Ganitumab for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 15 - 20% of all lung cancer cases with few advances made in the systemic treatment and outcomes for extensive-stage SCLC. Many strategies have been evaluated over the past 15 years but none of these approaches has resulted in improved survival rates for patients with SCLC. The IGF receptor (IGF-R) pathway represents a potential actionable target in SCLC patients. Indeed, the IGF-R pathway is involved in cancer development and progression and regulates different vital processes including fetal development, growth and metabolism.

AREAS COVERED:

This review provides an overview of insulin inhibitors and the strategies undertaken in recent years with SCLC. Specifically, the article discusses ganitumab and its applicability to SCLC patients.

EXPERT OPINION:

At present, there is a lack of therapeutic choices for patients with advanced SCLC. Unfortunately, ganitumab, administered in combination with chemotherapy, demonstrated no clinical activity in patients with SCLC, although it could have utility with other cancers. Furthermore, insulin inhibitors may have some utility in the treatment of SCLC and further studies are required to identify subsets of patients most likely to benefit from their use. The authors also believe that it is important to determine the exact role of the IGF pathway in the pathogenesis and propagation of SCLC.

• Authors: Pablo Martínez, Paula Alexandra Sales Fidalgo, Enriqueta Felip
• Journal: Expert opinion on investigational drugs (Expert Opin Investig Drugs) Vol. 23 Issue 10 Pg. 1423-32 (Oct 2014) ISSN: 1744-7658 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25189625 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antineoplastic Agents
• ganitumab
• Receptor, IGF Type 1

Topics

• Animals
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Disease Progression
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)
• Neoplasm Staging
• Receptor, IGF Type 1 (metabolism)
• Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (drug therapy, pathology)