Newswise — A key challenge facing doctors as they treat patients suffering from cancer or other diseases resulting from genetic mutations is that the drugs at their disposal often don’t discriminate between healthy cells and dangerous ones — think of the brute-force approach of chemotherapy, for instance. To address this challenge, Florida State University researchers are investigating techniques for using certain molecules that, when exposed to light, will kill only the harmful cells.

Igor V. Alabugin is an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at FSU. He specializes in a branch of chemistry known as photochemistry, in which the interactions between atoms, small molecules and light are analyzed.

“When one of the two strands of our cellular DNA is broken, intricate cell machinery is mobilized to repair the damage,” he said. “Only because this process is efficient can humans function in an environment full of ultraviolet irradiation, heavy metals and other factors that constantly damage our cells.”

However, a cell that sustains so much damage that both DNA strands are broken at the same time eventually will commit suicide — a process known as apoptosis.

“In our research, we’re working on ways to induce apoptosis in cancer cells — or any cells that have harmful genetic mutations — by damaging both of their DNA strands,” Alabugin said. “We have found that a group of cancer-killing molecules known as lysine conjugates can identify a damaged spot, or ‘cleavage,’ in a single strand of DNA and then induce cleavage on the DNA strand opposite the damage site.

This ‘double cleavage’ of the DNA is very difficult for the cell to repair and typically leads to apoptosis.”
What’s more, the lysine conjugates’ cancer-killing properties are manifested only when they are exposed to certain types of light, thus allowing researchers to activate them at exactly the right place and time, when their concentration is high inside of the cancer cells, Alabugin said.

“So, for example, doctors treating a patient with an esophageal tumor might first inject the tumor with a drug containing lysine conjugates,” he said. “Then they would insert a fiber-optic scope down the patient’s throat to shine light on the affected area.” The light exposure would activate the drug, leading to double-strand DNA damage in the cancerous cells — and cell death — for as much as 25 percent to 30 percent of the cells in the tumor,at a rate that rivals in efficiency any of the highly complex and rare DNA-cleaving molecules produced by nature, Alabugin said — and, perhaps just as importantly, avoids damage to healthy cells.

For tumors located deeper within the body, he pointed to other studies showing that a pulsed laser device can be used to penetrate muscle and other tissues, thereby activating the drugs using near-infrared beams of light.

As proof of principle to the idea that lysine conjugates possess anti-cancer activity, Alabugin collaborated with cancer biologist Dr. John A. Copland of the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Jacksonville, Fla. In their tests, several of the molecules demonstrated little effect upon cultured cancer cells — in this case, metastatic human kidney cancer cells — without light, but upon phototherapy activation killed more than 90 percent of the cancer cells with a single treatment. Future work will include demonstrating anti-cancer activity in an animal model. Successful completion of the preclinical studies then could lead to clinical trials with human patients.

Alabugin and his FSU colleagues also have applied for a patent on their work.

The month of August has been designated as hair loss awareness month by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Every year the AAD runs a public awareness campaign to educate people and to refute the hair loss myths that may delay millions from seeking diagnosis and treatment.

The public education campaign raises awareness about the signs of hereditary hair loss, a condition that affects 80 million American men and women.

True or false?

1) A man will lose his hair only if his grandfather on his mother’s side was bald.
2) Women rarely lose their hair.
3) The likelihood of hair loss varies by racial heritage or ethnicity.

All of these statements are false says the American Academy of Dermatology.

“The AAD wants to reach those men and women who look in the mirror every morning and overlook the initial signs of hereditary hair loss,” says dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC. “Sometimes denial keeps them from seeking treatment. But often it’s a belief in common myths about hair loss that may cause them to wait months, or even years, before consulting their dermatologist – if they seek treatment at all.”

Three of the most common myths about hereditary hair loss are:

Myth #1: Hereditary hair loss is passed only from the mother’s side of the family.

Fact: Men and women should look at both sides of their family tree for relatives with hereditary hair loss. The condition can be inherited from their mother, their father, or from both parents.

Myth #2: Hereditary hair loss is rare among women.

Fact: In the United States, 30 million women—or one in four—experience hereditary hair loss. Less frequent causes for hair loss in women include stress, illness, medication, diet, and pregnancy. But 70 percent of women with thinning hair can attribute it to hereditary hair loss.

Myth #3: Prevalence of hereditary hair loss varies by ethnic or racial background.

Fact: Race neither increases nor decreases a person’s likelihood of experiencing hereditary hair loss. Hereditary hair loss affects all ethnicities.

About Hereditary Hair Loss and Treatment Options

Hereditary hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is marked by a progressive miniaturization of hair follicles, causing a shortening of the hair’s growth cycle. As the growth phase shortens, the hair becomes thinner and shorter. Eventually there is no growth at all. Because hereditary hair loss is gradual, the sooner treatment is started, the better the chances of results.

There are several different treatment options for men and women suffering from hereditary hair loss:

Minoxidil (Rogaine) topical solution works on hair follicles to reverse the shrinking process and stimulate new growth on the top of your scalp. It is sold over the counter and is FDA-approved for use by men and women. Minoxidil is the only hair regrowth ingredient approved by the FDA for use by women.
 
Finasteride, (Propecia) a pill taken orally, stimulates hair regrowth by blocking the formation of the active male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is FDA-approved for use by men and is available by prescription.
 
Hair transplantation involves removing healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp and transplanting them to the bald areas.

More information about hair loss and treatment options is available online at the American Academy of Dermatology Web site, http://www.aad.org, or visit the American Hair Loss Association web site, http://www.americanhairloss.org/

ROME — Italian golfer Alessandro Pissilli has been suspended after failing a drug test according to the Italian Olympic Committee.

Pissilli tested positive for the drug Finasteride, the active ingredient in the hair loss drug Propecia and the prostate drug Proscar.

Pissilli, who plays on the Italian pro tour, was suspended by the Italian Golf Federation. He could face a two-year ban if found guilty of a doping violation.

His local golf club in Florence released a statement saying he had informed authorities at the time of the test that he had taken the drug for almost two years to treat a prostate problem.

Finasteride has been at the center of several recent doping cases recently because it can also be used to mask steroid use.

Australian soccer player Stan Lazaridis is also facing disciplinary action after having been tested positive for Finasteride.  In his case it appears he took it for hair loss and not for his prostate.

And they are not alone either, American skeleton slider Zach Lund, and French runner Nordine Gezzar, have also tested positive for Finasteride use in the recent past.

CAMBRIDGE, MA –  Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRIS), a drug development company focused on seeking to develop novel targeted medicines primarily for cancer treatment, has just reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2007.

For the second quarter of 2007, Curis reported a net loss of $3,998,000 or ($0.08) per share, as compared to a net loss of $3,924,000 or ($0.08) per share for the same period in the prior year.

The most important news for hair loss sufferers is the following statement contained in their report:

“We currently do not expect to further develop our current Hedgehog agonist compounds for hair growth regulation.”

In May 2007, Procter & Gamble notified Curis of their decision to terminate their September 2005 collaboration agreement for topically applied Hedgehog agonist compounds for hair growth regulation, effective November 9, 2007.

Also in May 2007, Ortho Biotech Products notified Curis of their decision to cease its development efforts on the BMP-7 program and terminate their November 2002 license agreement.

Curis is still pursuing the use of their Hedgehog antagonist for use in cancer treatments however.

“While we are disappointed that two of our collaborations concluded during the second quarter of 2007, we continue to make progress on our core small molecule cancer assets. We are pleased with the progress of our Hedgehog antagonist collaboration, the lead molecule of which is currently in Phase I clinical testing. We have also made significant progress on our targeted cancer programs that we are developing under our Targeted Cancer Drug Development Platform,” said Daniel Passeri, Curis’ President and Chief Executive Officer.

Now you can give yourself a hi-tech hair loss examination with a digital microscope.  

The Dino-lite Digital Microscope connects to the USB port of your computer and can capture magnified images of your hair and scalp, or anything else.

Unlike traditional microscopes, this hi-tech digital microscope also allows you to photograph and capture the images as stills, real-time video, or even time-lapsed video.   These can be saved and then emailed to your physician, or posted to a website.

The microscopes range from 0-50X magnification to 0-200X magnification depending on the model.   There is also a model that connects to a TV instead of a computer.

Prices vary depending on where you get it, but they range from about $100 for the 50X version to around $250 for the 200X version.

They are available from several websites including these ones:

(USA) http://www.minresco.com/dinolite/dinolite.htm

(Japan) http://www.thanko.jp/dinolite/

A local Canadian court has ruled in favor of a man who sued a Canadian hair restoration clinic for failing to deliver on their promises.

The man, Rezgar Palani, spent more than $4,000 on hair loss treatments with little to show for it.   So he took it up with the clinic who had promised him success or his money back.

The clinic refused and showed him two photos as proof that the treatment was working, but Palani said there was no way to prove it was his head in the pictures.  Palani had attended the clinic weekly from Feb. 4, 2006 to July 15, 2006, using a portable laser as required. He had also applied 25 to 30 drops of the $150-per-bottle formula daily.

Judge Nancy Phillips agreed with Mr. Palani and found the photos — black and white photocopies with hand-written notations — were “poor quality and problematic.”

Doug Slamko — the marketing director and spokesperson for International Laser Clinics — claimed that the technology used by the company “is effective for the vast majority of people.”

He stated that Mr. Palani was beginning to get a response, but stopped treatment after six months instead of the year that’s required.

The judge disagreed, “I heard no evidence that would allow me to conclude anything other than that Palani had done what he could to make himself eligible for the refund,” she said.

She ruled that Palani met the requirements for a refund, less the cost of the products used.  That means Palani, a Kurdish immigrant who spent more than $4,000 on hair loss treatments, will get his money back, less the $701.70 he used in drops and shampoo.

Palani did eventually end up solving his hair loss problem; he decided to spend $14,000 for hair transplant surgery.

CORAL GABLES, Fla., – Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its new drug application for Extina(R) (ketoconazole) Foam, 2% for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. The approval, which the company received June 12, clears the way for the product to be sold and marketed in the United States.

Different from other treatments for seborrheic dermatitis, which contain ketoconazole 2% in a cream, gel or shampoo vehicle, Extina is administered using VersaFoam(R) HF(R) (hydroethanolic formulation) technology, a unique, versatile topical drug delivery vehicle that is quickly absorbed into the skin. Extina Foam proved to be superior to placebo foam in a Phase III clinical trial. Of subjects receiving Extina (R) Foam, 56% achieved treatment success based on an Investigator Global Assessment compared to 42% of subjects receiving vehicle foam. Stiefel Laboratories, the world’s largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology, acquired the proprietary VersaFoam HF technology with its December 2006 acquisition of Connetics Corporation.

“We are very pleased with the robust data obtained in the pivotal Phase III clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Extina,” said Jim Hartman, Senior Vice President, U.S. Commercial Operations for Stiefel Laboratories. “It is exciting that this product, combining the proven efficacy of ketoconazole 2% in the patient-preferred foam delivery system will soon be available for patients with seborrheic dermatitis. It will provide dermatologists and other allied health professionals with an additional treatment option for this condition and allow patients to choose their preferred drug delivery method.

“Extina is representative of the robust and innovative product pipeline at Stiefel Laboratories,” Hartman added.

Stiefel Laboratories plans to launch the product, which will be available only by prescription, in August this year.  Extina(R) (ketoconazole) Foam, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in immunocompetent patients 12 years of age and older. Extina should be applied to the affected skin areas twice a day (morning and evening) for four weeks. Extina is administered via VersaFoam HF, which studies show offers consistent skin permeation, drug distribution and drug delivery. Additional patient benefits include versatility (Extina can be used on hair bearing and non hair-bearing skin), it absorbs quickly and it is non-drying with no residue.

Ketokonazole is the active ingredient in Nizoral shampoo and is used by many hair loss sufferers because studies have shown that it’s beneficial in treating hair loss.

For more information about Extina, please visit http://www.extina.com/.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Diamonds in the sky, wishes on a star, but most of all, hope of a cure for cicatricial alopecia, also known as scalp on fire, a disorder that causes permanent hair loss often with burning and painful sensations on the scalp. On July 21, 2007, the Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation (CARF) honors Dr. Vera Price, CARF co-founder and chairman with the CARF Diamond Affair. Honorary Committee Members include Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and Senator Barbara Boxer.

Cicatricial alopecia causes bald patches due to destruction of hair follicles and replaces with scar tissue. “Cicatricial alopecia is often neglected and, unfortunately, the treatment options are limited,” states Dr. Price. There are no FDA-approved treatments for cicatricial alopecia and treatments, at best, reduce discomfort.

Hair loss can go unnoticed for long periods of time or is rapid with severe itching, pain, and redness. The bald areas are usually left devoid of any hair follicles and re-growth is not possible, leaving a smooth scalp surface and scarred remains of hair follicles deep in the skin.

“I applaud CARF’s commitment to research and education,” commends Pelosi. “Raising the public’s awareness, providing information and education helps minimize the psychologically devastating effects of this disease.”

The CARF Diamond Affair commences with an informal roundtable discussion luncheon on cicatricial alopecia with expert doctor and patient exchange. Following the luncheon, there will be a dazzling evening on the rooftop of the Beverly Hills Luxe Hotel filled with entertainment and an impressive silent and live auction.

“It is CARF’s desire to support members of the cicatricial alopecia community,” states CARF co-founder and CEO, Sheila Belkin. “I hope that everyone who is dealing with these diseases knows that they are not alone.”

Formed in 2005, CARF has raised $150,000 towards research and patient resources for patients suffering from cicatricial alopecia. Recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology, CARF has spearheaded research colloquiums, several patient conferences and created the sole educational website serving cicatricial alopecia community worldwide. In 2007, CARF co-founders Dr. Vera Price and Sheila Belkin received Special Congressional Recognition for their work on behalf of all skin diseases.

For more information visit www.carfintl.org.

For the first time ever, men with shaved heads and the women who love them will be brought together at an event in New York City on July 17th, 2007.

In an unusual pairing of two successful companies, HeadBlade, a men’s grooming company, and HurryDate, a singles dating service, an event has been organized in Manhattan catering exclusively to guys with a shaved head and women who love that look.

The speed dating event will take place on Tuesday, July 17th at 7pm at Falucka at 162 Bleeker Street between Thompson and Sullivan.

The event is being sponsored by HeadBlade, a national purveyor of men’s shaving and grooming products and a pioneer in headcare based in Los Angeles.

To make the evening even more special, HeadBlade will be supplying a high-value free gift bag for either men or women from HeadBlade® - the ultimate head shaving razor, head care products and other grooming supplies.

HurryDate, a singles event company headquartered in New York City, is hosting and organizing the speed dating event.

The cost for HurryDate members is $27.75 for the evening, and for non-members it’s $37.00.

For more information go to www.hurrydate.com and if you sign up before the event you get the lower members rate.

Several studies have shown that cancer patients fear losing their hair more than any other side effect from chemotherapy treatments. 

According to Dr. Marc Lippman, Professor and Chairman, Internal Medicine, University of Michigan and former director of Georgetown University’s Lombardi Cancer Center, treating the psyche of cancer patients can be equally as important as treating their body.

The good news is that researchers in Japan have found that a form of antibiotic could prevent cancer patients from losing hair during chemotherapy.

Toshiyuki Sakai said his team had found “alopestatin” reduced hair loss by 70 percent when used on rats also given etoposide, an anti-cancer drug.  Etoposide is widely used to treat lung and other cancers but can cause hair loss as a side effect.

Sakai, a professor at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, said his team was hoping to put the agent to practical use in the future.

“This field is lagging behind (the development of cancer drugs) but is still important for patients’ quality of life.” he said.

The study, which was outlined at an academic meeting in Japan last week, is still ongoing. It may take some time before the treatment is commercially available.