Noted TGen-Scottsdale Healthcare oncologist discusses vismodegib
study at AACR
ORLANDO, Fla. - April 5, 2011 - A new drug is effective in
preventing new basal cell carcinomas in patients with an inherited
predisposition to the disease.
These patients with basal cell nevus syndrome develop large numbers
of basal cells, which can become locally invasive or metastatic,
according to a discussion presented by renowned oncologist Dr.
Daniel D. Von Hoff at the 102nd annual meeting of the American
Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
In an initial study, Dr. Von Hoff and his team at TGen Clinical
Research Service at Scottsdale Healthcare (TCRS) found that the
drug, vismodegib (GDC-0449), a hedgehog pathway inhibitor, was
effective in shrinking advanced invasive or metastatic basal cell
carcinomas. TCRS was the first to evaluate vismodegib, produced by
Genentech. TCRS is a partnership of the Translational Genomics
Research Institute (TGen) and the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center
at Scottsdale Healthcare in Scottsdale, Ariz.
At Sunday's conference plenary session, titled: "The Future of
Cancer Research: Challenges and Opportunities," Dr. Von Hoff
discussed a new prevention and treatment approach for patients who
have basal cell nevus syndrome. Specifically, he discussed the
effect of the drug on basal cell nevus syndrome, an advanced form
of basal cell carcinoma that produces often-disfiguring tumors of
the jaw, the sole of the foot, the brain and ribs.
A team of investigators from Children's Hospital Oakland Research
Institute (CHORI) in Oakland, Calif., headed by Dr. Ervin H.
Epstein Jr., presented dramatic results at the conference
demonstrating that vismodegib entirely prevented the development of
basal cell carcinomas in patients with basal cell nevus
syndrome.
These findings are "a stunning result, which brings hope to
patients who otherwise may need disfiguring surgery, especially for
cancers that arise on the face and upper part of the body," said
Dr. Von Hoff, a past president of AACR.
"We are so pleased that the results obtained by TCRS could be a
part of the work that has made a difference for so many patients,"
said Dr. Von Hoff, who also is Physician-In-Chief and Distinguished
Professor at TGen; Chief Scientific Officer at Scottsdale
Healthcare and US Oncology; and Professor of Medicine at Mayo
Clinic.
Basal cell nevus syndrome is an inherited genetic disease, which
results in the development of multiple, sometimes hundreds of basal
cell carcinomas. The sporadic (non-inherited) form of basal cell
carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. While most cases are
curable, in some patients there is a tendency for recurrent cancers
and surgery may not be possible.
More than 15,000 physicians and researchers from across the globe
attend the annual AACR conference, which runs April 2-6 at the
Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
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About the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale
Healthcare
The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare offers
diagnosis, treatment, research, prevention and support in its
facilities at the Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center,
attracting patients from across Arizona and the U.S. Groundbreaking
cancer research is conducted through its Scottsdale Healthcare
Research Institute in collaboration with TGen and leading
universities. Scottsdale Healthcare is the not-for-profit parent
organization of the Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center,
Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center and Scottsdale
Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital, Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center,
Scottsdale Healthcare Research Institute and Scottsdale Healthcare
Foundation. For additional information, please visit
www.shc.org.
Press Contact:
Keith Jones, Director of Public Relations
Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare
480-882-4412
[email protected]
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About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a
Phoenix-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at
TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer,
neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of
translational research where investigators are able to unravel the
genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with
collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen
believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency
and effectiveness of the translational process. For more
information, visit: www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]