'major' cancer breakthrough

[rick@garage16.ca]

anyone watching cp24 about the 'major' cancer breakthrough?

[cwp_sedan]

What is the point of this? Give us more info or I am locking it.

[S.F.W.]

"PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER CENTRE ANNOUNCES 'MAJOR' RESEARCH (http://www.cp24.com/video?clipId=710809)"

[n00bMeiSter]

that link doesn't work, the live feed is over :(

[cwp_sedan]

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1185897/long-term-donor-support-helps-fund-cancer-breakthrough



Long-term donor support helps fund cancer breakthrough


TORONTO, June 18, 2013 /CNW/ - In a media event held this morning, two of the world's most acclaimed cancer researchers, Drs. Tak Mak of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Dennis Slamon of the University of California, Los Angeles, shared news of a major breakthrough in the decade-long pursuit to develop a new class of "sharpshooter" cancer drugs.

"Dr. Slamon and I are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our fellow scientists and the donors who believe in our vision and have generously helped to finance our critical work," said Dr. Tak Mak, Director of The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. "Today we are excited to announce that we have submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the Food and Drug Administration for a new drug we have developed based on our research of a target enzyme, PLK4, which plays a crucial role in the process of cell division, particularly in cancer cells. We have been able to progress this project from our initial scientific observations through the complex stages of drug discovery and development to the point where we will shortly be able to test a drug in patients. It is extremely rare for an academic group to have discovered and advanced a novel "first-in-class" drug candidate to this level, and it would not have been possible without the fundamental support provided by donors."

This new drug, CFI-400945, will enter clinical trials phase in the months ahead. In the lab, it has been shown to effectively inhibit the growth of human breast and ovarian cancers as well as colorectal, glioblastoma, lung, melanoma, pancreatic and prostate cancers. Drs. Mak and Slamon are very confident about their submissions to the FDA and Health Canada and anticipate that, following a successful regulatory review, the research team will be able to move quickly to the clinical testing stage. It should be noted that the team has other compounds in early development directed towards additional novel targets uncovered through basic research that are also in the pipeline.

The key supporters of this important discovery research and the development of CFI-400945 have been the walkers and their donors in the Shoppers Drug Mart™ Weekend To End Women's Cancers®, the Campbell family, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Genome Canada and The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). "The incredible fact that this drug has been developed solely with donor and grant dollars makes it an even more extraordinary accomplishment," noted Dr. Mak, one of the most cited cancer research scientists in the world who garnered international recognition by cloning the T-cell receptor, the Holy Grail of cellular immunology.

"I truly believe in this important discovery and its therapeutic potential for cancer patients," stated Dr. Slamon, best known for his discovery and development of the cancer drug Herceptin. "I am also astounded by the philanthropic generosity of Princess Margaret donors who believe in this project just as much as our teams working in the labs here in Toronto at The Princess Margaret and at UCLA. This milestone could never have been achieved without their support and belief in our collaborative team. I have had the pleasure of attending several events for The Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend To End Women's Cancers. While addressing the crowds, I have witnessed the passion of the walker community."

"This truly amazing accomplishment has been led by two prolific innovators in the world of cancer research," stated Paul Alofs, President & CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. "Their commitment and a decade of unwavering focus to uncover the important keys to conquering cancer is outstanding. While there is still risk and a long way to go in this new drug discovery process, what this team has been able to achieve is nothing short of incredible. Let me be clear, without the support of our walkers and their donors, as well as the transformational generosity of the Campbell family, this breakthrough could not have taken place. Our supporters believe passionately in The Princess Margaret's ability to lead the revolution in Personalized Cancer Medicine."

Dr. Robert Bell, President and CEO of UHN, is very encouraged by this significant announcement. "To be a leader and innovator takes courage, brilliance and persistence, and from these attributes, great innovation is born. This type of discovery has the potential to change patient outcomes worldwide. The journey from the bench to the bedside continues at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. I can assure walkers, donors and funders that they will continue to see direct impact on the revolution that is occurring in Personalized Cancer Medicine."

About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for Personalized Cancer Medicine at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which now includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research. www.thepmcf.ca (http://www.thepmcf.ca/)

About The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute
The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre brings together an elite team of cancer researchers, scientists, clinicians and staff dedicated to the ultimate goal of conquering cancer by leveraging basic, translational and clinical research into dramatic cancer breakthroughs.www.campbellfamilyinstitute.ca (http://www.campbellfamilyinstitute.ca/)

About the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and its research arm, Ontario Cancer Institute, which includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, have achieved an international reputation as global leaders in the fight against cancer and delivering personalized cancer medicine. The Princess Margaret, one of the top five international cancer research centres, is a member of the University Health Network, which also includes Toronto General Hospital,Toronto Western Hospital and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. All are research hospitals affiliated with the University of Toronto. www.theprincessmargaret.ca (http://www.theprincessmargaret.ca/)

SOURCE: Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation

For further information:
Kevin Shea
Associate Director, Public Relations
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
Kevin.shea@thepmcf.ca
416-946-2898

Sommer Ellis
Senior Consultant
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
sommer.ellis@hkstrategies.ca
416-413-4756

[S.F.W.]

from cp24 twitter -
"Researchers have submitted an application to the FDA for a new cancer drug targeting an enzyme that is key in cell division, PMCC says."
"The new drug, part of an effort to develop a new class of 'sharpshooter' cancer drugs, will enter the clinical trials phase in coming months"
"PMCC says the drug has been shown to effectively inhibit the growth of human breast and ovarian cancers, and others incl. prostate cancer."

[geobur]

from cp24 twitter -
"Researchers have submitted an application to the FDA for a new cancer drug targeting an enzyme that is key in cell division, PMCC says."
"The new drug, part of an effort to develop a new class of 'sharpshooter' cancer drugs, will enter the clinical trials phase in coming months"
"PMCC says the drug has been shown to effectively inhibit the growth of human breast and ovarian cancers, and others incl. prostate cancer."

hmm interesting...but I'm curious how much the pharmaceutical companies will be charging for this drug...(sorry based on my experience going through chemo I am very skeptical about new "breakthrough drugs"

[mazdabetty]

^ Agreed!

I really hope this is something that will end up helping people long term. On the other hand, I was just reminded of how many small "breakthroughs" we've seen over the past few years (one from an elementary school student of all people, another from a man during his last few months of life as a cancer patient, plus many others...), but sadly we haven't heard a word about this research since.

After doing some work for a client of ours who controls drug costs in Canada, I'm a little bit skeptical of large pharmaceutical companies myself. Lately I've been hearing a lot about blue scorpion venom in Cuba, one story in particular that was a bit closer to home. Not saying it's a cure for everyone, but I wonder if North American research has ventured into the more "natural" methods found on our planet.

Either way I hope this latest news ends up being the answer for a lot of patients!

[omalak]

will be a breakthrough wehn it's actually in the hands of people and it is making a difference. Cinical trials will take years to actually make it to market.

[slam525i]

Being in this field, I'm typically skeptical. The vast majority of drugs never make it through clinical trials. Sadly, it'll probably fizzle out for one reason or another.

Regarding "natural" methods, a huge number of natural compounds are screened for potential uses in various diseases. The "new" anti-maleria drug, for example, is from a natural plant, but is chemically synthesized and modified for maximum effect/minimum side-effects. As a result, people often think that science isn't interested in "natural" methods, even though we often are; we just modify it to make it better. The problem with natural methods is that they're often sub-optimal or poorly tested, and so a better, synthetic product is used instead.

[Genpu_Mz3]

this, among everything else, is great news, it gives new hope for those who need it.

but on a side note, what ever happened to that "cure for cancer" that was "cheaper then tylenol" that some canadian doctors created, back a few months ago?

[Lactose]

this, among everything else, is great news, it gives new hope for those who need it.

but on a side note, what ever happened to that "cure for cancer" that was "cheaper then tylenol" that some canadian doctors created, back a few months ago?

IIRC it wasnt actually a cure. It only targetted a certain set of cell(s) and didnt effectivly stop Cancer.

[geobur]

^ Agreed!

I really hope this is something that will end up helping people long term. On the other hand, I was just reminded of how many small "breakthroughs" we've seen over the past few years (one from an elementary school student of all people, another from a man during his last few months of life as a cancer patient, plus many others...), but sadly we haven't heard a word about this research since.

After doing some work for a client of ours who controls drug costs in Canada, I'm a little bit skeptical of large pharmaceutical companies myself. Lately I've been hearing a lot about blue scorpion venom in Cuba, one story in particular that was a bit closer to home. Not saying it's a cure for everyone, but I wonder if North American research has ventured into the more "natural" methods found on our planet.

Either way I hope this latest news ends up being the answer for a lot of patients!

There was a really well known doctor within the field who worked right out of Mount Sinai (the hospital I went to for treatment) Who did lectures and presentations all over the world on how Vitamin D supplementation in our diets is a miracle cancer fighter. (I started taking vitamin D during my treatment and suddenly the doctors were amazed at how quickly the tumor shrunk...and I have no traces anywhere now) I didn't tell them I was using vitamin D because my oncologist scoffed at natural supplements or natural alternatives.
Pharmaceutical companies will never put money into a natural cure because they can't patent it. They have been working on (to no avail) a man made version of vitamin D but it hasn't worked for one reason or another so because of that Vitamin D research on fighting cancer is widely ignored...
This is why I am very skeptical about most "cure for cancer" fundraisers because it mostly goes to the pharmaceutical research...which is entirely about making money. When I see fundraisers where the proceeds go to exploring natural cures, or just goes to helping support the families and patients going through treatments...that is a fundraiser I am ok with helping.
Cancer research needs to be taken out of corrupt hands that are interested in coming up with something that will make them money...and put in the hands of someone who actually wants to cure it and make a difference.

my :.02

[Punkrockjohn]

There was a really well known doctor within the field who worked right out of Mount Sinai (the hospital I went to for treatment) Who did lectures and presentations all over the world on how Vitamin D supplementation in our diets is a miracle cancer fighter. (I started taking vitamin D during my treatment and suddenly the doctors were amazed at how quickly the tumor shrunk...and I have no traces anywhere now) I didn't tell them I was using vitamin D because my oncologist scoffed at natural supplements or natural alternatives.
Pharmaceutical companies will never put money into a natural cure because they can't patent it. They have been working on (to no avail) a man made version of vitamin D but it hasn't worked for one reason or another so because of that Vitamin D research on fighting cancer is widely ignored...
This is why I am very skeptical about most "cure for cancer" fundraisers because it mostly goes to the pharmaceutical research...which is entirely about making money. When I see fundraisers where the proceeds go to exploring natural cures, or just goes to helping support the families and patients going through treatments...that is a fundraiser I am ok with helping.
Cancer research needs to be taken out of corrupt hands that are interested in coming up with something that will make them money...and put in the hands of someone who actually wants to cure it and make a difference.

my :.02

My views are awfully similar on this topic

[Fuyuzora]

The sad truth about finding a "cure for cancer". (http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1162)

Hope the drug proves effective against its intended targets, though. Any progress is still progress.

[Mitchell3]

will be a breakthrough wehn it's actually in the hands of people and it is making a difference. Cinical trials will take years to actually make it to market.

This is what I think. Tell me about it when its actually out there helping people.

[iconicrocket]

If this break through cure turns out to be true... It would be exciting news to the health community. I hope they deliver on that good news by producing a product we can use.

Amazing what vitamins D can do for you...

[iconicrocket]

Here's the video link.

http://www.cp24.com/video?clipId=949725&binId=1.1127680&playlistPageNum=1

[slam525i]

So, I'm a scientist, and I probably can't convince you that pharmaceuticals aren't hiding miracle natural cures, or the various, logical reasons why so many natural cures aren't actually recognized by medicine.

But please do take into account the daily maximum tolerable limit for vitamin D at 4000IU. Unlike vitamin C, vitamin D is fat soluble, not water soluble, so excess amounts won't come out in your urine. Instead, it accumulates, possibly to toxic levels.

[geobur]

So, I'm a scientist, and I probably can't convince you that pharmaceuticals aren't hiding miracle natural cures, or the various, logical reasons why so many natural cures aren't actually recognized by medicine.

But please do take into account the daily maximum tolerable limit for vitamin D at 4000IU. Unlike vitamin C, vitamin D is fat soluble, not water soluble, so excess amounts won't come out in your urine. Instead, it accumulates, possibly to toxic levels.

Oh I understand that. Trust me I did my own research on the subject before working it into my regular diet....however people these days are heavily deficient in a lot of trace minerals, and vitamins...vitamin D being one of them...especially while going through cancer treatments. Thus opening up the possibility of taking more than the recommended daily intake. During chemo I was taking 7000IU now that I am done I take 5000IU.

The research that Dr. Reinhold Vieth has done he believes that amounts up to 10,000IU a day are actually ok and wants the daily recommended level to be raised because 1000IU a day is mostly insignificant.

*edit* I should also clarify that when I refer to vitamin d I am refering to Vitamin D-3


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIDWA9-cGdY

[slam525i]

Oh I understand that. Trust me I did my own research on the subject before working it into my regular diet....

Dr. Vieth is pretty cool. He's a great speaker.

I'm glad to hear that you've researched it properly. I agree that the given maximum tolerable dose is likely much lower than the real, biological maximum tolerable dose, but the recommendation given is based on studies up to that dose. In other words, they're pretty sure it's okay below their recommendation, whereas they don't really know above the recommendation.

The danger is when someone hears that "Vitamin D supplements may be beneficial to chemotherapy patients with insufficient dietary intake" and somehow it becomes "Vitamin D cures cancer" and then that person takes vitamin D without research (and possibly not using "real" medicine for treating the cancer).

[geobur]

Dr. Vieth is pretty cool. He's a great speaker.

I'm glad to hear that you've researched it properly. I agree that the given maximum tolerable dose is likely much lower than the real, biological maximum tolerable dose, but the recommendation given is based on studies up to that dose. In other words, they're pretty sure it's okay below their recommendation, whereas they don't really know above the recommendation.

The danger is when someone hears that "Vitamin D supplements may be beneficial to chemotherapy patients with insufficient dietary intake" and somehow it becomes "Vitamin D cures cancer" and then that person takes vitamin D without research (and possibly not using "real" medicine for treating the cancer).

who knows...with more research into using Vitamin D it could...but I get what you are saying...I did really well during my chemo...but I was still getting chemo...I wouldn't recommend anyone just try to beat it only with vitamin D...

but with more research who knows what it could do...but again...Vitamin D can't be patented :P so it won't make pharmaceutical giants $$

[slam525i]

but with more research who knows what it could do...but again...Vitamin D can't be patented :P so it won't make pharmaceutical giants $$

And this is why academic research is important... We don't care if it makes money or not. Maybe if Harper understood this, he wouldn't be cutting everything and putting the NRC under the direction of businesses rather than science.

[captobvious75]

Don't worry, only the rich will benefit from this