LungBlog

Indianapolis Eli Lilly and Co. on Monday said its Alimta injection was approved by U.S. regulators as a first-line treatment against lung cancer when used with a chemotherapy drug.

Alimta, already approved for two other lung cancer uses, may now be used as a first treatment with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin for advanced and metastatic nonsmall-cell lung cancer, the most common form of the disease, Indianapolis-based Lilly said in a statement.

Trial can now proceed on the case that a lung cancer victim filed against the local subsidiary of international cigarette brand Philip Morris.

The Court of Appeals on Tuesday gave the go-signal to the Makati Regional Trial Court as it denied a petition by Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. (PMPMI) seeking the dismissal of the complaint by Vincent Reyes.

Among the drugs that have progressed into late-stage studies is Sutent, a drug already approved to treat kidney cancer and a type of gastrointestinal tumor. Pfizer is now studying its effectiveness in cancers of the liver and prostate. An experimental compound, CP-751871, has moved into a late-stage study in lung cancer patients.

Most people find it awkward when first talking with a friend or acquaintance that has just been diagnosed with cancer. Even though nearly everyone is well intentioned, many say things that hurt or mystify more than they comfort.

Congress has approved $20 million for a new lung cancer research program at the Department of Defense.

President Bush is expected to sign the bill containing the new program, and the funding will be available in fiscal year 2009, which begins Oct. 1.

The bill requires the Army to provide a plan for how the $20 million will be spent and submit that plan to Congress within 120 days after the bill is signed.

The Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI) today announced the appointment of Steven W. Young to the position of president. In this role, Young will develop organizational strategy and provide leadership, vision, and direction. Tony Addario, formerly the President of ALCMI, has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer.

HALF of lung cancer patients are getting no treatment because many are diagnosed too late for doctors to help, cancer tsar Professor Tom Keane has admitted.

National Director of Cancer Control Prof Keane acknowledged the figures were “shocking” and must change.

Paul Newman, a major figure in American cinema who created indelible characters for more than half a century, died Friday at his home near Westport, Conn., after a lengthy battle with cancer, publicist Jeff Sanderson said. He was 83.

Graced with physical beauty, striking blue eyes and a sinewy masculinity, Newman proved time and again that he was more than just a handsome face in films that became cultural touchstones, films such as The Hustler (1962), Cool Hand Luke (1967) and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969).

Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) announced today that Congress approved $20 million for a new lung cancer research program at the Department of Defense (DOD) — a top LCA priority.

Acting legend Paul Newman has died at the age of 83. Newman’s wife Joanne Woodward along with close friends and family were by his side when he succumbed to lung cancer Friday at his farmhouse near Westport, Connecticut