Tina[a]
European Cancer Conference (ECCO 13) held at Paris during 29 October - 3 November
"...These kinds of conferences occur in regular cycles and what is reported at them depends on the stage reached in the development of a promising new therapy. Consequently, not all research is reported, even though brain tumour activists might be aware of what developments are in the pipeline.
For example, representatives of the Lilly company did not report on developments with Enzastaurin at Paris but told that a multi centre Phase III trial will commence in 2006 and will include 14 countries. Similarly, the Roche company was not promoting Avastin as a brain tumour relevant product at Paris, although it is known that they are working in this area.
On another front Dr Carpentier reported that while numerous anti-angiogenesis agents are currently in pre-clinical development and early clinical trials, including VEGT and VEGFR anti bodies and small molecular inhibitors ". so far most of these drugs have shown disappointing results in Phase II trials." Combination of these drugs, or association with radiation therapy or chemotherapy might increase their efficacy", he said.
Dr Vogelbaum reported that Tarceva appeared to slow activity in a Phase II trial. Dr Gilbert reported that Edotecarin had not demonstrated sufficient activity in a comparative trial and had been abandoned in that trial. Dr Dreseman reported that Imatinib and hydroxyurea had been well tolerated and effective in a GBM trial and had shown a response rate of 20%.
In the controversial area of the treatment of low grade tumours Professor Delattre emphasised the usefulness of genotyping as a helpful tool in their management.
In one presentation a German researcher reported how Boswellia acid might have been responsible for an improvement in a patient he presented as a case study. He seemed to half expect the audience to laugh but the gathering of about 150 of the top neuro oncologists in Europe listened to him respectfully. He explained this was a product used by German brain tumour patients. There were no published.
Trials to prove its efficacy although a trial had commenced but the company had run out of funding before publishing the results..." IBTA