CYT997
CYT997 is a novel anti-cancer Vascular Disrupting Agent (VDA) in Phase II clinical development for the treatment of a variety of tumors. In contrast to most other VDAs, CYT997 may be administered both intravenously and orally, the latter allowing patients to be dosed more frequently and more conveniently by mouth.
Following a period of preclinical development, the first Phase I study of intravenously administered CYT997 successfully concluded in late 2007. Seven of the 31 end-stage cancer patients enrolled in this study achieved stable disease for a period between 4 and 5 months. Two patients with symptomatic progressive disease were stabilized for between 5 and 6 months. An analysis of measures of vascular damage indicated that CYT997 disrupts the tumor vasculature leading to decreased tumor blood flow in a number of patients. These findings were presented at the ASCO annual meetings in 2008 and 2009 (view abstracts).
CYT997 was developed by Australian biotech company, Cytopia Research Pty Ltd, and is now part of the YM BioSciences development program.
Anti-cancer vascular disrupting agent
CYT997 possesses potent vascular disrupting properties against tumor blood vessels. Studies in several cancer models have demonstrated that the compound ablates the blood vessels which serve growing tumors whilst sparing normal, healthy blood vessels. By attacking tumor vessels, the compound can lead to tumor blood flow arrest, starvation of rapidly dividing tumor cells and tumor death. The compound also directly affects tumor cell replication via its inhibition of the cellular structural protein, tubulin.
Clinical trials with CYT997
CYT997 is being evaluated in a Phase II clinical study in glioma. A multiple myeloma study is currently on hold. Several Phase I dose-escalation studies in advanced solid tumors, including a study where CYT997 was administered orally, have been completed.
Availability of CYT997
CYT997 is available through participation in ongoing clinical trials.