Adrian

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 093153.htm 'Met Inhibitors' Showing Promise As A New Weapon In War On Cancer Science Daily — With hopes fading for development of a "magic bullet" to knock out cancer -- a single medicine targeted to the individual genetics of each patient -- researchers are increasingly looking toward cocktails of medication that attack different vulnerabilities in a tumor. A new class of potent tumor-blocking drugs, called 'Met inhibitors,' are emerging as likely staple ingredients of those cancer-fighting cocktails of the future, according to a new article in Chemical & Engineering News. In the article, C&EN associate editor Lisa Jarvis cites a growing body of research suggesting that a dangerous "Met" (short for metastatic) protein keeps cancer cells alive and helps the disease spread from the original tumor to distant parts of the body. Researchers have recently developed several Met inhibitors and early evidence from a handful of clinical trials suggests that these agents can stabilize, and in some cases, shrink tumors. They may even be effective in cases where cancer is resistant to common treatments, according to the article. "Given Met's vast medical and commercial potential, the drug industry is finally starting to take notice," the article notes. These inhibitors are particularly promising given the wide range of cancers they may address. Researchers are moving ahead in the critical work of identifying patients who would best respond to the drugs in the hope of bringing Met inhibitors to market in the years ahead, the article states. Article: "One pill, many uses: Small molecules blocking the Met receptor could have an impact on a wide range of cancers" Chemical & Engineering News, Aug. 20, 2007

yeah and so far we haven't had much in the way of good breaks. Hoping that with 2nd line treatment + continued avastin, we can get a meaningful response. Thankfully, he is in overall good shape right now.

http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do ... urceType=3 Antisoma's ASA404 1800 mg/m2 lung cancer trial will report positive survival data LONDON, UK--(Marketwire - August 22, 2007) - London, UK: 22 August 2007 - Cancer drug developer Antisoma plc (LSE: ASM, US OTC: ATSMY) today announces that its single-arm phase II trial of ASA404 in non-small cell lung cancer (all histologies) has produced positive final results. In particular, survival data support the findings from an earlier, randomised study in which addition of ASA404 to standard chemotherapy produced one of the largest increases in median survival ever reported in lung cancer. Findings from the trial, which tested an 1800 mg/m2 dose of ASA404 in combination with chemotherapy, will be presented by Dr Mark McKeage of the Auckland Cancer Centre, New Zealand, on September 5th at the World Lung Cancer Conference in Seoul, Korea. The presentation will include independently determined tumour response rates and time to tumour progression findings, as well as survival data. Dr Ursula Ney, Antisoma's Chief Operating Officer, said: "These positive results strongly support our earlier trial findings, which showed that adding ASA404 to chemotherapy improves survival in patients with lung cancer." In September 2006, Antisoma announced findings from its randomised phase II study in lung cancer. These showed a median survival of 14 months in patients who received a 1200 mg/m2 dose of ASA404 combined with chemotherapy and of 8.8 months in patients who received chemotherapy alone. Non-small cell lung cancer is the lead indication for ASA404. Antisoma's partner, Novartis, plans to start enrollment of patients into a phase III trial early in 2008. Enquiries: Glyn Edwards, CEO Daniel Elger, Director of Communications +44 (0)7909 915 068 Antisoma plc Mark Court/Lisa Baderoon/Rebecca Skye Dietrich Buchanan Communications +44 (0)20 7466 5000 Brian Korb/Seth Lewis The Trout Group +1 646 378 2900 Antisoma disclaimer Certain matters discussed in this statement are forward looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties may be associated with product discovery and development, including statements regarding the company's clinical development programmes, the expected timing of clinical trials and regulatory filings. Such statements are based on management's current expectations, but actual results may differ materially. Details of the ASA404 1800 mg/m2 lung cancer study This trial was conducted as an open-label extension to the first, randomised study of ASA404 in lung cancer. The aim was to evaluate the activity and safety of a higher dose of ASA404 than that used in other phase II studies. As in the earlier randomised study, patients received first-line chemotherapy treatment for stage IIIb or IV non-small cell lung cancer. All patients received 1800 mg/m2 ASA404 in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Thirty-one patients were treated at hospitals in Germany and New Zealand. Background on lung cancer According to the World Health Organisation, there are more than 1.2 million cases worldwide of lung and bronchial cancer each year, causing approximately 1.1 million deaths. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that around 173,000 people would be diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States during 2006. The US National Cancer Institute reports that lung cancer is the single largest cause of deaths from cancer in the US, responsible for nearly 30% of all cancer deaths. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form of the disease and accounts for more than 80% of all lung cancers. Background on ASA404 ASA404 (DMXAA) is a small-molecule vascular disrupting agent which targets the blood vessels that nourish tumours. The drug was discovered by Professors Bruce Baguley and William Denny and their teams at the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand. It was in-licensed by Antisoma from Cancer Research Ventures Limited (now Cancer Research Technology), the development and commercialisation company of the Cancer Research Campaign (now Cancer Research UK), in August 2001. CRUK had supported two phase I studies in the UK and New Zealand. Worldwide rights to the drug were licensed to Novartis AG in April 2007.

Welcome. As with all things cancer, all "new" issues with the body---especially of the sort you are describing should be brought to the attention of your oncologist immediately. Please do so and keep us posted.

carboplatin/gemzar is an extremely common "first line" therapy (which is what your mother is getting). Some doctors, including my father's onc choose it over carbo/taxol because in some ways taxol can have harsher side effects. There is a non-chemo medicine that has in the last 3 years become widely used in the first line treatment setting called "Avastin" which you should ask the oncologist about. Unlike chemo which directly attacks cancer cells, Avastin attacks cancer by attacking the blood vessels that feed tumors. Studies have shown that Avastin+chemo works better than chemo alone. (Even though yor mom has already started chemo, Avastin could be added in after the fact). With respect to spine/bone (as well as lung)radiation, most oncologists today believe radiation in a stage IV is not necessary or warranted if the place to be radiated is not causing pain or threatening to cause further immediate damage (not so when the brain is involved). Welcome, please ask us whatever you want. Also, visit www.onctalk.com where Seatle oncologist, Dr. Jack West, a bona fide expert on lung cancer, answers individual questions posteds by us (and people like us) on a daily basis and writes up articles delving into the frontier of lung cancer research.

sorry for the bad news. please keep us posted.

hi Ned, that is very interesting. The heartbeat synchronization is DEFINITELY something he has noted. He notes its in his back and on the big event, was across his chest. As you said, as well, its painful, but not overwhelmingly so. However, he's been having occassional bouts (temporary events) of this for several weeks or so. Two nights ago was the first time it was persistent (lasted for over an hour). So he was at the ER until late last night. He had a CAT scan, EKG and X rays. The ER Dr. said the event is not heart related, there were no blood clots (that he could see), there was very little effusion or liquid around the heart. In other words, he didn't know what the problem was. Not to mention, Dr. West said that it didnt sound cancer or chemo related either. Anyhow, he also had his first PET/CT follow-up today, so we have a lot of info coming soon. Obviously after having to hang out at the ER till 1 AM last night and then have scans this morning, he is EXHAUSTED.

thanks Welthy. Last night my dad had throbbing pain across his chest that last for a while and subsided somewhat when he sat up. Apparently he has been having minor versions of this for a while. Maybe its bad heartburn...but obviously could be blood clots from the avastin or could be decadron related, either way, he's going to the onc today. im scared today.

Scanxiety! We all suffer from it here. Hope the results show nothing beyond the orignal dx, but please keep us posted.

Very sorry that you had to find us, but welcome, nevertheless. One thing I noticed and wanted to clarify was whether your mom was diagnosed with small cell or non-small cell lung cancer. Your post references adenocarcinoma and sqaumous cells as well as a stage II or III staging, all of which are part of the non-small cell lung cancer lexicon---and distinct from the small cell cancer vocabulary. For instance small cell cancer only has two stages: "limited" and "extensive" with no numbering of the sort used in non-small cell variety lung cancers (I thru IV). Based on that, my guess is that your mom is probably dealing with Non-small cell cancer (abbreviated NSCLC)and not small cell lung cancer. Definitely not trying to be pedantic, just want to make sure your research etc. gets off on a proper footing. Best and please keep us posted.

if you look at my sig line, you'll see that my fdad's fatigue was deep and persistent for a few weeks after WBR. It eventually broke and it came right at about the time that we took him off ativan and put him on steroids. not clear if it was the passage of time, getting him off one med or getting him on steroids, but things definitely got better. here is my exchange with Dr. West which you may find particularly on point: http://onctalk.com/bbPress/topic.php?id=431

Hi Barb-- Like Adrian said, it is definitely reason to celebrate. While we have found that we have to be careful with our celebrations, I think it is important to take stock of each moment. The reality is that, yes, he still does have cancer and we are still in the fight. But as I see it, a key part of staying in the moment and living in the present, is cherishing the good moments when they come... So, today is a good day for you and for your dad. Best, Leslie

My apporach to good news (and bad) has been to acknowledge it for what it is, but to avoid letting the pendulum swing too far either way. Especially with good news, there can be a hangover effect. However, that IS very good news and reason for you to enjoy your day!

Done! I donated by credit card and couldnt figure out how to do it in Bill's honor. I hope you are feeling well.

Is she using any steroid such as decadron? Dec, often prescribed to reduce swelling for treatment of brain mets can have as one of its (slightly less common) side effects, blurred vision. Hopefully its not a recurrence, but if it is, I wonder if the docs will do WBR to hit the cancer a bit less focally.

also, keep in mind that West is addressing a particular situation and is talking about chemo alone. Your dad is on combination therapy which includes Tarceva (which is not chemo) and some people's response to that has been very good---some even extraordinary.

a lot of people are in bad shape by the time they are diagnosed. Moreover, there are many people on this board and on other boards who are IIIBs and IVs who have been ticking along for a long time. Finally, a lot of those numbers are outdated (even by West's admission) as the standard of care is rapidly changing. Don't focus on the statistics etc. Every individuals repsonse is different.

www.onctalk.com yes, he answers all questions. and also, you'll notice that many questions which come to mind have already been addressed (some several times), so its a great research resource as well.

Here's another good one for your dad re: mouth sores and Tarceva: http://lungcancer.clinicahealth.com/com ... 06/1914213

read this post re: Tarceva: http://onctalk.com/bbPress/topic.php?id=539&replies=1 Dr. West will probably respond to it tonight, but it may give you some good ideas. Just in case you don't know what onctalk is, Dr. West, a Seattle oncologist runs the site. It is an ever evolving lung cancer forum and a cancer "blog." He responds every night to most every lung cancer related question and is in my top top tier of "people who I admire and respect." To give you a sense of how helpful he is, this is me from two weeks ago: http://onctalk.com/bbPress/topic.php?id=431&replies=11

yeah as Leslie pointed out, "are you hungry?" is no longer particualrly relevant. the question is now "Can you eat?" Dad has to realize that getting his weight up is vital to the success of his treatment in the long run. The steroid route is worth exploring especially because it can generally boost energy levels, but it is NOT a "free lunch." For instnace, decadron decreases white blood cell count which is alos depleted by chemo treatments. When those fall too low, you get chemo postponed or start to have to take additional medicines to boost those levels. Instead, you might first want to try Marinol (synthetic THC, active ingredient in pot) first. My dad hated feeling (lightly) stoned so he stopped taking it, but overall its probably a better long term appetite option than decadron if it works for him. We believe that part of my dad's intial appetite/energy issues were in part related to his ativan prescription which many oncologist put patients on for nausea. It wrecked my dad and it was right around the time that we got him off the ativan that he got back on track.

**giving you my best hopes**

Almsot all cancer patients deal with weight loss issues. His weight loss does not mean "its over" or anything like that, but it is critical that he keep his weight up and be hydrated. I know with my dad, especially at first through his brain radiation and first chemo treatments, he was resistant to eating (Chemo makes changes taste buds and can make food seem repulsive). We finally got him on a steroid called decadron and at about the same time, his appetite returned. He is now roughly back to his pre-diagnosis weight (175) and is getting pretty good at eating and drinking as much as possible. But it took a ton of effort on our (mom, sister and myself in addition ot dad) to get there. The mouth sores aren't something we've dealt with but that's a pretty common side effect of some chemos and of tarceva. Interestingly, the skin rash that people get on Tarceva is assoicated with a better response to it, and as a never smoker your dad may be particularly well positioned for a strong response to Tarceva. He should know that. Keep us posted.

FANTASTIC!

Certainly haven't heard that "chemo won't reach" certain spots in the lung. As Ned pointed out, there is a good chance that something was lost in translation. For the sake of clarification, and to begin establishing a rapport with your oncologist, I would suggest that you or he email your onc. to pin down what was said. Mind you, if he was referring to the brain, that would not mean that your father wouldn't be given chemo to deal with the lung primary cancer---He would get brain radiation first (which can be a one shot deal or done over the course of weeks depending on the extent of the brain mets) before moving to chemo---as is/was the case with my dad. Anyhow, welcome, ask whatever questions you want and please keep us posted!