Pain killer Aspirin reduces the breast cancer risk by about 20%, according to a latest research study by British doctors. Scientists conducted 21 analytical studies on 37,000 women to find the beneficial effects of Aspirin on Breast cancer treatment. But researchers advised caution and requirement for more research before coming to conclusion on recommending to Aspirin to breast cancer patients. Aspirin is already using by many women as a preventive drug for heart attacks and strokes. But Aspirin use along with Breast cancer drugs and their interactions still needs extensive research. Long term use of Aspirin is associated with side effects like stomach ulcers, kidney problems and bleeding. This research study was published in the “International Journal of Clinical Practice (IJCP)". Proven uses of Aspirin: 1. Arthritis treatment. 2. Prevention of heart attacks and Strokes. 3. Delay and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. 4. Prostate diseases. Women should not take aspirin and other NSAIDs as preventive drugs for breast cancer without doctor’s prescription. … [Read more...]
FDA approved Avastin for Breast Cancer
Food and Drug Administration approved Genentech’s “Avastin” for the treatment of advanced breast Cancer. Avastin was already got FDA approval for treating advanced Colon and non-small cell Lung cancer. According to the Genentech Company, Avastin in combination with Paclitaxel chemotherapy will rise survival period in metastatic breast cancer patients. Why FDA took this decision against the recommendation of its advisory panel? We don't know. FDA gave accelerated approval for Avastin in combination with Paclitaxel for treating metastatic HER-2 negative breast cancer. According to clinical trials, this combination increased the survival duration in these patients. 75% of metastatic breast cancers are generally HER-2 negative. According to American Cancer society, Breast Cancer is the second most leading cancer killer among American women and it killed 45,000 women in 2007 alone. Don’t forget that metastatic breast cancer has no permanent cure. Avastin is also showing positive response in the renal cell carcinoma treatment clinical trials. Avastin uses: 1. Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: In combination with 5-fluorouracil, is indicated for treatment of patients with metastatic carcinoma of the colon or rectum. 2. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: In combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, is indicated for first line treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer. 3. Metastatic HER-2 negative Breast Cancer. Avastin is really a wonder drug for both cancer patients and Genentech company. … [Read more...]
Taxotere approved for head and neck cancer by FDA
French Pharma Company Sanofil-Aventis’s Taxotere (Docetaxel) got US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval for treating head and neck cancer. FDA approved Docetaxel for treating locally advanced head and neck cancer prior to chemotherapy and surgery. Taxotere is used in combination therapy along with cisplatin and 5-fluouracil for treating unresectable advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck. Its usage before chemotherapy/radiotherapy and surgery improve the survival chances of patients. The drug was approved by FDA based on the TAX 324 trial results (Phase 3 randomized). Adding Taxotere to combination therapy will reduce death risk by 30%, according to trials. Side effects of Taxotere: Febrile Neutropenia is the most common side effect. Dizziness, alopecia and diarrhea are other common side effects of Taxotere therapy. Head and neck cancer statistics: More than 0.6 million people are diagnosed with head and neck cancer each year. Head and neck cancer is responsible 0.35 million deaths annually. Head and neck cancer is a group of many related Diseases that mostly begin in the cells that line the mucosal surfaces in the head and neck area such as the mouth, tongue, tonsils and throat. Taxotere is currently approved in the America and Europe for treating breast cancer, prostate cancer, head-neck cancer, gastric cancer and lung cancer. Sanofil-Aventis is the third largest drug maker in the world. … [Read more...]
FDA approved Wyeth drug Torisel for renal cell carcinoma
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wyeth drug, Temsirolimus (Torisel), for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma. According to company research, it has shown better results than interferon-alpha treatments. This drug will be available for treatment of patients in July. Renal cell carcinoma accounts for about 85% of kidney cancers. According to American cancer society estimates, 51,000 new kidney cancer cases will be diagnosed this year of which 20,000 will be in advanced disease. Previously Nexavar (2005) and Sutent (2006) are approved for the treatment of Kidney cancer. Many kidney cancer patients are cured by removing the tumor through surgery but problems arise due to 35% recurrence or metastasis. At this advanced stage, prevention of spread is more important. Here Interferons and Torisel play vital roles. Mechanism of action of Temsirolimus: It blocks the function of the Rapamycin, a key protein that regulates the cell proliferation, growth and survival. It may also block the process of angiogenesis, a process that tumors used to create a blood supply to maintain their growth. Side-effects of Torisel: When compared to Interferons, tolerance is better with Torisel. Rash, Fatigue, Mouth sores and Nausea are common side effects. These side effects are reported in 25-30% of patients.High blood sugar, elevated blood lipids and low blood counts are also found. Effect of treatment: (according to company data)With interferon – 7.3 months of survival in advanced renal carcinoma patients. With Torisel – 10.9 months of survival. Approval of Torisel is another mile stone in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. … [Read more...]
Tykerb – New drug for advanced Breast cancer
A promising new drug is available for metastatic breast cancer patient, it is called " Tykerb". It is a once daily drug. It has minimum side effects just like diarrhoea and rashes. It attacks the proliferating cancer cells. No hospitalisation is required. Clinical trials are going on in Boston, USA. It is very useful in advanced breast cancer patients who had stopped responding to the drug "Herceptin" and were out of treatment options. Unlike other breast cancer drugs used for advanced cases, it shows minimum effects on heart. It is a definitely promosing new treatment for metastatic breast cancer patients where death rates are very high. Tykerb is an orally bioavailable small molecule which potently inhibits, two receptors, ErbB2 and ErbB1, and is currently in development as a first-line treatment for ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common major cancer in American women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. About 1 million new breast cancer cases are expected to have diagnosed in 2006 of which 2,00,000 cases in america alone. … [Read more...]
