Synta Announces Launch of GANNET53, a Randomized, pan-European Study of Ganetespib in p53 Mutant, Metastatic Ovarian Cancer
Study sponsored by
Approximately 70% of advanced ovarian cancers are characterized as Type II tumors, which exhibit mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene and are associated with particularly aggressive, rapid disease progression. Preclinical models have shown that mutant p53 is critical to the growth and proliferation of these cancers. Many mutations render p53 unable to fold appropriately, leaving the protein highly dependent on Hsp90 for stability. Inhibition of Hsp90 destroys the complex between Hsp90 and mutant p53, leading to the degradation of the protein and cancer cell death. This anti-cancer activity is substantially stronger in cells with mutant p53 than in cells with non-mutated p53, suggesting potential as a predictive biomarker for Hsp90 inhibitors such as ganetespib.
Hsp90 inhibition has also been shown to sensitize mutant p53 cancer cells to treatment with chemotherapies, as has been seen in preclinical studies evaluating ganetespib in other tumor types, supporting the planned trial design evaluating the combination of ganetespib and paclitaxel vs. paclitaxel alone.
“There is a pressing need for more effective, innovative treatment
strategies to improve survival in this group of epithelial ovarian
cancer patients,” said Professor
“The selection of ganetespib for the GANNET53 program and the
Additional information on the ovarian cancer scientific findings and the GANNET53 program are available at www.gannet53.eu and at www.clinicaltrials.gov. Additional information on the combination of ganetespib and taxanes is available at www.syntapharma.com.
Synta has established over 100 academic, preclinical collaborations investigating the science and potential applications of ganetespib. Over two dozen clinical trials sponsored by investigators, cooperative groups, or patient foundations are ongoing or planned for 2014.
About Ovarian Cancer
Each year, approximately 230,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are
diagnosed worldwide. Ovarian cancer is the most deadly of the
gynecologic cancers, causing approximately 140,000 deaths worldwide each
year, including 41,900 deaths in
About GANNET53
GANNET53 (Ganetespib in metastatic, p53 mutant, platinum-resistant
ovarian cancer) is a Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7)
project sponsored by the
About Ganetespib
Ganetespib, an investigational drug candidate, is a selective inhibitor
of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a molecular chaperone which controls
the folding and activation of a number of client proteins that drive
tumor development and progression. Many solid and hematologic tumors are
dependent on Hsp90 client proteins including proteins involved in
“oncogene addiction” (ALK, HER2, mutant BRAF and EGFR, androgen
receptor, estrogen receptor, and JAK2); proteins involved in resistance
to chemotherapy and radiation therapy (ATR, BCL2, BRCA1/2, CDK1/4, CHK1,
survivin, and WEE1); proteins involved in angiogenesis (HIF-1alpha,
VEGFR, PDFGR, and VEGF); and proteins involved in metastasis (MET, RAF,
AKT, MMPs, HIF-1alpha, and IGF-1R). In preclinical models, inhibition of
Hsp90 by ganetespib results in the inactivation, destabilization, and
eventual degradation of these cancer-promoting proteins. Ganetespib is
being evaluated in trials in lung cancer, breast cancer, and other tumor
types. The most common adverse event seen to date has been transient,
mild or moderate diarrhea, which has been manageable with standard
supportive care. Information on these trials can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Ganetespib has received Fast Track designation from
About
Safe Harbor Statement
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Source:
Investors:
Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp.
Mindy Kohl,
781-541-7213
[email protected]
or
Argot
Partners
Andrea Rabney, 212-600-1494
[email protected]
or
Media:
Argot
Partners
Eliza Schleifstein, 917-763-8106
[email protected]