Compounds Exhibit Synergistic Activity with Herceptin and Taxotere.(breast cancer )

2001 JAN 11 - (NewsRx.com) -- New research reported December 8, 2000, at the annual San Antonio Breast Cancer meeting showed that exisulind (Aptosyn[TM]) and CP461 inhibit cell growth and trigger apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines, including cells lacking HER-2/neu or estrogen receptors.

The data were presented by Drs. Li Liu and W. Joseph Thompson from Cell Pathways and their collaborators, Drs. Mark Pegram and Dennis Slamon at the University of California, Los Angeles, Jonsson Cancer Center

The researchers also reported that in breast cancer lines that overexpress HER-2/neu or estrogen receptors, exisulind and CP461 each demonstrate synergistic anticancer activity in combination with Herceptin[R] and Taxotere[R].

"Herceptin and Taxotere have been shown to be effective in treating some breast cancers," said Mark Pegram, MD, assistant professor, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. "In particular, Herceptin, which targets HER-2/neu receptors, has been effective in tumors where these receptors are overexpressed. We know that not all breast cancers express the HER-2/neu receptor or respond to Taxotere.

"The research presented suggests that exisulind and CP461 may have potential for development as treatments for breast cancers unresponsive to Herceptin and Taxotere," he continued. "It also suggests that combining exisulind or CP461 with either of these drugs may provide greater anticancer benefit than can be achieved by Herceptin or Taxotere alone."

"Based on ...