Ovarian Cancer's new medicine with positive results

Ovarian Cancer or Cancer of the ovary is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the ovary. Approximately 25,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with this disease each year.

SpiritIndia.com
serving better health information

Ovarian Cancer's new medicine with positive results

Ovarian Cancer :: Ovarian Cancer's new medicine with positive results

Genentech, Inc. (NYSE: DNA) announced encouraging results from a randomized Phase II study comparing pertuzumab plus gemcitabine to gemcitabine alone in women with platinum-resistant ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer. Data from the study will be submitted for presentation at an upcoming medical meeting.

Pertuzumab or 2C4, a humanized antibody formerly known as Omnitarg, is the first in a new class of investigational agents known as HER dimerization inhibitors (HDIs). Pertuzumab is designed to bind to the HER2 receptor ? a protein found on the surface of epithelial cells ? and inhibit the ability of HER2 to interact with other HER family receptors (HER1, HER2, HER3, and HER4). HER dimerization (pairing) is believed to play an important role in the growth and formation of several different cancer types.

Pertuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to bind to the HER2 receptor and inhibit the ability of HER2 to interact with other HER family members (HER1, HER2, HER3, and HER4). The HER signaling pathway plays a role in the formation and growth of numerous cancers, and previous clinical trials of pertuzumab in a single agent setting had suggested clinical activity ? including stable disease ? in heavily pretreated patients with advanced ovarian and breast cancers.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2006, approximately 20,180 women will have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 15,310 will have died of the disease. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women, and is the fifth most common cause of cancer death among women.

(Published at www.spiritindia.com on Friday, January 5, 2007)
»» Breast Cancer :: Herceptin boosts survival from early breast cancer
«« Poisoning :: About 300 people hospitalised for food poisoning in Pakistan

The information provided on SpiritIndia.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her physician. We comply with the HONcode principles for trustworthy health information.
www.spiritindia.com - About us, Editorial Team, Authors, Testimonials, Linking us, Advertising, Advertisers, Recommend us, Feedback, Privacy policy, Disclaimer, Feedback
©2002-2008 SpiritIndia Group