Garvan Institute and Pharmaxis Collaboration for PXS-5505 – Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, in collaboration with Australian pharmaceutical company Pharmaxis, have made a significant discovery regarding an experimental treatment for bone marrow cancer. The drug, named PXS-5505, shows promise in treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), an especially aggressive form of pancreatic cancer.
Expanding Horizons: PXS-5505 Dual Potential
PXS-5505, currently in Phase II clinical trials for bone marrow cancer, has exhibited encouraging results in preclinical studies involving mouse models of pancreatic cancer. Administered alongside chemotherapy, it demonstrated a remarkable 35% increase in survival rates compared to chemotherapy alone. Furthermore, the drug displayed an impressive 45% reduction in the metastasis of cancer to vital organs like the liver.
Challenges in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Pancreatic cancer is notorious for evading early detection, often leaving chemotherapy as the primary recourse. Unfortunately, many cases develop resistance to treatment, partly due to the formation of fibrotic tissue within and around tumors. This dense fibrous network acts as a barrier, impeding the effective delivery of chemotherapy drugs.
A Unique Mechanism: PXS-5505 Impact
What sets PXS-5505 apart is its ability to inhibit all members of the lysyl oxidase family, pivotal in the formation of fibrotic tissue. Prior attempts targeting individual enzymes of this family yielded limited success in clinical trials. Pharmaxis has completed comprehensive toxicity studies and Phase I clinical trials, boasting promising outcomes. The drug has demonstrated commendable tolerance levels, leading to improved fibrosis scores and stable or enhanced hematological parameters.
Restoring Balance: PXS-5505 Mode of Action
The drug operates by reinstating the tumor microenvironment to a more normalized state. By reducing fibrosis and tumor rigidity, it enables chemotherapy drugs to infiltrate tumors more efficiently, enhancing their capacity to eradicate cancer cells. Notably, when combined with the approved chemotherapy drug gemcitabine, PXS-5505 resulted in a substantial upswing in median survival rates and a noticeable reduction in fibrillar collagen content within mouse tumors.
A Glimmer of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
These findings represent a major stride towards addressing the formidable challenges of pancreatic cancer treatment. Presently, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients hovers below 10%. PXS-5505 holds the potential to not only augment the effectiveness of existing chemotherapy drugs but also extend the lifespans of patients grappling with solid tumors like pancreatic cancer.
This breakthrough underscores the significance of ongoing research collaborations in the pursuit of innovative cancer treatments.