GM3(Neu5Gc) ganglioside: An evolution fixed neoantigen for cancer immunotherapy
Numerous molecules have been considered as target for cancer immunotherapy due to their levels of expression on tumor cells, their putative importance for tumor biology and relative immunogenicity. In this review we focused on the ganglioside GM3(Neu5Gc), a glycosphingolipid present on the outer side of plasma membranes of vertebrate cells. The reasons for selecting GM3(Neu5Gc) as a peculiar tumor specific antigen and its use as target for cancer immunotherapy are discussed, together with the development of antitumor therapies focused on this target by the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM, Cuba). (Source: Seminars in Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Oncology - May 7, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Mayrel Labrada, Denise Dorvignit, Giselle Hevia, Nely Rodriguez, Ana M. Hern ández, Ana M. Vázquez, Luis E. Fernández Source Type: research
HeberFERON, a new formulation of IFNs with improved pharmacodynamics: Perspective for cancer treatment
The rational combination of recombinant IFN- α2b and IFN-γ resulted in a new formulation of interferons (HeberFERON) with improved pharmacodynamics. In basal cell carcinomas HeberFERON produces a more rapid antitumor effect and results in a larger number of complete responses. In patients with glioblastoma multiforme, the administration of H eberFERON after surgery and radiotherapy results in an estimated overall survival of 19 months. Patients with stage III or IV renal cell carcinoma also appear to benefit from the intravenous administration of HeberFERON, with prolongation of survival and good quality of live. (Source...
Source: Seminars in Oncology - May 4, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Iraldo Bello-Rivero, Yanelda Garcia-Vega, Yaquelin Duncan-Roberts, Dania Vazquez-Blomquistc, Hector Santana-Milian, Vladimir Besada-Perez, Margarita Rios-Cabrera Source Type: research
HeberFERON, a new formulation of IFNs with improved pharmacodynamics. Perspective for cancer treatment
The rational combination of recombinant IFN- α2b and IFN-γ resulted in a new formulation of IFNs (HeberFERON) with improved pharmacodynamics. In basal cell carcinomas HeberFERON produces a more rapid antitumor effect and results in a larger number of complete responses. In patients with glioblastoma multiforme, the administration of HeberFER ON after surgery and radiotherapy results in an estimated overall survival of 19 months. Patients with state III or IV renal cell carcinoma also ppear to benefit from the intravenous administration of HeberFERON, with prolongation of survival and a good quality of live. (Source: Seminars in Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Oncology - May 4, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Bello-Rivero Iraldo, Garcia-Vega Yanelda, Duncan-Roberts Yaquelin, Vazquez-Blonquist Dania, Hector Santana Milian, Besada-Perez Vladimir, Rios-Cabrera Margarita Source Type: research
Nimotuzumab: beyond the EGFR signaling cascade inhibition
One of the most known oncogenes is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family. It activates multiple signaling cascades which promote carcinogenesis and immune evasion. Therefore, these molecules have been extensively targeted in cancer immunotherapy. Beyond EGFR signaling cascade inhibition, some of these agents are able to induce T cell activation transforming a passive therapy into a vaccine-like effect.Nimotuzumab is an IgG1 humanized MAb directed against the extracellular domain of the EGFR blocking the binding to its ligands. (Source: Seminars in Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Oncology - May 2, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Zaima Mazorra, Lisset Chao, Anabel Lavastida, Belinda Sanchez, Mayra Ramos, Normando Iznaga, Tania Crombet Source Type: research
CIGB-300: A peptide-based drug that impairs the Protein Kinase CK2-mediated phosphorylation
Protein kinase CK2 - formerly referred to as casein kinase II - is a serine/threonine kinase often found overexpressed in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies that phosphorylates many substrates integral to the hallmarks of cancer. CK2 has emerged as a viable oncology target having been experimentally validated with different kinase inhibitors including small molecule ATP-competitors, synthetic peptides and antisense oligonucleotides. To date only two CK2 inhibitors, CIGB-300 and CX-4945, have entered the clinic in Phase 1-2 trials. (Source: Seminars in Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Oncology - May 2, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Silvio E. Perea, Idania Baladr ón, Carmen Valenzuela, Yasser Perera Source Type: research
Combining computational and experimental biology to develop therapeutically valuable IL2 muteins
High dose IL2 first approved in 1992, has been used in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma and melanoma. In these indications, IL2 induces long lasting objective responses in 5 to 20% of the patients. But, its toxicity and the unexpected expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) have limited its practical use and therapeutic impact respectively. At the Center of Molecular Immunology in Havana, Cuba, a project was launched in 2005 to rationally design IL2 muteins that could be deployed in the therapy of cancer. (Source: Seminars in Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Oncology - May 1, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Kalet Le ón, Karina García-Martínez, Tania Carmenate, Gertrudis Rojas Source Type: research
CIMAvax-EGF: Toward long-term survival of advanced NSCLC
Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common histological type of lung cancer. Medical and scientific progress has led to longer survival in an increasing number of patients suffering for cancer. Concerning patients with advanced NSCLC, there is a subgroup with long-term survival. The human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) family plays a key role in tumor development. This cluster of genes is associated with augmented angiogenesis and enhanced proliferation, survival and migration of tumor cells. (Source: Seminars in Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Oncology - May 1, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Danay Saavedra, Elia Neninger, Camilo Rodriguez, Carmen Viada, Zaima Mazorra, Agustin Lage, Tania Crombet Source Type: research
Differential effects of two therapeutic cancer vaccines on short- and long-term survival populations among patients with advanced lung cancer
Progress in immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for advanced lung cancer, with emerging evidence of patients experiencing long-term survivals. The goal of this study was to explore the existence of short- and long-term survival populations and to assess the effect of immunotherapy on them. (Source: Seminars in Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Oncology - April 30, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Lizet Sanchez, Leacky Muchene, Patricia Lorenzo-Luaces, Carmen Viada, Pedro C. Rodriguez, Sailyn Alfonso, Tania Crombet, Elia Neninger, Ziv Shkedy, Agustin Lage Source Type: research
Clinical trial participation by adolescents and young adults with cancer: A continued cause for concern?
International data indicate that rates of clinical trial enrolment for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with cancer are markedly lower than for any other age group. This paper reviews the recent literature reporting international trends in clinical trial enrolment since 2010. Subsequently, we present the first population-based, national assessment of clinical trial enrolment for AYAs with cancer in Australia. Reported rates of trial enrolment from Australia, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom were variable, though consistently low, ranging between 2% and 29%. (Source: Seminars in Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Oncology - April 30, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Victoria White, Gemma Skaczkowski, Antoinette Anazodo, Helen Bibby, Wayne Nicholls, Ross Pinkerton, Kate Thompson, Lisa M Orme, Rachel Conyers, Michael Osborn, Marianne B Phillips, Rosemary Harrup, Roderick Walker, Michael Coory Source Type: research
Back and forth between cancer treatment and cancer control programs: Insights from the Cuban experience
Cancer control is a wider concept than oncology, and it includes comprehensive actions for prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, services organization and education, aiming to modify hard indicators such as incidence and mortality rates, and survival, at a population scale. Based on these concepts, organized national cancer programs appeared in several countries in the second half of the 20th Century.But at the same time, scientific efforts started to modify the landscape of cancer control. Evidence of mortality reductions began to appear, cancer driving mutations became measurable, many novel drugs were registered, the ...
Source: Seminars in Oncology - April 30, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Agustin Lage, Teresa Romero Source Type: research
Differential effects of two therapeutic cancer vaccines on short- and long- term survival populations among patients with advanced lung cancer
Progress in immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for advanced lung cancer, with emerging evidence of patients experiencing long-term survivals. The goal of this study was to explore the existence of short-term and long-term survival populations and to assess the effect of immunotherapy on them. (Source: Seminars in Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Oncology - April 30, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Lizet Sanchez, Leacky Muchene, Patricia Lorenzo-Luaces, Carmen Viada, Pedro C. Rodriguez, Sailyn Alfonso, Tania Crombet, Elia Neninger, Ziv Shkedy, Agustin Lage Source Type: research
Specific Active Immunotherapy with the HEBERSaVax VEGF-based Cancer Vaccine: From Bench to Bedside
HEBERSaVax is a cancer therapeutic vaccine candidate, based on the combination of a recombinant antigen representative of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and clinically tested adjuvants. The vaccine has shown to inhibit tumor growth and metastases in mice, and to induce VEGF-blocking antibodies and specific T-cell responses in several animal species, all with an excellent safety profile. After preclinical studies, two sequential phase I clinical trials were done with HEBERSaVax to assess safety, tolerance, and immunogenicity in patients with advanced solid tumors, at different antigen doses, and combined w...
Source: Seminars in Oncology - March 26, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Y. Morera-D íaz, J.V. Gavilondo, M. Bequet-Romero, J. Sánchez, F. Hernández-Bernal, K.-H. Selman-Housein, L. Perez, M. Ayala-Ávila Source Type: research
A Comparative Analysis of Immune Privilege in Pregnancy and Cancer in the Context of Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy
Despite their abilities to elicit immune responses, both syngeneic tumors and the half-mismatched placenta grow in the host, unlike a tissue allograft that is aggressively rejected. This is due to local and systemic factors that contribute to the immunological privilege of tumors and the placenta. Checkpoint blockade immunotherapies subvert this privilege, with spectacularly beneficial outcomes in subsets of patients with certain types of cancer. A challenge for the community of scientists and clinicians is to replicate these successes in pregnant patients with cancer, without harm to the placenta. (Source: Seminars in Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Oncology - March 26, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Thomas R. Flint, James O. Jones, Miriam Ferrer, Francesco Colucci, Tobias Janowitz Source Type: research
CDK4/6 Inhibition as a Therapeutic Strategy in Breast Cancer: Palbociclib, Ribociclib, and Abemaciclib
It is estimated that about 1 in 8 US women develops invasive breast cancer during the course of their lifetime [1]. Currently in the US there are more than 3.1 million women affected by breast cancer and 40,920 American women are expected to die from breast cancer in 2018 [1,2]. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women both in developed and developing countries. Based on global health estimates, more than 508,000 women died in 2011 from breast cancer [3]. Certainly, advancements have been made in the past few decades, and these have led to higher survival rates. (Source: Seminars in Oncology)
Source: Seminars in Oncology - March 26, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Bahar Laderian, Tito Fojo Source Type: research
Specific Active Immunotherapy with the HEBERSaVax VEGF-based Cancer Vaccine: From Bench to Bedside
HEBERSaVax is a cancer therapeutic vaccine candidate, based on the combination of a recombinant antigen representative of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and clinically tested adjuvants. The vaccine has shown to inhibit tumor growth and metastases in mice, and to induce VEGF-blocking antibodies and specific T-cell responses in several animal species, all with an excellent safety profile. After preclinical studies, two sequential phase I clinical trials were done with HEBERSaVax to assess safety, tolerance, and immunogenicity in patients with advanced solid tumors, at different antigen doses, and combined w...
Source: Seminars in Oncology - March 26, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Y. Morera-D íaz, J.V. Gavilondo, M. Bequet-Romero, J. Sánchez, F. Hernández-Bernal, K.-H. Selman-Housein, L. Perez, M. Ayala-Ávila Source Type: research
