Two studies in Nature applied DNA blood testing using the BEAMing technology to detect drug resistance mediated by KRAS mutations in colorectal cancer patients months before treatment failure was observed. 

 The group led by Alberto Bardelli, Ph.D., of the University of Torino, Italy describes the development of secondary resistance mutations to the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab (Erbitux(R)) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) [Misale S. et al., Nature Epub 13 June 2012].The second group led by Luis Diaz, MD and Bert Vogelstein, M.D. from Johns Hopkins University reached similar conclusions after studying mCRC patients treated with a monotherapy of panitumumab (Vectibix(R)) [Diaz Jr LA et al., Nature Epub 13 June 2012]. 

Heliatek GmbH, a technology company in the field of organic photovoltaics, has announced that its transparent solar films could be used to be integrated between the glass sheets of double glazed windows. These windows would look like tinted glass as the unique vapor deposition technology for the solar films allows for a homogeneous coating of the solar layer without any distracting patterns or irregularities.  

Results Presented at the 17th Congress of the European Hematology Association by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd., said six-year follow-up results from a Phase 3 randomized, open-label, dose-optimisation study of SPRYCEL(R) (dasatinib) in Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukaemia (CP-CML) adult patients resistant or intolerant to Glivec(R) (imatinib). 

The six-year data shows progression-free survival of 49.3% and an overall survival of 71% for patients randomized to dasatinib 100 mg once daily (n=167), with 6% of patients (n=10) progressing to accelerated or blast phase on study at six years of follow-up.[1] 

This November, Californians will vote on an initiative that would require any food containing ingredients derived from genetically modified crops to be labeled as such.

Backers of the “California Right To Know Genetically Engineered Food Act” are pitching it as a matter of providing information to consumers, who, they argue, “have a right to know what’s in the food we buy and eat and feed our children, just as we have the right to know how many calories are in our food, or whether food comes from other countries like Mexico or China.”