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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Adaptation of Semiautomated Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) Assays for Clinical and Preclinical Research Applications
Published on: February 28, 2014
American Association for Cancer Research 1999: 10-14 April, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1Rhône-Poulenc Rorer, Centre de Recherche de Vitry-Alfortville, 94403 Vitry -sur-Seine Cedex, France.
Abstract:
No genuinely new targets or drugs were disclosed; instead, data about known therapeutic approaches and compounds were consolidated. The results of Phase I clinical trials were presented for the two farnesyl transferase inhibitors R 115777 and L 778,123. These results will certainly contribute to the debate concerning the best way to use signal transduction inhibitors in clinic. It will take many years to appreciate fully the clinical potential of such compounds. Many preclinical presentations were given on the subject of new tyrosine protein kinases inhibitors for the treatment of angiogenesis, with the target kinases being the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) family, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R). Inhibitors with convincing in vivo antitumour activity belong exclusively to three chemical series, quinazolines, indolinones and pyrido-pyrimidines. Among these series, the principal new compounds are ZD 1490, PD 183805, PD 166285, SU 6668 and GW 5181. Several new topoisomerases inhibitors (camptothecin derivatives: BNP 1350, BN-80915; epipodophyllotoxin derivative: F-11782) and new anitmitotic agents (taxoid: IDN -5109; D-24851) were also discussed.
Insights
This research consolidates data on known cancer therapies, including farnesyl transferase inhibitors and novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting angiogenesis. Clinical potential of these signal transduction inhibitors requires further long-term evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Consolidation of data on known therapeutic approaches and compounds.
- Focus on signal transduction inhibitors for cancer treatment.
- Evaluation of farnesyl transferase inhibitors and tyrosine protein kinases inhibitors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present Phase I clinical trial results for farnesyl transferase inhibitors.
- To discuss preclinical data on new tyrosine protein kinases inhibitors targeting angiogenesis.
- To explore novel topoisomerase and antimitotic agents.
Main Methods:
- Phase I clinical trials of farnesyl transferase inhibitors (R 115777, L 778,123).
- Preclinical evaluation of tyrosine protein kinases inhibitors (EGF-R, CDKs, VEGF-R).
- Assessment of quinazoline, indolinone, and pyrido-pyrimidine chemical series.
Main Results:
- Phase I results for R 115777 and L 778,123 presented.
- Convincing in vivo antitumour activity observed for quinazolines, indolinones, and pyrido-pyrimidines.
- New compounds ZD 1490, PD 183805, PD 166285, SU 6668, GW 5181 identified.
Conclusions:
- Phase I results contribute to the clinical use debate of signal transduction inhibitors.
- Full clinical potential of these compounds will require years to ascertain.
- Several novel inhibitors show promise for cancer therapy, including angiogenesis and antimitotic agents.
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