Kicking Cancer's Butt

A breast cancer breakthrough at M.D. Anderson? New vaccine helps prevent relapse

Good news for breast cancer patients: A post-treatment vaccine currently in its second phase of clinical trial at Houston's M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has proven to prevent disease recurrence by a significant margin.

Patients on the vaccine were 43 percent less likely to have a cancer recurrence. The secret weapon is AE37, a peptide vaccine that helps the body to raise immunity against HER2, the growth-promoting oncoprotein present in nearly 80 percent of breast cancer tumors.

Cassady flies to Houston once a month, receives two AE37 shots in her leg, then stays for 48 hours to check up with the doctors.

Dr. Elizabeth Mittendorf, assistant professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology at M.D. Anderson and principal investigator for the nation-wide study, told CultureMap that preliminary results suggest the AE37 vaccine may benefit patients with low levels of HER2 expression as well, when used in conjunction with other adjuvant treatments.

"The vaccination has been met with enthusiasm by the researchers and the patients," Mittendorf tells CultureMap.

After completing treatment from an oncologist, the patient begins receiving the primary vaccination series — monthly inoculations for six months. To increase efficacy, booster shots are given to the patient every six months over the next three years (the window of time that patients see the greatest risk of recurrence). Side effects are typically minimal.

Such is the case with Ann Cassady, an M.D. Anderson patient from Knoxville, Tenn., who underwent a double mastectomy, one lymphadenectomy, six months of chemotherapy and a month and a half of radiation before signing up for the study in February.

"I just had a treatment this morning," Cassady says. "I've experienced no side effects whatsoever."

Cassady flies to Houston once a month, receives two AE37 shots in her leg, then stays for 48 hours to check up with the doctors. Cassady said the after-effects of the inoculation are comparable to a mosquito bite itch.

The study finds that, at a 22-month follow up, former breast cancer patients had a 10.3 percent recurrence rate (compared to 18 percent in a control group). Those conclusions will be presented on June 4 at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

A third phase of the study will follow after Antigen Express, the company that licenses the AE37 technology, applies for a special protocol assessment from the FDA.

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Trader Joe's sets Cypress opening date, confirms Bellaire plans

Photo courtesy of Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page

Trader Joe's is expanding, and shoppers couldn't be happier.

Two new Houston-area communities announced that they would be opening Trader Joe's locations, bringing the total number of stores in the city to nine.

On Thursday, December 18, the Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page posted that the new Trader Joe's at 9715 Towne Lake Parkway would open at 8 am on Friday, December 19. Unsold but still-good products left over at the ribbon cutting ceremony will be donated to local nonprofits.

"Not only does Trader Joe's have great prices on food, drinks, and treats, but as a hobby florist I always find the best selections for my floral arrangements," Copperfield resident Kelsey Zuchlewski tells CultureMap. "Now, with the convenience of having a location right here in our neighborhood, I'm in heaven."

Confirmation of the Cypress opening followed an announcement on the City of Bellaire's Facebook page that a Trader Joe's would take over the former Randall's at 5130 Bellaire Blvd. The post did not specify when construction will begin or when the location will open.

"This highly anticipated addition to our community will bring a unique grocery shopping experience and further enhance the vibrant retail landscape of Bellaire," the post said. "We look forward to welcoming Trader Joe’s and will share updates as the project progresses."

The California-based chain of stores entered Houston in 2012, first in the Woodlands and then, more famously, at the old Alabama Theater space on Shepherd, where it has become a beloved local institution. Since then, the chain has expanded throughout Houston, including a Kingwood location that opened earlier this month.

Over the year, Trader Joe's has built a loyal following that rivals even H-E-B. Staff at the stores (wearing Hawaiian shirts) are trained to be extremely friendly and helpful, as well as being encouraged to purchase ownership in the company. The selection is smaller and more curated than other larger grocery stores, leading to a boutique experience that many consider to be surprisingly affordable. At least one viral TikToker claims that Trader Joe's beats H-E-B's price, although the latter undoubtedly has a larger selection of goods.

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