Under Investigation: Using Bacteria and Scorpion Venom to Fight Deadly Brain Tumors
ST. LOUIS -- Can bacteria or scorpions help to obliterate brain tumors? Saint Louis University researchers are set to find out.
In two clinical trials beginning this spring, researchers will test whether modified strains of common bacteria can destroy high-grade gliomas, a type of particularly invasive brain cancer. In a third protocol, they also will test a synthetic version of scorpion venom on glioma.
Saint Louis University is the only site in the country to host all three clinical trials, which share a novel delivery system that enables highly potent toxins to be infused directly into brain tumors.
“Malignant gliomas cannot be wholly eradicated through surgery or other currently available therapies,” said Richard Bucholz, M.D., professor of surgery at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the lead investigator for each of the trials at SLU. “A safe, effective treatment for malignant gliomas has the potential to increase the life expectancy of thousands of Americans suffering from this terrible disease.”
While each of the drugs was developed by a different pharmaceutical company, all three will be administered using a similar technique made possible by a computer-aided surgical device that Bucholz invented. Called the StealthStation, the device uses multiple CT scan and MRI images to create a three-dimensional computer model that allows surgeons to place catheters inside the brain with pinpoint accuracy.
Currently, glioma patients receive chemotherapy either orally, intravenously or through a wafer that is placed in the brain and left there to dissolve. The new investigational drugs will be delivered through one or more catheters inserted at the perimeter or center of a tumor site—placements that are made possible only because of the StealthStation. Hopefully the positioning will allow the drug to reach as many cancerous cells as possible while leaving most healthy cells unaffected.
“The StealthStation allows us to precisely deliver a very powerful drug directly into infiltrated tissue while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue,” Dr. Bucholz said. “We hope this more precise method of delivery, combined with more effective drugs, will produce better patient outcomes.”
Brain cancers are among the most difficult and expensive cancers to treat. Of the 36,000 primary brain tumors reported each year in the U.S., more than 17,000 are high-grade gliomas. About half of the patients die within the first year, according to the American Cancer Society.
In all three protocols, patients will undergo multiple infusions of an investigational drug to determine the most effective dosage. The three protocols are as follows:
- The TransMIDTM trial is a Phase III, 30-center study that will test a modified form of diptheria toxin. The drug was developed by Xenova (previously KS Biomedics), a UK-based biopharmaceutical company. Patients must have glioblastoma multiforme that cannot be removed through surgery. Saint Louis University will evaluate as many as 6 of 323 patients worldwide.
- The PRECISE trial is a Phase III, 50-center trial that will test a modified version of Pseudomonas exotoxin. The drug was developed by NeoPharm, a U.S. company. Patients must have recurrent glioblastoma multiforme with tumors that can be largely removed through surgery. Saint Louis University will evaluate as many as 10 of 270 patients worldwide.
- The 131I-TM-601 trial is a Phase II, 10-center study that will test a synthetic version of chlorotoxin, a substance found in scorpion venom, combined with radioactive iodide. The drug was developed by Transmolecular Inc., a U.S. company. Patients must have a high-grade glioma that can be largely removed through surgery. Saint Louis University will evaluate as many as 6 of 66 patients nationwide.
Patients in the Midwest who are interested in enrolling in one of these trials should call 314.977.4440 or 866. 977.4440.
Established in 1836, Saint Louis University School of Medicine has the distinction of awarding the first M.D. degree west of the Mississippi River. Saint Louis University School of Medicine is a pioneer in geriatric medicine, organ transplantation, chronic disease prevention, cardiovascular disease, neurosciences and vaccine research, among others. The School of Medicine trains physicians and biomedical scientists, conducts medical research, and provides health services on a local, national and international level.
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