Research Opens Door for Developing New Treatments

BOSTON, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientists at Biomodels have successfully developed the first model that accurately duplicates human cancer treatment-related fatigue (CTRF). The new model shows, that as in human cancer patients, fatigue is independent of anemia or weight loss and persists long after cancer treatments end.

The new model and research findings will be presented today at the American Association for Cancer Research-NCI-EORTC Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics meeting in Boston.

Lingering fatigue is a debilitating problem in patients who have been treated for cancer and its etiology is poorly understood. Fatigue is a common side effect of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy that impacts almost all individuals who undergo cancer treatment.

"There is currently no therapy for cancer treatment-induced fatigue," said Dr. Stephen Sonis, a cancer support care expert and one of the study's authors. Dr. Sonis also serves on the staff of Brigham & Women's Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

"The new model developed by Biomodels mimics the human condition, shedding light on the biological mechanisms involved and opens the door for developing and testing treatments to effectively prevent cancer treatment-related fatigue," Dr. Sonis said.

Biomodels is a preclinical drug research organization in Watertown, MA that specializes in the areas of cancer supportive care, radiation therapy, and inflammatory diseases.

ABOUT BIOMODELS LLC. Biomodels (www.biomodels.com), a preclinical drug research organization founded in 1997, develops and conducts predictive translational studies for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, particularly in the areas of cancer, cancer supportive care, radiation therapy, and inflammatory diseases.

The company specializes in (non-GLP) efficacy studies that optimize dose, schedule and define mechanism of action. The company also has particular expertise in modeling inflammatory diseases, including those conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Biomodels' studies enable organizations to more readily identify lead compounds, decrease the time to a clinical trial and increase the chance of clinical success. Biomodels is headquartered in Watertown, MA.

SOURCE Biomodels LLC

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.biomodels.com