Positive results for Specialised Therapeutics Australia in lung cancer trial

Victorian based Specialised Therapeutics Australia has already seen success with its nanoparticle chemotherapy treatment for metastatic breast cancer, Abraxane.

Now a phase III trial has shown that Abraxane combination with carboplatin, a chemotherapy drug, is effective against advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Researchers found those patients treated with Abraxane and carboplatin demonstrated a significant improvement in overall tumour response rate compared with patients treated with a standard chemotherapy formulation containing TAXOL and carboplatin.

The study was held in multiple locations around the world, with Professor Michael Boyer of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, the lead investigator. The study involved over 1,000 patients worldwide.

The study results have been submitted for presentation at the pcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology ASCO meeting.

CEO and founder of Specialised Therapeutics Australia Mr Carlo Montagner anticipates filing with the Therapeutic Goods Administration in 2011 for lung cancer.

Abraxane, which is on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia and is approved for use in the United States for the treatment of breast cancer, is also being studied for its effects against malignant melanoma and metastatic pancreatic cancer.