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- Posted Wednesday May 11, 2011
TGen and Scottsdale Healthcare study results published in Clinical Cancer Research
Investigational cancer drug targets oxygen supply in tumors,
advances for additional testing
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - May 11, 2011 - An investigational drug shows
promise targeting oxygen supply in tumors, according to results of
a study completed at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at
Scottsdale Healthcare and published in the current issue of
Clinical Cancer Research.
Significant responses were observed in patients with advanced solid
tumor cancers after receiving TH-302, an intravenous compound
targeting specific areas of the tumor that are low in oxygen.
Tumors with low oxygen content are typically resistant to
traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
The Phase I clinical trial was designed to establish the safety,
tolerability, dose limiting toxicities and preliminary activity of
TH-302 in patients with solid tumors. The study demonstrated
effectiveness in a wide range of cancer types, providing the basis
for future studies, said Glen Weiss, M.D., Assistant Professor at
the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and principal
investigator and director of thoracic oncology at the Virginia G.
Piper Cancer Center Clinical Trials Program.
Clinical trials at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at
Scottsdale Healthcare are conducted in collaboration with TGen and
the Scottsdale Healthcare Research Institute, allowing molecular
and genomic discoveries to reach the patient bedside as quickly as
possible through clinical trials of therapies directed at specific
targets in a patient's tumor.
Clinical trials test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs
prior to approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Fifty-seven patients were enrolled in the study at six clinical
sites including the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale
Healthcare. TH-302 was developed by Threshold Pharmaceuticals of
Redwood City, Calif.
"Cancer researchers have high hopes for this new therapy for cancer
patients. We are very pleased to have been able to offer this
innovative experimental drug for our patients in the greater
Phoenix area," said Dr. Weiss.
The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare opened
in 2001 as the first major cancer center in greater Phoenix
offering comprehensive cancer care and research through Phase I
clinical trials, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and support
services in collaboration with leading researchers and community
oncologists. The Scottsdale Healthcare cancer program holds
Accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer of
the American College of Surgeons.
Individuals seeking information about eligibility to participate in
clinical trials at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at
Scottsdale Healthcare may contact the cancer care coordinator at
480-323-1339, toll free at 1-877-273-3713 or via email at
[email protected].
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About Scottsdale Healthcare
Scottsdale Healthcare is the community-based, nonprofit parent
organization of the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale
Healthcare, Scottsdale Healthcare Research Institute, Scottsdale
Healthcare Osborn Medical Center, Scottsdale Healthcare Shea
Medical Center, Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital and
Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation. For more information, visit
www.shc.org.
Press Contact:
Keith Jones
480-882-4412
[email protected]
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About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at
TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer,
neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of
translational research where investigators are able to unravel the
genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with
collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen
believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency
and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen is affiliated
with the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
For more information, visit: www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
