U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Approves Drug for Lung Cancer

Last Friday, December 12, the FDA approved Cyramza (ramucirumab) for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. "We are pleased to have access to a drug that lengthens survival time in a population of lung cancer patients who often have few treatment options," said JCCC's Dr. Edward Garon, principal investigator for the multi-year, phase 3 clinical trial at UCLA and other centers worldwide.  Read More.

Harnessing the Regenerative Power of Blood Stem Cells

Led by JCCC member Dr. John Chute, UCLA scientists have shown for the first time how the novel protein pleiotrophin can drive recovery of bone marrow-derived stem cells and the blood system after injury. These groundbreaking findings provide a road map for more curative future therapies and overall improved treatment protocols for blood-related cancers and diseases. Read more.

New Study Finds Promising Drug Doubles Positive Effect

JCCC researchers Drs. Dennis Slamon and Richard Finn have published phase 2 final clinical trial results for palbociclib, a drug that causes ER+, Her2-  breast cancer cells to stop growing. The new study, published yesterday, shows that patients' progression-free survival nearly doubled when palbociclib was given in combination with anti-estrogen treatment letrozole. "That type of result is not often seen in cancer medicine," said Finn. Read more.

68th Annual Holiday Luncheon

On December 6, JCCF's San Fernando Valley Guild celebrated its 68^th Holiday Luncheon in grand style--with festive theme trees, a holiday boutique, chances to win countless one-of-a-kind items donated by members and local businesses, and a delicious holiday brunch.  All proceeds from the luncheon directly support highest priority research projects at the JCCC. Congrats to our San Fernando Valley Guild on a successful holiday fundraising event!