Update on Cancer Therapeutics RSS feed: Current Issue. Update on Cancer Therapeutics is an online-only journal, dedicated to providing readers with timely reviews on progress and achievements in clinical oncology and cancer therapeutics. Reviews focus on recent advances in the understanding of anti-cancer drugs, biological agents and multi-disciplinary management of specific malignancies. Each volume presents new data, conclusions and recommendations on the most important perspectives in oncology from the previous 12 months. Update on Cancer Therapeutics publishes solicited and unsolicited review articles as well as themed article collections, commentaries on recently published clinical trials, and clinical trial protocols. Authors who wish to submit an unsolicited review to the journal are requested to send a short synopsis of their proposed review article (along with references to 3 publications of their prior work relating to the proposed review article) to the Editorial Office via email at UCT@elsevier.com .http://www.updateoncancer.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Update on Cancer Therapeutics1872-115X34May 2009 © 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X09000218/abstract?rss=yesEditorial Board10.1016/S1872-115X(09)00021-8Update on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-05-01Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-05-0134S1872-115X(09)X0003-4iihttp://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X0900022X/abstract?rss=yesCopyright10.1016/S1872-115X(09)00022-XUpdate on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-05-01Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-05-0134S1872-115X(09)X0003-4iiiihttp://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X09000176/abstract?rss=yesNews Round-Up10.1016/j.uct.2009.05.001Update on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-05-01Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-05-0134S1872-115X(09)X0003-4147153http://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X0900005X/abstract?rss=yesAspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have long been studied as agents that may influence cancer development and progression . In particular, data from observational studies and intervention trials consistently demonstrate that usage of these agents reduces the risk of colorectal adenomas and/or cancer . Hypotheses for the mechanism of action of these agents include inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) family of enzymes (increasing arachidonic acid which stimulates the conversion of sphingomyelin to ceramide that mediates apoptosis as well as altering prostaglandin production which will decrease angiogenic factors), inhibition of the activation of nuclear factor-κ-B, interference of the binding of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) to DNA and other potential non-COX mediated pathways . Regardless of the precise mechanism, the data is so consistent that causality is generally accepted.COX-2 inhibitors and colorectal cancer: The end or just a new beginningJeffrey A. Meyerhardt10.1016/j.uct.2009.03.002Update on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-04-24Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-04-2434S1872-115X(09)X0003-4154156http://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X09000061/abstract?rss=yesProstate cancer is a common disease in men and the incidence is increasing due to the aging male population. While the majority of patients with localized prostate cancer can be cured with surgery or radiotherapy, patients with localized prostate cancer with poor risk features have an increased risk of recurrence and succumbing to their disease. In these patients, the time from diagnosis to disease progression and ultimate death from the prostate cancer can span a decade. Thus, our progress to develop better therapies and integrating novel drugs into this population has been severely hindered since prostate cancer-specific mortality has been held as the primary and only acceptable trial endpoint. The development of a valid surrogate marker(s) for prostate cancer-specific mortality in this population would significantly improve the efficiency of clinical trials by shortening the follow-up time and ultimately reducing sample size, decreasing costs, and providing results to patients sooner.TROG 96.01: TTBF and PSAdt as surrogates for disease specific mortalityChristopher J. Hoimes, William Kevin Kelly10.1016/j.uct.2009.03.001Update on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-04-22Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-04-2234S1872-115X(09)X0003-4157159http://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X09000164/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Traditional treatment options for bladder cancer include transurethral resection and intravesical Bacillus Calmette Guerin for early stage disease and cystectomy or radiation therapy (with or without chemotherapy) for muscle-invasive disease. Platinum-based chemotherapy improves patient outcomes in both the perioperative and metastatic setting. Despite an increase in new therapeutic options over the past decade for many cancer patients, similar advances in bladder cancer are limited. In recent years, an improved understanding of the molecular forces driving bladder cancer development and progression has unfolded. These discoveries create a set of innovative therapeutic opportunities in bladder cancer. This review examines novel anti-cancer agents currently in clinical trials with preclinical rationale to support evaluation in bladder cancer. In addition, strategies to match a patient's tumor to the most appropriate agent are discussed. This may provide a more rational approach to evaluating the role of emerging anti-cancer agents in bladder cancer.Development of novel agents for bladder cancerNoah M. Hahn, Thomas Powles, Christopher J. Sweeney10.1016/j.uct.2009.04.001Update on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-05-15Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-05-1534S1872-115X(09)X0003-4160169http://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X09000048/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The immunomodulatory drug class has a broad range of biological effects with applications both within and outside oncology, and the oral bioavailability of these compounds makes them attractive agents. Thalidomide, the parent compound, was introduced into oncology over a decade ago to test many of its interesting pre-clinical features. While activity was notable in multiple myeloma, there were signals of activity in other malignancies. Multiple combinations have been developed and tested both in relapsed and front-line treatment of multiple myeloma. Based on modifications of the original drug, two derivatives, lenalidomide and pomalidomide, were developed and have been tested clinically. Lenalidomide is more potent in vitro than thalidomide and has demonstrated significant activity in multiple myeloma as well as myelodysplastic syndromes. Clinical activity has been noted in other malignancies too suggesting a broader range of activity. Multiple combinations have been tested as well in the relapsed and upfront setting. Pomalidomide demonstrated increase potency as well in vitro and has just begun early phase clinical testing.Immunomodulatory agents in oncologyTodd Zimmerman10.1016/j.uct.2009.03.003Update on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-05-04Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-05-0434S1872-115X(09)X0003-4170181http://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X09000188/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the survival, proliferation, and metastatic potential of several tumors, including genitourinary (GU) cancers. Over the last decade, increasing basic science and clinical research have led to the approval of several angiogenesis inhibitors. GU tumors are unique in its pathogenesis whereby specific pathways, such as involvement of the Von Hippel-Lindau gene in clear cell renal cell cancer and aberrant overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor in prostatic cancers and transitional cell bladder cancers, allow for potential targeting using angiogenesis inhibitors. This review discusses the biologic pathways as well as the rationale for using angiogenesis inhibitors in renal cell, prostate, and transitional cell bladder cancers. This review also focuses on pivotal trials and emerging data on the use of these inhibitors.Anti-angiogenesis approach to genitourinary cancer treatmentJeanny B. Aragon-Ching, William L. Dahut10.1016/j.uct.2009.05.002Update on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-06-11Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-06-1134S1872-115X(09)X0003-4182188http://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X0900019X/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Breast cancer treatment has evolved dramatically in the last few years. Despite the benefit of anthracyclines, taxanes and trastuzumab for patients with metastatic and early breast cancer, the challenges of de novo and acquired resistance are still present. With advances in the molecular characterization of breast cancer, patient selection and individualization of treatment has taken on singular importance. Three main types of breast cancer have been reported to date: (a) HER-2 positive; (b) basal-like; and (c) luminal breast cancer. A large number of new agents now target different receptors and signalling pathways that sustain cancer survival and proliferation. In this review we highlight the novel molecules currently being tested in clinical trials that have or will have the potential to change our daily clinical practice; in particular, we focus on molecules used in the treatment of HER-2 positive and basal-like breast cancer patients.Novel therapeutics in breast cancer—Looking to the futureTushar Vora, Evandro de Azambuja, Ahmad Awada, Martine Piccart10.1016/j.uct.2009.07.001Update on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-05-01Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-05-0134S1872-115X(09)X0003-4189205http://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X09000231/abstract?rss=yesAbbreviations of drugs10.1016/S1872-115X(09)00023-1Update on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-05-01Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-05-0134S1872-115X(09)X0003-4IIIIhttp://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X09000243/abstract?rss=yesAbbreviations of chemotherapeutic combinations10.1016/S1872-115X(09)00024-3Update on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-05-01Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-05-0134S1872-115X(09)X0003-4IVVIhttp://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X09000255/abstract?rss=yesBiological Abbreviations10.1016/S1872-115X(09)00025-5Update on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-05-01Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-05-0134S1872-115X(09)X0003-4VIIXhttp://www.updateoncancer.com/article/PIIS1872115X09000267/abstract?rss=yesNSC-numbers10.1016/S1872-115X(09)00026-7Update on Cancer Therapeutics 3, 4 (2009)2009-05-01Update on Cancer Therapeutics2009-05-0134S1872-115X(09)X0003-4XIXI