• 9/7/2006
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • press release
  • www.tradingmarkets.com

Introgen Therapeutics Inc. announced that in a Phase II study, it’s investigational cancer therapy Advexin when combined with chemotherapy to treat breast cancer showed better results than what would be expected from chemotherapy treatment alone.

In the clinical trial, Advexin was combined with chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before it was surgically removed. In the phase 2 clinical trial, Advexin was locally administered to breast tumors in conjunction with doxorubicin and docetaxel chemotherapy in twelve patients who subsequently underwent surgery to remove residual tumor.

Over 50% reduction in tumor size was seen in patients treated with ADVEXIN and chemotherapy. Complete tumor removal by subsequent surgery was achieved in all the patients.

At a median follow-up of 37 months, the estimate breast cancer-specific survival rate at 3 years was 84%.

Advexin, indicated for treating head and neck cancer was granted Fast Track designation status by the FDA in September 2003. Each year about 40,000 Americans are affected with head and neck cancer. The activation of a local immune response at the site of the tumor was observed in patients treated with Advexin and chemotherapy. The company said that the novel finding suggests that Advexin may also work through additional immune mechanisms of action to eradicate tumor cells.