Spectrum Pharmaceutical Inc.’s EOquin™ (Apaziquone, E09) is a bioreductive prodrug (an anti-cancer formulated to be administered directly into the bladder) into its Phase III clinical trial for the indication of superficial bladder cancer. However, data from current study shows that this drug can be potentially used for another indication- invasive bladder cancer. Such findings have been announced by Spectrum Pharma Inc. (Nasdaq: SPPI) at the 97th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in
The study found that invasive bladder cancer has significantly lower levels of NQO1 and higher levels of Glut-1, a marker for reduced oxygen tension (hypoxia). Many tumors grow under conditions of hypoxia. This makes them insensitive or resistant to treatment by X-rays. EO9 is activated in tumor cells both in normal oxygenation and in hypoxia. Data from the present study suggests that E09 can be used in combination with radiation as a hypoxic selective therapy for the treatment of invasive bladder cancer.
"We already have exciting data on EOquin™ for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer," commented Rajesh C. Shrotriya, M.D., Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Spectrum. "This study suggests that Apaziquone may also have anti-tumor activity in hypoxic tumors, such as invasive bladder cancer."
Spectrum Pharma Inc. has proprietary worldwide rights to EOquin™ and plans to out-license it for markets outside the , including Europe and .
Source: Spectrum Pharma Inc.’s Press Release
Photo Credit: Spectrum Pharma Inc.
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