Balaji Venugopal

Bio: Balaji Venugopal is an academic researcher from Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Renal cell carcinoma. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 29 publications receiving 2073 citations. Previous affiliations of Balaji Venugopal include Cancer Research UK & University of Ulsan.

Avelumab plus Axitinib versus Sunitinib for Advanced Renal-Cell Carcinoma

Abstract: Background In a single-group, phase 1b trial, avelumab plus axitinib resulted in objective responses in patients with advanced renal-cell carcinoma. This phase 3 trial involving previously...

Gold Nanoparticles for the Improved Anticancer Drug Delivery of the Active Component of Oxaliplatin

Abstract: The platinum-based anticancer drugs cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin are an important component of chemotherapy but are limited by severe dose-limiting side effects and the ability of tumors to develop resistance rapidly. These drugs can be improved through the use of drug-delivery vehicles that are able to target cancers passively or actively. In this study, we have tethered the active component of the anticancer drug oxaliplatin to a gold nanoparticle for improved drug delivery. Naked gold nanoparticles were functionalized with a thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) monolayer capped with a carboxylate group. [Pt(1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane)(H(2)O)(2)]2NO(3) was added to the PEG surface to yield a supramolecular complex with 280 (+/-20) drug molecules per nanoparticle. The platinum-tethered nanoparticles were examined for cytotoxicity, drug uptake, and localization in the A549 lung epithelial cancer cell line and the colon cancer cell lines HCT116, HCT15, HT29, and RKO. The platinum-tethered nanoparticles demonstrated as good as, or significantly better, cytotoxicity than oxaliplatin alone in all of the cell lines and an unusual ability to penetrate the nucleus in the lung cancer cells.

Adjuvant Pembrolizumab after Nephrectomy in Renal-Cell Carcinoma.

Abstract: Background Patients with renal-cell carcinoma who undergo nephrectomy have no options for adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence that have high levels of supporting evidence. Me...

A Phase I Study of Quisinostat (JNJ-26481585), an Oral Hydroxamate Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor with Evidence of Target Modulation and Antitumor Activity, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

Abstract: Purpose: To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of quisinostat, a novel hydroxamate, pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi). Experimental Design: In this first-in-human phase I study, quisinostat was administered orally, once daily in three weekly cycles to patients with advanced malignancies, using a two-stage accelerated titration design. Three intermittent schedules were subsequently explored: four days on/three days off; every Monday, Wednesday, Friday (MWF); and every Monday and Thursday (M-Th). Toxicity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical efficacy were evaluated at each schedule. Results: Ninety-two patients were treated in continuous daily (2–12 mg) and three intermittent dosing schedules (6–19 mg). Treatment-emergent adverse events included: fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, lethargy, and vomiting. DLTs observed were predominantly cardiovascular, including nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, ST/T-wave abnormalities, and other tachyarhythmias. Noncardiac DLTs were fatigue and abnormal liver function tests. The maximum plasma concentration ( C max) and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) of quisinostat increased proportionally with dose. Pharmacodynamic evaluation showed increased acetylated histone 3 in hair follicles, skin and tumor biopsies, and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as decreased Ki67 in skin and tumor biopsies. A partial response lasting five months was seen in one patient with melanoma. Stable disease was seen in eight patients (duration 4–10.5 months). Conclusions: The adverse event profile of quisinostat was comparable with that of other HDACi. Intermittent schedules were better tolerated than continuous schedules. On the basis of tolerability, pharmacokinetic predictions, and pharmacodynamic effects, the recommended dose for phase II studies is 12 mg on the MWF schedule. Clin Cancer Res; 19(15); 4262–72. ©2013 AACR .

The golden age: gold nanoparticles for biomedicine

Abstract: Gold nanoparticles have been used in biomedical applications since their first colloidal syntheses more than three centuries ago. However, over the past two decades, their beautiful colors and unique electronic properties have also attracted tremendous attention due to their historical applications in art and ancient medicine and current applications in enhanced optoelectronics and photovoltaics. In spite of their modest alchemical beginnings, gold nanoparticles exhibit physical properties that are truly different from both small molecules and bulk materials, as well as from other nanoscale particles. Their unique combination of properties is just beginning to be fully realized in range of medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This critical review will provide insights into the design, synthesis, functionalization, and applications of these artificial molecules in biomedicine and discuss their tailored interactions with biological systems to achieve improved patient health. Further, we provide a survey of the rapidly expanding body of literature on this topic and argue that gold nanotechnology-enabled biomedicine is not simply an act of ‘gilding the (nanomedicinal) lily’, but that a new ‘Golden Age’ of biomedical nanotechnology is truly upon us. Moving forward, the most challenging nanoscience ahead of us will be to find new chemical and physical methods of functionalizing gold nanoparticles with compounds that can promote efficient binding, clearance, and biocompatibility and to assess their safety to other biological systems and their long-term term effects on human health and reproduction (472 references).

A guide to cancer immunotherapy: from T cell basic science to clinical practice.

Abstract: The T lymphocyte, especially its capacity for antigen-directed cytotoxicity, has become a central focus for engaging the immune system in the fight against cancer. Basic science discoveries elucidating the molecular and cellular biology of the T cell have led to new strategies in this fight, including checkpoint blockade, adoptive cellular therapy and cancer vaccinology. This area of immunological research has been highly active for the past 50 years and is now enjoying unprecedented bench-to-bedside clinical success. Here, we provide a comprehensive historical and biological perspective regarding the advent and clinical implementation of cancer immunotherapeutics, with an emphasis on the fundamental importance of T lymphocyte regulation. We highlight clinical trials that demonstrate therapeutic efficacy and toxicities associated with each class of drug. Finally, we summarize emerging therapies and emphasize the yet to be elucidated questions and future promise within the field of cancer immunotherapy.

Gold nanoparticles in biomedical applications: recent advances and perspectives

Abstract: Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with controlled geometrical, optical, and surface chemical properties are the subject of intensive studies and applications in biology and medicine. To date, the ever increasing diversity of published examples has included genomics and biosensorics, immunoassays and clinical chemistry, photothermolysis of cancer cells and tumors, targeted delivery of drugs and antigens, and optical bioimaging of cells and tissues with state-of-the-art nanophotonic detection systems. This critical review is focused on the application of GNP conjugates to biomedical diagnostics and analytics, photothermal and photodynamic therapies, and delivery of target molecules. Distinct from other published reviews, we present a summary of the immunological properties of GNPs. For each of the above topics, the basic principles, recent advances, and current challenges are discussed (508 references).

Clinical practice guidelines in oncology

Abstract: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast represents a heterogeneous group of neoplastic lesions in the breast ducts. The goal for management of DCIS is to prevent the development of invasive breast cancer. This manuscript focuses on the NCCN Guidelines Panel recommendations for the workup, primary treatment, risk reduction strategies, and surveillance specific to DCIS.