Clinical Trials to Start of CT-2106 for Colon Cancer

Cell Therapeutics, Inc. announced it is about to start clinical trials of CT-2106 (PG-CPT - polyglutamate camptothecin) for the treatment of colon cancer.

"Due to the severe side effects and difficulty in formulation associated with the most active camptothecins, their full therapeutic potential has never been realized," said Dr. Jack Singer, Executive Vice President, Research Chair at Cell Therapeutics.

"In spite of this, oncologists view these agents as important drugs in treating some very common difficult-to-treat cancers, including colon cancer. Using our polymer technology to make them potentially less toxic and more effective is a logical next step for demonstrating the broader potential polyglutamate holds in cancer therapy," Singer said.

In preclinical models, the polyglutamate technology appears to be capable of delivering more chemotherapy directly to a cancerous tumor, making each dose potentially more effective without increasing side effects. Camptothecins are used for colon and lung cancer.

Other Sources: Cell Therapeutics, Inc.