Issues
Welcome Letter
NEW Biologic Therapy for Lung Cancer
Anti-VEGF Factsheet

Welcome! I am pleased to introduce to you the first segment of our newsletter concerning topics on recent advances in oncology, to be presented byArena Oncology Associates, P.C.

The purpose of this newsletter is to give our patients an in-depth, thumbnail sketch of someof the most recent developments in the field of oncology. As you can see from everythingin the news media -- from The New York Times to television in the understanding of the mechanisms of disease has brought the field of oncology and hematology to new heights.This is a confusing time. There are many different advances, some that are flashes inthe pan and some that will clearly have a momentous type of benefit. By having this newsletter each month, we will focus on a different topic and give our patients the opportunityof sampling some of the new thoughts about different disease processes and treatments.

Next month, our first topic will be the use of monoclonal antibodies. The two present monoclonal antibodiesthat are on the market are Rituxan, which is used for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of B-cell origin, and Herceptin,which is used for certain breast cancers of metastatic nature that express the Her-2/neuantigen. There are others that are about to become available to our patients. One is coming from Canada, and we are pleased that Arena Oncology Associates will be one of the first sites here on Long Island to have this. This drug is known as THERATOPE. It is a monoclonal antibody that is directedagains breast cancer cells, even those that do not have the Her-2/neu antigen.

From all of us at Arena Oncology Associates, we hope that we will make a difference in your life, and, hopefully, makeit a more prosperous and a more pleasant place to be.

I look forward to your commentaries and mails over the ensuing months.
Sincerely,

Francis P. Arena, MD, FACP
Director
Arena Oncology Associates, PC

NEW Biologic Therapy for Lung Cancer - WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS ONE OF THE FEW SITES IN THE AREA TO CONDUCT A RESEARCH STUDY UTILIZING A NEW BIOLOGIC THERAPY FOR NON SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER!

THIS IS A DOUBLE BLIND STUDY USING THIS NEW BIOLOGIC THERAPY IN COMBINATION WITH STANDARD CHEMOTHERAPY.

For more information, please fill out our REQUEST FOR INFORMATION form or see the contact information at the bottom of our RESEARCH page.

When a growing tumor reaches a critical size (0.5-2mm), it can no longer supply itself with nutrients and oxygen from nearby small blood vessels.  In response, the tumor secretes proteins called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) that attach to nearby blood vessels and stimulate growth towards the tumor, allowing it to thrive.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a protein that is secreted by oxygen-deprived (ischemic) cells, including those from malignant (cancerous) cells.  VEGF stimulates new blood vessel formation, or angiogenesis, by binding to specific receptors on nearby blood vessels, encouraging new blood vessels to form—a process that ensures the tumor will have the nutrients and oxygen it needs to grow.

Typically, VEGF secretion is low in healthy adults but is activated under certain conditions where cells become deprived of oxygen, such as wound healing, embryonic growth, cancer and other disease processes, such as age-related macular degeneration.

Significant research has shown that angiogenesis plays an important role in both tumor growth and metastasis.  In fact, the extent of blood supply into a tumor is considered an independent prognostic indicator, predicting risk of relapse and survival.

Despite significant advances in the use of chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of solid tumors during the past 15 years, many of these tumors continue to be relatively unresponsive to even the most active chemotherapy combinations.  Targeting the blood vessels that support tumor growth could represent a new and complimentary approach to the treatment of cancer.

Anti-VEGF was designed to block VEGF, preventing it from binding to the nearby blood vessels and inhibiting or stopping the growth of solid tumors.