ImmunoVaccine Technologies (IVT) is a private biotechnology company developing therapeutic cancer and infectious disease vaccines. VacciMax technology is based on a novel approach to the use of liposomes. While liposomes typically contribute only marginally to the production of an immune response, IVT has discovered that liposomes stabilized by VacciMax technology significantly enhance antibody production. The company believes VacciMax will have the greatest impact in therapeutic cancer applications by stimulating earlier, more powerful, and longer lasting immune responses. An End to Three Dose Vaccine Regimens? In a variety of human infectious disease and cancer models, a three dose regime of vaccine…
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Five cancer cells were injected subcutaneously into the dorsal region near the thigh of mouse. Tumor growth is monitored weekly by an IVIS Spectrum. The tumor was visible 28 days post implantation; Bioluminescent signal could be detected in the animal long before it could be measured with a caliper. By tagging a tumor with the gene for luciferase, the same gene that allows a firefly to glow, it can produce light that can be monitored in vivo using imaging systems. In vivo imaging provides researchers with the ability to monitor tumor growth and behaviors in living animals. Visualizing and tracking…
Each year over 234,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, “watchful waiting” and cryotherapy. Treatment depends on factors including the patient’s age, the stage of the cancer and the presence of other pre-existing medical conditions. To date, radical prostatectomy has been the preferred treatment – surgically removing the cancerous tissue carries a high success rate, but is often associated with unwanted side effects such as impotence and incontinence. Radiation therapy, which includes traditional external radiation and interstitial radioactive seed therapies (brachytherapy), is used to treat the early-stage disease.…
Most cases of colon cancer begin as small noncancerous polyps. Over time these polyps may become colon cancers. Regular screening helps identify polyps before they become cancerous, allowing for prophylactic treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually. The most common and effective diagnostic procedures is the oft-dreaded colonoscopy. It is recommended that individuals 50 and up get one – some 90% of colon cancers occur in this age group. During the exam, a colonoscope, a long, slender, flexible tube attached to a video camera is used to view the colon and rectum.…
Clarient provides access to technologies and services for the characterization, assessment and treatment of cancer. The company offers a full range of diagnostic technologies and services for the clinical cancer diagnostics industry including immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, in-house molecular testing, complete tumor work-up and consultation services to follow-up and monitor disease after diagnosis. Client services include: diagnosing solid tumors, cancer sub-typing, classifying patients into prognostic categories (i.e. low, medium and high risk groups), identifying which drugs or therapy paths are best for patients, monitoring patient on therapy, searching for residual disease during and post therapy, and detecting relapse or cancer transformation.…
Immunicon’s CellSearch Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) Kit has received FDA clearance as an aid in the monitoring of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The kit is now cleared for three of the four most prevalent cancers; a combined ≈$1 billion market, according to the company. The CellSearch CTC kit was originally cleared in January 2004 to predict progression-free and overall survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer and later expanded to include monitoring. In November 2007, the kit was cleared by the FDA for monitoring metastatic colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006 there were 1.4 million…
More partnering news, this time from CombiMatrix and Clarient, who will market and sell a genomics-based cancer test called HemeScan. HemeScan was developed by CombiMatrix; the test forecasts the probable outcome of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other cancers at the time of diagnosis. CombiMatrix believes HemeScan could have a “transformative impact” on the clinical stratification of CLL, enabling prognosis at diagnosis and patient-appropriate risk-adapted treatment. HemeScan assays all of the genomic loci for copy number aberrations and incorporates recently-identified genomic markers. The test has been validated by a number of high-profile academic centers. “The HemeScan test has proven to…
Aethlon Medical and Delcath Systems have agreed to jointly research and develop a new filtration cartridge for use in Delcath’s percutaneous hepatic perfusion (“PHP”) system. PHP is a technology designed to isolate and deliver high doses of anti-cancer agents to specific organs, while minimizing harmful drug exposure in the rest of the body. One of the central problems in using chemotherapy to treat cancer is its harmful effect on organ health. Lower dosages of the drug are often used to limit side effects, which may diminish the benefit of the therapy. Delcath has developed a drug delivery system that isolates…