Abraxane Shows High Response Rates in Difficult-to-Treat Tumors

Strategic Insights -

Researchers presented clinical data at the Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium XXIII on Abraxane, a chemotherapy treatment that targets difficult-to-treat tumors. The studies showed high response rates in various types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic malignant melanoma, and head and neck cancer. The treatment works by exploiting a protein called SPARC, which is secreted by most solid tumors and attracts albumin-bound nutrients to nourish the tumor as it grows and spreads.

Key Takeaways:

  • Abraxane, developed by American BioScience, Inc. (ABI), has shown high response rates in various types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic malignant melanoma, and head and neck cancer.
  • The treatment works by targeting the protein SPARC, which is secreted by most solid tumors and attracts albumin-bound nutrients to nourish the tumor.
  • ABI has developed a nanometer-sized particle of albumin that is injected in a single dose of medication, which is then transported across the blood vessel wall via a receptor and targeted by SPARC secreted from the tumor cell.
  • In one phase 1/2 study, Abraxane showed a high degree of antitumor activity in chemotherapy-naive patients with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with a response rate of 35%.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Abraxane for Injectable Suspension (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (albumin-bound) in January 2005.
  • American BioScience, Inc. (ABI) is a privately held biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, and delivery of therapeutic moieties, including biologically active molecules already existing within the human biological system.

Statistics:

  • 34 patients in the phase 1/2 study of Abraxane in chemotherapy-naive, advanced non-small cell lung cancer have been evaluated for tumor response.
  • 1 patient achieved a confirmed complete response (CR), 7 patients achieved a confirmed partial response (PR), and 4 patients achieved partial responses awaiting confirmation (response rate 35%).
  • 41 patients in the study treated with Abraxane 125 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days.
  • Abraxane is used as a weekly, first-line therapy in chemotherapy-naive patients with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Sources:

  • Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium XXIII
  • Health & Medicine Week via NewsRx.com
  • American Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. (APP)
  • Abraxis Oncology
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • American BioScience, Inc. (ABI)