Vesuri

Very exciting news! !!!! Actually talked to my doc about this issue. AND ALL THANKS TO YOU AND LUNGEVITY FORUM!!! Otherwise I'd never found out about these things! She directed my email to "genetics lab" which apparently still have my tissue sample but it turned out that I didn't have the gene mutation (I think it was for the critonizib? medicine). But it was definitely worth a shot! Jussi

Good People! I've written something about this before... Here's a press release about latest oncolytic virus developments; taken from www.oncos.com Oncolytic viruses mediating anti-tumor immunity in human cancer patients published by Oncos Therapeutics and University of Helsinki May 18, 2010. Helsinki, Finland – Oncos Therapeutics, a biotech company developing new cancer therapeutics based on the next generation oncolytic viruses, published today initial results from its Advanced Therapy Access Program in Cancer Research. The results demonstrate anti-tumor immunity of oncolytic viruses – published for the first time in humans – and indicate strong efficacy of the next generation viruses against solid tumor cancers. As of today, 200 patients have been treated with oncolytic virus therapy in the company’s Advanced Therapy Access Program. “This is the first time it has been shown in humans that oncolytic viruses can be used for induction of anti-tumor immunity. The GMCSF –armed oncolytic adenovirus can mediate anti-tumor immunologic responses by recruiting natural killer cells and by induction of tumor-specific cytotoxic T-cells”, explains research professor Akseli Hemminki, CSO and co-founder of Oncos. “Anti-tumor immunity plays a major role in the strong efficacy results. We are starting clinical trials with CGTG-102, which is further improved compared to the virus described in this publication”, comments Pekka Simula, CEO and co-founder of Oncos. The Cancer Research article reports strong safety and efficacy results in patients with advanced cancer progressing after available chemotherapy options. Out of the 15 radiologically evaluable patients 2 had complete responses (13%), 5 patients had stable disease (33 %) and 1 had a partial response (6 %). Therefore, the clinical benefit rate was 47% according to the RECIST criteria. Responses were frequently seen in both injected and non-injected tumors. The safety profile was favorable with no grade 4-5 side effects realized. “It has been impressive to see how powerful and consistent the oncolytic adenovirus platform is for directing the body’s own immune system against tumor cells” says Dr. Vincenzo Cerullo, the scientist who led the project at the University of Helsinki Cancer Gene Therapy Group (CGTG). About Oncos Therapeutics Oncos Therapeutics develops new cancer therapies based on its next generation oncolytic viruses. The company’s unique Advanced Therapy Access Program was started in 2007 for cancer patients in whom standard-of-care therapies have failed. Today, 200 patients have undergone individually tailored oncolytic virus therapy suggesting strong safety and efficacy. The program is based on scientific research at the University of Helsinki and serves as the foundation for ongoing clinical development. Oncos Therapeutics publishes an oncolytic virus blog: www.oncolyticvirus.wordpress.com. For more information about Oncos visit: www.oncos.com. About oncolytic adenovirus CGTG-102 The oncolytic virus CGTG-102 is the lead candidate of Oncos Therapeutics. This modified oncolytic adenovirus combines the established safety of adenovirus therapies with GM-CSF arming and improved tumor cell transduction via capsid modification. The unique design enables high tumor selectivity, sustained anti-tumor immune response, body-wide efficacy, and a very acceptable side effect profile. So far, 18 solid tumor cancers and 200 patients have been treated with CGTG-102, with the data suggesting broad applicability across cancer types. About University of Helsinki and Cancer Gene Therapy Group (CGTG) Founded in 2002, CGTG is the largest research group in Europe focusing on oncolytic virus therapies for the treatment of cancer. CGTG operates in the Biomedicum research and teaching institute at the University of Helsinki and consist of 27 researchers from 6 European countries. For more information about CGTG visit: www.hi.helsinki.fi/cgtg. All the best - Jussi

Thanks Randy for posting this! Looks very good! -Jussi

Interesting news again.... Gene 'may ward off lung cancer' Scientists have pinpointed a gene which protects against lung cancer. It is hoped the discovery of the role of the tumour suppressor gene - LIMD1 - may lead to new treatments and techniques to pick up disease earlier. Lung cancer is the UK's biggest cancer killer, claiming around 33,600 lives a year, partly because it often only detected at a late stage. The University of Nottingham study appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The researchers compared lung cancer tissue with healthy lung tissue. They found that the LIMD1 gene was missing in the majority of lung cancer samples, indicating that it might help to protect the body against the disease. In a follow up experiment mice bred to lack the gene developed cancer. Smoking effect Lead researcher Dr Tyson Sharp said: "The LIMD1 gene studied in this research is located on part of chromosome 3, called 3p21. "Chromosome 3p21 is often deleted very early on in the development of lung cancer due to the toxic chemicals in cigarettes, which implies that inactivation of LIMD1 could be a particularly important event in early stages of lung cancer development." It is estimated that nine out of ten cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking. Because the disease is often not picked up until it has reached an advanced stage 80% of patients die within a year of being diagnosed. Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said: "This is very exciting research which could lead to the development of early screening techniques and treatments for lung cancer." Ed Yong, of the charity Cancer Research UK, said: "This study fills in another piece of the lung cancer puzzle. "Now we know that LIMD1 is one of an elite group of genes that defend our cells against changes that could lead to cancer. "Without its protection, cells become more vulnerable to cancer-causing chemicals, such as those found in cigarette smoke."

Hi Thought I'd post this here from BBC News. Good thing science is going forward! Gene 'roadmap' for lung cancers The most complete survey yet of the genes which go wrong when lung cancer takes hold has been carried out by US researchers. The findings, which doubled the number of genes linked to a common form of the disease, will guide researchers in the hunt for new treatments. A UK specialist said some of the genes listed by the research were already being examined further by scientists. Fewer than 10% of UK lung cancer patients survive more than five years. Like most cancers, the development of lung cancer is due to changes, or mutations, in the DNA of patients accumulated over many years. The scientists looked at samples of lung adenocarcinoma donated by 188 patients from across the US, then worked through a catalogue of 623 "suspect" genes, many implicated in other cancers, comparing them in detail to the same genes in healthy tissue from the same patient. This pioneering work has painted the clearest and most complete portrait yet of lung cancer's molecular complexities Dr Alan Guttmacher National Human Genome Research Institute They found 1,000 different mutations across all the samples, but found the same 26 mutations cropping up again and again - most of which had never been linked to lung cancer before. These are likely to be explored in more detail to find out what role they play in the development and spread of the disease, and whether they might be blocked by new treatments. Dr Alan Guttmacher, from the National Human Genome Research Institute, said: "By harnessing the power of genomic research, this pioneering work has painted the clearest and most complete portrait yet of lung cancer's molecular complexities." Smoking damage The research also looked at the differences between tumours in smokers or former smokers - who make up 90% of lung cancer patients, and those in non-smokers. They found a far higher rate of mutations in the tumours taken from smokers. Although the researchers found clues which point strongly to the importance of particular chemical processes in lung cancer, none of the findings will produce new treatments immediately. Dr Richard Gibbs, from the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, and one of the co-authors of the research, said: "Clearly, much still remains to be discovered. "We have just begun to realise the tremendous potential of large-scale genomic studies to unravel the many mysteries of cancer." Professor Michael Seckl, head of Cancer Research UK's Lung Cancer Group at Imperial College London, said that the research was "exciting", both confirming that existing research was heading in the right direction, and throwing up possibilities for new projects. He said: "It's highly useful but it will take some time to be fully translated into treatments that can help patients. "Some people, including ourselves, are already working on some of these areas, and this research is like the icing on the cake as far as confirming that we are doing the right thing."

Thanks RandyW for this information! I need to show this to my doc next week! All the best Jussi

Hi Anne! Just wanted to write to you, although I noticed the thread is old. I'm 8 months survivor on stage IV now (adenocarcinoma, with liver mets). I was reading this thread and dadstimeon really summed it up, if I may quote: "pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back on the saddle" All the best from Finland!!!! Jussi

Hi John! I have similar state as your wife has, mets in liver and nsclc. My diagnosis was in 21st September 2007 and during autumn/winter I completed 6 rounds of chemo. I'm also a proud member of little club called "Bayer medical clinical trial of stage IV lung cancer; Nexavar in combination with cisplatin and gemzar". All the best to you and your wife, don't stare at the statistics too much!!!! As they say; "there are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics..." -Jussi

Hi! Thought I post a brief update.... So, today was the last chemo! 6 rounds completed! I'm still continuing with the drug trial (Nexavar). I've had some nausea for a couple of days while having the chemo in hospital, but I've been fine at home. All the best to you people and stay in positive mood! -Jussi

Hi Thanks for this information!!!! I'm actually on Bayer Nexavar trial, but I'm getting the Nexavar w/ Cisplatin and Gemzar. I asked about this (trial results) last week from the doc and she said that Bayer hasn't revealed any results so far about the trial. I guess they are running several trials at the same time with different combinations. Fingers crossed that my "combo platter" has some positive effects... =) Jussi

Thanks for the article!!!!! I'm actually on NSCLC Nexavar trial and they monitor the blood pressure quite regularly. Haven't had any issues with it so far. Thank goodness.... All the best - Jussi

Hello again good people! Haven't written anything in a while... well, here's a short update. Had a 2nd CT scan last week and saw doctor yesterday. She said that mass in lung has shrunk still a bit and pleura has gone thinner as well. Liver remains same from previous scan. So, the treatment continues as planned. Although I couldn't stay at hospital yesterday because some blood value was pretty low still... Another try on Monday. Just crossed some articles in web and seems that the genetherapy treatments are picking up on cancer treatment. Does anybody have some experience / knowledge about them? Good and relaxing weekend to everybody!!! Jussi

This sounds good!

Hi! I'm feeling very good! I haven't had any major side effects. Well I guess the biggest issue has been the "abnormal functionality of the digestive system", if you know what I mean =)... But now I know more and what to eat before and during the treatment! Take it easy and be nice! Christmas is coming! Don't tell me that you didn't know where Santa comes from!? =) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus http://www.santaclaus.fi

Hi again good people! Little update... Had a doctors appointment on Tuesday and CT results indicated that the lung tumor had gotten smaller, the "pleural thickening" was smaller, and liver mets were smaller! Although the overall status is still very gloomy, I already got the best Christmas present this year!!!!!! If there's anything good about this disease, it's taught me not to stress about everything so much and enjoy the small happy moments in life. Couldn't get 3rd chemo on Tuesday because some blood value was below limit, so new try tomorrow morning! I wish and pray all the best and strength to all of you!!! Jussi

Christmas time is getting closer good people!! I have been back to work for the past week and a half. I don't try to act superman or anything like that, but I thought that since I don't have any bigger issues with my health it would be refreshing to see some people for a while. If I get more tired etc. then I keep out of office again. I have a CT scan scheduled for this friday. It's already after 2 rounds of chemo, but the doctor said they can see something already whether the chemo is working or not. All the best!!! Jussi

Hi good people! Came to hospital today for 2nd chemo treatment. Also got some nasty rash from the Nexavar, so I guess that puts an end to the speculation of whether its placebo or not =) I wish strength to all you people here!!!!

Hi I think this is related to the first post! Looks very positive!!!! PARIS (AFP) - Scientists have mapped the genetic aberrations underlying lung cancer and discovered a gene that plays a critical role in spreading the deadly disease, according to a study published Sunday. The massive DNA study, involving dozens of research centres worldwide, sheds important light on the biological basis of lung cancer and will help shape new strategies for treatment, the authors said. "This view of the lung cancer genome is unprecedented, both in its breadth and depth," said Mathew Meyerson of Harvard and MIT, who led the research. "It lays an essential foundation, and has already pinpointed an important gene that controls the growth of lung cells." Each year some 1.3 million people die from lung cancer, making it the most lethal form of the disease, according to the World Health Organisation. The new study focuses on lung adenocarcinoma, which accounts for just under a third of all lung cancer cases. Part of the international Tumour Sequencing Project, the study looked for abnormalities in the DNA of more than 500 tumours from lung cancer patients. Most human cancers stem mainly from DNA changes that accumulate in cells through a person's life, but the nature of these changes -- and their consequences -- has remained largely unknown. The scientists used cutting-edge technologies to scan the human genome for markers called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that highlight missing or duplicate sections of genetic code. The study, published online by the British journal Nature, uncovered a total of 57 genomic changes that occur frequently in cancer patients. Of these, at least 40 are associated with genes not previously known to be involved in lung adenocarcinoma. The genetic anomaly that turned up the most frequently incriminates a gene called NKX2.1 as an accelerator of cancer cell growth. NKX2.1 normally acts as a "master regulator" that controls the activity of other genes in cells lining tiny air sacs in lungs called alveoli. The discovery that a gene functioning in a particular group of cells can promote cancer growth could help scientists design drugs to fight not just lung cancer but a wide range of cancers, the researchers said. In addition, the use of powerful tools and technologies to sequence the genomes of lung cancer patients "represents a general approach that can and should be used to analyse all types of cancer," said co-author Eric Lander, director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. The collaborative research behind the study has laid the groundwork for even more ambitious genome projects such as the Cancer Genome Atlas, which seeks to map the common genomic changes in a wide range of human cancers. In its pilot phase, the Atlas project is focusing on the most common form of brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, as well as ovarian and squamous cell long cancer.

Thanks! This is a little bit off-topic but I think it still touches all of us living in a modern world. Finland went to shock yesterday noon. I will pray for all the families... Makes these personal health issues feel pretty small... " HELSINKI, Finland (CNN) -- An 18-year-old authorities say shot eight people inside his high school in southern Finland, before turning the gun on himself, has died, police said. An image from a video posted on YouTube by "Sturmgeist89." more photos » The shooting appeared to have been planned out in graphic videos posted on Internet file-sharing site YouTube. At a news conference this afternoon, police confirmed the dead numbered two girls, five boys and the school's headmistress at Jokela High in Tuusula, a quiet town around 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of Helsinki. Ten other people were taken to a hospital with minor injuries."

Hi I'm quite new to this forum as well, but let me just tell you that these people are GREAT! All the best to you and your family! -Jussi

Hi Went to CT on Friday and treatment starts next Tuesday! All the best good people! Jussi

Hi So, I'm going for the Nexavar trial. I asked about getting the drug without trial, but the doctor wouldn't prescribe it, so it would be quite expensive to buy it without prescription. It's a double-blinded trial so there's actually 50% chance of getting the medicine. In my opinion, that's a heck of a better probability than getting this disease in the first place (which is 0,000005% for a male between 30-34 in Finland)!!! So, I'm not actually so worried about that. Anyway, they scheduled another CT for this Friday and next week they are planning to start the treatments, so things are rolling! I was thinking that these examinations etc. have been taking ages and nothing has been done yet to actually treat the condition, but I guess these things take time. All the best!!! Jussi

Hi good people! So, just finished first visit to the cancer clinic. They have very nice premises, everything new. The whole building has been open for just three weeks. Heard some interesting details; tumor in the right lung is about 6 cm x 6 cm. There are several about 3 cm mets in upper part of the liver. Area between lungs is clear. And yet I'm feeling the same as I've been for the last couple of years. Very weird disease..... We talked about treatment shortly (they call back to the clinic for this during this week) and proposed one clinical trial. It would include normal therapy, that would be gemcitabine (Gemzar?) + cisplatin (don't know the brand) and then they would give this Nexavar also. This trial also includes group who receive some placebo instead of Nexavar, so I guess it's 50% chance of getting the medicine. Quite a bit better probability than getting this disease in the first place .... I'm thinking of going for the trial. But I'll sleep on it and the doctor who's in charge of it, calls me tomorrow. All the best! -Jussi

Hi good people! Does anybody know if fever prevents starting chemotherapy? I've had 4 days of fever after the pleural treatment as I should have, since the body interprets the operation as a infection and fever goes up, but seems that it should have gone down already? Well, I call tomorrow to the lung clinic and see what they have to say. Another thing that came into mind is that, has anybody had weight loss since the diagnosis? I guess that goes with the territory as well? All the best! Jussi

Hi I updated the profile a bit, I hope it can be seen ok. That's about it so far. So now it's official. Non-small cell, adenocarcinoma type of tumor. I don't know anything about the size or rating etc. But the planned treatments are scheduled for next week, so I get more information then. I'm currently at hospital because they tried this "glueing" of the lung (pleural?) surfaces. This should prevent the fluid coming into the lung. I'm going home tomorrow I believe. I'm quite anxious to get the treatments started, so I can focus on crushing this disease. All the best! Jussi