FDA endorses Eli Lilly cancer drug Alimta (pemetrexed)28 Jul 2004 The Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) of the US Food and Drug Administration positively endorsed Alimta? (pemetrexed), an antifolate, for accelerated approval in the second-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. "The committee's unanimous recommendation is a major step forward for patients being treated for non-small cell lung cancer in the second-line setting," said Paolo Paoletti, M.D., vice president of oncology clinical research at Lilly. "Study data show that Alimta's effectiveness is comparable to Taxotere, is conveniently administered and is better tolerated." The ODAC recommendation supports a possible FDA approval of Alimta as a single-agent therapy for patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after receiving prior chemotherapy. The committee based its opinion upon one of the largest Phase III studies to date in the second-line setting in which Alimta was compared head-to-head to Taxotere? (docetaxel). The Phase III study showed: Alimta demonstrated a survival benefit similar to Taxotere (8.3 months median survival vs. 7.9 months median survival, favoring Alimta). Alimta had a response rate (tumor shrinkage) of 9.1 percent compared to a response rate of 8.8 percent for Taxotere. Alimta and Taxotere had similar progression-free survival rates of 2.9 months. Progression-free survival represents the number of months that a patient's disease remains in remission following treatment without the disease getting any worse. Compared to Taxotere, patients who received Alimta experienced less Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (neutropenia is a decrease in infection-fighting white blood cell counts), less neutropenia with fever, less diarrhea, fewer hospitalizations due to adverse events and less hair loss. Patients treated with Alimta did experience higher rates of Grade 3 or 4 Alanine Transaminase (ALT), a laboratory measurement of liver function. Paul Bunn, M.D., Director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center said, "I agree that Alimta should be available for patients with lung cancer who are being treated in the second-line setting. Based on its similar efficacy and superior side effect profile, Alimta is a better alternative than the current standard of care, Taxotere." If approved by the FDA for treatment of second-line non-small cell lung cancer, Alimta would have two indications in the U.S. In February 2004, the FDA approved Alimta, in combination with cisplatin, a commonly-used chemotherapy agent, for use in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, a devastating cancer often associated with asbestos exposure. In June 2004, the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) issued a positive opinion for a dual indication for Alimta. The CHMP's recommended approval of Alimta as a single-agent for patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after prior chemotherapy and in combination with cisplatin for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. This opinion for dual indication represents a regulatory first for Lilly. Alimta, in combination with cisplatin, is also approved in Argentina, Canada, Israel and Australia for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. In Australia, Alimta is also approved as a single-agent for the treatment of second-line non-small cell lung cancer. About Lung CancerNon-small cell lung cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells form in the tissues of the lung. According to the American Cancer Society, non-small cell lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women. More than 174,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States each year. In the U.S., approximately 80 percent of patients diagnosed with lung cancer are identified with non-small cell lung cancer. Currently somewhere between 60 - 70 percent of all patients who are diagnosed with lung cancer will receive first-line treatment (about 85,000 - 100,000 patients a year); and half of those treated in the first-line will receive second-line therapy (about 40,000 - 50,000 patients per year). About Eli Lilly and CompanyLilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Lilly Oncology, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, is a leader in cancer research and treatment, with therapies that are considered the standard of care in a number of difficult-to-treat tumor types and a vibrant research platform driving therapeutic innovation.
Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/11341.php
Main News Category: Cancer / Oncology
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Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Canadian Vets still dying from asbestos exposure
Canadian WW2 Vets Still Dying from Asbestos Exposure from Navy Ships
Michael Katzko joined the Canadian Navy in 1942 to serve in the second world war. He was 18 years old. The battle ships he served on were lined with asbestos insulation as well as linings in pipes and boilers. In August 2003 Michael fell ill and went to a doctor to get a check up. Before this his health was excellent. He led an active life with his wife and family and still drove his car and was an accomplished wood carver. After a series of tests it was determined he had a type of lung cancer called Mesothelioma. It took 65 years for the cancer to metabolise which is one of the more insidious aspects of Mesothelioma. Only 4 months later on Jan. 1, 2008 Michael died from this disease.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is caused by previous exposure to asbestos. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways. According to the WCB, more workers die every year in British Columbia from asbestos related diseases than any other industrial cause.
It is ironic that having died from asbestos exposure on a Canadian Navy ship, Michael’s family recently received compensation from a US manufacturer.
US manufacturers of asbestos products have abandoned defending themselves against claims because the evidence is overwhelmingly against them that as far back as the 1920s they knowingly produced products that were hazardous to a person’s health. They chose to declare bankruptcy but in order to do so they had to set up Trust funds to cover future claims against them.
It is also ironic that Canadian diplomats met last week in Rome in talks to add asbestos to a list of hazardous chemicals. Two years ago Canada lobbied to have asbestos kept off the list. This year Canada abstained from stating their position.1
The list is part of the United Nations-backed Rotterdam Convention, a 10-year-old international agreement which gives countries a legal right to be informed about the hazards of chemicals and pesticides before importing them.
Canada is one of the world’s biggest exporters of asbestos. All of it is mined in Quebec.
Three medical journals are blasting Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government for "suppressing" a 2008 Health Canada report on the health dangers posed by asbestos and supporting exports of asbestos to developing countries.
Last week's edition of the Canadian Medical Association Journal is calling for a ban on the exports, which it describes as a "death-dealing charade."
The loss of his father so suddenly has prompted Bob Katzko, Michael son, to set up a Mesothelioma support group here in Vancouver. He hopes the group will allow people who have also lost a loved one a forum for support and sharing. Bob created the project while participating in a Landmark Education leadership program. Part of the coursework was to create a project that benefits the community. Landmark Education is an international training and development company, who is known for offering their flagship course The Landmark Forum (www.landmarkeducation.com).
Bob can be contacted at bobkat9@gmail.com.
One of the members of Bob’s group is an 87 year old Veteran who also served in the royal navy and has recently also been diagnosed with asbestos exposure. He is has notified Canadian Veteran Affairs and is waiting for their reply.
Another member is a vet with cancer who has contacted Veteran Affairs, “who have been steadfastly uncooperative and frustrating.”
When will Canada stop exporting asbestos and when will Veteran Affairs start contacting WW2 vets who served in the royal navy and warn them of the consequences of their possible exposure to asbestos.
- 30 -
Sources
1. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081101.ASBESTOS01/TPStory/?query=asbestos
Michael Katzko joined the Canadian Navy in 1942 to serve in the second world war. He was 18 years old. The battle ships he served on were lined with asbestos insulation as well as linings in pipes and boilers. In August 2003 Michael fell ill and went to a doctor to get a check up. Before this his health was excellent. He led an active life with his wife and family and still drove his car and was an accomplished wood carver. After a series of tests it was determined he had a type of lung cancer called Mesothelioma. It took 65 years for the cancer to metabolise which is one of the more insidious aspects of Mesothelioma. Only 4 months later on Jan. 1, 2008 Michael died from this disease.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is caused by previous exposure to asbestos. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways. According to the WCB, more workers die every year in British Columbia from asbestos related diseases than any other industrial cause.
It is ironic that having died from asbestos exposure on a Canadian Navy ship, Michael’s family recently received compensation from a US manufacturer.
US manufacturers of asbestos products have abandoned defending themselves against claims because the evidence is overwhelmingly against them that as far back as the 1920s they knowingly produced products that were hazardous to a person’s health. They chose to declare bankruptcy but in order to do so they had to set up Trust funds to cover future claims against them.
It is also ironic that Canadian diplomats met last week in Rome in talks to add asbestos to a list of hazardous chemicals. Two years ago Canada lobbied to have asbestos kept off the list. This year Canada abstained from stating their position.1
The list is part of the United Nations-backed Rotterdam Convention, a 10-year-old international agreement which gives countries a legal right to be informed about the hazards of chemicals and pesticides before importing them.
Canada is one of the world’s biggest exporters of asbestos. All of it is mined in Quebec.
Three medical journals are blasting Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government for "suppressing" a 2008 Health Canada report on the health dangers posed by asbestos and supporting exports of asbestos to developing countries.
Last week's edition of the Canadian Medical Association Journal is calling for a ban on the exports, which it describes as a "death-dealing charade."
The loss of his father so suddenly has prompted Bob Katzko, Michael son, to set up a Mesothelioma support group here in Vancouver. He hopes the group will allow people who have also lost a loved one a forum for support and sharing. Bob created the project while participating in a Landmark Education leadership program. Part of the coursework was to create a project that benefits the community. Landmark Education is an international training and development company, who is known for offering their flagship course The Landmark Forum (www.landmarkeducation.com).
Bob can be contacted at bobkat9@gmail.com.
One of the members of Bob’s group is an 87 year old Veteran who also served in the royal navy and has recently also been diagnosed with asbestos exposure. He is has notified Canadian Veteran Affairs and is waiting for their reply.
Another member is a vet with cancer who has contacted Veteran Affairs, “who have been steadfastly uncooperative and frustrating.”
When will Canada stop exporting asbestos and when will Veteran Affairs start contacting WW2 vets who served in the royal navy and warn them of the consequences of their possible exposure to asbestos.
- 30 -
Sources
1. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081101.ASBESTOS01/TPStory/?query=asbestos
Friday, October 31, 2008
Asbestos Letter to the Editor, Vancouver Sun
Here is my Letter to the Editor in the Vancouver Sun about Canada exporting asbestos.
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/letters/story.html?id=989b0c89-bdb4-4a92-b890-141a336943aa
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/letters/story.html?id=989b0c89-bdb4-4a92-b890-141a336943aa
Asbestos not listed as dangerous substance
Unfortunately at the 2008 international talks on the Rotterdam Convention, asbestos wasn't included as a dangerous substance.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081028.wasbestos1028/BNStory/National/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081028.wasbestos1028/BNStory/National/
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Mesothelioma Support Group
I'm setting up a Mesothelioma Support Group in Vancouver, BC CANADA. If anyone would like more information please contact me.
The group will be for people who have lost a loved one to Mesothelioma. The group will not only provide support but:
· Support/Sharing
· Information
· Prevention
· Public Awareness
· Fundraising
· Treatment
· Action/Volunteering
The group will be for people who have lost a loved one to Mesothelioma. The group will not only provide support but:
· Support/Sharing
· Information
· Prevention
· Public Awareness
· Fundraising
· Treatment
· Action/Volunteering
Canada supports exporting asbestos
Canada is in Rome this week to block an attempt to include asbestos as harmfull substance in the Rotterdam Convention treaty.
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=6e41ed6a-1ef2-4bde-8299-23a039ce3806
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=6e41ed6a-1ef2-4bde-8299-23a039ce3806
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