Synta Pharmaceuticals has reported interim results from its IIb/III ganetespib assessment in lung cancer with docetaxel (Galaxy) trial.
Ganetespib is a potent inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a molecular chaperone which is required for the proper folding and activation of many cancer-promoting proteins.
The randomised trial is designed to compare the combination of Ganetespib and docetaxel versus docetaxel alone in patients with stage IIIb/IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have received one prior systemic therapy.
Preclinical experiments conducted on Ganetespib have shown the inhibition effect as a single agent and also in combination with other drugs in multiple tumor models.
In addition to NSCLC treatment, the company has conducted various clinical trials including the Chiara Phase II trial demonstrating ganetespib monotherapy in ALK+ NSCLC and the Enchant Phase II trial evaluating ganetespib as first-line treatment for HER2+ and triple-negative metastatic breast cancer.
The company is also evaluating Ganetespib in its investigator-sponsored trials for the treatment of lung, breast, prostate, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, ocular melanoma, acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma cancers.
The interim results of the Galaxy trial will be presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress, scheduled to be held between 28 September to 2 October 2012 in Vienna, Austria, according to the company.
