Phase 1 clinical trials for sarcomas: the cutting edge. Curr Opin Oncol 2011 Jul;23(4):352-60
Date
04/27/2011Pubmed ID
21519259DOI
10.1097/CCO.0b013e3283477a94Scopus ID
2-s2.0-79958820840 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 32 CitationsAbstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Few standard second-line treatment options exist for advanced sarcoma patients. Some of these patients are offered early-phase clinical trials involving targeted or nontargeted agents. This review outlines recent phase 1 trials involving sarcoma patients, explores current challenges and highlights future opportunities in sarcoma developmental therapeutics.
RECENT FINDINGS: New molecularly targeted phase 1 studies have demonstrated efficacy in sarcomas. For instance, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) antibodies have produced single agent activity in Ewing's sarcoma. Other promising novel agents include an agonist for the apoptosis ligand 2/tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (Apo2L/TRAIL) for chondrosarcoma, small molecule inhibitor crizotinib for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, cedarinib for alveolar soft part sarcoma, and rexin-G, a tumor targeted retrovector for osteosarcoma. In addition, different combinations of chemotherapy in combination with newer agents such as trabectedin exhibited efficacy in advanced soft tissue sarcoma.
SUMMARY: Patients with refractory sarcoma demonstrate benefit from treatment with targeted drugs even in the setting of phase 1 trials. Sarcomas that have a defined translocation and those that express specific activated kinases are particularly promising tumors for targeted therapy. The primary challenge is identifying the biomarkers predictive of response or resistance, matching them with specific patient histology, resulting in successful translation of biology into clinical benefit.
Author List
Subbiah V, Kurzrock RAuthor
Razelle Kurzrock MD Center Associate Director, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Antibodies, MonoclonalAntineoplastic Agents
Bone Neoplasms
Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic
Humans
Molecular Targeted Therapy
Prognosis
Protein Kinase Inhibitors
Sarcoma