Some researchers in cellular gerontology (e.g., refer to Judith
Campisi's and Michael West's abstracts in PubMed) have
suggested that much of the pathology of aging is due to the
accumulation of senescent cells in our tissues. Senescent
fibroblast greatly increase their production of the enzymes
(such as the collagenases) which shift the body's maintanance
systems for the extra cellular matrix into a catabolic, self-
destructive state. This could have all sorts of unfortunate
consequences, such as dermal thinning/sagging, bone/tooth
loss, weakening of the vascular membranes (strokes, aneurysms,
etc.)
Assuming that accumulation of senescent fibroblasts is indeed
responsible for many of the most irksome manifestations of aging,
is it possible that using the same techniques that Avax, Inc (see below)
has used to make melanoma cells visible to the immune system, we
could employ the immune system to eliminate senescent fibroblasts?
i.e., given enough senescent fibroblasts could we create an
autologous cell vaccine that would purge our tissues of these fibroblasts?
Perhaps, the suggestion is totally unworkable, or maybe, the blood
supply to these cells is not sufficient enough to allow the vaccine to work.
(This might be the case, given that monoclonal antibody therapies are
limited to tissues with good vascular accessibility.)
Any thoughts/opinions?
Regards,
Lou Pagnucco
from URL: www.biospace.com/news_story.cfm?StoryId=3074804
AVAX Technologies (AVXT) To Market World's First
Cancer Vaccine
The revolution in personal products is about to reach a new level
with the introduction of AVAX's personalized cancer vaccines
made from a patient's own tumor. The positive results in
difficult-to-treat cancers are pouring in, but the company's stock
price refuses to budge. With the introduction of M-VAX™ in
Australia, and continued successes here in the US, this may
change.
from URL: www.stockhouse.com/shfn/jun00/061300com_avax.asp
AVAX Technologies To Market World's First Cancer Vaccine
<...>
AVAX's personal cancer vaccines are
increasing survivability in some very
stubborn, hard-to-treat cancers.
The scientific evidence suggests that a drug developed
from a patient's own tumor is superior to an off-the-shelf,
non-autologous product. The exciting thing for both
patients and investors is the broad potential of these
vaccines in many different cancers. David Berd, MD,
inventor of the vaccine, said recently that in theory, the
AC Vaccine™ technology is applicable to any tumor. If true,
AVAX will no longer be a lone voice in the wilderness.
