Gateway for Cancer Research℠ Funds “Tumor Paint” Clinical Trial; Open Enrollment Begins for Children with Brain Cancer at Seattle Children’s Hospital
Schaumburg, Ill. (PRWEB) June 10, 2015 -- Seattle Children’s hospital opens enrollment for the first clinical trial of the phase I BLZ-100 drug. Funded by Gateway for Cancer Research, this clinical trial aims to improve the detection and removal of solid tumors without harming the surrounding healthy tissue that can lead to serious long-term side effects. BLZ-100 drug, dubbed “Tumor Paint,” uses a protein derivative of a Deathstalker Scorpion’s venom that inherently bonds to tumor cells and glows when exposed to laser light and imaged with a near-infrared camera system. This culmination of unrelated technologies now provides surgeons with a clear picture of the cancer cells to be surgically removed.
“Tumor Paint” innovation helps to better identify cancer sites for improved removal of tumors while decreasing the risk of removing precious healthy brain tissue. Ultimately, this new treatment may reduce complications of future childhood development and reduce the risk of cancer returning to the brain.
“Tumor Paint has the potential to completely revolutionize surgical oncology,” said Dr. Jim Olson, inventor of Tumor Paint technology, co-founder of Blaze Bioscience, a pediatric neuro-oncologist at Seattle Children’s and Fred Hutch and a researcher in the Center for Clinical and Translational Research at Seattle Children’s Research Institute.
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About Gateway for Cancer Research℠
Gateway for Cancer Research is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to funding innovative cancer research studies that help today’s cancer patients feel better, live longer and conquer cancer TODAY!. Thanks to generous underwriting by Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, 99 cents of every dollar Gateway receives directly funds phase I and phase II cancer clinical trials at leading research institutions across the country and abroad. Since 1991 Gateway has supported more than 120 clinical trials and funded millions in leading-edge research, including blending the best of conventional, and complementary and alternative therapies. Get involved today by visiting GatewayCR.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/demandcures and join the conversation on Twitter @DemandCures. #BeAGateway.
Victor Young, Gateway for Cancer Research, http://www.gatewaycr.org, +1 847.342.6704, [email protected]
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