Latest news with #Imatinib
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Fake cancer drugs: 40 distributors near key Delhi hospitals raided; 160 samples sent for testing
The Drug Control department has launched a crackdown across the Capital, collecting over 160 samples of cancer drugs as part of a special enforcement drive. The samples have been sent for testing to check for possible spurious, counterfeit, or substandard products. The suo motu action comes after the Delhi Police Crime Branch, earlier this month, busted a well-organised racket that allegedly sold spurious, unauthorised, and unregistered cancer drugs to unsuspecting patients. Sources in the department said the raids covered major drug distribution hubs close to cancer centres in South Delhi, including AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, Lok Nayak Hospital adjoining the Central Delhi zone; Darya Ganj and Bhagirath Place near Rajiv Gandhi Hospital in Rohini; and Laxmi Nagar in East Delhi. Out of the 40 firms where the department conducted raids, violations were found in 15 shops. 'Sale and purchase records of these 15 firms revealed discrepancies in billing; some could not provide records. The department has initiated action for contraventions of various provisions under the Drugs Rules 1945,' said an official from the Drug Control department. This is the second such major drive after one-and-a-half years. Before this, the department had been focusing on fast-moving drugs. 'This was a special drive conducted to check cancer drugs that are moving in the market. In case some samples are found to be spurious, counterfeit, or grossly substandard, the department intends to take stern legal action against the offenders, including prosecution in the court of law,' said an official. Sources said that out of the total samples collected, over 70% are cancer drugs. Some of the samples include: -Imatinib Tablets (Veenat 400), which are used alone or together with other medicines to treat different types of cancer or bone marrow conditions. -Imatinib 100 mg, which kills or stops the growth of cancer cells. -Capegard 500, used in the treatment of cancer of the breast, colon, and rectum. -Armotraz tablet, which is used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. -Hydroxyurea Capsules IP 500 mg (Leukocel 500) to treat cancer of the white blood cells called chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). -Cycloxan tablet, which is used to treat cancer and nephrotic syndrome (kidney disease). 'The reports will likely come in the next three to four weeks. Some samples have been sent to labs outside Delhi as well,' the official added. Another official said Delhi is a transit point for these spurious drugs. 'Bhagirath Place is one of the transit points for such spurious drugs, which then go to different states — including Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Patna in Bihar, and cities in Jharkhand — where there are high incidents of spurious drugs. In Delhi, retailers are more cautious,' said the official. –
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Our body's crimson tide: the evolving treatment landscape in haematology
Historically, treatment for blood cancers, relied heavily on chemotherapy. However, this 'carpet bombing' approach, apart from destroying cancer cells also affects healthy, rapidly-dividing cells. This can lead to significant side effects like vomiting ,immunosuppression, hair loss and anaemia. While chemotherapy remains vital, the goal has always been more precise, less toxic options. A deeper understanding of cancer cell biology has paved the way for 'targeted therapy'—drugs designed as 'surgical strikes' against molecular targets predominantly found on or within cancer cells. This approach aims for greater efficacy with a more manageable side-effect profile, sparing normal cells to a larger extent. Imatinib - the dawn of targeted therapy in haematology A pivotal moment in targeted therapy arrived with Imatinib, approved in 2001 for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML). CML is driven by the Philadelphia chromosome, a genetic abnormality creating the BCR-ABL fusion gene that fuels uncontrolled white blood cell proliferation. Before Imatinib, CML was often fatal within years. Imatinib was designed to block the activity of this BCR-ABL protein. Its success was revolutionary, transforming CML from a deadly disease into a manageable chronic condition for most patients, who could now achieve long-term remission and a good quality of life with a daily pill. This validated the concept of molecularly targeted therapy and spurred massive research into similar approaches for other cancers, heralding a new frontier in cancer treatment . Harnessing the immune system --the rise of immunotherapy in haematology Our immune system, with its innate (first-line, non-specific) and adaptive (specialised, memory-forming) arms, is designed to eliminate threats, including cancerous cells. Immunotherapy aims to boost or re-engage the patient's immune system to fight cancer. Various types of antibody based therapies such as Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) antibodies target specific antigens on cancer cells. Bispecific Antibodies (e.g., BiTEs - Bispecific T-cell Engagers)have two binding sites-- one for a cancer cell antigen and another for a T-cell (an immune killer cell). Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) are 'armed antibodies' and combine an antibody's targeting precision with a potent cytotoxic drug . These immunotherapies offer highly effective options ,which earlier approved for resistant cancers ,are being increasingly used in frontline settings. For thousands battling life-threatening blood cancers and other devastating diseases, a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) offers a beacon of hope – a potential cure when other treatments have failed. This remarkable medical procedure involves replacing a patient's diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from the patient (autologous BMT) or a healthy donor (allogenic BMT) . Recent advances in BMT BMT is a critical treatment option for a range of blood conditions. These include benign conditions such as sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, aplastic anaemia, inherited immune deficiency and metabolic disorders as well as malignant conditions like high risk acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndrome, relapsed leukemias, myelomas and relapsed /refractory lymphomas. Earlier, allogenic bone marrow transplant were done only with HLA matched donors (related or unrelated) .The probability of finding a matched donor was only 30%. Now however, haploidentical (Haplo) BMT, a groundbreaking approach, allows for transplants using donors (typically family members like parents or children) who are only a half-match for the patient's HLA involves the use of PTCY - Post transplant cyclophosphamide, where chemotherapy is administered on day +3 and day +4 after infusion of the stem cells. This has dramatically increased donor availability, meaning most patients who need a transplant can now find a suitable donor. Traditionally, BMT involved high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation (myeloablative conditioning) to wipe out the patient's marrow. Reduced Intensity Conditioning (RIC) Transplant regimens use lower, less toxic doses, making transplants an option for older patients or those with other health conditions who might not tolerate aggressive conditioning. This relies more on the graft versus leukemia effect, where the donor cells act against the cancer of the recipient . Improved Graft Manipulation: Scientists area also developing sophisticated ways to process donor stem cells before infusion such as TCR α/β depletion which removes specific T-cells (T-cell receptor alpha/beta cells) from the donor graft that are primarily responsible for causing graft versus host disease (GVHD). With ongoing research and innovation, the future promises even better outcomes, reduced side effects, and wider applicability, offering a renewed lease on life to countless individuals around the world. CAR T-cell therapy: living drugs to combat cancer Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a groundbreaking immunotherapy that engineers a patient's own T-cells into potent cancer-killing 'living drugs.' The process involves collecting a patient's T-cells, genetically modifying them in the lab to express a CAR that recognises a specific antigen on their cancer cells (e.g., CD19 on B-cell leukaemias/lymphomas), expanding these engineered cells, and then infusing them back into the patient. Once infused, CAR T-cells seek out and destroy cancer cells expressing the target antigen. This therapy has achieved unprecedented success in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and certain non-Hodgkin lymphomas, leading to high remission rates and several FDA-approved products. However, challenges include significant potential side effects like Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity (ICANS), along with high manufacturing complexity and cost. Gene therapy, AI and the importance of foundational clinical skills Gene therapy offers curative potential for inherited haematological disorders by modifying a patient's cells, often by introducing a functional gene or correcting a faulty one. Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from bone marrow are prime targets, as modified HSCs can repopulate the marrow with corrected cells, offering a permanent solution. Significant progress has been made in diseases such as sickle cell disease, Beta-thalassemia and Hemophilia A in this regard. While transformative, challenges like long-term durability, cost, and access remain. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool in haematology, capable of analysing vast and complex datasets to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and research. Key applications include: AI-powered diagnostics: AI algorithms analyse blood smears and bone marrow biopsies to identify and classify cells with high accuracy, potentially assisting pathologists and improving diagnostic efficiency. AI also helps interpret complex genomic data from NGS. Accelerating drug discovery: AI can identify novel therapeutic targets, predict drug efficacy and toxicity, and repurpose existing drugs for haematological conditions, streamlining development. It can also aid in patient stratification for trials and accelerate data analysis, potentially speeding up drug approvals. AI can also integrate diverse patient data to predict individual responses to therapies, helping clinicians choose optimal treatment plans. It is poised to act as an 'AI physician assistant,' augmenting human expertise rather than replacing it, leading to more precise and personalised care. In this era of remarkable technological progress, from gene editing to AI, it's vital to remember that the foundations of good medical practice such as thorough history taking, comprehensive physical examinations and focussed investigations are paramount in arriving at the right diagnosis. The future of haematology lies in the synergistic integration of traditional medical wisdom and cutting-edge technology, ensuring holistic patient care and continued progress against blood disorders. This is the second story of the two-part series. You can read the first story here. (Dr. Steve Thomas, is a clinical haemato-oncologist and BMT physician at Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Porur, Chennai. stev07thomas@
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
International Harrington Prize Awarded to Dr. Owen Witte
2025 Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine recognizes groundbreaking contributions in the creation of targeted cancer therapies CLEVELAND, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The twelfth annual Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine has been awarded to Owen N. Witte, MD, Distinguished University Professor and President's Chair in Developmental Immunology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. The award recognizes his foundational discoveries of targeted therapies that have transformed modern cancer treatment. The Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine, established in 2014 by the Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals and the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI), honors physician-scientists who have moved science forward with achievements notable for innovation, creativity and potential for clinical application. Dr. Witte is internationally known for his contributions to the understanding of human leukemias and immune disorders. His work revealed the critical role of enzymes called tyrosine kinases in human disease. Dr. Witte discovered one of the first tyrosine kinases, the ABL oncoprotein, showing that its activity is responsible for causing chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)—a cancer of white blood cells. He predicted that drugs that inhibit the tyrosine kinase would have therapeutic benefit. Based on Dr. Witte's work, the drug imatinib, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase ABL, was developed as frontline therapy. Imatinib increases the 8-year survival rate for CML from 6% to 87%. Dr. Witte subsequently discovered Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). He provided evidence that BTK's tyrosine kinase activity was important for both normal immune function (loss of BTK led to immunodeficiency disease) and white blood cell cancers—ultimately spurring the development of the BTK inhibitor drug ibrutinib, now used to treat several types of lymphomas and leukemias. 'It is a great honor to present Dr. Witte with the Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine. His transformative contributions to cancer research have not only reshaped our understanding of leukemia, lymphoma, and epithelial cancers but have also revolutionized targeted therapies, directly impacting countless lives. His seminal contributions to the development of ABL and BTK inhibitors exemplifies the scientific creativity and impact this award stands for,' said Anna Greka, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Physician at Mass General Brigham, Core Institute Member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and 2024-2025 ASCI President. 'Dr. Witte's remarkable work serves as a powerful illustration of how basic discovery can inform the development of life-saving therapies. His groundbreaking work has bridged the gap between the laboratory bench and the clinical bedside, extending human life,' said Jonathan S. Stamler, President & Co-Founder, Harrington Discovery Institute, Robert S. and Sylvia K. Reitman Family Foundation Chair of Cardiovascular Innovation, Distinguished University Professor, and Professor of Medicine and of Biochemistry at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University. A committee composed of members of the ASCI Council and the Harrington Discovery Institute Scientific Advisory Board reviewed nominations from leading academic medical centers from six countries before selecting the 2025 Harrington Prize recipient. In addition to receiving the Prize's $20,000 honorarium, Dr. Witte will deliver the Harrington Prize Lecture at the 2025 AAP/ASCI/APSA Joint Meeting on April 25-27, and he will be a featured speaker at the 2025 Harrington Scientific Symposium May 21-22 and is invited to publish an essay in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The Harrington Prize has recognized outstanding and diverse innovations in medicine since 2014: 2014: Harry Dietz, MD, Johns Hopkins University, for his contributions to the understanding of the biology and treatment of Marfan syndrome, a disorder leading to deadly aneurysms in children and adults. 2015: Douglas R. Lowy, MD, The National Cancer Institute, in recognition of his discoveries that led to the development of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. 2016: Jeffrey M. Friedman, MD, PhD, The Rockefeller University, for his discovery of leptin, which controls feeding behavior and is used to treat related clinical disorders. 2017: Jointly awarded to Daniel J. Drucker, MD, Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada, Joel F. Habener, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Jens J. Holst, MD, DMSc, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, for their discovery of incretin hormones and for the translation of these findings into transformative therapies for major metabolic diseases such as diabetes. 2018: Helen H. Hobbs, MD, UT Southwestern Medical Center, for the discovery of the link between a gene mutation (PCSK9) and lower levels of LDL, which has improved the treatment of high cholesterol. 2019: Carl H. June, MD, University of Pennsylvania, for advancing the clinical application of CAR T therapy for cancer treatment, and for his sustained contributions to the field of cellular immunology. 2020: Stuart H. Orkin, MD, Harvard University, for breakthrough discoveries on red blood cells that offer new treatments for patients with sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, which are among the most common genetic disorders. 2021: Warren J. Leonard, MD, and John J. O'Shea, MD, NIH, for their respective contributions to the field of immunology, from fundamental discovery to therapeutic impact. 2022: James E. Crowe Jr., MD, Vanderbilt University, and Michel C. Nussenzweig, MD, PhD, The Rockefeller University, for their groundbreaking work, which has elucidated fundamental principles of the human immune response and enabled the use of human antibodies to treat COVID-19. 2023: Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, and Albert M. Maguire, MD, University of Pennsylvania, for their groundbreaking translational research to restore sight in inherited genetic diseases. 2024: Arlene H. Sharpe, MD, PhD, Harvard Medical School, for her breakthrough discoveries in immune regulation, which have led to new cancer therapies that act by boosting the immune response to cancer.
