Cancer lines [2002 : fall]

American Cancer Society Relay for Life. UNC Linelxrger had a team in this years American Cancer Society Relay for Life: The Tumor Suppressors. The event was held at Fetzer Field on the UNC campus and raised funds for cancer research and patient programs. Pictured are: (clockwise from 9:00) team captain Amy Maddox (Burridge lab and cell and developmental biology grad student ); Juli Trautman; Chad Pearson; Lisa Cameron and Bonnie Howell. The team also included 11 others, font UNC faculty members to graduate students. Ms. Nancy C. Riley Dr. С. E. Roberts Mr Michael A. Roberts Dr. and Mrs. Michael W Roberts Ms. Robin D. Roberts Mr and Mrs. Marcel G. Robins Mr and Mrs. James Ross Mr and Mrs. James L. Rowe Mrs. Elizabeth M. Ruffin Mr and Mrs. Harvey B. Ruffin Mr and Mrs. D. E Russ, Jr. Mr and Mrs. GeronJ. Ryden Srr let)' Services of America, Inc Mr and Mrs. Paul L. Salisbury, Jr. Ms. Ruth B. Saunders Mr Jerry' G. Savage Mr Irwin Sawitz Dr. and Mrs. Charles J. Sawyer, III Mr W L. Seawell.Jr. Ms. Rita Denise Secreast-Doll Dr. and Mrs. Leon Semke Mr. and Mrs. James B. Sessoms Rev. and Mrs. Robert E. Seymour Mr. and Mrs. Melvin G. Shitrurt Dr. and Mrs. R. T Sinclair, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. George T Smith, Jr- Mr. J. Keith Smith and Ms. Lisa L. Jones Mr.J. Troy Smith, Jr. Mrs. J earr W Smith Mr and Mrs. Kenneth R. Smith, Jr. Mr and Mrs. P R. Smith, Jr Mr. and Dr R. W Smith. Jr. Mr. Gay E Snapp Ms. Mildred M. Snyder Mrs. T. Boyd Spiller Dr. and Mrs. Peter W Squire Ms. Katherine D. Stackhouse Mr. A. D. Stallings Mrs. Elizabeth Stallings Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Stewart Mrs. Cleo StroguiludLs Stnrctural Systems, Inc. Drs. LLshan Su and Yan U Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Suher Mr. and Mrs. Harry W Sutton Mr. and Mrs. Jerry’ W Swicegood Mr. and Mrs. Nader E. Tannous Target Stores #0967 Dr. and Mrs. David T Tayloe, Sr. Dr. and Mrs. David T Tayloe, Jr. Mr. R.B. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E Taylor Mr. and Mrs. William W Taylor, Jr Mr. and Mrs. M. Page Teer Telcordia Technologies Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Temple The M &J Foundation Inc The Wade Dunbar Company, Inc. Ms. Dorothy E. Thomas Mrs. Ann H. Tillery' Mr. and Mrs. David Townsend Ms. Sasan E. Trembly Mrs. Marguerite T Trexler UAI Technology, Inc. UNC General Alumni Association Drs. Thomas E. and Denise E. Unterbrink Ms. Carolyn Vim Sant Mr. С. M. Vitnstory Dr. and Mrs. Donald W Virrner Mrs. Jean M. Vickery' Vietri, Inc. Vine Veterinary Hospital Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas C. Vogel Mr. and Mrs. Henry' M. Von Oesen W P Butler Trucking Mrs. D. P Washburn Mr. and Mrs. David P Witshburn Mr. and Mrs. Ben E Weaver Mr David E Weinstein Mr and Mrs. J. Edmund Welch Ms. Elaine Werner Mr and Mrs. Joseph R. Westmoreland, II Mr. and Mrs. William E. Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. A. Bartlett White Ms. Doloretta S. White Mr. and Mrs. James W'hite Dr. James R. W'hite Dr. and Mrs. Robert D. White Mr. turd Mrs. William R. W'hite Mr. and Mis. Clarence E. Whitefield Mr. Allen C. Whitehead Mr. and Mrs. Clarence E. Wilkins Dr. Benjamin A. Williams Mr. Christopher B. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Clarence E. Williams, Jr. Mr. William M. Wilshire, Jr Mr. and Mrs. E. Paul Winslow Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth H. Winter Mr. Harry G. W'omble Ms. A. L. Woodyard Ms. Elizabeth L. Wright Mr. and Mrs. Robert T Wyker Dr Pricilla B. Wyrick Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Yahner Mr. and Mis. L. Clement Yancey Ms. Virginia L. Yates Mr.J. HaleYokley Mrs. Melanie L. York Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Young Z. A. Sneeden's Sons, Inc. Dr J. M. Zealy Mr. and Mrs. David A. Zendels We mourn the death of Board members Louie Woodbuty of Wilmington and Jimmy Hardison of Wadesboro. Both were founding Board members who helped the Center in numerous ways, providing leadership in many projects and campaigns. Carolina Cancer Focus 3-on-3 Tournament. Carolina Cancer Focus, the UNC student organization that raises funds for and awareness of cancer, held the second .3-on-.3 basket¬ ball tournament on April, 1.3. The event raised close to $2000 for UNC Lineixrger. Clinical Trials Underway For infonnation about any oj these trials, please call the 919-966-4432 or visit the UNC LCCC web¬ site at http://cancer.med.unc.edu/patient/protocols. Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer (LCCC 0109). This is a pilot study using an anti-inflam¬ matory datg, Celebrex (celecoxib), in patients who have failed primary radiation therapy or sur¬ gery and have rising PSA levels. Epidemiological and clinical data regarding the potential anti¬ tumor effects of anti-inflammatory drugs have been best described for colon cancer suggesting both a therapeutic and chemopreventive role. More recent studies have shown that anti¬ inflammatory drugs may have a role in prostate cancer as well. The study seeks to detennine if this commercially available medication has any thera¬ peutic value in prostate cancer. PI, Raj S. Pmthi, MD. Elderly Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer ( NSCLC) IIIB/IV (LCCC 0204). This is a Phase 1/11 trial of weekly docetaxel and ZD 1839, determining the safety', toxicity' and efficacy' of this combination therapy. Docetaxel is an active single agent in the treatment of NSCLC and has been shown to improve survival as a single agent. ZD 1829 is an investigational drug, a novel small molecule, which inhibits the growth of cancer cells and has very few serious side effects shown in early'-stage clinical trials. This drug as a single oral agent has shown activity in advanced NSCLC. The combination therapy' seeks to improve res¬ ponse rate, characterize tolerable toxicides, and improve survival in elderly patients. PI, Mark Socinski, MD Advanced Colorectal Cancer (TRC-0201). This Ls an NCI expanded access protocol using Oxaliplatin, a novel platinum agent, in com¬ bination with 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin for parients who have not received prior chemo¬ therapy for advanced colorectal cancer. This drug combination has been used by' Lineberger physicians for over four y'ears and has recently been approved by the FDA for treatment of colon cancer, in part, based on our clinical trial data. Current studies are looking at response rate, toxicity', and survival with the addition of Oxaliplatin to this regimen. The NCI established the Treatment Referral Center (TRC) mechanism in 1991 to handle inquires for availability of invesdgarional agents from physicians seeking treatment options for their patients. LCCC is a NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and qualifies as a treatment center for this trial. PI, Stephen Bernard, MD Cancer Patients with Solid Tumors That Are Resistant to Other Therapies (EGF10004). This is a Phase 1 study' with an oral drug (GVV572016) believed to block inappropriate cell growth, leading to cell death. This study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and blood levels of different doses of this drug. Also, this study' will evaluate the effects that GW572016 has on cellular targets found in skin tissue. Several labs in the Lineberger Center are studying the effects of this drug in cancer cells. PI, Claire Dees, MD cancer Fall 2002 9 UNC Cancer Experts Lead National Chemoprevention & Screening Task Forces (left-right): Drs. Michael Pignone, Russ Harris and Linda Kin singer: UNC Lineberger members have led national review groups to evaluate cancer prevention and early de¬ tection. Done with the Evidence-based Practice Center at RT1 International and colleagues around the country' these reviews support the work of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Chemoprevention for Breast Cancer Few chemoprevention drugs have reached clinical practice. The exception is breast cancer, where options are increasingly available. The question is, what's the evidence? Drs. Linda Kinsinger and Russ Harris and colleagues reviewed the evidence. Their answer — good news but not for every' woman in every' case. “For women at increased risk of breast cancer, two medicines — tamoxifen and raloxifene — have been shown to be effective in decreasing that risk,” Kinsinger explains. Increased risk comes mostly from having a fitst-degree relative (a mother or sister) with breast cancer or having had breast biopsies, especially if they showed abnormal tissue. The developments are encouraging, but Kinsinger urges caution because of side effects, such as increased risk for blood clots and cancer of the uterus. “This a complicated topic. There’s no one right answer that neady fits all women. This is something women should talk with their doctors about, so they can make good deci¬ sions that are right for them individually'.” Kinsinger and Harris, faculty' mem¬ bers in the Depart¬ ment of Medicine, published their review in the July 2, 2002 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. Colon Cancer Screening Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. We have several screening tests. Which is best? Which is most cost-effective? Dr. Michael Pignone led a team that reviewed the evidence and then issued a strong recom¬ mendation, urging all adults age 50 and over to get screening. Various tests were effective, making it possible for patients and their physicians to decide which test is most appropriate. "The bottom line is that we found increasingly good evidence to support the different methods of screening,” said Pignone. Effective tests include flexible sigmoidoscopy', colonoscopy', and fecal occult blood tests. Barium enema also might be effective, but that has not been confirmed. “Given the available data, there was no clear form of screening that was most cost-effective,” said Pignone, a faculty' member in the Department of Medicine and a fellow at UNC’s Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services. “At any given time, colonoscopy is the most accurate test, but over a patient’s lifetime results were mixed, perhaps because colonoscopy' is done less frequently than other tests.” Pignone and colleagues published their reviews in the July 16, 2002 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. О calendar October 24-25, 2002 Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Symposia. Oct. 24-Physicians and Medical Staff. Oct. 25- Patients and Families, Friday Continuing Education Center, Chapel Hill, NC. January 31-Febr и ary 1, 2003 UNC Lineberger Prostate Cancer Symposium. Friday Center February 1 9 -22 , 2003 The Colossal Colon. First stop on a national tour. UNC Campus, Chapel Hill, NC. February 28, 2003 Board of Visitors Meeting. Lineberger Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC. March 1, 2003 Lineberger Club Annual Brunch and Basketball. Kenan Center. M a rch 18-1 9, 2003 UNC Lineberger 27th Annual Scientific Symposium. Friday Continuing Education Center, Chapel Hill. NC. UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center CB# 7295 School of Medicine University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295 (919) 966-3036 http ://cancer med. unc. edu Return Forwarding, and Return Postage Guaranteed. Address Correction Requested. 10 cancer Fall 2002 Nonprofit Organization U.S. fbstage PAID Permit No. 71 Chapel Hitt, NC 27599-1110 UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center University of North Carolina School of Medicine & UNC Health Care Fall 2002 UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER UNC Center’s Head & Neck Cancer Program “Our work affects all people because of the continued ubiquitous use of tobacco and alcohol,” say's Mark Weissler, Joseph P Riddle Distinguished Professor of Otolarymgology and chief of the Division of Head and Neck Oncology'. “The most effective way' to reduce tobacco use is by' never having young people begin its use,” he say's. In fact, 75 percent of head and neck cancers are preventable by simply avoiding these products. Despite its “pre- ventability,” head and neck cancers are the fifth most common cancer in the nation. This y'ear, more than 50,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with it and more than 16,000 people will die of it. The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Cen¬ ter’s Head and Neck Cancer Program provides leading- edge treatment for all forms of benign and malignant tumors in the oral cavity' (mouth), pharymx (throat), and larymx (v'oice box); as well as cancers of the salivary' glands, sinuses, thyroid, blood vessels and nerves, muscles, skin and other structures of the head and neck. “We are actively involved in both basic science and clinical research to improve the future care of head and neck cancer patients,” Weissler say's. “Our program involves eight medical specialties devoted to the interrelated care of head and neck cancer patients for optimal diagnosis, treatment and re¬ habilitation.” Specialists involved include surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, dentists, speech and swal¬ lowing therapists, plastic surgeons, nurses and social workers. Improving Detection The spread of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to lymph nodes in the neck largely determines treatment and survival. The cure rate for patients with cancer in the neck lymph nodes is approximately one half that of patients with uninvolved nodes. Addi¬ tionally' survival rates have not significantly improved during the past 30 y'ears, with only 33 percent of the patients surviving five y'ears after diagnosis. The standard way to detect the spread of cancer cells to lymph nodes is by slicing them into sections that are thin enough to look at under the microscope, usually about l/5000th of an inch. Using this method, only a small percentage of the node can be examined, and cancer cells may not be detected. “We have developed a very sensitive assay that can detect a few cancer cells in a much larger node,” say's Carol Shores, assistant professor of otolary'ngology'/head and neck surgery'. “Each HNSCC cell contains about 10,000 molecules of continued on page .3 UNC Radiation Oncology uses new methods (Intensity Modulated Radiation Tlrerapy) to maximize radiation doses to tumors and minimize doses to critical structures. Shown here: a nasopharyngeal tumor. 1MRT is one of several new methods of delivering therapy. Planning for a New Cancer Hospital UNC Health Care has begun planning a new can¬ cer hospital that will help the UNC Lineberger treat patients from all across North Carolina. The new building (shown here in the right foreground) will re¬ place the current treatment facility' a 50-year old build¬ ing originally designed as a ТВ hospital. Despite prog¬ ress in prevention, screen¬ ing, and treatment, over the next several decades the aging baby boom generation will double the annual number of persons diag¬ nosed with cancer. The new facility' along with increased efforts in prevention and early detection, will be needed to meet this growing demand. Next session, the NC General Assembly plans to reconsider a bond fund¬ ing mechanism to support hospital construction.