Cancer Therapies Right On Target Wednesday, March 1, 2006 Cancer Therapies Right On Target (NAPSA)—Cancer has always been synonymous with loss and fear. With today’s new advancements in prevention, detection and treatment, a diagnosis of cancer no longer necessarily meansfacing a a, terminal disease. Rather, as new advances provide more treatment options, cancer increasingly takes on the shapeof a chronic condition. Recently, the National Cancer Institute (NCI announced that leading cancer organizations report that Americans’ risk of dying from cancer continues to decline, indicat- ing that progress in prevention, early detection, and newer treatments appear to be helping in the fight against this disease. The next revolution in cancer therapywill likely find its roots in the ongoing Cancer GenomeAtlas (TCGA), a pilot project initiated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRD. Scientists have begun to discover that numerous genes play a role in cancer, but they have only uncovered a small portion of these genes. The Cancer GenomeAtlasis aimed at helping to accelerate the understanding of the genetic makeup of cancer. Researchers hope that a better understanding of how cancer develops and spreads, will lead to new tests to detect cancer in its tinib mesylate) tablets to help fight his disease. Gleevec, approved by the FDA in 2001, is one of the first “targeted therapies” and works by turning off the specific cause of Ph+ CML, something The Cancer Genome Atlas hopes to make possible for many more cancers. Within Researchers have developed the first cancer-fighting drugs that target faulty genes. early, most treatable stages; new therapies to target cancer; and, ultimately, new strategies to pre- vent cancer. Understanding of the genetic basis for cancer has already allowed researchers to develop the first drugs that target faulty genes, which are makinga difference in the lives of patients. Just ask Bob Ferber. In July of 1999, the Los Angeles attorney was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a malignant cancer of the bone marrow and blood. Ferber tried many futile attempts at treatment before entering a clinical trial for a drug now called Gleevec (ima- months, Ferber’s white blood cell counts were within normal range andhis disease was in remission. “My CML diagnosis was a real scare. But, I’m grateful now. I’m grateful for every new day I have.” Sadly, not everyone’s story is as positive as Ferber’s. Hopefully, with the continued advancement of cancer awareness and research, preventative treatment and The Cancer Genome Atlas, cancer patients will one day be able to breathe a sigh of relief and agree with Ferber when hesays, “Every time I challenge this cancer, emotionally or physically—and survive—that’s a victory for me.” For more information about CML,please visit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Web site at http://www.leukemia-lymphoma. org. For information about Gleevec tablets and to view important safety information please visit: http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com /product/pi/pdf/gleevec_tabs.pdf. Note to Editors: About Gleevec Tablets: Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) tablets are indicated for the treatment of newly diagnosed adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase. Follow-up is limited. Gleevec tablets are also indicated for the treatment ofpatients with Ph+ CML in blast crisis, in accelerated phase or in chronic phase after failure of interferon-alpha (IFN-a) therapy. Important Safety Information’: Severe (NCI Grades 3/4) neutropenia (8%48%), anemia ( --- PHOTOS --- File: 20190731-153941-20190731-153938-68750.pdf.jpg --- FILES --- File: 20190731-153938-68750.pdf