New trials in carcinoid cancer treatments commence (EurekAlert, 7 June 2013)

Cedars-Sinai, the largest academic medical centre in the western United States, has become the first basic and clinical research facility on the Pacific coast to open a Phase III clinical trial of targeted radiation for patients with intestinal carcinoid cancer that has spread beyond the intestine.

The opening of the Phase III trial is seen as a significant move to provide highly specialised medical care for patients seeking both diagnosis and treatment for their specific disease ('theragnosis') but frustrated by the lack of Federal Drug Agency-approved therapies available.

With a five-fold increase in incidences of carcinoid cancer and related neuroendocrine tumours over the last 30 years, making them the second-most-prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, this trial uses a radioactive somatostatin analogue, Lutathera.

Edward M. Wolin, MD, medical oncologist, co-director of the Cedars-Sinai Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumour Program, commented: “If successful, the investigational therapy works much like a molecular cruise missile paired with a nuclear warhead, seeking out only cancerous cells and nuking them. It is our hope that this new investigational therapy, as well as other highly targeted radiotherapies, will effectively treat not only carcinoid tumours, but other types of cancers.”

Patients enrolled in the clinical trial will be randomised to receive either Lutathera or another high-dose, nonradioactive hormone to determine which therapy is most effective.

Wolin added: "This clinical trial is one of many investigational therapies available at Cedars-Sinai, and it is an example of our innovation and dedication to providing the most effective, current and least toxic treatments to our patients."

Source: EurekAlert