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news.Introgen Therapeutics has said that its experimental cancer drug showed encouraging activity when combined with Genentech's Avastin in a recent preclinical study.
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The study shows that the combination of INGN 241 and Avastin is very effective and blocks tumor angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels within a tumor that is essential to support tumor growth beyond a minimum size. The results indicate that tumors completely regressed within the first four weeks of treatment and that no additional growth was observed after cessation of therapy.
In contrast, treatment with Avastin alone demonstrated only minor tumor regression and no animals were cured of their cancer.
INGN 241 works by inhibiting the production of a key blood vessel growth protein termed vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Avastin is designed to inhibit angiogenesis via a different mechanism by binding to and inhibiting the activity of VEGF.
Although inhibiting VEGF activity with Avastin reduces tumor angiogenesis and growth, it does not eradicate tumors. The reported study has proven that the combination of INGN 241 and Avastin results in complete tumor inhibition and regression.