Phase III Trial Begins of Drug That May Inhibit Angiogenesis

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida have begun a Phase III, metastatic breast cancer study of a drug that may inhibit growth of new blood vessels in solid tumors.

In previous clinical research, rhuMAb VEGF (Bevacizumab) has shown anti-tumor activity when given alone and in combination with other drugs.

In a process called angiogenesis, solid tumors grow because of new blood vessels providing them with a blood supply. Researchers have now identified several factors involved in angiogenesis, including vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF.

RhuMAb VEGF may inhibit the normal action of VEGF, according to the researchers.

"The drug rhuVEGF is promising because it is one of the first targeted anti-angiogenic agents to become available for patient treatment," said Dr. Edith Perez, principal investigator for the Mayo study.

Researchers will enroll 400 women who must be 18 or older, have metastatic breast cancer and have already had one or two regimens of conventional chemotherapy for their disease.

The participants will be divided into two groups: one group will receive Bevacizumab in combination with capecitabine, a drug used for treating patients with metastatic breast cancer who are resistant to other chemotherapy drugs. The other group will receive capecitabine alone.

The study will include 35 cycles of drug administration and last about 105 weeks. Women interested in participating in the study should call: 904-953-2865.

Other Sources: Mayo Clinic Jacksonville