Positive test for EntreMed’s prostate cancer drug

In this double-blind phase II study, 33 patients received either 400mg or 1200mg of 2-methoxyestradiol per day. Seven patients treated at the higher dose level, and one patient in the lower dose level, experienced a 21 to 40% decrease in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. Both doses of Panzem capsules were well tolerated in this population.

“Although this information does not provide definitive evidence of activity, it does support the development and evaluation of the new formulation in hormone refractory prostate cancer,” Commented Dr Christopher Sweeney co-director of the experimental and developmental therapeutics program, Indiana University Cancer Center, and a principle investigator in the study.