GF-15 May Prevent Myeloma Growth By Disrupting Cell Division – Results from a recent German preclinical study show that the compound GF–15 disrupts the division of myeloma cells and triggers their death. Specifically, GF–15 kills myeloma cells by preventing centrosomal clustering, a technique used by cancerous cells to divide correctly. The German researchers found that GF-15 was effective in 30 percent of bone marrow samples from relapsed myeloma patients. They also found that GF–15, in combination with melphalan (Alkeran), was significantly less toxic in mice than a GF-15 plus Velcade (bortezomib). The researchers conclude that their findings support further development of the drug in clinical trials. For more information, please see the study in Cancer Research (abstract).

Linsitinib May Help Overcome Velcade Resistance In Multiple Myeloma – A recent preclinical study found that the investigational treatment linsitinib (ASP7487, OSI-906), which is being developed Japanese pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma, may help overcome Velcade resistance in multiple myeloma. Linsitinib is a protein that triggers cancer cell death by inhibiting insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is found on the surface of human cells and has been linked to Velcade-resistance. Specifically, the researchers found that linsitinib acted synergistically with Velcade and killed 47 percent of Velcade-resistant myeloma cells. The investigators believe their findings provide a rationale for studying linsitinib together with Velcade in clinical trials. A Phase 1/2 trial of linsitinib in combination with Velcade and dexamethasone in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma patients is starting at the University Health Network of Toronto (see related Beacon news). For more information, please see the study in the journal Blood (abstract).

Patrys To Start Phase 1/2 Trial Of PAT-SM6 In Relapsed/Refractory Myeloma – The Australian biopharmaceutical company Patrys announced last week that it will be starting a Phase 1/2 trial of its investigational drug PAT-SM6 in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma patients in Germany. PAT-SM6 is a human antibody that has shown promising activity in preclinical studies in a variety of cancers, including melanoma, breast, colon and pancreatic cancer as well as multiple myeloma. The trial will start at the University Hospital of Wuerzbug, lead by myeloma expert Professor Herman Einsele. For more information, please the Patrys press release.