oncology. It’s a story of failure, resurrection and success.

But above all, it’s a story about discovery and intuition and cunning. It’s a peek into the lives and thoughts of some of the most gifted men and women – the medical scientists – who are, on a daily basis - working hard to find a Cure for Cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2283a cure for cancer,a cure within,car t cell therapy,fred hutchinson cancer center,immune system,immuno-oncology,joshua a. hill,md,medical scientists,neil canavanfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pogress-in-the-treatment-of-multiple-myeloma-an-interview-with-dr-noopur-raje--14205236
They recap one of the most important healthcare conferences of the year, the annual meeting American Society of Hematology or ASH, one of these ‘must go to’ meetings for oncology and hematology specialists but also for oncology nurses, researchers, and patients alike.

In this episode they also interview Noopur Raje, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School; Director of the Multiple Myeloma Center at Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, Massachusetts

Dr. Raje is associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the Multiple Myeloma Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. She spearheads a translational research program evaluating novel therapeutics in myeloma with a special interest in the biology of myeloma bone disease.

Dr. Raje is a member of the International Myeloma Working Group and NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee for Multiple Myeloma. Massachusetts General Hospital.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14205236Mon, 05 Mar 2018 20:25:51 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The OncoZine Brief, Peter Hofland, Ph.D and Sonia Portillo review some of the interesting studies presented at the 59th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology – which took place December 9 – 12, 2017 in Atlanta,...
They recap one of the most important healthcare conferences of the year, the annual meeting American Society of Hematology or ASH, one of these ‘must go to’ meetings for oncology and hematology specialists but also for oncology nurses, researchers, and patients alike.

In this episode they also interview Noopur Raje, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School; Director of the Multiple Myeloma Center at Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, Massachusetts

Dr. Raje is associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the Multiple Myeloma Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. She spearheads a translational research program evaluating novel therapeutics in myeloma with a special interest in the biology of myeloma bone disease.

Dr. Raje is a member of the International Myeloma Working Group and NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee for Multiple Myeloma. Massachusetts General Hospital.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>1630american society of hematology,ash2017,cancer,harvard medical school,hematology,international myeloma working,massachusetts general hospital,md,multiple myeloma,nccn clinical practice,noopur raje,oncologyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/phil-rowlands-a-focus-on-global-r-d--13978384
Takeda is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. The company focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines.

Founded in the United States 1998 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Japanese Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Takeda Pharmaceuticals is among the top 15 pharmaceutical companies in the United States.

In this program we talk with Phil Rowlands about the history of Takeda, the company's focus on oncology and hematology, basic research and collaboration with industry partners.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13978384Mon, 05 Feb 2018 22:26:02 +0000Peter HoflandIn this Edition of The OncoZine Brief, brought to you from the 59th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology held December 9-12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia, Peter Hofland, Ph.D and Sonia Portillo, B.Sc, the team behind the show, sat down...
Takeda is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. The company focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines.

Founded in the United States 1998 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Japanese Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Takeda Pharmaceuticals is among the top 15 pharmaceutical companies in the United States.

In this program we talk with Phil Rowlands about the history of Takeda, the company's focus on oncology and hematology, basic research and collaboration with industry partners.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2605adc,cancer,hematology,oncology,r&d,takedafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-dramatic-progress-in-new-drug-development-maximizes-patient-benefit--13904548
In this interview Hofland and Portillo asks Benner about the many changes at Astellas, the company’s focus and some of the greatest challenges the company faces. They also talk about the definition of personalized medicine, precision medicine and targeted therapies – and the differences of these approaches beyond the typical ‘buzz words’ – and how personalized medicine, is changing the drug development process.

Hofland and Portillo also ask Benner to share his own impression of this years annual meeting ('Real dramatic progress in the development of novel therapeutic drugs designed to maximize the patient benefit...') and what he thinks is the most exciting clinical news presented.

And, finally, Hofland and Portillo talk with Benner about the results of a poster his company presented about the “Economic Burden of Treatment Episodes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients in the U.S.” Which includes new information about the major drivers of economic burden for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients and therapeutic strategies needed to deal with this burden.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13904548Sun, 28 Jan 2018 00:53:49 +0000Peter HoflandFor this edition of The Onco'Zine Brief, recorded during 59th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology held December 9 to 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia, Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo, the team behind show, sat down with Steven E. Benner,...
In this interview Hofland and Portillo asks Benner about the many changes at Astellas, the company’s focus and some of the greatest challenges the company faces. They also talk about the definition of personalized medicine, precision medicine and targeted therapies – and the differences of these approaches beyond the typical ‘buzz words’ – and how personalized medicine, is changing the drug development process.

Hofland and Portillo also ask Benner to share his own impression of this years annual meeting ('Real dramatic progress in the development of novel therapeutic drugs designed to maximize the patient benefit...') and what he thinks is the most exciting clinical news presented.

And, finally, Hofland and Portillo talk with Benner about the results of a poster his company presented about the “Economic Burden of Treatment Episodes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients in the U.S.” Which includes new information about the major drivers of economic burden for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients and therapeutic strategies needed to deal with this burden.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2312adc,blood,cancer,health,hematology,medicine,oncology,patient,pharma,therapeutic,treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/changing-the-treatment-of-multiple-meyloma-a-conversation-with-dr-anna-sureda--13668324
During our conversation we asked Dr Sureda about what she thinks about the exciting treatment options presented at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology as well as the differences in how patients are being treated in the United States vs. Spain.

And we asked Dr Sureda about a particular study, the ECHELON-1, about the reason for the study, the study outcomes and what the results of this study mean for patients with advanced frontline Hodgkin lymphoma.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13668324Tue, 26 Dec 2017 00:36:53 +0000Peter HoflandIn this edition of The Onco'Zine Brief, recorded during the 59th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology - held December 9 to 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia (USA), we talk with Anna Sureda, MD, Ph.D, Head of the Hematology Department at the...
During our conversation we asked Dr Sureda about what she thinks about the exciting treatment options presented at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology as well as the differences in how patients are being treated in the United States vs. Spain.

And we asked Dr Sureda about a particular study, the ECHELON-1, about the reason for the study, the study outcomes and what the results of this study mean for patients with advanced frontline Hodgkin lymphoma.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2598cancer,cancer-treatment,medicine,multiple-meyloma,spainfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/building-a-pipeline-of-novel-anticancer-agents--13606794
Over the last 25 years, there has been an explosion of new and vitally important, anticancer drugs.

The development of these promising new therapeutic agents is generally based on preclinical and clinical research. In many cases, this research has, become prohibitively expensive. And only a relatively few investigational drugs have reached the market and successfully improved clinical outcomes in the treatment of patients with cancer and hematological malignancies. In the development of new therapies, the traditional clinical trial process of determining which drugs will ultimately benefit patients is long and expensive.

Over the last few decades scientists have tried to change – and improve - the way clinical trials are conducted. Their purpose… Improving the process and improving the way novel pharmaceutical drugs are being developed. But it still takes many years and huge investments to successfully bring a new drug to market.

But despite the huge efforts there is still a huge unmet medical need.

While there are many novel drugs being developed to help improve the outcome and improve survival, resources are limited. Optimal use of resources requires better understanding of cancer biology, the identification of novel therapeutic targets, and the ability to address inefficiencies in the cancer clinical trials system. This may especially be so in how we treat women with metastatic, high risk, breast cancer.

Based on the current limitations in how we conduct clinical trials, scientists of The Biomarkers Consortium, at the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, are changing the way new anticancer drugs are being developed.

The Foundation’s unique and groundbreaking, re-engineered approach to clinical trials is the I-SPY Clinical Trial. This trial represents an unprecedented and streamlined method in developing new anticancer drugs. Using breast cancer treatment as a model - the I-SPY TRIALs are designed to significantly reduce the overall cost, time, and number of patients required to bring innovative anticancer agents to the right patient at the right time – and do this faster.

The I-SPY Trial Program integrates and links Phase I, Phase II and eventually Phase III clinical oncology trials to build a pipeline of novel anticancer agents. As a result, the new trial program accelerates the process of identifying a subset of high risk breast cancer patients that will directly benefit from these novel agents.

Among the targeted drugs being investigated in the I-SPY 2 trail are antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs. Antibody-drug Conjugates are part of a new wave of targeted antibody-based products. They are novel, innovative agents at the cutting edge of oncology and hematology.

During the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research, held - April 16 – 20, 2016, in New Orleans, we sat down with Doctor Angela DeMichele, Professor of Medicine and Epi-demi-ology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

We asked Doctor DeMichele a number of questions about a specific part of the I-SPY-2 trial in which researchers investigated a particular antibody-drug conjugate and how a combination of drugs, including antibody-drug conjugates, can bring a substantially greater proportion of patients to the primary endpoint of pathological complete response or PCR, an outcome in which, following neoadjuvant therapy, residual invasive cancer is detected in the breast tissue and lymph nodes during surgery.

And we asked her about the benefit of targeted therapy and how novel drugs like antibody-drug conjugates play a role.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13606794Sun, 17 Dec 2017 03:44:38 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo, the team behind The Onco'Zine Brief, talk with Angela M. DeMichele, MD MSCE, Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Over the last...
Over the last 25 years, there has been an explosion of new and vitally important, anticancer drugs.

The development of these promising new therapeutic agents is generally based on preclinical and clinical research. In many cases, this research has, become prohibitively expensive. And only a relatively few investigational drugs have reached the market and successfully improved clinical outcomes in the treatment of patients with cancer and hematological malignancies. In the development of new therapies, the traditional clinical trial process of determining which drugs will ultimately benefit patients is long and expensive.

Over the last few decades scientists have tried to change – and improve - the way clinical trials are conducted. Their purpose… Improving the process and improving the way novel pharmaceutical drugs are being developed. But it still takes many years and huge investments to successfully bring a new drug to market.

But despite the huge efforts there is still a huge unmet medical need.

While there are many novel drugs being developed to help improve the outcome and improve survival, resources are limited. Optimal use of resources requires better understanding of cancer biology, the identification of novel therapeutic targets, and the ability to address inefficiencies in the cancer clinical trials system. This may especially be so in how we treat women with metastatic, high risk, breast cancer.

Based on the current limitations in how we conduct clinical trials, scientists of The Biomarkers Consortium, at the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, are changing the way new anticancer drugs are being developed.

The Foundation’s unique and groundbreaking, re-engineered approach to clinical trials is the I-SPY Clinical Trial. This trial represents an unprecedented and streamlined method in developing new anticancer drugs. Using breast cancer treatment as a model - the I-SPY TRIALs are designed to significantly reduce the overall cost, time, and number of patients required to bring innovative anticancer agents to the right patient at the right time – and do this faster.

The I-SPY Trial Program integrates and links Phase I, Phase II and eventually Phase III clinical oncology trials to build a pipeline of novel anticancer agents. As a result, the new trial program accelerates the process of identifying a subset of high risk breast cancer patients that will directly benefit from these novel agents.

Among the targeted drugs being investigated in the I-SPY 2 trail are antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs. Antibody-drug Conjugates are part of a new wave of targeted antibody-based products. They are novel, innovative agents at the cutting edge of oncology and hematology.

During the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research, held - April 16 – 20, 2016, in New Orleans, we sat down with Doctor Angela DeMichele, Professor of Medicine and Epi-demi-ology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

We asked Doctor DeMichele a number of questions about a specific part of the I-SPY-2 trial in which researchers investigated a particular antibody-drug conjugate and how a combination of drugs, including antibody-drug conjugates, can bring a substantially greater proportion of patients to the primary endpoint of pathological complete response or PCR, an outcome in which, following neoadjuvant therapy, residual invasive cancer is detected in the breast tissue and lymph nodes during surgery.

And we asked her about the benefit of targeted therapy and how novel drugs like antibody-drug conjugates play a role.
2011antibody-drug-conjugates,cancer,clinical-trials,drug-development,i-spyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nano-pulse-stimulation-clearing-away-damaged-diseased-or-aged-cells--13606730
The team at Pulse Biosciences has developed a technology is called Nano-pulse Stimulation, or NPS. This novel technology delivers ultra-short nanosecond pulses to stimulate cellular responses in targeted tissue. These pulses induce cells to die in a natural way.

Preclinical studies indicate that NPS can stimulate the adaptive immune response, commonly known as immunogenic cell death. The new technology thus engages the immune system to clear away damaged, diseased, or aged cells and recruit cancer-attacking T cells to the tumor site.

Darrin Uecker and Richard Nuccitelli explain how this new technology works, its history and how this may benefit patients.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13606730Sun, 17 Dec 2017 03:17:01 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The OncoZine Brief Peter Hofland interviews Darrin Uecker and Richard Nuccitelli of Pulse Biosciences. The team at Pulse Biosciences has developed a technology is called Nano-pulse Stimulation, or NPS. This novel technology...
The team at Pulse Biosciences has developed a technology is called Nano-pulse Stimulation, or NPS. This novel technology delivers ultra-short nanosecond pulses to stimulate cellular responses in targeted tissue. These pulses induce cells to die in a natural way.

Preclinical studies indicate that NPS can stimulate the adaptive immune response, commonly known as immunogenic cell death. The new technology thus engages the immune system to clear away damaged, diseased, or aged cells and recruit cancer-attacking T cells to the tumor site.

Darrin Uecker and Richard Nuccitelli explain how this new technology works, its history and how this may benefit patients.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>1742adaptive-immune-response,cancer-treatment,nano-pulse-stimulation,t-cells,tumorfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/disparities-in-cancer-care-a-major-public-health-issue--13606667
Caligiuri is director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and CEO of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, located in Columbus, Ohio. He is a renowned physician-scientist, known for his work in immunology that is focused on human natural killer cells and their modulation for the treatment of leukemia, myeloma, and glioblastoma. Well over 1,500 cancer patients have been treated on clinical protocols that have come out of Caligiuri’s laboratory.

Caligiuri has been actively involved with the AACR since 1990, serving as a member, and more recently, chairperson of the Publications Committee and a member of the Clinical and Translational Cancer Research Committee, among other things.

During the 2017 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research | AACR, Hofland and Portillo sat down with Caligiuri to ask him about his passion, his drive and what he wants to accomplish during his tenure as president of the organization.

One of Caligiuri main concerns is the health disparities in cancer that represent a major public health problem in our country. By promoting the exchange of novel ideas and information between the AACR and a wide range of professionals from academia, industry, government, and the community, Caligiuri hopes to drive a movement to help eliminate the disparities and harness the potential and maximize the many opportunities for bringing research on health disparities from bench to bedside or community, and back again. As part of this effort, he will, during his tenure as president of the AACR, bring together scientists and other professionals working in a variety of disciplines to discuss the latest findings in the field and to stimulate the development of new research in cancer health disparities.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13606667Sun, 17 Dec 2017 02:52:27 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo talk with Michael A. Caligiuri, MD, the current (2017- 2018) president of the American Association for Cancer Research | AACR. Caligiuri is director of The Ohio State University...
Caligiuri is director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and CEO of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, located in Columbus, Ohio. He is a renowned physician-scientist, known for his work in immunology that is focused on human natural killer cells and their modulation for the treatment of leukemia, myeloma, and glioblastoma. Well over 1,500 cancer patients have been treated on clinical protocols that have come out of Caligiuri’s laboratory.

Caligiuri has been actively involved with the AACR since 1990, serving as a member, and more recently, chairperson of the Publications Committee and a member of the Clinical and Translational Cancer Research Committee, among other things.

During the 2017 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research | AACR, Hofland and Portillo sat down with Caligiuri to ask him about his passion, his drive and what he wants to accomplish during his tenure as president of the organization.

One of Caligiuri main concerns is the health disparities in cancer that represent a major public health problem in our country. By promoting the exchange of novel ideas and information between the AACR and a wide range of professionals from academia, industry, government, and the community, Caligiuri hopes to drive a movement to help eliminate the disparities and harness the potential and maximize the many opportunities for bringing research on health disparities from bench to bedside or community, and back again. As part of this effort, he will, during his tenure as president of the AACR, bring together scientists and other professionals working in a variety of disciplines to discuss the latest findings in the field and to stimulate the development of new research in cancer health disparities.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>1503aacr,bench-to-bedside,cancer-health-disparities,cancer-research,cancer-treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-real-powerhouse-in-the-world-of-oncology--13606520
He has spent more than 40 years researching cancer biology, drug treatment and resistance, and it can be said that his accomplishments have helped to better understand cancer treatment.

Here in the United States he has worked with a number of pioneers in oncology – including Dr. Bruce A. Chabner, at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) - where he conducted pharmacology studies to understand the effect of certain drugs on bone marrow stem cells.

He introduced the medical community to a process of multidisciplinary treatment across hematology, surgical and radiation oncology…

...and helped develop new clinical strategies.

The work Dr. Pinedo did to accomplish his goal was recognized by his peers.

As a result, in 2014, during the 50th aniversary of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), he received the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award and Lecture.

First presented in 1970, the award recognizes oncologists who have made outstanding contributions to cancer research, diagnosis, or treatment.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13606520Sun, 17 Dec 2017 01:55:51 +0000Peter HoflandBorn and raised in Curaçao NA, an island in the southern Caribbean Sea, Bob Pinedo, MD, PhD, now professor emeritus and a consultant to the Board of the Free University Medical Center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, remains a real powerhouse in the...
He has spent more than 40 years researching cancer biology, drug treatment and resistance, and it can be said that his accomplishments have helped to better understand cancer treatment.

Here in the United States he has worked with a number of pioneers in oncology – including Dr. Bruce A. Chabner, at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) - where he conducted pharmacology studies to understand the effect of certain drugs on bone marrow stem cells.

He introduced the medical community to a process of multidisciplinary treatment across hematology, surgical and radiation oncology…

...and helped develop new clinical strategies.

The work Dr. Pinedo did to accomplish his goal was recognized by his peers.

As a result, in 2014, during the 50th aniversary of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), he received the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award and Lecture.

First presented in 1970, the award recognizes oncologists who have made outstanding contributions to cancer research, diagnosis, or treatment.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>1234asco,cancer,cancer-biology,karnofsky-memorial-award,multidisciplinary-treatmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/linking-clinical-research-big-data-and-patient-advocacy--13605796
This program was originally recorded during the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research - (AACR), held April 16 – 20, 2016, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

It can be said that Nancy Brinker embodies the global movement to end breast cancer.

Over the last 4 decades we’ve seen major developments and advances in the in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Among the major changes seen is the rise of patient advocacy and how patient advocacy helps patients, their families, and their caregivers navigate the cancer landscape.

The organization Nancy Brinker founded, has been a leading force in the development of patient advocacy and has changed the way the world talks about -- and treats -- breast cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13605796Sat, 16 Dec 2017 22:08:35 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco'Zine Brief Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo interview Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This program was originally recorded during the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research -...
This program was originally recorded during the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research - (AACR), held April 16 – 20, 2016, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

It can be said that Nancy Brinker embodies the global movement to end breast cancer.

Over the last 4 decades we’ve seen major developments and advances in the in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Among the major changes seen is the rise of patient advocacy and how patient advocacy helps patients, their families, and their caregivers navigate the cancer landscape.

The organization Nancy Brinker founded, has been a leading force in the development of patient advocacy and has changed the way the world talks about -- and treats -- breast cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>1462aacr,big-data,cancer-treatment,nancy-brinker,patient-advocacyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/on-curing-melanoma--13605737
Andtbacka is a member of the Experimental Therapeutics Program, and he specializes in surgery for melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

His research interests include novel techniques to identify how melanoma spreads through the lymph and vascular systems; resistance to targeted therapies in soft tissue sarcomas, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors; and novel therapeutics for solid tumors.

In this interview Peter Hofland, Sonia Portillo and Robert Andtbacka discusses some of the exciting research presented at this year’s annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, which took place June 2nd to 6th in Chicago, Illinois.

Andtbacka addresses current standards of care in melanoma, and the challenges that come with treating this disease, especially once it has metastasized to the brain. He also discusses some of the approaches that are being tested and developed for melanoma, and explained why combination therapies are showing he most promise both early and late-stages of the disease.

Some data presented at ASCO supports the combination of new drugs that can enhance existing therapies by altering the microenvironment of the tumor and making it more susceptible to treatments.

Andtbacka talks about why therapy combinations have really transformed oncology in recent years by offering patients long term survival benefit that were previously unseen.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13605737Sat, 16 Dec 2017 21:53:51 +0000Peter HoflandRecorded during the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo, the team behind The Onco'Zine Brief, interview Dr. Robert Andtbacka, associate professor in the Division of Surgical...
Andtbacka is a member of the Experimental Therapeutics Program, and he specializes in surgery for melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

His research interests include novel techniques to identify how melanoma spreads through the lymph and vascular systems; resistance to targeted therapies in soft tissue sarcomas, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors; and novel therapeutics for solid tumors.

In this interview Peter Hofland, Sonia Portillo and Robert Andtbacka discusses some of the exciting research presented at this year’s annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, which took place June 2nd to 6th in Chicago, Illinois.

Andtbacka addresses current standards of care in melanoma, and the challenges that come with treating this disease, especially once it has metastasized to the brain. He also discusses some of the approaches that are being tested and developed for melanoma, and explained why combination therapies are showing he most promise both early and late-stages of the disease.

Some data presented at ASCO supports the combination of new drugs that can enhance existing therapies by altering the microenvironment of the tumor and making it more susceptible to treatments.

Andtbacka talks about why therapy combinations have really transformed oncology in recent years by offering patients long term survival benefit that were previously unseen.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>1941asco,cancer,combination-therapy,melanoma,sarcomafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/developing-novel-therapies-for-her2-positive-advanced-or-metastatic-breast-cancer-patients--13605695
Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptors, also known as EGFR, such as HER2 and HER3, can play a role in cancer cell development, including breast cancer. Statistics show that one in five breast cancers overexpress HER2, which is associated with a more aggressive disease. And about 50 to 70% of breast cancer tumors have detectable levels of HER3.

Depending on several factors, including the biomarker classification, breast cancer is typically treated with various combinations of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy. But many HER2-positive tumors progress to the point where no currently approved HER2-targeting treatments can continue to control the disease. Furthermore, there is no HER2-targeting therapies approved for HER2-weak positive tumors and no approved HER3-targeting therapy options.

Historically, HER3 has represented a challenge for drug development due to this receptor's lack of tyrosine kinase activity. However, recent reports of HER-3 targeted drugs have shown promising results in a number of preclinical settings.

A better understanding of HER3 regulation has contributed to improve the potential strategies to therapeutically target HER3 for cancer treatment.

In this interview held during the 2017 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, which took place June 2nd to 5th in Chicago, Illinois, Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo, the team behind The Onco'Zine Brief, sat down with Antoine Yver, MD., MSc, Executive Vice President and Global Head, Oncology Research and Development at Daiichi Sankyo to talk about Daiichi Sankyo novel antibody-drug conjugate, DS-8201, and how this investigational drug has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and promising antitumor activity.

The trial drug is currently being evaluated in an open-label two-part phase I dosing study in patients with advanced, unresectable or metastatic solid tumors that are refractory or intolerant to standard treatment, or for whom no standard treatment is available.

DS-8201 is being development for HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer and gastric cancer, HER2-low-expressing breast cancer and other HER2-expressing solid cancers. The primary objective of the so-called dose escalation phase of the study was to assess the safety and tolerability of DS-8201 and determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD).

To date a total of 134 patients have been treated in both the dose escalation part of the study, which included 24 patients, and dose expansion part of the study, which included 110 patients.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13605695Sat, 16 Dec 2017 21:43:18 +0000Peter HoflandPatients living with invasive breast cancer with high levels of HER3 may face a significantly worse prognosis and decreased survival. This represents a large unmet medical need. Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptors, also known as EGFR,...
Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptors, also known as EGFR, such as HER2 and HER3, can play a role in cancer cell development, including breast cancer. Statistics show that one in five breast cancers overexpress HER2, which is associated with a more aggressive disease. And about 50 to 70% of breast cancer tumors have detectable levels of HER3.

Depending on several factors, including the biomarker classification, breast cancer is typically treated with various combinations of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy. But many HER2-positive tumors progress to the point where no currently approved HER2-targeting treatments can continue to control the disease. Furthermore, there is no HER2-targeting therapies approved for HER2-weak positive tumors and no approved HER3-targeting therapy options.

Historically, HER3 has represented a challenge for drug development due to this receptor's lack of tyrosine kinase activity. However, recent reports of HER-3 targeted drugs have shown promising results in a number of preclinical settings.

A better understanding of HER3 regulation has contributed to improve the potential strategies to therapeutically target HER3 for cancer treatment.

In this interview held during the 2017 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, which took place June 2nd to 5th in Chicago, Illinois, Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo, the team behind The Onco'Zine Brief, sat down with Antoine Yver, MD., MSc, Executive Vice President and Global Head, Oncology Research and Development at Daiichi Sankyo to talk about Daiichi Sankyo novel antibody-drug conjugate, DS-8201, and how this investigational drug has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and promising antitumor activity.

The trial drug is currently being evaluated in an open-label two-part phase I dosing study in patients with advanced, unresectable or metastatic solid tumors that are refractory or intolerant to standard treatment, or for whom no standard treatment is available.

DS-8201 is being development for HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer and gastric cancer, HER2-low-expressing breast cancer and other HER2-expressing solid cancers. The primary objective of the so-called dose escalation phase of the study was to assess the safety and tolerability of DS-8201 and determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD).

To date a total of 134 patients have been treated in both the dose escalation part of the study, which included 24 patients, and dose expansion part of the study, which included 110 patients.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2342cancer,gastric-cancer,her2-positive,her3,metastatic-breast-cancerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/precision-medicine-meeting-the-unmet-medical-needs-of-cancer-patients--13605674
Lim is the Founder and Managing Partner at City Hill Ventures, a company he founded in 2010. He is also a Co-Founder of Bonti, Eclipse Therapeutics and served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Halozyme Therapeutics from 2003 to 3, 2010 and its Executive Director from 2003 to 2010.

Lim was a recipient of a National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellowship, during which time he conducted clinical outcomes research at Harvard Medical School. His prior experience also includes two years of clinical training/ residency in general surgery at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Founding Editor-in-Chief of the McGill Journal of Medicine; and basic science and clinical research at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Lim has published articles in leading peer-reviewed medical journals such as the Annals of Surgery and the Journal of Refractive Surgery. He earned a B.S., with honors and M.S. in Molecular Biology from Stanford University, his M.D. degree from McGill University and his M.P.H. degree in Health Care Management from Harvard University.

As the co-founder of Ignyta, Lim focuses on the mission of developing precision medicines that can eventually eradicate residual disease in certain, well-defined, cancer populations.

This interview with Lim took place at during the 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) which took place June 2nd to the 5th in Chicago, Illinois. During our interview, Lim talked about some of the exciting data presented at ASCO, including the development of novel treatments that target gene fusions that drive tumor growth. These new approaches are focused on molecular targets rather than tumor histology, and they are changing the way we look at cancer treatment for a range of patients with unmet medical needs.

Among the drugs being developed by researchers at Ignyta is entrectinib, a drug that is designed to target precise causes of certain cancer types that are caused by multiple gene rearrangements or “fusions”, all with one single therapy.

During our interview, Lim explained that the company is running their clinical trials quite differently - in a form of a so-called “basket trial.” This means that they focus on a specific cancer cause regardless of the location or type of cancer.

And finally, Lim explained why for certain well-defined patient populations, attacking the genomic cause of disease may not only have the potential to shrink tumors, but to eradicate relapse and recurrence altogether.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13605674Sat, 16 Dec 2017 21:35:07 +0000Peter HoflandFor this edition of The OncoZine Brief, Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo sat down with Jonathan E. Lim, M.D. co-founder of IGNYTA, and its President and Chief Executive Officer since July 2012. Lim is the Founder and Managing Partner at City Hill...
Lim is the Founder and Managing Partner at City Hill Ventures, a company he founded in 2010. He is also a Co-Founder of Bonti, Eclipse Therapeutics and served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Halozyme Therapeutics from 2003 to 3, 2010 and its Executive Director from 2003 to 2010.

Lim was a recipient of a National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellowship, during which time he conducted clinical outcomes research at Harvard Medical School. His prior experience also includes two years of clinical training/ residency in general surgery at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Founding Editor-in-Chief of the McGill Journal of Medicine; and basic science and clinical research at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Lim has published articles in leading peer-reviewed medical journals such as the Annals of Surgery and the Journal of Refractive Surgery. He earned a B.S., with honors and M.S. in Molecular Biology from Stanford University, his M.D. degree from McGill University and his M.P.H. degree in Health Care Management from Harvard University.

As the co-founder of Ignyta, Lim focuses on the mission of developing precision medicines that can eventually eradicate residual disease in certain, well-defined, cancer populations.

This interview with Lim took place at during the 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) which took place June 2nd to the 5th in Chicago, Illinois. During our interview, Lim talked about some of the exciting data presented at ASCO, including the development of novel treatments that target gene fusions that drive tumor growth. These new approaches are focused on molecular targets rather than tumor histology, and they are changing the way we look at cancer treatment for a range of patients with unmet medical needs.

Among the drugs being developed by researchers at Ignyta is entrectinib, a drug that is designed to target precise causes of certain cancer types that are caused by multiple gene rearrangements or “fusions”, all with one single therapy.

During our interview, Lim explained that the company is running their clinical trials quite differently - in a form of a so-called “basket trial.” This means that they focus on a specific cancer cause regardless of the location or type of cancer.

And finally, Lim explained why for certain well-defined patient populations, attacking the genomic cause of disease may not only have the potential to shrink tumors, but to eradicate relapse and recurrence altogether.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>1652asco,cancer,gene-fusion,precision-medicine,unmet-medical-needsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/targeted-therapies-changing-cancer-treatments-to-benefit-patients--13605155
Astellas currently has several highly targeted drugs in (early) development and clinical trials. One of these investigational agents is enfortumab vedotin, which is demonstrating promising results for metastatic urothelial cancer patients that fail checkpoint inhibitor therapies or CPIs.

Enfortumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate or ADC designed to deliver the cell-killing, microtubule-disrupting, agent called monomethyl auristatin E or MMAE to the target Nectin-4, a cell adhesion molecule identified as an ADC target by Astellas, which is expressed on many solid tumors.

Antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs are a new class of highly potent biopharmaceutical drug composed of an antibody linked, via a chemical linker, to a biologically active drug or cytotoxic compound.

These novel, targeted agents combine the unique and very sensitive targeting capabilities of antibodies allowing sensitive discrimination between healthy and cancer tissues with the cell-killing ability of cytotoxic drugs.

Astellas' investigational ADC enfortumab vedotin uses Seattle Genetics’ proprietary linker technology.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13605155Sat, 16 Dec 2017 19:29:14 +0000Peter HoflandRecorded during the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), held June 2 - 6, 2017 in Chicago, Ill, Sonia Portillo and Peter Hofland, the team behind The Onco'Zine Brief, interview Dr. Steve Benner – Senior Vice...
Astellas currently has several highly targeted drugs in (early) development and clinical trials. One of these investigational agents is enfortumab vedotin, which is demonstrating promising results for metastatic urothelial cancer patients that fail checkpoint inhibitor therapies or CPIs.

Enfortumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate or ADC designed to deliver the cell-killing, microtubule-disrupting, agent called monomethyl auristatin E or MMAE to the target Nectin-4, a cell adhesion molecule identified as an ADC target by Astellas, which is expressed on many solid tumors.

Antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs are a new class of highly potent biopharmaceutical drug composed of an antibody linked, via a chemical linker, to a biologically active drug or cytotoxic compound.

These novel, targeted agents combine the unique and very sensitive targeting capabilities of antibodies allowing sensitive discrimination between healthy and cancer tissues with the cell-killing ability of cytotoxic drugs.

Astellas' investigational ADC enfortumab vedotin uses Seattle Genetics’ proprietary linker technology.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>1667antibody-drug-conjugates,asco,cancer,oncology,targeted-therapiesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-google-calling-medanswers-how-to-find-personalized-answers-to-pressing-medical-questions--13605076
Alice is a cancer survivor.

As part of her journey to survival Crisci founded Fertile Action, a cancer charity established to ensure fertile people touched by cancer can become mothers. As a cancer survivor and a single mom who faced issues of infertility, Alice dealt with the challenges of figuring out how preserve her fertility so that one day she could have a child.

Alice own need resulted in the founding of a non-profit organization – Fertile Acton – which provides Education and Advocacy, offering empowering education to patients and physicians, and help oncologists have specific fertility conversation with patients during the treatment planning phase

Crisci founded Fertile Action a few weeks after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that time she was just 31-years-old.

Crisci also launched MedAnswers, a digital health app that connects anonymous patients, to board certified experts in various medical disciplines for personalized question and answer sessions.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13605076Sat, 16 Dec 2017 19:11:55 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco'Zine Brief Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo talk with Alice Crisci. Alice is a cancer survivor. As part of her journey to survival Crisci founded Fertile Action, a cancer charity established to ensure fertile people...
Alice is a cancer survivor.

As part of her journey to survival Crisci founded Fertile Action, a cancer charity established to ensure fertile people touched by cancer can become mothers. As a cancer survivor and a single mom who faced issues of infertility, Alice dealt with the challenges of figuring out how preserve her fertility so that one day she could have a child.

Alice own need resulted in the founding of a non-profit organization – Fertile Acton – which provides Education and Advocacy, offering empowering education to patients and physicians, and help oncologists have specific fertility conversation with patients during the treatment planning phase

Crisci founded Fertile Action a few weeks after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that time she was just 31-years-old.

Crisci also launched MedAnswers, a digital health app that connects anonymous patients, to board certified experts in various medical disciplines for personalized question and answer sessions.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>1751cancer,cancer-treatment,fertility,oncology,patient-advocacyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/an-urgent-need-to-impact-lung-cancer-care-in-a-big-way--13604819
In this episode of the Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo, the team behind The Onco'Zine Brief, interview Bonnie Adario, Cancer Survivor.

Addario was was first diagnosed with stage 3b lung cancer in 2004, a cancer with a survival rate of only 5%. As part of her treatment, Addario underwent surgery to remove one lobe, radiation and chemotherapy treatments, and, against the odds, became a lung cancer survivor.

After this experience, she felt an urgent need to impact lung cancer care in a big way.

In 2006, she started the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, now one of the largest philanthropies that is exclusively dedicated to lung cancer.

The foundation Addario set up has the goal of working with a diverse group of physician’s organization, industry partners, patients and survivors in efforts to find solutions and make meaningful changes in lung cancer, and they hope to turn lung cancer into a chronically managed disease by 2023.

Addario's foundation manages several projects, some in collaboration with the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute – an international non-profit research consortium.

This research consortium, also called ‘Alchmey’, directly facilitates collaboration between investigators from over 22 institutions in the United States and Europe, and is supported by research infrastructures including centralized tissue banks and data systems.

They also combine the expertise of scientific and medical professionals with patient’s access through a network of community cancer centers.

This helps to accelerate research and advance ongoing projects from both the foundation and the medical institute.

In this interview, Addario shares with some inside perspectives on where we are with lung cancer treatment, as well as some of the exciting projects being developed by her team at the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13604819Sat, 16 Dec 2017 18:09:47 +0000Peter HoflandEach year, 1.4 million people are diagnosed with lung cancer worldwide. The 5-year survival rate for these patients is only 15.9%. In this episode of the Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo, the team behind The Onco'Zine Brief, interview Bonnie Adario,...
In this episode of the Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo, the team behind The Onco'Zine Brief, interview Bonnie Adario, Cancer Survivor.

Addario was was first diagnosed with stage 3b lung cancer in 2004, a cancer with a survival rate of only 5%. As part of her treatment, Addario underwent surgery to remove one lobe, radiation and chemotherapy treatments, and, against the odds, became a lung cancer survivor.

After this experience, she felt an urgent need to impact lung cancer care in a big way.

In 2006, she started the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, now one of the largest philanthropies that is exclusively dedicated to lung cancer.

The foundation Addario set up has the goal of working with a diverse group of physician’s organization, industry partners, patients and survivors in efforts to find solutions and make meaningful changes in lung cancer, and they hope to turn lung cancer into a chronically managed disease by 2023.

Addario's foundation manages several projects, some in collaboration with the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute – an international non-profit research consortium.

This research consortium, also called ‘Alchmey’, directly facilitates collaboration between investigators from over 22 institutions in the United States and Europe, and is supported by research infrastructures including centralized tissue banks and data systems.

They also combine the expertise of scientific and medical professionals with patient’s access through a network of community cancer centers.

This helps to accelerate research and advance ongoing projects from both the foundation and the medical institute.

In this interview, Addario shares with some inside perspectives on where we are with lung cancer treatment, as well as some of the exciting projects being developed by her team at the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>1791cancer,cancer-research,cancer-survival,chemotherapy,lung-cancerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/superblood-the-development-of-novel-red-cell-therapeutics--13604708
Epstein explains how his company is pioneering novel Red-Cell Therapeutics or RCTs – nicknamed ‘superblood’ – as a new class of medicines to address a wide array of diseases.

He explains how these novel drugs have leading applications in cancer, rare and autoimmune disease, as well as additional potential in hemophilia, infectious and metabolic diseases.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13604708Sat, 16 Dec 2017 17:42:17 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco'Zine Brief, Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo, talk with David R. Epstein B.Sc, MBA, the Executive Chairman of Rubius Therapeutics. Epstein explains how his company is pioneering novel Red-Cell Therapeutics or RCTs –...
Epstein explains how his company is pioneering novel Red-Cell Therapeutics or RCTs – nicknamed ‘superblood’ – as a new class of medicines to address a wide array of diseases.

He explains how these novel drugs have leading applications in cancer, rare and autoimmune disease, as well as additional potential in hemophilia, infectious and metabolic diseases.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2008autoimmune-disease,cancer,red-cell therapeutics,rubius-therapeutics,superbloodfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-impact-of-new-therapies-in-the-treatment-of-lung-cancer--13604617
The correlation between smoking and mortality from lung cancer has been clearly confirmed and a decrease of mortality after cessation of tobacco use has been seen in the United States. Since the 1990s first in men and later, since the early 2000s also in women.

Although direct environmental exposure to tobacco smoke is the predominant risk factor, inhalation of cancer causing agents such as marijuana or hookah us also contributes to the risk of lung cancer.

Additional risk factors include exposure to radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust and ionizing radiation. Furthermore, the latest evidence suggests that there is a correlation between lung cancer and chronic obstructive lung disease that is independent of tobacco use and is most likely caused as a result of a genetic abnormality.

In this episode of The Onco'Zine Brief Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo interview Fred R. Hirsch, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

They discuss new treatment options for patients with lung cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13604617Sat, 16 Dec 2017 17:21:57 +0000Peter HoflandLung cancer remains one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers. It is also one of the deadliest cancers – with each year more than 1.6 million tumor-related deaths worldwide. The correlation between smoking and mortality from lung cancer has been...
The correlation between smoking and mortality from lung cancer has been clearly confirmed and a decrease of mortality after cessation of tobacco use has been seen in the United States. Since the 1990s first in men and later, since the early 2000s also in women.

Although direct environmental exposure to tobacco smoke is the predominant risk factor, inhalation of cancer causing agents such as marijuana or hookah us also contributes to the risk of lung cancer.

Additional risk factors include exposure to radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust and ionizing radiation. Furthermore, the latest evidence suggests that there is a correlation between lung cancer and chronic obstructive lung disease that is independent of tobacco use and is most likely caused as a result of a genetic abnormality.

In this episode of The Onco'Zine Brief Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo interview Fred R. Hirsch, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

They discuss new treatment options for patients with lung cancer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2527cancer-treatment,environmental-risk-factor,lung-cancer,smoking,tobacco-cessationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/novel-drugs-leading-the-way-to-progress-in-the-treatment-of-multiple-myeloma--13604497
They ask Orlowski about his thoughts and unique perspective on research and the recent advancements in the treatment multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer), including promising results with a drug called carfilzomib (marketed as Kyprolis® by Amgen), which has become the first treatment proven to extend the overall survival of patients with relapsed multiple myeloma when compared to the current standard of care.

In healthy people, normal plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and are an important part of the immune system. In patients with multiple myeloma, these cells have become malignant. These malignant plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, crowding out the normal plasma cells that help fight infections.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13604497Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:49:56 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco'Zine Brief, Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo talk with Robert Z. Orlowski, MD, PhD, chairman, Ad Interim, Director of Myeloma and Professor of Medicine in the Departments of Lymphoma, Myeloma and Experimental Therapeutics...
They ask Orlowski about his thoughts and unique perspective on research and the recent advancements in the treatment multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer), including promising results with a drug called carfilzomib (marketed as Kyprolis® by Amgen), which has become the first treatment proven to extend the overall survival of patients with relapsed multiple myeloma when compared to the current standard of care.

In healthy people, normal plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and are an important part of the immune system. In patients with multiple myeloma, these cells have become malignant. These malignant plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, crowding out the normal plasma cells that help fight infections.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>2777cancer,cancer-treatment,carfilzomib,immune-system,multiple-myelomafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-new-paradigm-in-the-development-and-manufacturing-of-antibody-drug-conjugates--13604356
ADC Bio, a biotechnology company developing new process technology to speed, simplify and significantly lower the production costs of the latest generation of novel anti-cancer blockbuster drugs known as Antibody-drug Conjugates or ADCs.

Antibody-drug Conjugates are a new class of highly potent biopharmaceutical drugs composed of an antibody linked, via a chemical linker, to a biologically active drug or cytotoxic compound. These novel, targeted agents combine the unique and very sensitive targeting capabilities of antibodies allowing sensitive discrimination between healthy and cancer tissues with the cell-killing ability of cytotoxic drugs.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13604356Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:11:38 +0000Peter HoflandIn this episode of The Onco'Zine Brief, recorded during CPhI World Wide, held October 24 - 27, 2017 in Frankfurt, Germany, Peter Hofland and Sonia Portillo, interview Charlie Johnson, the CEO of ADC Bio. ADC Bio, a biotechnology company developing...
ADC Bio, a biotechnology company developing new process technology to speed, simplify and significantly lower the production costs of the latest generation of novel anti-cancer blockbuster drugs known as Antibody-drug Conjugates or ADCs.

Antibody-drug Conjugates are a new class of highly potent biopharmaceutical drugs composed of an antibody linked, via a chemical linker, to a biologically active drug or cytotoxic compound. These novel, targeted agents combine the unique and very sensitive targeting capabilities of antibodies allowing sensitive discrimination between healthy and cancer tissues with the cell-killing ability of cytotoxic drugs.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>1602adc,antibody,cancer,cancer-treatment,healthcarefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/alcohol-a-modifiable-risk-factor-for-cancer--13602182
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13602182Sat, 16 Dec 2017 06:38:55 +0000Peter HoflandEven modest use of alcohol may increase cancer risk. The greatest risks are observed with heavy, long-term use of alcohol. Now, for the first time, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has formally recognized that alcohol drinking is a...
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.]]>3158alcohol,cancer,health,oncology,riskfactor,treatmentfalsefull