Clinical study open at TGen Clinical Research Services at
Scottsdale Healthcare
Jan. 12, 2011 - A new investigational drug designed to stop cancer
cells from reproducing may offer hope for patients with advanced
solid tumor cancers.
Clinical trials of TKM-PLK1 for qualified patients are now open at
TGen Clinical Research Services (TCRS) at Scottsdale Healthcare,
part of the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.
TKM-PLK-1 targets a protein called polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) that
promotes tumor cell reproduction. It prevents the tumor from
completing cell division, resulting in death of the cancer cell.
TCRS, a partnership of the Translational Genomics Research
Institute (TGen) and Scottsdale Healthcare, will be among the first
in the world to study the treatment in humans.
The new drug is being developed as a treatment for patients with
advanced solid tumor cancers who are not well served by current
therapy. The Phase 1 clinical trial will evaluate the safety,
tolerability and how the body metabolizes TKM-PLK1.
Laboratory research showed the investigational compound might have
effectiveness in treating colorectal, breast, non-small cell lung,
and ovarian cancers. These diseases collectively affect more than
500,000 new patients each year in the United States.
"One of the things that makes this drug unique is its use of siRNA
technology. A small engineered compound is introduced into the
cancer cell and stops production of this protein that cancer cells
need to grow. It's like a stealth attack on the cancer cell," says
Dr. Ramesh Ramanathan, principal investigator at TCRS.
Sequencing of the human genome provided the information needed to
design siRNA therapeutics that can target specific proteins.
TKM-PLK1 delivers these powerful siRNA molecules into the cancer
cell.
Researchers hope to enroll up to 52 patients in clinical trials of
the drug in three centers across the U.S.
Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corp. of Vancouver, Canada,
(www.tekmirapharm.com) developed the drug.
The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare
opened in 2001 as the first major cancer center in greater Phoenix
offering comprehensive cancer care and research through Phase I
clinical trials, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and support
services in collaboration with leading researchers and community
oncologists. The Scottsdale Healthcare cancer program holds
Accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer of
the American College of Surgeons.
Research at TCRS allows molecular and genomic discoveries to reach
the patient bedside as quickly as possible through clinical trials
of therapies directed at specific targets in a patient's
tumor.
Individuals seeking information about eligibility to participate
in clinical trials at TCRS may contact the cancer care coordinator
at 480-323-1339, toll free at 1-877-273-3713 or via email at
[email protected]
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About Scottsdale Healthcare
Scottsdale Healthcare is the community-based, nonprofit parent
organization of the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale
Healthcare, Scottsdale Healthcare Research Institute, Scottsdale
Healthcare Osborn Medical Center, Scottsdale Healthcare Shea
Medical Center, Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital and
Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation. For more information, visit
www.shc.org.
Press Contact:
Keith Jones
480-882-4910
[email protected]
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About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at
TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer,
neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of
translational research where investigators are able to unravel the
genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with
collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen
believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency
and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen is affiliated
with the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
For more information, visit: www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]