Advexin p53 Therapy Plus RT Shows Lung Tumor Regression

HOUSTON—Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. has published data from its phase II study combining Advexin, an adenoviral vector containing the p53 tumor-suppressor gene, with radiation therapy in patients with nonmetastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (Clinical Cancer Research, January 2003). The patients were ineligible to receive surgery or combination therapy with radiation and chemotherapy.

Advexin was delivered via injection into the tumor. Three months after treatment, biopsies showed no viable tumor cells in 63% of patients. Radiographic assessment of the primary tumor likewise showed that 63% of patients had a major response. The study was conducted at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center with Stephen Swisher, MD, as principal investigator.