On March 9, 2021 Race Oncology Limited (ASX: RAC) reported the final results of our collaborative preclinical research program with the eminent cancer researcher, Associate Professor Nikki Verrills of The University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute (Press release, Race Oncology, MAR 9, 2021, View Source [SID1234576285]).
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The aim of this research program was to identify combinations of existing breast cancer drugs which when paired with Bisantrene show equivalent or better efficacy to existing treatment options, but with reduced side effects. Activity of Bisantrene alone against a range of breast cancer genetic subtypes, including those resistant to standard of care drug treatments, was also explored.
The interim results demonstrated that Bisantrene was an effective chemotherapeutic agent across a wide range of genetically distinct breast cancer subtypes (ASX announcement: 24 Nov 2020). Bisantrene was able to kill some cancer subtypes that were resistant to the currently used anthracyclines doxorubicin and epirubicin. Importantly, Bisantrene showed near identical additive benefit when used in combination with cyclophosphamide to that seen with either doxorubicin or epirubicin.
Final results showed Bisantrene to be an effective chemotherapeutic agent across a diverse panel of genetically defined breast cancer subtypes and to also kill breast cancer cells resistant to a wide range of breast cancer treatment drugs.
Race’s CSO Dr Daniel Tillett commented "The final results from Nikki’s team highlights Bisantrene’s potential use in breast cancers resistant to current treatments. Not only does Bisantrene offer a potentially safer alternative to existing chemotherapeutic drugs, it may also help patients who have exhausted other treatment options."
Race’s CEO Mr Phillip Lynch added, "This new research underscores our confidence in moving Bisantrene into Phase II breast cancer trials and continues to build on the body of evidence we have supporting Bisantrene’s broader applications. Our aim here is to bring a valuable new treatment forward for the management of breast cancer."