Two recent OA articles
Two articles, with Open Access (OA) to the full text (PDF):
Putative cancer stem cells in malignant pleural mesothelioma show resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed, Int J Oncol 2010(Aug); 37(2): 437-44. [PubMed citation].
Possible involvement of stem-like populations with elevated ALDH1 in sarcomas for chemotherapeutic drug resistance, Oncol Rep 2010(Aug); 24(2): 501-5. [PubMed citation].
Comment about these journals:
Spandidos Publications publishes six journals. Of these six, two are: International Journal of Oncology (2009 Impact Factor: 2.4) and Oncology Reports (2009 Impact Factor: 1.6). This publisher provides a hybrid open access option. The Information for Authors for all six journals includes, at the bottom of the page, this information: "Should authors prefer or require their article to be freely available as soon as it has been published, they may request open access immediately upon publication for a fee of EUR 450."
Two Open Access reviews
1) Cancer Stem Cells in Pancreatic Cancer by Qi Bao and 6 co-authors, including Karl-Walter Jauch and Christiane J Bruns, Cancers 2010(Aug 19); 2(3): 1629-41. [Full text PDF][Scribd entry][Part of the Special Issue Pancreatic Cancer]. Abstract:
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignant solid tumor well-known by early metastasis, local invasion, resistance to standard chemo- and radiotherapy and poor prognosis. Increasing evidence indicates that pancreatic cancer is initiated and propagated by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Here we review the current research results regarding CSCs in pancreatic cancer and discuss the different markers identifying pancreatic CSCs. This review will focus on metastasis, microRNA regulation and anti-CSC therapy in pancreatic cancer.
2) The Emerging Role of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/ Akt/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Network in Cancer Stem Cell Biology by Alberto M Martelli and 4 co-authors, including James A McCubrey, Cancers 2010(Aug 18); 2(3): 1576-96. [Part of the Special Issue Cancer Stem Cells].
Comment: Review #2 is the first paper that has been published in the special issue on Cancer Stem Cells. As of August 20, 17 more contributions to this special issue are planned. Review #1, although about CSCs, is a contribution to a separate special issue on Pancreatic Cancer.
Must the last CML cell be killed?
Do we have to kill the last CML cell? DM Ross, TP Hughes and JV Melo, Leukemia 2010(Sep 16) [Epub ahead of print][FriendFeed entry][PubMed citation][Full text]. The abstract of this OA review:
Previous experience in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemic (CML) has shown that the achievement of clinical, morphological and cytogenetic remission does not indicate eradication of the disease. A complete molecular response (CMR; no detectable BCR-ABL mRNA) represents a deeper level of response, but even CMR is not a guarantee of elimination of the leukaemic, because the significance of CMR is determined by the detection limit of the assay that is used. Two studies of imatinib cessation in CMR are underway, cumulatively involving over 100 patients. The current estimated rate of stable CMR after stopping imatinib is approximately 40%, but the duration of follow-up is relatively short. The factors that determine relapse risk are yet to be identified. The intrinsic capacity of any residual leukaemic cells to proliferate following the withdrawal of treatment may be important, but there may also be a role for immunological suppression of the leukaemic clone. No currently available test can formally prove that the leukaemic clone is eradicated. Here we discuss the sensitive measurement of minimal residual disease, and speculate on the biology of BCR-ABL-positive cells that may persist after effective therapy of CML.
CSC news links 2010-05-01
For links to recent news items, visit these [Twitter] or [FriendFeed] pages. Examples of two news items that have received attention:?
- Distinct expression levels and patterns of stem cell marker, aldehyde dehydrogenase isoform 1 (ALDH1), in human epithelial cancers by Shan Deng and 15 co-authors, including George Coukos and Lin Zhang, PLoS ONE, 2010(Apr 21); 5(4): e10277 [Connbotea bookmark][PubMed Citation][OA full text]. Last sentence of the abstract:
As a novel cancer stem cell marker, ALDH1 can be used for tumors whose corresponding normal tissues express ALDH1 in relatively restricted or limited levels such as breast, lung, ovarian or colon cancer.
- AACR: Are Cancer Stem Cells Vulnerable to Trastuzumab? By Ed Susman, MedPage Today (Apr 19) [FriendFeed entry][AACR10 abstract]. Excerpt:
Mathematical modeling suggests that even in women whose breast cancer does not overexpress the HER-2 gene, treatment with trastuzumab (Herceptin) in the adjuvant setting could wipe out cancer stem cells, researchers reported here.
$95 Million in California Stem Cell Grants: Preview the Spending
California stem cell agency is going to spend its next $95 million,
you can check out short digests today of the 19 research grant applications, including reviewer comments, that are virtually certain of receiving the cash.
calls its "early translational III" round, which is
scheduled to be acted on by the CIRM board May 24 in San Francisco.
part of the directors' meeting agenda. They include scientific
scores, a statement from the applicant and a summary of what
reviewers had to say during their closed door sessions. But you won't
find the names of the applicants, their institutions or businesses.
The stem cell agency conceals the names of the winners until after
the board acts. Names of the unlucky ones are not disclosed by CIRM.
The agency says it does not want to embarrass anybody including the
institutions involved.
of science involved may well be able to discern at least some of the
names of applicants from the information contained in the summaries.
applicants ranged from 88 to 53. Nine grants scored higher than 53
but were rejected by reviewers(the Grants Working Group). The panel
turned down 22 applications overall. The CIRM board has final
authority on applications, but has almost never rejected a positive
decision by reviewers. Sometimes, however, it will overrule a
negative decision.
scored at 53 involved ALS. The $1.7 million proposal was approved
for "programmatic reasons," according to the summary.
Often, programmatic motions for approval are made by CIRM board
members sitting on the review panel. However, the summary did not
disclose who made the motion or the vote. The summary said,
"The programmatic reasons provided
were that ALS is a devastating disease that is not well-represented
in CIRM's portfolio."
scored at 53 sought $6.3 million for research involving heart
disease. The summary did not clearly identify the specific reason for
approving the grant on a programmatic motion. But it said,
"The
GWG (grants working group) ... advised as a condition for funding
that the applicant consult additional vector specialists with
translational and clinical experience to select a more appropriate
vector to move this program towards the clinic."
motion and the name of the person who made the motion.
reviewers can appeal to the full board. So far no appeals have been
publicly posted by CIRM. The success rate on such appeals is mixed.
both academics and businesses, which have received a tiny fraction of
CIRM's $1.3 billion in spending so far. Some businesses have
complained publicly and, as well, to a panel of the Institute of
Medicine that is evaluating CIRM's performance.
yesterday asked CIRM for the number of businesses that applied in the
translational round, including the pre-application process, which is
used to whittle down the total number of applications. The request included total numbers as well. CIRM spokesman
Kevin McCormack declined to produce the figures prior to the CIRM
board meeting, saying they "won't be ready" until after the
session.
Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Business-friendly Changes Proposed for Revenue Sharing by Stem Cell Agency
The $3 billion California stem cell
agency, which hopes to generate income for the state through the sale
of stem cell therapies, is moving to make its profit-sharing rules
more friendly to business.
CIRM governing board.
has yet been commercialized. Its intellectual property regulations,
which determine payback criteria, were developed shortly after CIRM
was created in 2004. Ed Penhoet, one of the founders of
Chiron and now a venture capitalist, chaired the panel that worked
out the rules. He has since left the CIRM board.
rules in the case of a "blockbuster" therapy as "uneven"
and "lumpy." The memo said they "could be a
disincentive for the engagement of industry." Other rules were described as creating
"administrative challenges and uncertainty." The proposed changes, the memo said,
would address those issues and ensure a "comparable economic
return to California."
can take part in the discussion are located in San Francisco, La
Jolla, Los Angeles and Irvine. Specific addresses can be found on themeeting agenda.
full governing board and then into the state's administrative law
process before taking full effect.
Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
California Budget Slashing Misses Stem Cell Agency
agency dodged the governor's financial knife today.
announced sweeping cuts throughout California state government as he
attempted to close a new, $15.7 billion deficit. A report in the Los
Angeles Times said the governor was "grabbing any spare change available." But this afternoon, in response to a
query, Kevin McCormack, CIRM's spokesman, said,
"The answer is no, we won't be
affected."
financial picture is much bleaker than it was just four months ago.
And the stem cell agency's only real source of cash is money borrowed
by the state -- general obligation bonds.
agency in 2004, the bond funds flow directly to the agency without
intervention by the legislature or the governor. However, Brown has
been chary of additional bond sales since they create an increasing
burden in the form of interest costs. Those costs must be financed
out of money that otherwise might go to the University of
California, K-12 schools and medical help for the poor.
state, which should take care of its needs until January. The cash is
coming from short-term borrowing by the state instead of bonds.
The Brown Administration has cut back
on bond borrowing and intends to cut more this fall. According to the state Department of Finance, the cost of borrowing
has declined $173 million this fiscal year, down to $5.2 billion.
CIRM's share of the debt service is more than $200,000 a day.
Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
IP to Grant Oversight: Study Calls for Host of Improvements at California Stem Cell Agency
agency is laboring under a range of problems that include protection of
its intellectual property and management of its nearly 500 grants plus an inadequate ability to track its own performance, a seven-month
study said yesterday.
firm of Seattle, Wash., made 27 recommendations for improvements,
including more effort to ease strain connected to the agency's
controversial dual executive arrangement. The study said that the
nearly eight-year-old agency has many "opportunities" to
"enhance performance reporting and decision making, strengthen
effectiveness and efficiency, retain essential human resources and
leverage technology."
cell agency said, "(M)anagement concurs with the findings and
recommendations....The recommendations are focused and constructive.
CIRM is already implementing many of these recommendations, and we
will be investigating the others in the coming months."
made of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The
audit is required by state law and was commissioned by the agency at
a cost of $234,944. For years, the agency for years had resisted calls for a
performance audit until it sought legislative approval in 2010 for
removal of a 50-person cap on its staff. Originally, the performance
audit legislation would have put the study in the hands of the only
state body charged with oversight of the agency and its board. CIRM,
however, was successful in lobbying to have that provision removed.
again a number of issues that have troubled the stem cell agency for
some years. Moss made 12 top priority recommendations, many of which
dealt with information technology and grants management. Many of the
recommendations focused on providing better and faster information on
performance outcomes, which the audit said has been slow to come and
hard to generate.
"Key performance information is
not readily available to CIRM leadership and other stakeholders on an
ongoing basis. CIRM board members and senior management do not
receive regularly updated, enterprise-level performance information.
The ability to evaluate performance against strategic goals is
critical to effective leadership and program monitoring, evaluation,
and reporting."
"CIRM does not effectively
communicate outcome-based performance internally or externally. As
such, CIRM does not focus on performance metrics as part of its
(staff) meeting process."
"CIRM does not have an integrated
financial information system....The use of spreadsheets results in
labor intensive processes to generate reports and respond to
information inquiries, since data must be pulled from multiple
spreadsheets, a process that may be prone to error. ...Spreadsheets
are not linked to each other or a master report. CIRM does not have a
comprehensive list of spreadsheets or instructions for how to
maintain the files or generate reports from them."
a better job in "bond forecasting," a reference to the
California state bonds that finance virtually every aspect of the
agency's operations. CIRM directors were caught by surprise a few
years ago when they suddenly learned the agency was up against a
major cash crunch.
require more work from CIRM grantees and their technology transfer
offices in an effort to track intellectual property and grant outcomes.
The report also recommended a speed-up in CIRM's review of progress
reports from grant recipients, which have been lagging completion by
several months.
was written into law by Prop. 71, has troubled CIRM since nearly day
one. CIRM's own external review panel also identified it as problem
two years ago. The executive structure is virtually impossible to
change because of the political difficulty in making alterations in
the ballot initiative.
"The working relationship between
the chairman’s office and the president’s office has vastly
improved over the past year, but there are still opportunities for
improvement."
"Make every effort to manage and
operate as one cohesive organization, while recognizing the varying
roles, responsibilities, and authorities that exist with positions in
both the chairman’s office and president’s office."
involved CIRM's public relations/communications effort. CIRM
Chairman J.T. Thomas told directors last June that the agency was in
a "communications war."
"CIRM does not have a
communication plan, and there is lack of clarity on how to address
mission-based communication to CIRM’s various target audiences,
especially the general public....The best way to facilitate
results-based communications is to 1) quantify goals and outcomes in
CIRM’s strategic plan and 2) report on achievement of those goals
and outcomes by enhancing CIRM’s annual report with additional
performance-based information."
stem cell agency is also underway. It is being conducted by the
prestigious Institute of Medicine and is costing CIRM $700,000. That
report is expected this fall.
to consider the Moss Adams report at its meeting May 24.
recommendations of the performance audit were delicately worded in
many cases, they brought out issues that need to be addressed, many
of which have been around for a great deal of time. At their meeting
next week, CIRM directors should act very directly on the
recommendations. They can do that by requiring a written report each
month from CIRM Chairman J.T. Thomas and CIRM President Alan Trounson
on the specific steps that they are taking to implement the
performance audit's recommendations. Otherwise, the inevitable drift
will set in.
Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Stem Cell Agency on Bee Article and Voter Expectations
The California stem cell agency today said the seven-year-old "audacious vision" of voters when they created the $3 billion research effort "is still possible."
The comment was made in an item on the agency's blog by Amy Adams, the agency's communications manager.
Her entry point was an opinion piece in The Sacramento Bee on Sunday exploring some of the ins and outs of the agency. Among other things, CIRM President Alan Trounson was quoted by writer David Lesher as "optimistically" predicting successful California stem cell treatments in five years.
Adams wrote,
"Lesher makes clear that there are many challenges ahead in bringing new therapies to patients: he said of the voters who created CIRM, 'It was pretty audacious of them in 2004 to try to create another economic driver like Silicon Valley and save lives at the same time.'
"And while the vote was audacious, we agree with his conclusion that despite risks and challenges that vision is still possible."
Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
CIRM Contracting: $1.3 Million for IT, $887,282 for Legal
The California stem cell agency this week performed its semi-annual public disclosure of its contracts with outside firms, the second largest item in its operational budget of $18.5 million.
The contracts are scheduled to run about $3.3 million this fiscal year, according to the budget approved last May. That figure is up about 18 percent from the previous year.
According to the contract information posted this week, the two largest contracting expenditures this year are for information technology work, including the ongoing struggles with the grants management system – $1.3 million – and legal help – $887,282. The figures were compiled by the California Stem Cell Report. CIRM did not provide totals.
Outside contracts are second to the cost of salaries and benefits at the agency. One reason for the size of the contracting expense is the small size of the CIRM staff, which is now about 50.
The contracting information will be presented to the CIRM directors' Governance Subcommittee next Friday. The committee is being asked to approve an increase in the contract with Kutir Corp., from $250,000 to $470,000. By the end of 2011, CIRM had already paid out $219,680 to Kutir. The firm provides software development services.
Infonetica, which provides technology advice, would also see an increase from $236,060 to $300,000, under the staff proposal.
A staff memo to the board said,
"(Kutir's) services are key as CIRM continues to progress in automating its grants management systems to meet the requirements of both new RFAs as well as ongoing reporting obligations.""
The public can participate in the Governance meeting at locations in San Francisco, Sacramento, Irvine, Los Angeles, South San Francisco and La Jolla. Specific addresses can be found on the agenda.
Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Coverage of Wednesday's Stem Cell Board Meeting
The California Stem Cell Report has found its cyberspace connection again on Isla Taboga about 10 miles offshore of Panama City. We expect to bring you live coverage via an Internet audiocast of Wednesday's meeting of the board of the California stem cell agency. The directors are scheduled to discuss a progress report on the agency's ambitious, $250 million disease team program and the termination of one grant. Directors are also expected to consider the agency's proposed budget for the coming year, its plans for its next few years of life and its plans to give away $3 million for stem cell programs for high school students. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. PDT.
http://www.cirm.ca.gov/summaries-review-applications-rfa-11-04-cirm-creativity-awards
Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Lifeline Skin Care Video: Care For Your Skin with Lifeline Skin Care
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Blue-Ribbon Panel Seeks Public Comment on California Stem Cell Agency
The California public is being given a chance to weigh in with anonymous comments about what they think of the performance of the $3 billion California stem cell agency.
Their opinions are being sought by a blue-ribbon, Institute of Medicine panel. The IOM is being paid $700,000 by the agency to examine its operations.
The questions include the importance of stem cell research and CIRM's role, its openness and transparency, an assessment of its grant programs and how it should share information with the public, suggestions for improvements and more.
The online form was posted recently on the IOM web site and can be found here. The deadline for submissions is March 19.
The IOM also has survey forms for academic and non-profit CIRM grant recipients, CIRM grant recipients that are businesses(which the IOM calls "industry partners") and "leadership of CIRM-funded institutions." The deadline for those is March 19 as well.
Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
International Stem Cell to Present at the Rodman & Renshaw Annual Global Investment Conference on September 12
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Cancer Stem Cell Chronicle
About 3 months ago, as an experiment, I launched the Cancer Stem Cell Chronicle, an online daily newspaper that's based on excerpts from 3 streams of content: 1) Twitter content tagged #cancerSC, 2) Twitter content that includes the keywords "cancer stem", and, 3) content derived from a PubMed RSS feed for the search term "cancer stem".
The experiment looks promising. The CSC Chronicle is beginning to provide a convenient way to monitor recent research news about cancer stem cells. Archives are available. The section headings in the CSC Chronicle aren't very meaningful, and should be ignored.
The CSC Chronicle is hosted by Paper.li.
Source:
http://cancerstemcellnews.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Onemedplace.com Interview – "International Stem Cell Corp Develops Similar Embryonic Stem Cells Without Fertilized Embryos"
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
International Stem Cell Corporation presents "The Promising Cells" Video
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Video: The Promising Cells Presented by International Stem Cell Corporation
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Kenneth Aldrich, Executive Chairman of International Stem Cell Corporation, will make a public appearance on March 16th, 2011 on behalf of ISCO
OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- (March 10, 2011) -- International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its Executive Chairman, Kenneth C. Aldrich, will present at the ROTH 23rd Annual Orange County Growth Stock Conference at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, CA. on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 10:30 AM PDT (1:30PM EDT). The webcast can be viewed live at: http://www.wsw.com/webcast/roth24/isco/. The presentation will be archived and viewable at the same link for 90 days. After the Roth Conference, a link to the presentation will also be posted to the ISCO website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and has developed cell based skin care products through its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0 .
Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care
CONTACTS
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Executive Chairman
1-760-940-6383

