Phase II Trial of ABX-EGF for Advanced Colorectal Cancer Launched

Abgenix, Inc. announced it has begun a multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial of ABX-EGF in combination with standard chemotherapy as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

ABX-EGF is a fully human monoclonal antibody specific for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr), a receptor identified in many solid tumor types.

Patients will receive weekly intravenous infusions of 2.5 mg/kg of ABX-EGF in combination with standard doses of irinotecan, leucovorin, and 5-fluorouracil over a 6-week treatment cycle, for up to eight cycles.

"For patients with colorectal cancer, we are evaluating ABX-EGF as a monotherapy, as well as in combination with standard chemotherapy in two separate Phase 2 studies," said R. Scott Greer, chairman and chief executive officer of Abgenix.

A company spokesperson said preliminary results from a Phase 1 study of ABX-EGF showed biological activity at low doses.

Other Sources:Abgenix