Mount Sinai researchers to present studies at American Society of Clinical Oncology Meeting

(Press-News.org) (New York – UNDER EMBARGO May 31, 2014) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai researchers will present several landmark studies at the 2014 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting May 30-June 3, 2014 in Chicago, including data on new treatment approaches for thyroid, head and neck, and recurrent ovarian cancers; and new biomarkers for bile duct cancers.

Highlights of Mount Sinai research at ASCO:

Phase II Trial on the Combination of Bevacizumab and Irinotecan in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (Under Embargo Until SATURDAY, MAY 31, 8:00 – 11:45 AM) In a study led by Amy Tiersten, MD, Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology and a member of the Breast Cancer Medical Oncology Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the efficacy and safety of Bevacizumab and Irinotecan in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer was observed. Researchers sought to determine how well this combination worked during and after 6 months of treatment, and to estimate the length of time the cancer did not get worse. Secondary objectives were to discover overall survival, observed response rate, duration of response, and toxicity. Of the 24 patients continuing in the study, 8 experienced a partial response, 13 remained stable with no progression of the disease and 3 progressed in their disease. The observed response rate was 27.6%, and the clinical benefit rate was 72.4%. Twelve patients had longer than 6 months of sustained response, and the median disease progression free response rate was 8.1 months. Adverse events were within the known side effects, with the most common being diarrhea, and no treatment-related deaths were observed.

"Our findings give hope to women with recurrent, advanced-stage ovarian cancer. The combination showed encouraging results in heavily-pretreated patients with this recurrent disease," said Dr. Tiersten. "This trial proves the effectiveness of this combination, and provided valuable information on the management of side effects."

Molecular Profiling of Bile Duct Cancers and Gallbladder Cancers Reveals Potential Therapeutic Targets (Under Embargo Until SATURDAY, MAY 31, 8:00 – 11:45 AM)

In a study led by Randall Holcombe, MD, Professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, distinct biomarker features in bile duct and gallbladder cancers were discovered. A total of 643 (291 intrahepatic bile duct cancer; 115 extrahepatic bile duct cancer; 237 gallbladder cancer) cases were evaluated, diagnosis collected from referring physicians, and cancers classified at intake based on pathology and clinical history. Using comprehensive biomarker analysis including protein expression and gene sequencing and amplification, researchers identified 16 gene mutations out of 45 genes. Findings suggest effective treatments for these rare and often fatal diseases may be developed.

"The genetic mutations identified suggests potential targeted treatments in each cancer studied," said Dr. Holcombe. "This will give clinicians tailored treatment options for patients with a rare form of cancer."

Resiquimod Proven Safe When Used As An Adjuvant for Protein Vaccination in Melanoma Patients (Under Embargo Until SATURDAY, MAY 31, 8:00 – 11:45 AM) In a study led by researcher Rachel Sabado, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the safety and immunogenicity of vaccination with NY-ESO-1 protein emulsified in Montanide ISA-51 VG was given with or without Resiquimod in surgically resected stage 11B-1V melanoma patients. The results of the study show that Resiquimod is safe and contributes to the induction of immune responses in patients.

"The results of the study should prove very useful for future efforts to generate more potent cancer vaccines and provide attractive treatment alternatives for patients with a variety of NY-ESO-1 expressing cancers including melanoma for which treatment options remain limited," said Dr. Sabado.

INFORMATION:

About the Tisch Cancer Institute

The Tisch Cancer Institute (TCI) is a world-class translational cancer institute established in December 2007. TCI has recruited more than 30 acclaimed physicians and researchers specializing in basic research, clinical research, and population science; built outstanding programs in solid tumor oncology; enhanced existing robust programs in hematological malignancies; and advanced the study of cancer immunology and vaccine therapy. The completion of the Leon and Norma Hess Center for Science and Medicine in 2012 is enabling the recruitment of up to 20 additional cancer researchers on two full research floors, with 48,000 square feet of space dedicated to cancer research.

To learn more about clinical trials at Mount Sinai, visit http://icahn.mssm.edu/research/clinical-trials.

About the Mount Sinai Health System

The Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system committed to providing distinguished care, conducting transformative research, and advancing biomedical education. Structured around seven member hospital campuses and a single medical school, the Health System has an extensive ambulatory network and a range of inpatient and outpatient services—from community-based facilities to tertiary and quaternary care.

The System includes approximately 6,600 primary and specialty care physicians, 12-minority-owned free-standing ambulatory surgery centers, over 45 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, as well as 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the top 20 medical schools both in National Institutes of Health funding and by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org, or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.