 |
 | |
 |  |
| We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level. |
New Reports of Cancers Linked to Abnormal Hedgehog Pathway Signaling Wednesday June 9, 8:55 am ET CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 9, 2004--Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRIS - News), a therapeutic drug development company, today announced that three new independent studies have been published that link the growth of prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer to abnormal expression of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. The Hedgehog signaling pathway is a regulatory mechanism used by the body to control the normal development and growth of tissues and organs. ADVERTISEMENT Several years ago, scientists at Curis developed the hypothesis that certain cancers may be using abnormal expression of the Hedgehog pathway as a means of providing tumors with certain factors that support tumor growth. Since that time, several types of cancer have been linked to abnormal Hedgehog pathway activation. These include basal cell carcinoma, small cell lung cancer, medulloblastoma, pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, and others. The first report, in the current issue of the scientific journal Endocrinology, is authored by scientists from the University of Wisconsin, the University of Kansas Medical Center, and Curis, Inc. and is entitled "Hedgehog Signaling Promotes Prostate Xenograft Tumor Growth." These authors conclude that abnormal activation of the Hedgehog pathway in prostate cancer cells results in the synthesis of various factors that dramatically accelerate growth of the tumor in a preclinical model of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old. The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 189,000 men in the United States will contract prostate cancer this year. In the second report, in the current issue of the International Journal of Cancer, scientists from the University of Heidelberg report that abnormal activation of the Hedgehog pathway contributes to pancreatic tumor growth. The authors also report that pancreatic tumor growth in a preclinical model can be inhibited by using a Hedgehog pathway antagonist. This report is entitled "Indian Hedgehog Signaling Pathway: Expression and Regulation in Pancreatic Cancer." Pancreatic carcinoma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, and there is currently no adequate therapy. According to the National Cancer Institute, of the approximate 30,000 new cases each year in the United States, 95% will die within five years. The third report, also in the International Journal of Cancer, is authored by scientists from the University of Bristol and is entitled "Hedgehog Signaling in Colorectal Cells: Induction of Apoptosis with Cyclopamine Treatment." These authors report that abnormal signaling of the Hedgehog pathway in colorectal tumor cells promotes the survival of these cells and that treatment with a specific Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, cyclopamine, can selectively kill those tumor cells in a preclinical model. According to the National Institutes of Health there are over 130,000 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the United States each year and over 50,000 deaths. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Daniel Passeri, Curis' President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "These three reports, two of which are by research groups unaffiliated with Curis or Curis' collaborators, though preliminary in nature, add to the body of preclinical evidence that supports the linkage between abnormal Hedgehog pathway signaling and cancer. We believe that methods of inhibiting the Hedgehog signaling pathway may constitute a promising new therapeutic approach to the treatment of these cancers." About Curis, Inc. Curis, Inc. is a therapeutic drug development company. The Company's technology focus is on regulatory pathways that control repair and regeneration. Curis' product development involves the use of proteins or small molecules to modulate these pathways. Curis has successfully used this technology and product development approach to produce several promising drug product candidates in the fields of kidney disease, neurological disorders, cancer, alopecia, and cardiovascular disease. For more information, please visit the Curis web site at www.curis.com. | ||||||||||||
|
| Home | Hot | SubjectMarks | PeopleMarks | Keepers | Settings |
| Terms Of Use | Contact Us | Copyright/IP Policy | Privacy Policy | About Us | FAQ | Advertise on SI |
| © 2025 Knight Sac Media. Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News |