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The use
of Endostatin in the treatment of Stage IV metastatic melanoma
is being tested in a Phase II clinical trial underway at the
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.
The trial
will evaluate the safety of the drug as a single therapy and
in combination with interferon alfa 2b, the current treatment
for metastatic melanoma. The trial will also measure tumor
response to the treatments. Endostatin and interferon will
each be injected under the skin by patients themselves.
Researchers
have reported tumor response, including a 45 percent tumor
regression, in cancer patients taking Endostatin, as well
as long-term stable disease, in two Phase 1 trials. Patients
continuing to take the drug are showing no signs of drug resistance.
"As
we work to find safer and more effective treatments for metastatic
melanoma patients, this Endostatin-interferon combination
trial is an exciting approach to a disease where current therapies
are not optimum," said Dr. Michael Wong, co-researcher
of the study. "We are optimistic about the trial and
its potential to help patients."
Endostatin,
manufactured by EntreMed, received orphan drug status by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 2002 for malignant
melanoma. This designation is provided to encourage the development
of drugs that treat a disease affecting fewer than 200,000
Americans.
Source:
Medical Week staff,
week of June 2, 2002
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