UPDATE - Issue 24 - Winter 2005
In development
Satraplatin
Satraplatin, is a new drug being tested for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Platinum-based drugs have become a critical part of modern chemotherapy treatments and are used to treat a wide variety of cancers. Up to now all have required intravenous administration. Satraplatin is the first platinum based drug given orally as capsules that patients can take at home.
GPC Biotech AG the company that owns the drug is currently conducting a Phase 3 registrational trial of its use in hormone-refractory prostate cancer following completion of a Special Protocol Assessment by the U.S. FDA and receipt of a Scientific Advice letter from the European central regulatory authority.
Cancer vaccine
Onyvax-P for prostate cancer has completed a phase II, proof of principle study in patients who failed hormone therapy. It is the lead product of a small start up company of the same name based close to St George's Hospital. London where Professor Dalgleish, its research director holds the Foundation Chair in Clinical Oncology. Onyvax is developing new cancer therapies that harness the selective power of the immune system to seek out and destroy tumour cells. Its products specifically target cancer cells, increasing the likelihood that they will be effective while minimising side effects associated with many conventional treatments.
HIFU
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) as an alternative to surgical treatment of the prostate is gathering momentum. We gather that over 90 patients have now received HIFU treatment for prostate cancer as part of ongoing UK based trials.