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Suramin in advanced platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
E Reed1, M R Cooper, R V LaRocca
1Medicine Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Abstract:
10 patients with ovarian cancer, whose disease had progressed while receiving platinum-based therapy, were entered onto a phase II clinical trial of the antiproliferative agent suramin. Suramin was administered in a fashion that is associated with durable objective disease response in patients with hormonally resistant metastatic prostate cancer. No individual had an objective response to therapy in this study, but 3 of 9 evaluable patients (33%) experienced disease stabilisation and subjective clinical improvement for periods ranging from 2 to 5 months. Disease stabilisation was associated with prolonged periods of comparatively high plasma levels of drug, which appeared to be determined primarily by reduced drug clearance. We conclude that suramin has potential activity in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, and we have initiated a second clinical trial using pharmacological information derived from this study.
Insights
Suramin shows potential in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. While no complete responses occurred, 33% of patients had disease stabilization and clinical improvement, suggesting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer often develops resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy.
- Alternative treatment strategies are needed for patients with refractory disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of suramin in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
- To explore the pharmacokinetic profile of suramin in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A phase II clinical trial was conducted involving 10 patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
- Patients received suramin, an antiproliferative agent, at doses and schedules previously shown effective in prostate cancer.
- Disease response was assessed using objective criteria, and pharmacokinetic parameters were monitored.
Main Results:
- No objective responses were observed in any patient.
- However, 3 of 9 evaluable patients (33%) achieved disease stabilization with subjective clinical improvement.
- Stabilization correlated with sustained high plasma drug levels, likely due to reduced drug clearance.
Conclusions:
- Suramin demonstrates potential activity in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
- Pharmacokinetic data suggest that optimizing drug clearance may enhance efficacy.
- A second clinical trial is underway to further investigate suramin's role in this indication.