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news.Cancer and inflammation treatments developer EntreMed has published a preclinical report supporting the use of Panzem as a combination treatment for head and neck carcinoma. The company hopes these preclinical results will support a potential clinical study.
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Paclitaxel, marketed as Taxol by Bristol-Myers Squibb, is a first-line treatment for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Panzem (2-methoxyestradiol or 2ME2), EntreMed’s lead drug candidate, is currently in clinical trials for advanced cancer, as well as in preclinical development for indications outside oncology.
These findings demonstrated that the combination exhibited both antitumor and antiangiogenic activity in an animal model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Specifically, the study demonstrated that 2ME2, alone or in combination with paclitaxel, significantly inhibited tumor growth in a preclinical xenograft model. The study also showed that 2ME2 inhibits tumor cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis (cell death) in vitro, as well as providing an additive or synergistic effect with paclitaxel.
“The findings from this study further support the antitumor and antiangiogenic activities of 2ME2,” said EntreMed’s vice president and chief medical officer, Dr Carolyn Sidor. “This study suggests a new possible therapeutic indication where anti-HIF-1alpha agents like 2ME2 could be useful in treating advanced cancers.”