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EC145: a novel targeted agent for adenocarcinoma of the lung

Pamela Pribble1, Martin J Edelman

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|April 3, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

EC145, a novel folate receptor-targeted anticancer drug, shows promise for ovarian and lung cancers. Its companion diagnostic, EC20, aids patient selection, potentially accelerating development and improving treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Radiopharmaceuticals

Background:

  • Folate receptor (FR) is overexpressed in several major malignancies, including lung and ovarian cancers.
  • EC145 is a novel anticancer agent developed as a folate receptor-targeted vinca alkaloid conjugate.
  • A companion diagnostic, EC20, enables non-invasive assessment of functionally active FR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the rationale for targeting the folate receptor in cancer therapy.
  • To discuss the pharmacology of EC145 and its preclinical and clinical results.
  • To evaluate the utility of the EC20 companion diagnostic for patient selection.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on folate receptor-targeted therapies.
  • Analysis of preclinical and clinical data for EC145 and related compounds.
  • Discussion of the role of EC20 in identifying patients likely to benefit from EC145.

Main Results:

  • EC145 represents a first-in-class agent targeting the folate receptor.
  • Preliminary trial reports indicate therapeutic benefit in ovarian cancer.
  • The companion diagnostic EC20 may facilitate patient population enrichment and drug development.

Conclusions:

  • EC145 demonstrates potential as a novel anticancer therapeutic.
  • EC20 companion diagnostic could accelerate drug development by enabling patient stratification.
  • EC145 may offer significant therapeutic utility in lung cancer and other FR-overexpressing malignancies.

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