Another, related idea, is that albumin is one of the main foods for growing tumors, Von Hoff says.

FORBES: Celgene's Abraxane Extends Life By 1.8 Months In Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Since 1990, Von Hoff says, there have been 34 late-stage trials of drugs aimed at late-stage pancreatic cancer, including this one.

FORBES: Celgene's Abraxane Extends Life By 1.8 Months In Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Von Hoff became a member of Genta's board in 2000.

FORBES: Genta's Tangled Path

Von Hoff says that the next steps for Abraxane in pancreatic cancer could include testing it in less sick patients to see if it can shrink tumors enough to remove them surgically.

FORBES: Celgene's Abraxane Extends Life By 1.8 Months In Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

He was not alone in thinking so: Daniel von Hoff , director of the Arizona Cancer Center and a professor at the University of Arizona, also told Genta to pay attention to Genasense.

FORBES: Genta's Tangled Path

Von Hoff, who was an early proponent of testing the drug, says that he was convinced that Abraxane might be a better drug when it helped patients who had not responded to Taxol.

FORBES: Celgene's Abraxane Extends Life By 1.8 Months In Advanced Pancreatic Cancer