In further experiments, these lines were treated with a combination of AS1411 and doxorubicin, a drug often used to treat Burkitt’s lymphoma. The AS1411-doxorubicin combination produced synergistic (more than additive) killing of the lymphoma cells.
Positive combination data have also been obtained in AML (acute myeloid leukaemia) cell lines. Here, AS1411 was combined with cytarabine, a drug widely used in AML. A Phase II trial is now evaluating the combination of AS1411 and cytarabine in AML patients.
Fiona McLaughlin, director of Research at Antisoma, said: “These new data provide further support for our AS1411-cytarabine combination trial in AML, and also illustrate the broader potential of AS1411 against a range of haematological malignancies.”