Picoplatin could be used as a neuropathy-sparing alternative to oxaliplatin in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), it was suggested yesterday (25th January).

Biopharmaceutical firm Poniard Pharmaceuticals confirmed that the drug met its primary objective in randomised, controlled Phase 2 data trials into the disease.

The results suggested that picoplatin, when combined with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLPI regimen), brought about a significant reduction in neurotoxicity in comparison to oxaliplatin given with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLFOX regimen).

"We believe that this Phase 2 data confirms picoplatin's potential as an alternative to oxaliplatin in the first-line treatment of metastatic CRC and will support the design of a Phase 3 study," said Poniard Chairman and CEO Jerry McMahon.

"Our ultimate goal is to secure a strategic partnership to support further development of picoplatin in CRC and other solid tumour indications, including prostate and ovarian cancers."

The study, which incorporated 101 adults with CRC, showed that neuropathy was 26 per cent in the FOLPI-treated patients and 62 per cent in the FOLFOX-treated patients.

FOLPI also had similar efficacy to its counterpart in disease control (75 per cent, compared to 76 per cent), progression-free survival (6.8 months, compared to seven months) and overall survival (13.6 months, compared to 15.6 months).

Poniard presented the results of its tests at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's 2010 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium in Orlando, Florida.

Source:

Poniard Pharmaceuticals Announces Phase 2 Trial of Picoplatin in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Meets Primary Endpoint and Study Objectives (24/01/10)

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