New Medical Therapies™

Cancer Treatment

May 20, 2013

Syndax Pharmaceuticals published results from a phase II trial of entinostat for the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, ENCORE 301, enrolled 130 postmenopausal women with ER+ breast cancer whose cancer had progressed after treatment with a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. Subjects received 25mg exemestane daily plus 5mg entinostat once per week, or 25mg exemestane plus placebo. Based on intent-to-treat analysis, patients treated with entinostat saw improved median progression-free survival to 4.3 months versus 2.3 months in patients treated with placebo (hazard ratio 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.50 to 1.07; one-sided p=.055; two-sided p=.11). Overall survival was an exploratory endpoint, and median survival improved to 28.1 months in entinostat-treated patients versus 19.8 months in placebo-treated (hazard ratio 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.36 to 0.97; p=.036). Entinostat was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were fatigue and neutropenia. Based on this data, Syndax Pharmaceuticals is working to move entinostat into a confirmatory pivotal study this fall.

May 13, 2013

Amgen issued results from a phase III head-to-head trial of Vectibix (panitumumab) versus Erbitux (cetuximab) for chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This global, randomized, parallel-assignment, open-label, non-inferiority study enrolled 1,010 patients with mCRC with wild-type KRAS tumors. Subjects received 6mg/kg of intravenous Vectibix every 14 days or 400mg/m2 of an initial dose of intravenous Erbitux followed by 250mg/m2 of intravenous Erbitux every seven days. Data demonstrated the estimated overall survival hazard ratio (Vectibix/Erbitux) was 0.966 (95% CI: 0.839, 1.113) favoring the Vectibix arm. Vectibix was well tolerated. Overall, the relative adverse event profiles were as anticipated for each of the anti-EGFR therapies studied, including known events such as rash, diarrhea and hypomagnesemia.

April 15, 2013

Navidea Biopharmaceuticals issued interim results from a phase III trial of Lymphoseek (technetium 99m tilmanocept) for identifying sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This open-label, multicenter, within-patient study, NEO3-06, enrolled 80 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. After receiving a Lymphoseek injection, 39 of the 80 patients were determined to have pathology-positive lymph nodes. Results demonstrated of these 39 patients, Lymphoseek accurately identified 38, for an overall False Negative Rate (FNR) of 2.56%, which was statistically significant (p=0.0205) and met the statistical threshold for success of the primary endpoint. Moreover, multiple-level nodal dissection of patients in the trial with cancer-positive lymph nodes led to an average removal of 38 lymph nodes per patient, whereas Lymphoseek on average led to the removal of approximately four lymph nodes, representing a substantial reduction in potential morbidity for patients with head and neck cancer undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy. Based on these data, Navidea Biopharmaceuticals will evaluate the possibility of filing a Supplemental New Drug application (sNDA) later this year.

March 25, 2013

GTx published results from a phase II trial of enobosarm for the treatment of muscle wasting and physical function in cancer in The Lancet Oncology. This multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 159 patients who had been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer (CRC), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or breast cancer and who had not yet begun chemotherapy or were between chemotherapy cycles. Subjects received 1mg or 3mg enobosarm orally daily, or placebo, for up to 113 days. Data demonstrated patients receiving enobosarm (either 1mg or 3mg) showed a statistically significant increase from baseline to Day 113/end of trial in total lean body mass and a significant improvement from baseline in the time and power to climb 12 stairs. Patients receiving placebo during the same period did not show significant increases in total lean body mass or in physical function. Although the trial was not powered to assess survival, in a post-hoc analysis the survival hazard ratio for patients receiving enobosarm 1mg versus placebo was 0.80 and for those receiving enobosarm 3mg versus placebo was 0.70, representing a 20% and 30% improvement in survival, respectively. Enobosarm was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were similar among placebo and treatment groups. Based on this data, GTx has initiated two phase III trials of 3mg enobosarm in muscle wasting in patients with NSCLC.

March 4, 2013

Peregrine Pharmaceuticals issued results from a phase II trial of bavituximab for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This Peregrine's randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 121 patients with previously treated locally advanced or metastatic second-line NSCLC. Subjects received bavituximab 3mg/kg plus docetaxel or placebo plus docetaxel. Results showed a meaningful improvement in median overall survival of 11.7 months in the bavituximab plus docetaxel arm compared to 7.3 months in the control arm (HR=0.73; p value=0.217). Persistent separation in the survival curves was observed with response rates and progression-free survival also favoring the bavituximab plus docetaxel. Bavituximab was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were similar between both treatment arms. Based on these data, Peregrine is preparing for an end-of-phase II meeting with the FDA.

February 25, 2013

Argos Therapeutics reported results from a phase II trial of AGS-003 for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). This open-label study enrolled 21 patients with unfavorable risk mRCC and with an expected survival of approximately 15 months. Subjects received standard six-week cycles of sunitinib plus AGS-003, administered every three weeks for five doses, and then every 12 weeks until progression. Results showed median overall survival was 30.2 months. When analyzed by baseline Heng risk status, the median overall survival for intermediate risk patients (n=11) has not been reached, but is estimated to be longer than 39.5 months with continued follow-up. Median overall survival for poor risk patients (n=10) was 9.1 months. Of the 21 patients who participated in the study, seven (33%) patients are still alive after nearly four years or longer following study registration. Argos Therapeutics is currently enrolling patients in a global phase III study of AGS-003.

Progenics Pharmaceuticals released results from a phase I trial of PSMA ADC for prostate cancer. This open-label, dose-escalation study enrolled 52 men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that had progressed despite prior treatment with taxane-based chemotherapy regimens. Subjects received nine different dosing levels of PSMA ADC administered at three-week intervals for 12 weeks. Significant antitumor activity was observed across doses ranging from 1.8mg/kg to 2.8mg/kg. PSMA ADC was generally well tolerated in patients at doses up to and including 2.5mg/kg, the maximum tolerated dose. Dose limiting toxicities, primarily neutropenia, were seen at 2.8mg/kg. The most frequent adverse events were anorexia and fatigue. Progenics Pharmaceuticals initiated a phase II, open-label, multicenter study of PSMA ADC.

February 18, 2013

AVEO Oncology and Astellas Pharma reported results from a phase III trial of tivozanib compared to sorafenib for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This global, randomized study, TIVO-1, enrolled 517 patients with RCC. Subjects received either tivozanib or sorafenib. The final overall survival (OS) analysis showed a median OS of 28.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.5–NA) for tivozanib versus a median OS of 29.3 months (95% CI: 29.3–NA) for the comparator arm, sorafenib. No statistical difference between the two arms (HR=1.245, p=0.105) was observed. Patients randomized to the sorafenib arm were eligible to cross over to tivozanib therapy under a separate protocol after radiographic confirmation of disease progression. No crossover protocol was available for patients randomized to the tivozanib arm. Tivozanib was well tolerated. Based on these data, AVEO and Astellas have filed a New Drug Application (NDA) for tivozanib for the treatment of RCC.

Peregrine Pharmaceuticals released results from a phase II trial of bavituximab in combination with gemcitabine Stage IV pancreatic cancer. This open-label, randomized study enrolled 70 patients with previously untreated, advanced Stage IV pancreatic cancer. Subjects received either bavituximab in combination with gemcitabine, or gemcitabine alone. Data demonstrated the combination of bavituximab and gemcitabine resulted in more than a doubling of overall response rates (ORR) and an improvement in overall survival (OS) when compared with gemcitabine. Subjects treated with a combination of bavituximab and gemcitabine had a 28% tumor response rate as compared to 13% in the control arm. Median OS, the primary endpoint of the trial, was 5.6 months for the bavituximab plus gemcitabine arm and 5.2 months for the control arm (HR=0.75). Bavituximab was generally safe and well tolerated, with similar adverse events occurring in both arms. Peregrine is evaluating the next steps for advancing the bavituximab pancreatic program to include combination with other cancer agents. Bavituximab is currently being evaluated in patients with non-small cell lung, breast, prostate, liver and rectal cancers in combination with approved chemotherapies and radiation.

February 4, 2013

Amgen issued results from a phase III trial of Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) for the treatment of colorectal cancer. This multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 845 patients receiving FOLFOX or FOLFIRI and bevacizumab for the first-line treatment of locally-advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. Subjects received 6mg of Neulasta, or placebo, at least 24 hours after each cycle of chemotherapy. Results showed the study met its primary endpoint: Neulasta significantly reduced the incidence of febrile neutropenia (low white blood cell count accompanied by a fever). In the study, the incidence of grade 3 or 4 febrile neutropenia in patients receiving Neulasta across the first four cycles of chemotherapy was 2.4%, compared to 5.7% in the placebo group (OR=0.41, p=0.014). A similar incidence of grade 3 or higher adverse events was seen in both arms of the trial (28% placebo; 27% Neulasta). The drug was well tolerated. Amgen did not note its plans for Neulasta.

January 28, 2013

Celgene International issued results from a phase III trial of Abraxane in combination with gemcitabine for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. This open-label, randomized, international study, MPACT, enrolled 861 treatment-naïve patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Subjects received 125mg/m2 Abraxane plus 1000mg/m2 gemcitabine for three weeks, followed by a week of rest, or 1000mg/m2 gemcitabine alone for seven weeks, followed by a week of rest. Data demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival in the Abraxane/gemcitabine arm compared to patients receiving gemcitabine alone (median of 8.5 vs. 6.7 months) (HR 0.72, p=0.000015). Results showed the Abraxane/gemcitabine arm demonstrated a 59% increase in one-year survival (35% versus 22%, p=0.0002) and demonstrated double the rate of survival at two years (9% versus 4%, p=0.02) as compared to gemcitabine alone. Furthermore, the Abraxane/gemcitabine arm demonstrated a 31% reduction in the risk of progression or death with a median progression-free survival of 5.5 versus 3.7 months (HR 0.69, P=0.000024) and an overall response rate of 23% compared to 7%. The drug was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were neutropenia, fatigue and neuropathy. Based on these results, Celgene International plans to submit dossiers for registration in the U.S. and Europe during the first half of 2013, followed by submissions in other countries/regions during the second half of 2013.

January 7, 2013

Bristol-Myers Squibb reported results from a phase II trial of elotuzumab in combination with lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone for the treatment of multiple myeloma. This randomized, multi-center, open-label study enrolled patients with previously treated multiple myeloma. Subjects received either 10mg/kg or 20mg/kg of elotuzumab intravenously on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of a 28-day cycle in the first two cycles, and then on days 1 and 15 of subsequent cycles. Subjects also received lenalidomide 25mg PO daily on days 1 to 21 and dexamethasone 40mg PO weekly. Results demonstrated in the 10mg/kg arm, median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached after 20.8 months of follow up (n=36) and the objective response rate (ORR; according to the International Myeloma Working Group response criteria) was 92%. Of patients who received elotuzumab at a dose of 20mg/kg, median PFS was 18.6 months (n=37) and ORR was 76%. Elotuzumab was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were lymphopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukopenia, hyperglycemia, pneumonia, diarrhea, fatigue and hypokalemia. BMS also is studying elotuzumab in two phase III trials for treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

December 17, 2012

Boehringer Ingelheim issued preliminary results from a phase II trial of volasertib for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This open-label study enrolled 87 patients with newly-diagnosed AML who were considered ineligible for intensive remission induction therapy. Subjects received volasertib in combination with low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) (n=42) or LDAC alone (n=45). Results showed objective responses were observed in 31% of patients (13/42) treated with the combination of volasertib plus LDAC compared with 13.3% of the patients (6/45) treated with LDAC alone (odds ratio: 2.91; p=0.0523). The median time to remission was 71 (29158) days and 64 (30125) days, respectively. Data also showed that in patients treated with the combination of volasertib plus LDAC, the median event free survival was approximately 5.6 months (170 days) compared with approximately 2.3 months (69 days) in patients treated with LDAC alone (hazard ratio: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.93; p=0.0237). Volasertib was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal events, general events, infections, febrile neutropenia, metabolism/nutrition events and respiratory/thoracic/mediastinal events. Based on these data, Boehringer Ingelheim intends to begin recruitment of a phase III study of volasertib in combination with LDAC compared with LDAC alone in early 2013.

Celgene International released results from a phase I trial of CC-486 (oral azacitidine) for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This multi-arm study enrolled 53 patients with lower-risk MDS who were red blood cell transfusion-dependent and/or thrombocytopenic. Subjects received 300mg of CC-486 once daily for either 14 or 21 days of each 28-day cycle. After a median of seven treatment cycles for the 14-day treatment arm and five for the 21-day treatment arm, the overall response rate was 42.3% (11/26) and 37.0% (10/27), respectively. Additionally, the percentage of patients showing any hematologic improvement was 26.9% in the 14-day arm and 29.6% in the 21-day arm. The percentage of patients who sustained RBC transfusion independence for 56 days was 53.5% in the 14-day arm and 40.0% in the 21-day arm. The percentage of patients who sustained RBC transfusion independence for 84 days was 20% in the 14-day arm and 33.3% in the 21-day arm. CC-486 was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and febrile neutropenia. Based on these and other early-stage data evaluating CC-486, Celgene plans to initiate two phase III studies (QUAZAR program) evaluating this oral agent in lower-risk MDS and acute myeloid leukemia by the end of 2012.

December 10, 2012

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals released results from a phase I trial of ponatinib for the treatment of resistant and refractory chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). This dose-escalation study enrolled 81 patients with resistant hematologic cancers, including 60 patients with CML and five patients with Ph+ ALL, who had become resistant to one or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Results showed that after 73 weeks, 72% of patients (31 of 43) with chronic-phase CML had a major cytogenetic response (MCyR), including 92% (11 of 12) who had the T315I gatekeeper mutation, the most common mutation among resistant patients. In addition, of 22 patients with accelerated-phase or blast-phase CML or Ph+ ALL, 36% (8 of 22) had a major hematologic response and 32% (7 of 22) had aMCyR. The drug was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were rash, thrombocytopenia, arthralgia, increased lipase, fatigue, acneiform dermatitis dry skin and nausea. ARIAD did not disclose its plans for ponatinib.

November 28, 2012

Aeterna Zentaris reported results from a phase I trial of perifosine combined with temsirolimus for the treatment of malignant glioma. This combination, dose-ranging study enrolled 32 patients with recurrent or progressive malignant glioma, anaplastic astrocytoma, anaplastic oligodendroglioma and transformed low-grade gliomas with median Karnofsky Performance Status 80. Subjects either received a 600mg or 900mg dose of perifosine on day one, followed by a nightly dose of 100mg of perifosine. All subjects also received 15mg to170mg of temsirolimus once weekly. Preliminary survival results demonstrated that median overall survival was 7.4 months. There were 27 radiographic responses: complete response (0), partial response (2), stable disease (13) and progressive disease (12). The most frequent adverse events were hypophosphatemia, hypocholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. The maximum tolerated dose was not defined, so Aeterna Zentaris is creating expansion cohorts.

OncoSec Medical issued preliminary results from a phase II trial of ImmunoPulse for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. This single-arm, open-label and multi-center study has enrolled 13 patients with stage III or IV cutaneous and in-transit metastatic melanoma, of 25 patients expected. Subjects received a maximum dose of 1.5mg of DNA IL-12 via ImmunoPulse on days one, five and eight, applied to up to four lesions. Subjects also received electroporation treatment. Results suggested that ImmunoPulse is able to induce regression or stabilization of distant untreated metastases following a single cycle of treatment. Ninety-five percent of treated lesions demonstrated response at day 39 (5% progressive disease, 14% stable disease (SD), 42% partial response (PR), 39% complete response (CR)). All treated lesions at day 90 (5% SD, 50% PR, 45% CR), and at day 180 (33% PR, 67% CR) demonstrated a response. At day 180, two subjects were evaluable for the primary endpoint of objective overall response (ORR). One patient has a confirmed stable disease, and the second patient has a confirmed complete response of all treated and untreated lesions. ImmunoPulse and DNA IL-12 were well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were generally limited to transient pain related to electroporation treatment. OncoSec Medical will continue the phase II study, which it expects to be completed by the end of 2012.

November 12, 2012

MorphoSys and Xencor released results from a phase I/IIa trial of MOR208 (MOR00208/XmAb5574) for the treatment of tumor activity. This dose-ranging study enrolled patients with high-risk, heavily pretreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Subjects received doses ranging from MOR208 0.3mg/kg to 12mg/kg as an intravenous infusion on days 1, 4, 8, 15 and 22 in cycle one, and on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 in cycle two. Overall response rate by International Working Group on CLL (IWCLL) 2008 criteria was 11%, which utilizes more rigorous CT scan reduction of internal lymph nodes not previously required in older historic studies. Using IWCLL 1996 response criteria resulted in a response rate of 42%. MORE208 was well tolerated and found safe. The most frequent adverse events were mild to moderate infusion reactions usually with the first dose. Based on these results, MorphoSys plans to commence phase II studies of MOR208 in B-cell malignancies in the near future.

November 5, 2012

Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology released results from a phase III trial of doxepin for the treatment of head and neck cancer. This multi-institution, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 140 patients who were also receiving radiation therapy for their head and neck cancer (>50.0Gy), which involved more than one-third of the oral cavity. Subjects received a single, blinded dose of doxepin rinse (doxepin 25mg in 5ml of water) or placebo on day one, and then crossed over to the opposite study group on a subsequent day. Results indicated that the addition of doxepin significantly decreased pain, which was measured by the area under the curve (AUC) on the pain scale over time. Patients who received doxepin reported a reduction in pain to a -9.1 versus -4.7 for those who received the placebo. Analysis of the crossover data revealed similar findings, with an AUC score of -7.9 in the doxepin group versus -5.6 in the placebo group. Sixty-four percent of patients elected to continue doxepin after the study was completed. Doxepin was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were stinging/burning, unpleasant taste and greater drowsiness.

Specialised Therapeutics Australia issued results from a phase III comparative trial of Abraxane versus standard chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. This randomized, open-label, international study enrolled 529 chemotherapy-naïve patients. Subjects received either Abraxane 150mg/m2 weekly for three out of four weeks, or dacarbazine 1000mg/m2 every three weeks. The Abraxane arm showed statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) (4.8 months) compared to patients receiving dacarbazine chemotherapy (2.5 months) (HR:0.792; 95.1% CI: 0.631, 0.992; P=0.044). Data shows overall survival trends in favor of the Abraxane arm (12.8 months) compared to dacarbazine (10.7 months) (HR:0.831; 99.9% CI: 0.578, 1.196; P=0.094). The drug was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were neuropathy and neutropenia. Specialised Therapeutics Australia hopes to have Abraxane approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia by 2014.

October 29, 2012

Celgene International reported results from a phase III trial of pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone compared to high-dose dexamethasone for multiple myeloma. This multi-center, randomized, open-label study enrolled patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. Subjects in Arm 1 received 4mg pomalidomide on days 1-21 of each 28-day cycle, with patients 75 years or younger also receiving 40mg of low-dose dexamethasone and patients older than 75 receiving 20mg of low-dose dexamethasone on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of each 28-day cycle, until disease progression. Subjects in Arm 2 received 40mg high-dose dexamethasone on days 1-4, 9-12 and 17-20 of each 28-day cycle if they were 75 years or younger, and patients older than 75 received 20mg high-dose dexamethasone on days 1-4, 9-12 and 17-20 of a 28-day cycle, until disease progression. The study met its primary endpoint of improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) at the PFS final analysis. Additionally, the study crossed the superiority boundary for overall survival (OS), a key secondary endpoint. As a result, patients who had not yet progressed in the high-dose dexamethasone arm should be crossed-over to the pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone arm. Celgene has submitted an NDA application to the FDA, as well as an MAA application to the EMA.

October 15, 2012

Boehringer Ingelheim released results from a phase III trial of afatinib for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This randomized, open-label study enrolled 345 previously untreated patients with EGFR mutation positive NSCLC. Subjects received afatinib or standard chemotherapy agents (pemetrexed/cisplatin) as first-line treatment. Data showed afatinib-dosed patients had a progression-free survival (PFS) of 11.1 months versus a PFS of 6.9 months for those receiving pemetrexed/cisplatin. NSCLC patients with tumors harboring the two most common EGFR mutations (del19 and L858R) receiving afatinib had a PFS of 13.6 months versus a PFS of 6.9 months for those in the comparator arm. The afatinib-dosed arm experienced an improvement in shortness of breath, cough and chest pain, a delay in deterioration of these symptoms, and overall improved quality of life. Afatinib was well tolerated. Boehringer Ingelheim has initiated two head-to-head trials comparing afatinib to Iressa (gefitinib) and Tarceva (erlotinib), to demonstrate any potential efficacy and safety superiority.

October 1, 2012

Cell Therapeutics reported results from a phase I trial of pacritinib (SB1518) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory lymphoma. This multi-arm, dose-finding study enrolled 34 patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of any type except Burkitt’s or CNS lymphoma. Subjects received pacritinib ranging from 100mg to 600mg daily. Data showed the maximum dose was not met. Pacritinib inhibited JAK2 signaling at all dosing levels and FLT-3 inhibition were seen in most patients. Seventeen of the 34 patients (50%) had measurable decreases in target tumor measurements ranging from 4% to 70% shrinkage. Partial remissions were noted in three patients (mantle cell and indolent lymphoma), while 15 patients had stable disease. Median progression-free and overall survival was 120 and 130 days, respectively. Pacritinib was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal. Based on these data, Cell Therapeutics will continue with efficacy studies of JAK/STAT pathway inhibitors, either alone or in combination regimens.

September 24, 2012

Jennerex reported results from a phase II trial of JX-594 for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This nonrandomized study enrolled 25 Asian patients with advanced HCC; 20 were refractory to sorafenib and were treated with an intravenous dose of JX-594, while the majority of patients then received sequential intra-tumoral doses of JX-594 at week one and three. The majority subsequently received treatment with sorafenib. The study met its primary endpoint of determining the safety of JX-594 followed by sorafenib in patients with advanced HCC. After six or 12 weeks, 59% had disease control as measured by modified RECIST and 75% had objective responses by Choi criteria. 85% of patients had disease control by mRECIST or Choi response. The sequential treatment regimen was well tolerated with transient flu-like symptoms, with the most common adverse event being transient leukopenia. Jennerex is planning several phase II studies of JX-594 in liver cancer, HCC and colorectal cancer.

September 17, 2012

ImmunoGen released results from a phase II trial of IMGN901, in combination with etoposide and carboplatin, for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This randomized, dose-finding study, NORTH, enrolled 120 patients. Subjects received etoposide 100 mg/m2 on days one through three every 21 days; carboplatin AUC5 or AUC6 on day one every 21 days; and IMGN901 ranging up to 112 mg/m2, administered on days one and eight every 21 days. Results showed that IMGN901 112 mg/m2, carboplatin AUC5 and etoposide 100 mg/m2 was the most effective dose. Of the 33 patients dosed with this regimen, 10 had an objective response and 24 (72.7%) had disease control (objective response or stable disease). IMGN901 was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse event was low grade peripheral neuropathy.

August 27, 2012

Medivation and Astellas Pharma published results from a phase III trial of enzalutamide for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. This international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, AFFIRM, enrolled 1,199 men who had been previously treated with docetaxel-based chemotherapy. Subjects received enzalutamide 160mg once daily (as four 40mg capsules), or placebo. Data showed enzalutamide exhibited a statistically significant benefit in overall survival compared to placebo. Men treated with enzalutamide had a median overall survival of 18.4 months (95% confidence interval, 17.3 to not yet reached) compared to 13.6 months (95% confidence interval 11.3-15.8) for men treated with placebo (hazard ratio 0.63; p<0.0001), representing a 37% reduction in the risk of death. The drug was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were fatigue, diarrhea and hot flush. Seizure was reported in less than 1% of enzalutamide-treated patients. Neither Medivation nor Astellas noted its next steps for enzalutamide.

August 6, 2012

Advaxis released interim results from a phase II trial of ADXS-HPV for the treatment of with recurrent/refractory cervical cancer. This multi-arm, randomized study has enrolled 63 female patients thus far who have failed previous cytotoxic therapy. Subjects received ADXS-HPV (1x109 cfu) with or without cisplatin 40mg/m2 weekly for five weeks. The primary endpoint, survival, at months six, nine and 12 is 64%, 46% and 29%, respectively, while the National Comprehensive Network Guidelines cite historical 12-month survival data of 0%-22% with single agent therapy in this patient population. Thus far, ADXS-HPV has triggered five complete responses (three in the ADXS alone group; two in the ADXS+ cisplatin group) and six partial responses (three in the ADXS alone group; three in the ADXS+ cisplatin group). A complete response is defined as 100% elimination of tumor burden, whereas a partial response is defined as 30% or more reduction in tumor burden. The drug was well tolerated. Advaxis is continuing the trial in India, and the Gynecologic Oncology Group plans to conduct a phase II study of ADXS-HPV in a similar patient population in the U.S.

July 9, 2012

Synta Pharmaceuticals reported interim results from a phase IIb/III trial of ganetespib in combination with docetaxel for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This multi-arm, randomized, open-label phase IIb part of the GALAXY study enrolled 183 patients to date with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC who have progressed following one prior line of therapy. All subjects received a standard regimen of docetaxel 75mg/m2 on Day 1 of a 21-day cycle; subjects in the combination arm receive in addition ganetespib 150mg/m2 on Day 1 and 15. Both primary endpoints were met based on RECIST 1.1 criteria. Subjects with elevated baseline level of serum LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) who received a combination of ganetespib and docetaxel had a median PFS of 4.2 months, compared to 1.4 months in those treated with only docetaxel; subjects with a tumor KRAS mutation receiving the combination treatment had a median PFS of 4.2 months, while the docetaxel group had a PFS of 1.6 months. The treatment was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were neutropenia, diarrhea and fatigue. Synta Pharmaceuticals will continue to enroll more subjects in the phase IIb trial. The transition into phase III is expected later this year.

June 9, 2008

Celator released positive results from a phase II trial of CPX-1 for the treatment of colorectal cancer. This multi-center, open-label study enrolled 59 subjects who were placed in two arms: irinotecan-naive (IRI-naive) and irinotecan-refractory (IRI-refractory) and received 210 units/m2 of CPX-1 every two weeks. In the IRI-naive arm the overall response rate was 8% and the disease control rate (response or stable disease) was 65 percent. Median progression- free survival (PFS) was 3.9 months and six subjects had a greater than six month PFS. In the IRI-refractory arm the disease control rate was 45%; there were no reports of an objective response. The median PFS was 2.3 months and three subjects had a greater than six month PFS. The 210 unit/m2 dose produced more toxicities than seen in previous phase 1 studies, resulting in only 40 percent of the subjects receiving more than 80 percent of the planned dose intensity. Hence, treatment will be initiated at a lower dose in future studies. Based on the results Celator plans to move forward with the development of CPX-1.

February 4, 2008

Pro-Pharmaceuticals reported positive results from a phase II trial of Davant for the treatment of colorectal cancer. This trial enrolled twenty previously heavily treated subjects, all of whom had at least two previous chemotherapy treatments including; fluorpyrimidines, Irinotecan, Oxaliplatin and Avastin or Erbitux. All subjects received Davant (280 mg/m2) in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 500 mg/m2), given four times monthly until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The median progression free survival was 8.4 weeks and one subject reported an objective response. Treatment was generally well tolerated. There were seven reports of serious adverse events, however only two of these, anemia and dehydration, were considered to be drug related. Based on the results, Pro-Pharmaceuticals plans to move forward with the development of Davant.

pSivida issued positive results from a phase IIa trial of Brachysil for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This trial enrolled seventeen subjects with advanced inoperable pancreatic cancer. The subjects received BrachySil, injected directly into the primary tumors via endoscopic ultrasound, in combination with standard chemotherapy (gemcitabine). CT assessments of response were performed at weeks eight, sixteen and twenty four. The combination treatment was well tolerated, with no significant adverse events related to BrachySil. Data showed disease control in 82% of subjects and an overall median survival of three hundred and nine days. In addition, BrachySil was found to be easily deliverable by endoscopic ultrasound. Based on the results, pSivida plans to commence a phase II dose ranging study in the first quarter of 2008.

November 26, 2007

Thallion reported positive results from a phase I/II trial of ECO-4601 for the treatment of advanced cancers. The trial enrolled twenty-six subjects who were refractory to their respective standard of care therapy. ECO-4601 was administered in twenty-one day cycles consisting of a two week continuous intravenous infusion followed by a one week rest period. The trial was conducted in two portions. In the first portion, fourteen subjects received escalating doses ranging from 30 to 480mg/m2/day to assess safety, pharmacokinetics and maximum tolerated dose. In the second portion of the trial, twelve subjects were treated at the highest dose, 480mg/m2/day. Treatment was well tolerated and the maximum target dose was attained before the maximum tolerated dose was reached. Pharmacokinetic data demonstrated that estimated therapeutic plasma concentrations of ECO-4601 were reached at the higher doses and that ECO-4601 was rapidly eliminated from the bloodstream following infusion. In addition, six of seven subjects with refractory cancer who had completed six cycles of treatment achieved stable disease. Based on the results, phase II trials were expected to be initiated in early 2008.

June 9, 2003

Agennix and Veterans Affairs Medical Center reported positive results from two phase I/II trials investigating Lactoferrin (rhLF), a natural protein found in milk, for the treatment of solid tumors. Data showed that 53% of evaluable subjects (10 /19) demonstrated stable disease, three of which showed tumor shrinkage. In addition, 29 subjects completed dosing, with only one withdraw due to disease progression. The saftey portion of the studies enrolled 30 subjects and evaluated rhLF as a single agent for the treatment of solid non-resectable tumor cancer patients, who had progressed on standard chemotherapy. Subjects were administered one of four different doses of rhLF, (1.5g to 9g), either for 14 days or in cycles of 14 days. The drug was well tolerated with no drug-related serious adverse events reported.

May 6, 2002

Phase II trial results suggest a strong correlation between clinical response and pharmacological action for GD0039, GlycoDesign's lead anti-cancer drug. The trial, which was conducted at five Canadian centers, included 18 subjects with metastatic renal cancer and 22 subjects with metastatic colorectal cancer resistant to 5-fluorouracil. In 14 trial subjects, the cell-surface carbohydrate structures targeted by GD0039 were highly inhibited. Within this population, four of six renal cancer subjects and three of eight colorectal cancer subjects experienced tumor shrinkage or stable disease.