Biomira Announces Final Phase 2b Survival Results of Stimuvax® (formerly known as BLP25 Liposome Vaccine) Trial in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Results Confirm Median Survical of 30.6 Months in Stage IIIB Patients on Vaccine Versus 13.3 Months in Control Patients

John Wagontall, a Lethbridge, Alberta firefighter, was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer at 46 years old. In his blog John writes:

I listened to the Urologist tell me the facts and the possible treatments. More tests were scheduled to see if the cancer was contained or if it had spread. I went to see another urologist and a couple of oncologists. It didn’t matter who I saw, they all painted a pretty grave picture of where I was headed. Final diagnoses, adenocarcinoma T4 Gleason 8 (4+4) PSA – 105.5 with a life expectancy of 5 to 7 years.
…. Treatment consisted of Hormone Deprivation Therapy and then 36 external beam radiation treatments in Calgary Alberta at the Tom Baker Cancer Center.

… Throughout the months since diagnoses and treatment, the one thing on my mind most is the fact that men need to be educated on this disease. We must talk openly about it. I have been as open and honest as I can be with the firefighters I work with and anyone else who will listen. They have been open to the information I have passed to them.

I have been an avid cyclist for many years…. In fact, I have ridden a bike to work for many years, rather than driving no matter what the weather. I have ridden in a few team triathlons and a duathlon. I’ve ridden with my sons. It is something I truly enjoy and was unable to do for a few months because of the cancer.

Because I enjoy biking and want to make others aware of prostate cancer, I have decided to do a cross Canada bike ride. The plans are to start in Victoria, BC in May of 2006 and finish in St. John’s, NL hopefully by the end of July 2006. I plan on stopping along the way to visit firefighters and others to share my story and hopefully promote a little more awareness. I am also hoping to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society ,the Lance Armstrong Foundation and The Prostate Center. These organizations have been very helpful since my diagnoses.

Visit John’s blog and take a good look around. Find out how you can help support his ride across Canada.
http://www.cycleforlife.ca/index.php

Unite 2 Fight, Indianapolis: Race Against Prostate Cancer is a chance to stand tall with thousands of others, united in purpose – to support those with the disease, and to wipe away prostate cancer. Team Captain’s meeting May 2. Race to be held July 8, 2006

Study links cancer rate to Mass. dye plant

AP reports in national newpapers today say that a “disturbingly high number of cancer cases have been linked to a former textile dye-making plant and its waste ponds, where several people now battling cancer swam when they were children, state health officials say.”

Targeted Nanoparticles Destroy Prostate Tumors

Biodegradable polymer nanoparticles, linked to a protein-binding nucleic acid known as an aptamer and loaded with the anticancer agent docetaxel, can target and kill prostate tumors growing in mice. Using this targeted nanoparticle to deliver docetaxel appears to reduce the toxic side effects associated with this drug.

Canada’s most common weed killer, 2,4-D, said to cause cancer
Canada’s most common weed killer, 2,4-D, said to cause cancer
Provided by: Canadian Press
Written by: DENNIS BUECKERT
Apr. 24, 2006

OTTAWA (CP) – The most commonly used weed killer on Canadian lawns and gardens – known only as 2,4-D – is “persuasively linked” to cancer, neurological impairment and reproductive problems, says a new study.

The report in the journal Paediatrics and Child Health directly contradicts a recent re-assessment of 2,4-D by the federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency, which found the product does not cause cancer and can be used safely on lawns if directions are followed.

The product 2,4-D is found in many common pesticides, and has been controversial for decades.

Full story from Canadian press at C-Health

and at C-News

TheStar.com – A first — scientist to study how to prevent cancer
Apr. 24, 2006. 04:14 PM
CANADIAN PRESS

VANCOUVER (CP) — British Columbia is providing $4 million in funding to the Canadian Cancer Society so an expert can research how the disease can be prevented — the first time in North America the issue will be targeted for study.

The research will be done at the University of British Columbia after an international search for an expert whose findings will influence national and international standards in public policy for cancer prevention.

Premier Gordon Campbell told a news conference Monday that research into cancer prevention is essential because currently someone in Canada dies from cancer every seven minutes.

“Understanding what we can do to prevent it, to reach into people’s lives and to get them to be part of that solution, is going to be critical,” he said about more promoting healthier lifestyles.

Dr. Gavin Stuart, dean of medicine at the university, said preventing cancer from striking in the first place is important because the existing health care system can’t sustain the cost of fighting the disease.

“To the best of our knowledge this is the first (expert) in primary cancer prevention, which is a very specific focus on not treating the disease better or detecting it earlier but actually understanding how we avoid ever getting there,” Stuart said.

“We cannot continue to treat disease without seeking to promote health and prevent the onset of disease.”
Full story The Toronto Star

Irish Medical Times
Pilot screening programme for prostate cancer need immediately

By Greg Baxter
A pilot screening scheme for prostate cancer is needed immediately.

Professor John Armstrong, chairman of the Irish Cancer Society, told Irish Medical Times that waiting for results from randomised trials in Europe and America about the efficacy of PSA testing would “waste lives” if the results came back positive. “Let us be sure, it is very likely the results will be positive because there is nothing intrinsically different about the biology of prostate cancer and breast cancer,” he said.

Full story at Irish Medical Times issue dated 28 April 2006

The West Australian: Poor kept in dark on cancer treatments

DAWN GIBSON

One in three medical specialists would not tell a cancer patient about a new drug that could prolong their life or improve their last days if the doctors thought the cost was well beyond the patient’s means.

Startling new medical research has highlighted how Australia has developed a two-tier system for cancer treatment – one for the rich and another for everyone else – because new-generation, life-prolonging drugs that cost up to $60,000 a year are not available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

A national survey of almost 200 medical oncologists found some doctors were reluctant to tell patients about unsubsidised drugs if they thought they could not afford them.

United Press International – Health Business – GTx begins trial of prostate-cancer drug
GTx begins trial of prostate-cancer drug

MEMPHIS, April 21 (UPI) — GTx said Friday it is initiating a phase 3b trial of Acapodene in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

Prostate-cancer patients who have completed the full two-year treatment course in the pivotal phase 3 trial of Acapodene will be eligible to participate in the phase 3b trial for an additional year, GTx said. The aim of the phase 3b trial is to collect additional data about fractures and safety. Acapodene is intended as a treatment of the side effects of androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer.

The company noted that the phase 3b study is considered a separate study and will not affect its anticipated timeline for submitting the new drug application for Acapodene. The phase 3b study also will not affect the expected completion date of the phase 3 pivotal trial in the second half of 2007.

The phase 3 trial, which is determining whether Acapodene reduces vertebral fractures and improves bone mineral density, completed enrollment in 2005. An interim analysis showed a positive change in bone mineral density in patients treated with Acapodene compared to the placebo group.