Cancer death rate falls again!

For the 2nd year in a row, cancer death rates in the US have fallen. Researchers cite changes in behavior (smoking, etc.) as the main driver for the improvement

These figures are for 2004, so much of the progress in targeted therapies is not yet reflected in the statistics. However, the biggest %age drop in death rates occurred in colorectal cancer, which could be influenced by the use of Erbitux and Avastin - both approved in 2004.

One stunning nugget from the ACS stats: males have a 45.3% chance of developing a cancer during their lifetime. (Women: 37.8%)

Cancer kinase inhibitors for hypertension too?

Researchers believe that Nexavar (competitor to Sutent) may prevent pulmonary hypertension, in addition to its’ anti-cancer properties. (The article doesn’t state which target Nexavar blocks to counter hypertension.)

It’s been long talked about that cancer and inflammation are linked diseases, with some even suggesting that they’re the same disease (and managed by IKK kinase), so the Nexavar finding isn’t shocking, but it’s most important implication may be an extended application for this class of drug.

In spite of this news, stock in Onyx (Nexavar's maker) dropped 1.8%. I still think Onyx is a buy, as I detailed here:

http://cogentpassion.blogspot.com/2006/06/i-bought-onxx-onyx-pharm.html