It’s a gorgeous Wednesday morning here in Bisbee. My first book signing is here on on Saturday from 3-6 pm. I am sharpening my pencils for that. I am also sending out promo copies of Chasing Medical Miracles for reviews and coverage of the topic.l If you know of anyone who might want a copy to do a story or review it, please drop me a line.

Nice story below on recruiting subjects for Phase I trials. My own experience with that was so weird. As part of research on the book I enrolled (but did not take part) in an early-phase study of an epilepsy drug. I was loaded up on drugs and barely qualified for any of the criteria set by the company but they called and told me I passed their tests and could be enrolled. There is a definite desperation on behalf of some companies to fill slots and the article on top today, while not specifically about that, gives insight to how clinical trials companies function in their recruitment…

Recruiting and retaining participants in early-phase trials – FiercePharma – Washington, DC, USA – The early-phase clinical trials stage is an exciting but stressful milestone for a compound headed toward market release. Significant effort, resources ..

On the eve of the book’s release, there are some good stories today about the representation – or apparent under representation – of women in clinical trials… fascinating reading. Enjoy!

Too few women in clinical trials? Nature.com (subscription) – London, England, UK – Women are under-represented in cancer studies, according to a survey of clinical research published today. The finding suggests that women are not getting … See all stories on this topic

Women Underrepresented in Cancer Studies – Ivanhoe – Winter Park, FL, USA – The government has issued laws regarding an adequate representation of women in clinical trials. However, these laws are only effective for trials funded by … See all stories on this topic

Heading into the weekend the news about trials related to a potential cancer vaccine continues to be the focus of interest around the world. And justifiably so, but also take a look at the story below about a potential TB vaccine now in trials. Such a breakthrough could alleviate untold suffering in Africa and throughout the under developed world… Have a great Saturday and Sunday!

Cancer Center Leads Breakthrough Clinical Trial: Cancer Vaccine … Medical News Today (press release) – UK – A recent clinical trial – led by Goshen Center for Cancer Care – has yielded promising results for the future use of a cancer vaccine … See all stories on this topic

New TB Drug Shows Promise In Clinical Trials – InjuryBoard.com – Tampa, FL, USA -Johnson & Johnson tested TMC207 in a Phase 2 trial of 47 South African patients with newly diagnosed MDR-TB of the lungs. Half of them received the … See all stories on this topic

There is some fascinating and potentially breakthrough news about cancer treatment vaccine trials that was reported in the National Cancer Institute Bulletin. Recent trials could reshape the field of cancer research and the quest for a cure. Whatever is accomplished is no doubt a long way off but it’s worth keeping your eyes on. I’ll continue to keep you informed as this topic develops but here is the lead on a new story…

Treatment vaccines that boost the immune system’s response to tumors may have important clinical benefits for patients with various types of cancer, according to results from several clinical trials presented at the 2009 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Orlando.

To many in the field, the findings represent an emergence of sorts for therapeutic cancer vaccines. Treatment vaccines have been the subject of intense study for more than 2 decades, but they have produced little in the way of FDA-approved cancer treatments. That could change based on the recent clinical trial results…

Money money money! There’s lots and lots of business news about clinical trials today. It’s a good reminder that this is a $24 billion-a-year industry that, from all indications, is weathering the recession well. Investments in trials for a flu vaccine in the United States, the development of trials and green technology (a new and potentially fascinating aspect of trials emerging now), even the impact of good ‘ol aspect are all being studied around the world and can be found in today’s update.

Australia CSL: gets $180 mln US flu vaccine order – Reuters – USA – CSL expects its H1N1 vaccine to be ready within a few months, with the company planning to start clinical trials to make sure the vaccine is safe and … See all stories on this topic

This is very cool! Chasing Medical Miracles is given a enthusiastic, informed, and starred review by Booklist (published by the American Library Association) in their June 1 issue:

“The concluding and most valuable chapter contains a checklist for potential participants to consult before signing a clinical-trial consent form. Must reading for anyone considering participating in a clinical trial, whether to test treatment for an illness they have been diagnosed with or not.”

A reporter for the Cleveland Plain Dealer participates in three clinical trials for post-cancer treatments and finds the experience uplifting, empowering and thoroughly positive. It’s a great story to read and enjoy so enjoy!

Participation in clinical trials empowering for reporter in fight – The Plain Dealer – cleveland.com – Cleveland, OH, USA – The Web site ClinicalTrials.gov gives easy access to information on clinical trials for a wide range of diseases and conditions. … See all stories on this topic

Lilly Advances Second Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment Candidate Into … PR Newswire (press release) – New York, NY, USA – In 2008, Lilly began enrolling patients in two Phase III clinical trials called IDENTITY and IDENTITY 2 for a different potential treatment for Alzheimer’s …

All the World’s a Laboratory – New York Times – United States – Clinical trials could easily be set up to include patients who show up for medical attention 72 or 96 or more hours after their symptoms appear … -

Clinical trials are my way to help others in their fight – The Plain Dealer – cleveland.com – Cleveland, OH, USA – A clinical trial (also called clinical research) is a study that uses human volunteers in an attempt to answer specific health questions. Two of the trials …