Research

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Online articles: Setting benchmarks in the treatment of invasive bladder cancer from the ‘Urologic Oncology’ journal, 2007 Volume 25, Issue 1, Pages 57-65 (January 2007)

Surgical benchmarks for the treatment of invasive bladder cancer Eila C. Skinner, John P. Stein, Donald G. Skinner

Chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer in the perioperative setting: Current standards Robert Dreicer

Benchmarks achieved in the delivery of radiation therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer John J. Coen, Anthony L. Zietman, Donald S. Kaufman, William U. Shipley

{/niftybox} On this page: webcafe’s picks; in the pipeline; abstracts of interest; The SPORE group; external sites

WebCafe’s Picks Suggest a link

Sept. ’07 – NCI approved chemosensitivity testing for bladder cancer drugs and personal response – a valuable tool

Coxen- http://www.coxen.org/ "It is hoped that COXEN may prove to be a valuable tool in the treatment of cancer and the discovery of novel agents for specific cancer types. Accurate compound pre-screening could also substantially reduce the failure rates in clinical trials, in addition to being a potential strategy to personalize cancer therapy." Coxen genetic assays can predict response to cisplatin, Taxol, Taxotere, Tamoxifen and possibly more chemotherapy drugs.
Research paper: Lee, J. et al. A strategy for predicting the chemosensitivity of human cancers and its application to drug discovery. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 104, 13086–13091 (2007) Pub Med Abstract

Blood tests for bladder cancer on the horizon?

Jan. 2006: Profiling bladder cancer using targeted antibody arrays.The Tumor Markers Group published an article in the American Journal of Pathology about the progress being made in the field of serum (blood) markers to aid both diagnois and prognosis. The authors stated that serum protein profiles measured by an antibody array discriminated bladder cancer patients from controls correctly at the rate of 93.7%. A second independent antibody array containing revealed that protein profiles can predict information by stratifying patients with bladder tumors based on their overall survival. "In addition, serum proteins, such as c-met, that were top ranked at identifying bladder cancer patients were associated with pathological stage, tumor grade, and survival when validated by immunohistochemistry of tissue microarrays containing bladder tumors. This study provides experimental evidence for the use of several integrated technologies strengthening the process of biomarker discovery. Serum protein profiles obtained by antibody arrays represent comprehensive means for bladder cancer diagnosis and clinical outcome stratification, which could potentially assist in selection of cancer patients who would benefit from early, individualized therapeutic intervention." PubMed Abstract From the Division of Molecular Pathology* and Computational Biology Center,{dagger} Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; The Van Andel Institute,§ Grand Rapids, Michigan; and the Laboratorio de Microarrays,{ddagger} Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, SpainSanchez-Carbayo M, Socci ND, Lozano JJ, Haab BB, Cordon-Cardo C.Tumor Markers Group, Molecular Pathology Programme Centro Nacional de Investiga-ciones Oncologicas, Melchor Fernandez Almagro 3, E-28029 Madrid, Spain. American Journal of Pathology. 2006;168:93-103. © 2006 American Society for Investigative Pathology

EDRN: Early Detection Network – Scientists Begin Validation NCI Study of Test to Detect Recurrence of Bladder Cancer. Results due in 2007:

By examining genetic changes in DNA obtained through urine samples, the test, if successfully validated, will provide a sensitive and non-invasive method of screening for bladder cancer recurrence.

A three-year study to validate a test to detect the recurrence of bladder cancer has been initiated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), at 13* centers across the United States and Canada. The test – which examines genetic changes in DNA obtained through urine samples – if successfully validated, will provide a sensitive and non-invasive method of screening for bladder cancer recurrence. This is the first study study testing a marker for bladder cancer, and the first Phase III study for an Early Detection Research Network- EDRN-created test. The leading investigator and the coordinator of this study is Dr. Mark Schoenberg, form the James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD..

http://www.nci.nih.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/EDRNvalidation

 * The institutions and principal investigators include:

Johns Hopkins University, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, (Mark Schoenberg, M.D.)

University of Alabama-Birmingham; Birmingham, Ala. (Donald Urban, M.D.)

Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, Texas (Seth Lerner, M.D.)

University of Chicago Center for Advanced Medicine; Chicago, Ill. (Gary Steinberg, M.D.)

Carolina Urologic Research Center; Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Neal Shore, M.D.)

MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, Texas (Colin Dinney, M.D.)

Memorial Sloan Kettering; New York, N.Y. (Guido Dalbagni, M.D.)

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, Mich. (Cheryl Lee, M.D.)

University of Rochester; Rochester, N.Y. (Edward Messing, M.D.)

Stanford University; Stanford, Calif. (Joseph Presti Jr., M.D.)

University of Texas Health Science Center; San Antonio, Texas (Joseph Basler, M.D., Ph.D.)

University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario (Laurence Klotz, M.D.)

Washington University; St. Louis, Mo. (Adam Kibel, M.D.)

Perspectives in Bladder Cancer; 2003-Euro/American conference specifically addressing bladder cancer-Lectures and presentations given by expert urologists, oncologists, and pathologists from the USA and Europe focused on techniques and cost-efficacy of screening, intravesical therapy, the management of muscle invasive bladder cancer, the role of radiation and chemotherapy, new drug regimens and innovative approaches on the horizon.

The health economics of bladder cancer – Read the Hard Facts here

What’s in the Pipeline for bladder cancer?
New drugs in clinical trials underway: Drug Name; Class; Developer; Phase:

Advexin (adenoviral p53); gene therapy; Introgen Therapeutics; phase NCI I
Alimta (pemetrexed sodium); multi-targeted antifolate; Eli Lilly; phase II
Bortezomib (VELCADE, PS-341); enzyme inhibitor therapy; NCI; phase II
Celebrex (celecoxib); COX inhibitor; Pfizer; phase III
CG8840; Oncolytic virus; Cell Genesys; Pre-clinical
Eflornithine (difluoromethylornithine); Ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor; Ilex Oncology; phase III
Fenretinide; Vitamin A analogue; NCI; phase III
Gallium maltolate; Gallium (semi-metalic); Titan Pharmaceuticals; phase I/II
Hexvix; Photosensitizing agent; PhotoCure; ASA; phase III
Levulan PD; Photodynamic therapy; DUSA Pharmaceuticals; phaseI completed
MCC (urocidin); Mycobacterial cell wall-DNA complex; Bioniche Life Sciences; phase III
Suramin; Anti-angiogenic; NCI; phase I/II
Tempostatin (halafuginone hydrobromide); Extracellular matrix protein inhibitor; Collgard Pharmaceuticals; phase II
TOCOSOL Paclitaxel (S-8184); Taxane; Sonus Pharmaceuticals; phase II

Innovative delivery system "Electromotive Drug Administration" which improves response rates for those with non-invasive blc, undergoing a combination of BCG and Mitomycin C, read here

Abstracts of interest-
Superficial Bladder Cancer- latest research

Preliminary European results of local microwave hyperthermia and chemotherapy treatment in intermediate or high risk superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Van Der Heijden AG, Kiemeney LA, Gofrit ON, Nativ O, Sidi A, Leib Z, Colombo R, Naspro R, Pavone M, Baniel J, Hasner F, Witjes JA. Dep’t of Urology, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands Eur Urol. 2004 Jul;46(1):65-72.

A single immediate postoperative instillation of chemotherapy decreases the risk of recurrence in patients with stage Ta T1 bladder cancer: a meta-analysis of published results of randomized clinical trials. Sylvester RJ, Oosterlinck W, van der Meijden AP. European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Data Center, Brussels, the Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, Gent, Belgium; J Urol. 2004 Jun;171(6 Pt 1):2186-90, quiz 2435.

TUR and Adjuvant Intravesical Chemotherapy in T1G3 Bladder Tumors: Recurrence, Progression and Survival in 137 Selected Patients Followed Up to 20 Years. Serretta V, Pavone C, Ingargiola GB, Daricello G, Allegro R, Pavone-Macaluso M. Section of Urology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular and Nephro-Urological Diseases, University of Palermo, Via Malaspina 136, 90145 Palermo, Italy. Eur Urol. 2004 Jun;45(6):730-6.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy in stage Ta/T1 bladder cancer: prognostic factors for time to recurrence and progression. Andius P, Holmang S. Department of Urology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Goteborg, Sweden. BJU Int. 2004 May;93(7):980-4.

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Invasive bladder cancer-options and innovations

Tolerance of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in elderly patients with bladder cancer. Goffin JR, Rajan R, Souhami L.McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.Am J Clin Oncol. 2004 Apr;27(2):172-7.
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Cystectomy, neobladders-techniques and research

Pathologic evaluation of radical cystectomy specimens. Herr HW, Faulkner JR, Grossman HB, Crawford ED. Department of Urology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Cancer. 2004 Jun 1;100(11):2470-5.

Impact of transurethral resection of bladder tumor: analysis of cystectomy specimens to evaluate for residual tumor. Lee SE, Jeong IG, Ku JH, Kwak C, Lee E, Jeong JS. Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. Urology. 2004 May;63(5):873-7; discussion 877
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Metastatic Bladder Cancer

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib synergizes with gemcitabine to block the growth of human 253JB-V bladder tumors in vivo. Kamat AM, Karashima T, Davis DW, Lashinger L, Bar-Eli M, Millikan R, Shen Y, Dinney CP, McConkey DJ.Department of Urology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. Mol Cancer Ther. 2004 Mar;3(3):279-90.

Research

SPORE
What needs to be done to bring bladder cancer into the new millenium? Priorities of the Kidney/Bladder Cancers Progress Review Group National Cancer Institute August 2002 click here

Integrating basic science and clinical research in bladder cancer: update from the first bladder Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE). Sept, 2004 Summary: Targeted therapy against epidermal growth factor receptor has become one of the primary focuses of the genitourinary SPORE in bladder cancer. The SPORE grant scheme is designed to encourage rapid development of new and innovative cancer research in areas of high priority, in this case bladder cancer. The SPORE has facilitated the advancement of novel epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy, such as the monoclonal antibody IMC-225 and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor ZD1839 (Iressa), from the laboratory to clinical trials. The integration of these new biological agents in combination with chemotherapy, in order to abrogate the progression of advanced bladder cancer, is the prime directive of our current phase II Iressa/docetaxel trial. Abstract

Important for our cause: A new bill is before the US Congress
, the Training and Research in Urology (TRU) Bill, HR1002. What will the TRU bill do for research and treatment of bladder cancer? click here

External sites

Cancer Research Portfolio, from the NCI, see the current 325 projects currently underway for bladder cancer

NCI ClinicalTrials; http://cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/
NCI’s comprehensive clinical trials information center for patients, health professionals, and the public. Includes information on understanding trials, deciding whether to participate in trials, finding specific trials, plus research news and other resources. More info about trials on Webcafe

National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/bladder NCI’s primary web site; contains information about the Institute and its programs. Also includes news, upcoming events, educational materials, and publications for patients, the public, and the mass media

Entrez-Pub Med http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed
Pub Med is a search and retrieval system that integrates information from databases at NCBI, including Medline, or the National Library of Medicine. The ‘related articles’ option can get you deep into cyberspace. Typing the PMID or UI number of a published article in the search box will pull up the abstract.

The European Ass. of Urology: Guidelines for treatment of bladder cancer

The European School of Urology : Management of Superficial Bladder Cancer Online course

About Superficial Bladder Cancer:
external sites from expert uro/onc Michael O’Donnell, MD, U of Iowa
Bladder Cancer Research Institute
Physician’s Protocol– BCG+Interferon Alpha for Superficial Bladder Cancer
Projects in Knowledge
: New Prospects in the Treatment of Superficial Bladder Cancer

The Moffitt Cancer Journal
: An excellent series of articles about bladder cancer http://www.moffitt.usf.edu/pubs/ccj/
Vol. 7, No.4 July/August 2000 Bladder Cancer
Vol. 9, No. 4 July/August 2002 Urologic Cancers
Vol.7, no.4:Vol. 11, No. 6 November/December 2004 : Genitourinary Tumors


Researching treatment options: more external resources;