Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:PARD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology, announced positive preliminary results from its ongoing randomized Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) and updated results from an ongoing Phase 1 CRC trial. Preliminary data suggest that picoplatin given in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLPI) and oxaliplatin given in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLFOX) may have similar anti-tumor activity in metastatic CRC (see also Colon Cancer).
The Company will present the Phase 1 and 2 picoplatin data (abstract #4100) in the General Poster Session during the 44th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) at McCormick Place in Chicago. Picoplatin, the Company's lead product candidate, is a new generation platinum chemotherapy agent with the potential to become a platform product addressing multiple indications, combinations and formulations for the treatment of multiple solid tumor indications.
"The comparison of picoplatin and oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin has provided encouraging preliminary results," said Robert De Jager, M.D., chief medical officer of Poniard. "These data support our strategy of developing picoplatin as a preferred platinum for the first-line treatment of metastatic CRC. The ongoing Phase 2 trial could support advancement of picoplatin into a registration trial."
Phase 2 CRC Study Preliminary Results
The randomized, controlled, 100-patient Phase 2 study is comparing the safety and efficacy of intravenous picoplatin given once every four weeks in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in the FOLPI regimen with oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in the modified FOLFOX-6 regimen.
Preliminary data suggest that FOLPI and FOLFOX may have similar anti-tumor activity in metastatic CRC. Preliminary data representing 61 patients will be presented. Of 11 evaluable patients in the FOLPI arm, 10 achieved disease control (partial response combined with stable disease), including two partial responses. Of 13 evaluable patients in the FOLFOX arm, 10 achieved disease control, including one partial response. A total of 37 patients across both arms are too early for evaluation.
Expanded and Updated Phase 1 CRC Study Results
In the Phase 1 dose-escalation study, 70 patients were treated with FOLPI with picoplatin treatment administered either every two or four weeks. Patients have received a total picoplatin exposure of between 85 mg/m2 and 1,350 mg/m2, representing up to 28 cycles of picoplatin therapy.
The dose limiting toxicity (DLT) for the every-four-week regimen at 180 mg/m2 was hematologic with neutropenia and thrombocytopenia as the most frequent adverse events. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in the every-four-week FOLPI schedule was previously reported to be hematologic and occurred at 150 mg/m2. The MTD in the every-two-week FOLPI schedule of picoplatin when infused with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin has not yet been reached, and the trial is ongoing at a dose of 135 mg/m2.
None of the Phase 1 patients treated with picoplatin exhibited severe neuropathy (Grade 3 or 4), as is commonly seen in metastatic CRC patients treated with oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin as part of the FOLFOX regimen. Neurotoxicities were not related to cumulative exposure of picoplatin. Nephrotoxicities and ototoxicities were rare and mild with the FOLPI regimen.
Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for colon cancer encourage the discontinuation of FOLFOX after three months of therapy or sooner if significant neurotoxicity (Grade 3 or greater) develops.
Keywords: Anticancer Therapy, Biopharmaceuticals, Chemotherapy, Clinical Oncology, Clinical Trial Research, Colon Cancer, Colon Carcinoma, Colorectal, Drug Development, Drug Therapy, Drugs, Eloxatin, Fluorouracil, Gastroenterology, Leucovorin, Oncology, Oxaliplatin, Pharmaceuticals, Solid Cancers, Solid Carcinomas, Therapies, Therapy, Third-Generation Platinum Derivative, Treatment, Poniard Pharmaceuticals Inc.
This article was prepared by Gastroenterology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Gastroenterology Week via NewsRx.com.
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