Abstract: A new era in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be dawning. Twelve years after the first approval of biologic therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the positive results of two large trials of a novel biologic therapy for SLE have raised hopes that a new approach to treatment may be at hand. This encouraging news follows several disappointments in trials of other biologic therapies and provides a timely moment to reflect on where we stand, what we have learned, and what may lie ahead. ... Read more

Abstract: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignancy mainly affecting elderly people and is still considered an incurable disease. Despite recent advances in CLL treatment, relapse rates are high and often accompanied by the development of resistance towards conventional chemotherapy. Thus, new agents are needed for the treatment of these patients. In recent years, our understanding of the biological mechanisms driving CLL pathogenesis has considerably improved, and novel treatment strategies are arising. This review summarizes recent insights in CLL biology and describes several new agents and treatment strategies that are currently explored in pre-clinical studies and early-phase clinical trials. ... Read more

Abstract: The first descriptions of apoptosis were made over 150 years ago, although the implications for tumor development were not appreciated until the 1970s. Natural cell death is a critical part of development of multicellular organisms, and also counter-balances the cell generating effects of mitosis. Disruptions in the highly regulated apoptotic pathway can lead to disease, such as tumors, due to the accumulation of excessive numbers of cells. Restoring normal apoptosis in cancer cells is one of the current challenges of cancer research. ... Read more

Abstract: DNA vaccines generate both T cell and B cell (or antibody) mediated immunities. Methods such as prime-boost regimens and the use of adjuvants in combination with the DNA vaccine have enhanced the therapeutic effectiveness of DNA vaccines in the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, asthma, and other conditions. ... 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: DNA vaccines are selected DNA sequences usually contained in barebone circular plasmid DNA. These vaccines can be injected into muscle or skin where they can be taken up by cells and expressed into proteins. Though its effectiveness needs improvement, it is a relatively simple, convenient, and inexpensive way of formulating a cancer vaccine. ... Read more

Abstract: Lupus is believed to be an autoimmune disease, affecting many more women than men. Patients develop immune responses to self DNA, omnipresent in the body. Estrogen and androgen are involved in the disease. Immunosuppression and sex hormone therapeutics are two major classes of drugs in clinical trials. ... Read more

Abstract: In "The Anatomy of Hope," Dr. Jerome Groopman, Professor and Chairman of Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, tells extraordinary stories of hope in coping with conventionally hopeless diseases and suffering. Biologically, hope may stimulate the release of internal painkiller molecules. ... Read more

Abstract: Tumor cells have "learned" to reduce the expression of certain cell surface molecules to keep them off the "radar screen" of specific immune surveillance networks handled by T lymphocytes. However, natural killer (NK) cells are alarmed and activated by the low-level expression of these molecules. ... Read more

Abstract: Magic bullets armed with nuclear war head? Monoclonal antibodies labeled with radioactive isotope, when taken orally, seek and attach to tumor cells and bring radiation close to a range of destruction. ... Read more