Saturday November 21 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Saturday November 21 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Hemostasis modulators: The next generation of anticancer molecules? Between 1970 and 1994, cancer claimed the lives of about 0.5 million Americans every year. According to the most recent statistics, it is estimated that well over 1 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed and 555,500 people will die from cancer in the United States in the year 2002. From 1992 to 1998, the incidence of cancer related death was reduced by 1.1%. This modest improvement was related to improved detection and greater therapeutic options which can be sub-divided into a number of different therapeutic classes including classic alkylating agents and anti-metabolites and new concepts such as angiogenesis inhibitors and apoptosis activators. An emerging target for cancer therapy that has received considerable attention in recent additions of TherapeuticAdvances is the coagulation system. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy is very common in cancer patients and indeed, thromboembolism is one of the most common causes of death in this cohort. As well as contributing to the end stages of tumor progression, components of the hemostatic pathways support metastasis, angiogenesis and proliferation. Such effects can result from a direct effect of coagulants on cells involved in tumor progression or an indirect effect mediated by platelets. Manipulation of hemostatic pathways may minimize tumor progression and associated thromboembolic complications. However, since surgery is the primary treatment for most cancers, the angiogenesis of wound healing and hemostatic competence must be maintained. Selective blockade of hemostatic pathways within the tumor environment represents a highly novel class of cancer therapy Link to journal abstract:
Adapted from Nash et al, Lancet Oncol 2001 Oct;2(10):608-13 Interested in collaborating with this group? Contact leaddiscovery@bioportfolio.co.uk LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider. |
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