US researchers recently revealed that they have developed an effective new cancer [abnormal cells that divide without control, which can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. ] drug that can deliver high dosages of chemotherapy without causing any major side effects to patients.
They revealed that the first-line tests for the new treatment code named T-DMI were not just a success but the new drug turned out quite effective in treating many types of cancerous tumors.
Researchers explained, the new treatment that was tested on breast cancer patients, combines traditional chemotherapy drugs with a new-generation drug that directly targets maligned cancer without causing much damage to healthy cells.
Patients will also be suffering fewer side effects associated with chemotherapy such as hair loss, nausea, and weakened immune system [complex network of specialized cells and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by ] .
Commenting on the research findings, lead-researchers MD, of the Mayo Clinic in Florida, US, said in a press statement, "This is the first ever presentation of an anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugate used as first-line therapy for patients with advanced breast cancer.
"We are encouraged by the results. The study demonstrated that T-DM1 has very good anti-tumor activity as well as much lower toxicity when evaluated side by side to the older 'standard.'"
T-DM1 is made from combining trastuzumab, a drug, which targets cells that overproduce the HER2 protein and DM1, a chemotherapy drug that targets microtubules.
Research details
Researchers randomly assigned 137 women with HER2-positive metastatic cancer to either receive treatment with T-DMI or trastuzumab combined with docetaxel, another drug used in chemotherapy.
They chose only those patients who had not received any type of chemotherapy for their condition in past.
After six months, researchers monitored patients’ progress and found that 48 percent of patients on T-DMI, showed considerable reduction in the size and growth of their tumor as compared to 41 percent who were on trastuzumab plus docetaxel.
Patient on T-DMI also suffered fewer side effects from the treatment than their other counterparts.
Experts welcome new study findings
Medical experts have welcomed the new research with open arms as they believe that the new treatment will reduce the trauma felt by patients after going through chemotherapy.
Commenting on the study findings, Fabrice André, MD, Institut Gustave Roussy in Villejuif, France, confirmed that the new treatment could replace the chemotherapy in coming few years time.
“The rates of serious adverse events were much lower in patients given T-DM1 compared to the chemotherapy arm. These results suggest that, with the same efficacy, T-DM1 could dramatically reduce the toxicities related to chemotherapy,” said André.
The new findings were presented by Perez on the opening day (October 8) of ongoing 35th 'European Society of Medical Oncology' (ESMO) Congress in Milan, Italy. The conference will conclude on October 12.
The full in-depth report on the new research will be available in few days time.
source: themedguru
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