Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies have not been a major contributor to the category of anti-infective agents, partly due to the presence of effective vaccines and antibodies. However, some intractable infectious agents (such as hepatitis C and HIV-1), bioterrorism, and emerging infectious agents (West Nile, SARS, etc.) have prompted researchers to look upon monoclonal antibodies for solutions. ... Read more

Abstract: It is estimated that 63% of drug targets are intracellular and cannot be reached by antibody drugs and many other therapeutic agents. Intrabody (single-chain antibody or its fragments) produced intracellularly is a promising technology that could bring forth intracellular therapeutics in addition to being an important research tool. ... Read more

Abstract: Autoimmune diseases are chronic disorders and are highly prevalent in the population. It is thus logical to see whether patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases are more prone to cancer. Studies show that most autoimmune diseases are not linked to cancer. However, patients with rheumatic arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus do have an increased risk for lymphoma. ... Read more

Abstract: The 10+ year journey from benchtop to bedside is often a tumultuous one. For those researchers who successfully made it through this journey, the triumph is preceded by tenacity, perseverance, funding, good science, and sound strategy. They have "done right" on something that is critically important. Bortezomib (Velcade) for multiple myeloma represents a model paradigm that has a lot to teach us. ... Read more

Abstract: Stress influences the neuroendocrine dynamics and increases the release of glucocorticoids and catecholamines (such as norepinephrine and epinephrine). These hormones suppress the immune system. Stress doesn't by itself cause cancer. However it can alter the cancer cell growth dynamics in cancer's favor. ... Read more

Abstract: In general, cancer incidence increases with age. However some cancers, such as breast cancer, become indolent in the aged women due to both the "seed" (well differentiated cancer cell) and "soil" (reduced production of estrogen - growth factor for breast cancer cells) effects. Prevention and treatment of cancer in an aged population are discussed. ... Read more

Abstract: Even patients with small primary tumors and lymph node-negative status at surgery have a significant chance (15-25%) of developing distant metastases. The patient's inherited susceptibility (germline polymorphism) to metastasis determined whether the tumor would metastasize much earlier in tumor's development. ... Read more

Cancer morbidity and mortality is mostly due to metastasis. Curing cancer can only be achieved by a better understanding of the mechanism of metastasis and ultimately devising the means to predict and stop metastasis. If cancer were simply an issue at the primary site, most cancers would have been cured.

Therefore, in order to cure cancer, metastasis must receive much more attention in research and development than it has so far. Not a single drug has been developed solely for slowing down or stopping the process of metastasis.

To be sure, metastasis is a complex process. As Dr. Hunter pointed out starting ... Read more