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Ficlatuzumab

Ficlatuzumab is an investigational drug being studied in clinical trials for various types of cancer. This monoclonal antibody targets hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met, which are involved in cancer growth and spread. Researchers are evaluating ficlatuzumab alone and in combination with other treatments to determine its safety and effectiveness for cancers like head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and pancreatic cancer.

Table of Contents

What is Ficlatuzumab?

Ficlatuzumab is an investigational drug being studied for the treatment of various types of cancer. It is a type of medication known as a monoclonal antibody, which is a laboratory-made protein designed to target specific cells in the body[1]. Ficlatuzumab is also known by other names, including AV-299 and SCH 900105[2].

How Does Ficlatuzumab Work?

Ficlatuzumab works by targeting a protein called hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). HGF is involved in cell growth and survival, and it can sometimes contribute to the growth of cancer cells. By blocking HGF, ficlatuzumab aims to slow down or stop the growth of cancer[3].

More specifically, ficlatuzumab is a humanized anti-HGF monoclonal antibody. This means it’s designed to be similar to human antibodies, which helps reduce the chances of the body rejecting it. By inhibiting HGF, ficlatuzumab may help prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading[4].

Cancers Treated with Ficlatuzumab

Ficlatuzumab is being studied for the treatment of several types of cancer, including:

  • Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC): A type of cancer that starts in the cells lining the mouth, nose, and throat[3].
  • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type of lung cancer[5].
  • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow[6].
  • Pancreatic Cancer: A cancer that develops in the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach[1].
  • Ovarian Cancer: Specifically, a rare type called Mullerian Mixed Tumor of Ovary[2].

Ficlatuzumab in Clinical Trials

Ficlatuzumab is currently being tested in various clinical trials to determine its safety and effectiveness. These trials are investigating ficlatuzumab both alone and in combination with other cancer treatments. Some notable studies include:

  • A study combining ficlatuzumab with erlotinib (another cancer drug) for treating lung cancer[5].
  • A trial testing ficlatuzumab with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel for pancreatic cancer[1].
  • Research on ficlatuzumab with cetuximab for head and neck cancer[3].
  • A study using ficlatuzumab with cisplatin and radiation therapy for head and neck cancer[4].

Administration and Dosage

Ficlatuzumab is typically administered intravenously (through a vein) in a hospital or clinic setting. The dosage and frequency can vary depending on the specific trial and the type of cancer being treated. For example:

  • In some studies, it’s given every two weeks[2].
  • The dose may range from 10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, depending on the trial[6].
  • The infusion usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes[4].

Potential Side Effects

As ficlatuzumab is still in clinical trials, all of its potential side effects are not yet fully known. Researchers are closely monitoring patients for any adverse reactions. Common side effects observed in cancer treatments may include fatigue, nausea, and changes in blood cell counts. It’s important to report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider if you’re participating in a clinical trial[7].

Future Prospects

The ongoing clinical trials will help determine ficlatuzumab’s effectiveness and safety profile. If successful, it could potentially offer a new treatment option for patients with various types of cancer, especially those who haven’t responded well to other treatments. However, it’s important to remember that as an investigational drug, ficlatuzumab is not yet approved for general use outside of clinical trials[3][7].

Aspect Details
Drug Name Ficlatuzumab (also known as AV-299, SCH 900105)
Drug Type Humanized anti-hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) monoclonal antibody
Mechanism of Action Targets HGF and its receptor c-Met, inhibiting cancer growth and spread
Administration Intravenous infusion, typically every 2 weeks
Cancer Types Studied Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, Non-small cell lung cancer, Acute myeloid leukemia, Pancreatic cancer
Combination Therapies Studied with cetuximab, erlotinib, cisplatin, gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, and radiotherapy
Key Outcomes Measured Safety, tolerability, maximum tolerated dose, progression-free survival, overall survival, response rate
Biomarker Studies Evaluating HGF and c-Met expression, mutations in PIK3CA, PTEN, and HRAS, immune cell phenotypes

FAQ

  • What is ficlatuzumab? Ficlatuzumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody that targets hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met. It is being studied as a potential treatment for various types of cancer.
  • What types of cancer is ficlatuzumab being studied for? Clinical trials are evaluating ficlatuzumab for cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and pancreatic cancer.
  • How is ficlatuzumab administered? Ficlatuzumab is typically administered intravenously (through an IV) every 2 weeks. The exact dosage and schedule may vary depending on the specific clinical trial.
  • What are some of the potential side effects of ficlatuzumab? As ficlatuzumab is still being studied, all potential side effects are not yet known. Clinical trials are evaluating its safety profile and monitoring for adverse events. Patients should discuss potential risks with their doctor.
  • How can I find out if I'm eligible for a ficlatuzumab clinical trial? Eligibility criteria vary for each clinical trial. You can search for ficlatuzumab trials on clinicaltrials.gov and discuss options with your oncologist to determine if you may be eligible to participate in a study.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Ficlatuzumab

  • Study on the Effects of Ficlatuzumab and Cetuximab for Adults with Recurrent or Metastatic HPV-Negative Head and Neck Cancer

    Recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium Bulgaria Czechia France Germany Hungary +5

Glossary

  • Monoclonal antibody: A type of protein made in the laboratory that can bind to substances in the body, including cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies are used to treat some types of cancer.
  • Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF): A protein involved in cell growth, movement, and survival. HGF and its receptor c-Met are often overactive in cancer cells.
  • c-Met: A receptor protein found on the surface of cells that binds to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). When activated, c-Met can promote cancer growth and spread.
  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC): A type of cancer that begins in the squamous cells lining the mouth, nose, and throat.
  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A group of lung cancers that are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look under a microscope. It is the most common type of lung cancer.
  • Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): A type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow (the soft inner part of certain bones, where new blood cells are made).
  • Pancreatic cancer: A cancer that forms in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach.
  • Clinical trial: A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease.
  • Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT): Side effects of a drug or other treatment that are serious enough to prevent an increase in dose or level of that treatment.
  • Progression-free survival (PFS): The length of time during and after treatment that a patient lives with the disease but it does not get worse.
  • Overall survival (OS): The length of time from either the date of diagnosis or the start of treatment for a disease that patients are still alive.
  • Response rate: The percentage of patients whose cancer shrinks or disappears after treatment.
  • Biomarker: A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease.
  • Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT): A type of 3-dimensional radiation therapy that uses computer-generated images to show the size and shape of the tumor. Thin beams of radiation of different intensities are aimed at the tumor from many angles.

References

  1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03316599
  2. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02090127
  3. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02277197
  4. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02277184
  5. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02318368
  6. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02109627
  7. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03422536