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COPENHAGEN, Denmark --Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN) announced today the initiation of a Phase III study of HuMax-EGFr(TM) (zalutumumab) to treat head and neck cancer in cooperation with the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group (DAHANCA). The study will include approximately 600 previously untreated head and neck cancer patients to assess whether concomitant therapy with HuMax-EGFr can improve the efficacy of primary curative radiotherapy. "We are excited for DAHANCA to begin the largest HuMax-EGFr trial to date," said Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.

Nutrients taken from avocados are able to thwart oral cancer cells, killing some and preventing pre-cancerous cells from developing into actual cancers, according to researchers at Ohio State University. Researchers found that extracts from Hass avocados kill or stop the growth of pre-cancerous cells that lead to oral cancer. Hass avocados are year-round fruits known for their distinctive bumpy skin that turns from green to purplish-black as they ripen. While there are more than 500 varieties of avocados grown worldwide, Hass avocados are the most readily available at supermarkets nationwide.

Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. and Moffitt Cancer Center announced plans to begin a phase 2 randomized, controlled study of INGN 225, Introgen's investigational immunotherapy product in patients with metastatic small-cell lung cancer (termed extensive stage SCLC). INGN 225 is an immunotherapy using a patient's own cells to stimulate an anti-tumor immune response to fight cancer. The immunotherapeutic targets a molecular abnormality found in over half of all solid cancers.

CHICAGO -- A controversial drug that can prevent prostate cancer appears to be even more beneficial than previously thought. Two studies to be published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found the drug finasteride not only shrinks enlarged prostate glands and reduces the risk of prostate cancer but also improves detection of the most lethal tumors. Finasteride is one of only a handful of drugs that have actually been shown to prevent cancer.

DENVER -- As a prostate cancer survivor, General Colin Powell is doing his part to inform men across the United States of the importance of prevention. In 2003, the former Secretary of State underwent surgery for prostate cancer and made a full recovery. Since that time, General Powell has contributed his time to the Prostate Cancer Education Council, a non-profit that each year sponsors Prostate Cancer Awareness Week (PCAW). "Early detection is the best weapon we have against this silent killer," notes General Powell.

Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. and Moffitt Cancer Center announced plans to begin a phase 2 randomized, controlled study of INGN 225, Introgen's investigational immunotherapy product in patients with metastatic small-cell lung cancer (termed extensive stage SCLC). INGN 225 is an immunotherapy using a patient's own cells to stimulate an anti-tumor immune response to fight cancer. The immunotherapeutic targets a molecular abnormality found in over half of all solid cancers.

The use of hypnosis prior to breast cancer surgery reduced the amount of anesthesia administered during the operation, the level of pain reported afterwards, and the time and cost of the procedure, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Breast cancer surgery patients often suffer side effects such as pain, nausea, and fatigue during and after their operation. These complications can lengthen their hospital stay, lead to hospital readmission, or require additional medications all of which increase medical costs.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Evista on Friday for reducing the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and in postmenopausal women at high risk for invasive breast cancer. In 1997, FDA approved Evista, which is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and, in 1999, for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Previously as a drug for osteoporosis, Evista is now only the second drug approved to reduce the risk of breast cancer.