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Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PARD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology, announced top-line results from its Phase 1 clinical trial of an oral formulation of picoplatin in patients with solid tumors showing that picoplatin achieves linear and dose-dependent plasma exposure when given by the oral route.

Dendreon Corporation (Nasdaq: DNDN) will present a summary of Phase 1 clinical data of NEUVENGE(TM) (lapuleucel-T), an investigational active cellular immunotherapy, at the Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium in new york City.

Olivier Delattre's team (Inserm Unit 830 "Genetics and Biology of Cancer") of the Institut Curie reveal in an article in the 16 October issue of Nature that alteration of the ALK gene is closely associated with the most frequent solid extracerebral tumor in childre neuroblastoma. By studying the familial forms of this tumor, the researchers also conclude that ALK is a gene that predisposes to neuroblastoma. This discovery may allow the development of new treatments in neuroblastomas.

MIT biologists have discovered that the organization of DNA's packing material plays a critical role in directing stem cells to become different types of adult cells. The work, to be published in the journal Cell on Nov. 14, could also shed light on the possible role of DNA packaging in cancer development.

UC Davis cancer Center researchers have discovered a metabolic deficiency in pancreatic cancer cells that can be used to slow the progress of the deadliest of all cancers. Published in the October issue of the International Journal of cancer, study results indicate that pancreatic cancer cells cannot produce the amino acid arginine, which plays an essential role in cell division, immune function and hormone regulation.

Mayo Clinic researchers say they have moved closer to their goal of providing personalized care for a common blood cell cancer. They have found that the use of predictive biomarkers along with two targeted treatments significantly delays the need for conventional chemotherapy in patients with early-stage, but high-risk, chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL). Their study, published Oct.

Genentech, Inc. (NYSE:DNA) and OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:OSIP) today announced that a global Phase III study (SATURN) met its primary endpoint and showed Tarceva® (erlotinib) significantly extended the time patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lived without their cancer getting worse when given immediately following initial treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy, compared to placebo.

North Bristol NHS Trust's annual cancer Services Open Day takes place on Thursday, November 20 at the Centre for medical education at Southmead hospital. The free event, which runs from 10am-4pm, is open to everyone with an interest in cancer - this includes patients, carers and medical professionals.

GENETICS: Unraveling the genetic defects underlying two kidney conditions John Rasko and colleagues, at the Centenary Institute, Australia, have provided new insight into the genes that are mutated in individuals with two related kidney defects: iminoglycinuria (IG), which occur

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)-supporting research and providing education, advocacy and support for myeloma patients, families, researchers and physicians-today called for all patients to have access to the newest pharmaceuticals making life-changing advances in the treatment of myeloma.