In previous experimental studies the candidate, CTCE-9908, has been shown to reduce cancer metastases by a considerable 50-70%.
CTCE-9908 targets the CXCR4 receptor and is part of a new generation of anti-cancer drug candidates that have the potential to both stop the spread of cancer (anti-metastasis) and slow the rate of cancer growth (anti-angiogenesis). Blockage of CXCR4 reduces the growth of tumors by reducing blood vessel growth which carries vital nutrients to a tumor.
The CXCR4 receptor is present on most human tumors cells, including lung, breast, prostate, colon, ovarian, bone, brain, and skin cancer, and has been observed to contribute metastasis.
Leading cancer researchers have demonstrated that a high level of CXCR4 expression in cancer cells is correlated to tumor progression, high metastasis rate and low patient survival rate.