Crossover study supports use of Vectibix in patients whose colorectal cancer has progressed

A randomized clinical trial previously showed better outcomes for people with advanced colorectal cancer who were treated with Vectibix® (panitumumab) than those who had the best supportive care.  All  patients in the trial had already had their cancer get worse during treatment with standard chemotherapy.

In a  follow-up study, patients in the best supportive care arm of the study were allowed to cross over and receive treatment with Vectibix.  When their cancer progressed, they began receiving Vectibix every two weeks.

Among the 176 patients who were part of the extension study, one had a complete response, 11 percent had partial responses, and 33 percent had stable disease.  Median time before the cancer began to progress again once patients began Vectibix treatment was 9.4 weeks.  Overall median survival was 6.3 months.

Skin rashes were the most common side effect.  There were no infusion reactions.

Eric Van Cutsem, MD, Ph.D  and the research team concluded,

These findings are comparable to those from the phase 3 study and support panitumumab monotherapy for chemorefractory colorectal cancer.

SOURCE:  Van Cutsem et al, Annals of Oncology, published online September 4, 2007.

Posted by Kate Murphy on September 20th, 2007
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C3 Mourns the loss of Janet Turcotte

It is with a heavy heart that we report the death of Janet Turcotte, C3 friend and advocate, after a 3 year battle against Stage IV colon cancer. She passed away early this morning, surrounded by her family, at the age of 57.

C3 first got to know this remarkable woman in early 2006 when she responded to a request for survivor stories in the Washington, DC area. We learned that she was deeply involved in the horse racing community, and had successfully lobbied for the colorectal cancer blue star of hope to be embroidered on the saddle cloths for the Preakness Stakes. We embraced the opportunity to work with Janet to help spread awareness of the star as the symbol of colorectal cancer. Thanks to C3’s efforts, Janet’s story was reported by print and television media throughout the country in the days leading up to the race, including this interview on CNN Headline News in May 2006:

Despite multiple surgeries and the pain of treatment, Janet continued working with C3 on behalf of the entire colorectal cancer community. She forged a very strong relationship with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and his staff. She sat down for meetings, wrote letters and made phone calls all in order to educate them on colorectal cancer and the need for increased funding.

In March Janet participated in C3’s Annual Call-on Congress. During a meeting with Senator Cardin she had the opportunity to present to him one of the saddle cloths from the 2006 Preakness Stakes.

In May, Janet was formally recognized on the floor of the United States Senate by Senator Cardin for her tireless efforts as a colorectal cancer advocate.

These words by her dear friends and fellow advocates, Suzanne Lindley and Erika Hanson Brown echo the loss felt by the entire C3 community:

Thank you, Janet, for the friendship and the gift of knowing you; for your bravery, your grace, and your zest for life. Your ability to create awareness and your talent for design will forever adorn the halls of Congress and the Preakness race and far beyond. The courage of your voice will always be heard and the light of your unending hope remembered. “And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest” - what a beautiful angel has joined that flight. Our heartfelt sympathy to your wonderful family and the circle of friends who will miss you. Soar forever, my friend, soar always.

Update:After learning that Janet’s illness was in its final stages but before her death, Senator Cardin once again recognized Janet on the Senate floor.

Below is an excerpt from the Congressional Record of September 20, 2007:

Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I wish to recognize one of my constituents, Janet Turcotte of Bowie, Maryland. I was fortunate to meet Janet in March of this year when she visited my Washington office. She came as part of C3, the Colorectal Cancer Coalition, a group whose mission is to eliminate suffering and death due to colorectal cancer.

Janet is a talented embroiderer, and for more than 20 years she has been decorating saddlecloths for the thoroughbreds at Maryland’s Pimlico Race Course. For the past 2 years, she has added the colorectal cancer “Blue Star of Hope” to the saddlecloths of the contenders for the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico. Recognizing that the Preakness has more than 17 million television viewers each year, Janet aims to use this symbol to encourage early screening for colorectal cancer, and to save lives. Janet graciously brought me one of those “Blue Star” saddlecloths, which is now displayed in my personal office.

Janet Turcotte is far more than an advocate for colorectal health. She is also a patient. First diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer 4 years ago, she is currently battling her third recurrence of the disease. Last week, Janet’s doctors told her that she does not have much time left.

Janet’s message to Congress and to all Americans is an urgent and important one. It is that early screening, diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer can save lives. The American Cancer Society, whose members will visit Capitol Hill soon, reports that in 2006, more than 150,000 new cases of colon cancer were diagnosed and more than 50,000 Americans died from the disease, including more than 1,000 Marylanders. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our appreciation to Janet Turcotte , a dedicated and courageous advocate for colorectal health, for her selfless efforts to promote a healthier America.

Posted by Judi Sohn on September 20th, 2007
Posted in: Policy & Advocacy News | 21 Comments »

How Can Going Out to Eat Help Fight Colorectal Cancer?

C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition would like to invite you to enjoy a nice meal this Saturday and at the same time fight colorectal cancer. Christine LeGrant (left), colorectal cancer survivor and C3 Advocate, has organized in event to raise money for C3’s “Lisa Fund.” The Lisa Fund is in honor of Lisa Dubow, who passed away on July 24, 2007. The fund supports researchers dedicated to combating colorectal cancer.

“I was talking on line with some of the local members of the Colon Club and we were inspired to organize a fundraiser for the Lisa Fund,” Christine said. “My Colon Club buddy Sean McCall chose a venue, and we got it rolling.”

When: Saturday, September 22
Where: That’s Amore, 150 Branch Rd, SE, Vienna, VA

Just arrive anytime and enjoy a nice meal. Inform the hostess that you’re there for Community Day for C3 and they’ll donate 15% of your bill to the Lisa Fund.

Bon Appetito!!

Posted by Joe Arite on September 20th, 2007
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The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) Reauthorized in the House

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to reauthorize the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), which would otherwise expire on September 30, 2007.

PDUFA is a law that allows the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fund the review of new drugs through fees paid by companies that submit new drug applications. PDUFA was first enacted in 1992 and has been reauthorized twice, in 1997 and 2002.

In the wake of a letter sent to Congress by the Secretary of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach; Republicans and Democrats in the House came to an agreement early this morning on the highly anticipated reauthorization.

The bill includes the Administration’s request for an increase in the total annual user fees collected to $392.8 million for FY 2008, an $87.4 million increase over the current number.

The legislation also increases the amount of fees devoted to postmarket safety. An additional $225 million in user fees will be collected over five years intended to be used for drug safety activities, supplementing all other drug safety resources.

The reauthorization also contains a “reverse trigger” that states there should be a dollar for dollar reduction in the new user fee for every new dollar appropriated for post market safety.

The legislation will now be voted on in the Senate where if passed will make its way to the desk of the President.

Posted by Joe Arite on September 19th, 2007
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Dole Hearts Delight bagged lettuce recalled because of e.coli contamination

Dole bagged lettuce mix distributed in Canada and parts of the United States has been recalled because of potential contamination with e. coli.  A sample from a store in Canada tested positive for the bacteria.

The recall affects:

Dole’s Hearts Delight salad mix

labeled best used by date of September 19, 2007

production code: A24924A or A24924B

Symptoms of e. coli infection include bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal pain.  The disease can be life-threatening if toxins from the bacteria enter the bloodstream.

A stool test can identify the bacteria in patients with pain and diarrhea.  Symptoms of complications include paleness, weakness,fatigue, little or no urinary output, red urine, and bruising.  

Posted by Kate Murphy on September 17th, 2007
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »