Investigational Drug for Prostate Cancer Very Promising

A de-immunized monoclonal antibody therapeutic, designed to treat patients with advanced prostate cancer, has demonstrated high antitumor activity in a phase I trial. The results were reported in the July 1, 2004, issue of Journal of Clinical Oncology.

The drug, radiolabeled J591, works by targeting a molecule called prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein located on the surface of all prostate cancer cells. PSMA expression is minimal in normal tissue but is greatly increased in prostate cancer. In the current trial, the drug carried the radioactive isotope 90Y (yttrium) to selectively deliver radiation to the tumor cells, thereby minimizing exposure of radiation to normal cells.

Although the current trial of 29 patients whose disease had spread was only a phase I trial designed to define dose and toxicity, antitumor activity was also demonstrated. The radiolabeled J591 reduced prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels by as much as 85% and measurable tumor lesions by 90% for periods of up to and beyond eight months. The radiolabeled antibody was found to be well tolerated by the patients.

"Early results with J591 suggest that it is a promising new approach that could fill a substantial, unmet medical need,” said lead investigator Neil H. Bander, M.D., professor of oncology at Weill Cornell Medical College (New York, NY, USA), where the new drug was developed.




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