Malignant brain tumors (high-grade glioma), pancreatic cancer and malignant melanoma are among the most aggressive tumors known. Antisense Pharma is vigorously testing its product trabedersen (AP 12009) in different clinical studies with the aim to meet the unmet medical need for effective and innovative approaches to treat these cancers. Trabedersen downregulates the generation of one of the most important tumor-promoting factors – TGF-beta2 (TGF-β2) – at the molecular level. With its proangiogenic and promigratory effects, TGF-β2 plays a pivotal role in explosive tumor progression and the aggressive spread of tumor cells throughout the body (metastazation). In addition, tumor-derived TGF-β2 overexpression builds up a protective shield around the tumor. This shield results in an inactivation of immune cells and allows the tumor to escape the bodys immune surveillance. The tumor cells can spread unhindered throughout the body. The antisense drug trabedersen blocks the translation of the TGF-β2 mrna and thus downregulates its synthesis, destroying the protective shield around the tumor. Further tumor growth is consequently inhibited and the bodys own immune system is reactivated, enabling the immune cells to combat the cancer cells.
Researchers in the US western state of California now have government approval to begin the first human clinical trial of a treatment derived from human embryonic stem cells. The scientists will test a therapy that is designed to regenerate nerve cells in people who have suffered spinal cord injuries. The trial, however, has a limited goal of assessing the safety of the treatment. Still, Rachel Silverman reports for VOA, approval for the trial from the US Food and Drug Administration breaks what had been a significant barrier to stem cell research.
Health officials in Israel are subjecting many female Ethiopian immigrants to a controversial long-term birth control drug in what Israeli womens groups allege is a racist policy to reduce the number of black babies.
Airtime: Wed. Nov. 18 2009 | 09 12 00 ET Doctors have completed the sixth successful procedure of a revolutionary brain cancer treatment, which forgoes traditional methods and delivers the chemo drug Avastin directly into the tumor. Dr. John Boockvar discusses the procedure with CNBC
