evaluation of immune response following treatment with Anti-CTLA-4 antibody, radiation therapy, or combination in murine model of breast cancer

Breast cancers are considered poorly immunogenic tumors, however, several approaches utilizing immunotherapies are being undertaken in the clinic to evaluate their potential for improving outcomes. Radiation therapy (RT) is a highly utilized clinical treatment modality in breast cancer. Radiation is known to modify the tumor microenvironment, induce cytokines and chemokines, and has been shown to potentially synergize with immunotherapies.During AACR’s Annual Meeting 2016, Maryland Franklin, PhD, Vice President, Scientific Development, presented her poster session on this subject. The aim of the work was to evaluate the possible synergy between RT and anti‐CTLA‐4 therapy in a murine model of breast cancer.Please use the link below to download the entire poster. You can also contact us for more information or to set up your next study.

Flow cytometry based functional assays essential for characterizing biological significance

The efficacy of immune-modulating anti-cancer therapeutic antibodies that have been FDA-approved in recent years, such as anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1, has driven growing interest in methods that provide a mechanistic understanding of drug function. Development of new mono and combination therapies with immune-modulatory effects requires more powerful immunophenotyping techniques capable of in depth cell characterization. Flow-cytometry-based functional assays can be essential for elucidating the mechanism of a drug. While standard flow cytometry can identify immune subsets and their relative abundance within a sample, functional assays allow for the characterization of the biological significance of these populations including suppressive capability or activation status of a target population.

Labcorp expands drug development solutions with acquisition of Sciformix

BURLINGTON, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jun. 11, 2018– Labcorp® (NYSE: LH), a leading global life sciences company, announced today that it has acquired Sciformix Corporation, a scientific process outsourcing company focused on pharmacovigilance and regulatory solutions for biopharmaceutical and medical devices clients. Sciformix will become part of LabCorp’s drug development business.

Pharmacovigilance & risk management for biosimilars: unique challenges & possible solutions

Biological medicines (biologics) have made substantial contributions to the treatment of many chronic and serious diseases such as cancers, chronic inflammatory diseases and some rare genetic disorders, and are expected to provide significant therapeutic benefits to many patients who would otherwise have had limited treatment options.

Cancer testis antigen burden (CTAB): a novel biomarker of tumor‑associated antigens in lung cancer

Technology & automation drive operational efficiencies across the PV continuum

We are all aware that what we know of Pharmacovigilance today will radically transform in the future with the use of automation and technology tools. Companies that implement these tools in their PV operations can experience greatly improved efficiency, compliance and quality.

The impact and use of social media in pharmacovigilance

Pharmacovigilance (PV) has evolved and grown more complex over the past 5 to 10 years due to increasing data volumes, evolving regulations, influence of emerging markets and the emerging social media and innovative technological advances. Digital media is now used by biopharmaceutical companies for communication with patients to create awareness about diseases and treatments, clinical trial enrollments and patient support programs. It presents new channels and methods that can enable companies to move away from traditional PV systems and safety reporting methods towards more patient-centric models for reporting, analyzing and monitoring of safety data.

Drug discovery is not black and white—why should Your studies be?

Medical imaging is a powerful tool that allows for in vivo and ex vivo quantification of various endpoints which can aid in oncology research and drug discovery. With a myriad of imaging options, how do you know which method is the most appropriate for your needs? The purpose of this blog is to bring clarity to the use of several preclinical imaging modalities available.

Progress in treating chronic Kidney Disease patients with Cardiovascular Disease: Kidney Health Initiative develops clinical research recommendations

Throughout the world, kidney disease is far more common than most people realize. It’s not a stretch to call it a “hidden epidemic,” as the number of people living with kidney disease (850 million) is roughly twice that of those living with diabetes.(1)