Summary of Invention
Protein kinase C (PKC) plays a role in carcinogenesis, tumor cell metastasis, and cell apoptosis. Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering have discovered that specific inhibitors of PKC, in combination with cytotoxic agents, may prove useful in cancer therapy by potentiating apoptosis in tumor cells.
Based on promising in vitro and in vivo studies, two Phase I clinical trials of paclitaxel and PKC inhibitor therapy (using either flavopiridol or bryostatin) are ongoing at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in patients with various solid tumors. Notably, the combination therapies are especially active against esophageal and prostate cancers.
Through the studies, MSKCC scientists have discovered that the specific order and dosage of the PKC inhibitors and the chemotherapeutic agent are essential for clinical enhancement of tumor cell apoptosis. Based on their successes, the researchers have designed a screen for new PKC inhibitors that may prove useful in potentiating apoptosis in tumor cells and in identifying the proper sequence of administration of drugs.
Advantages
- Potentially large market for various solid tumors.
- The combination therapy has been shown to be superior to chemotherapeutic single agents in inducing apoptosis in several tumor cell lines with a variety of PKC inhibitors.
- Patients who have failed to respond to Flavo and Taxol as single agents have responded to combination therapy.
Areas of Application
Screening and therapeutic tool.
Stage of Development
Clinical studies in progress (e.g., flavopiridol plus paclitaxel combination study).
Lead Inventor
Dr. Gary K. Schwartz
Patent Information
- US patents 5,821,072 and 6,444,638. Other US applications filed.
- PCT application published as WO 97/30174.
- Patent prosecution ongoing in Europe and in Canada.
Licensing strategy
Field of use.
Contact Information
Imke Ehlers, PhD
Tel: 212-639-6181, Fax: 212-717-3439
E-mail: ehlersi@mskcc.org
