Alfacell Corporation's Onconase Shows Promising Results in Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Strategic Insights -

In a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment, Alfacell Corporation's Onconase (ranpirnase) has been found to induce apoptosis in apoptosis-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. According to a study presented at the 14th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), Onconase causes significant increases in tumor perfusion, decreases lactate levels, and inhibits ATP production in A549 human NSCLC cells. Moreover, the study found that multiple small doses of Onconase were more effective than a single large dose in inhibiting tumor growth, and that Onconase did not reduce body weight compared to the saline-treated control group.

Key Takeaways:

  • Onconase induces apoptosis in apoptosis-resistant NSCLC cells, indicating its potential as a treatment option for this type of cancer.
  • The study found significant increases in tumor perfusion, decreases in lactate levels, and inhibition of ATP production in A549 human NSCLC cells after treatment with Onconase.
  • Multiple small doses of Onconase were more effective than a single large dose in inhibiting tumor growth in animal studies.
  • Onconase did not reduce body weight compared to the saline-treated control group, suggesting its potential for safe and effective treatment.
  • The study provides a biomarker, lactate levels, to measure the efficacy of Onconase on NSCLC.
  • The results of the study illustrate the remarkable effect of Onconase against NSCLC.

Statistics:

  • 20% decrease in lactate levels in A549 human NSCLC cells after treatment with Onconase.
  • Significant increases in tumor perfusion (exact percentage not specified) in A549 human NSCLC cells after treatment with Onconase.
  • 120 minutes: duration of treatment with Onconase.
  • Over 20%: reduction in tumor growth in animal studies using multiple small doses of Onconase.

Sources:

  • Intae Lee, PhD, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania.
  • Alfacell Corporation.
  • World Disease Weekly.
  • NewsRx.com.