Edrecolomab

Edrecolomab (MAb17-1A, Panorex^®) is a chimeric mouse/human monoclonal antibody to the cell-surface glycoprotein 17-1A, which is expressed on epithelial tissues and on various carcinomas.

Preliminary studies had shown promise of a possible use in patients with stage III colorectal carcinoma (with metastasis to the lymph nodes).Riethmüller G, Schneider-Gädicke E, Schlimok G "et al". Randomised trial of monoclonal antibody for adjuvant therapy of resected Dukes' C colorectal carcinoma. German Cancer Aid 17-1A Study Group. "Lancet". 1994;343(8907):1177-83. PMID 7909866] Fields AL, Keller AM, Schwartzberg L "et al". Edrecolomab (17-1A antibody) in combination with 5-fluorouracil based chemotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer: results of a randomised North American phase III study (abstract). "Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol". 2002;21:128a.] However, when put to a phase III study (2,761 patients) it did not provide any benefit when compared to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. [Punt CJ, Nagy A, Douillard JY "et al". Edrecolomab alone or in combination with fluorouracil and folinic acid in the adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer: a randomised study. "Lancet". 2002;360(9334):671-7. PMID 12241873] No effect has been demonstrated for stage II (locally advanced cancer without spread to the lymph nodes) colon cancer.Colacchio TA, Niedzwicki D, Compton C, "et al". Phase III trial of adjuvant immunotherapy with MoAb 17-1A following resection for stage II adenocarcinoma of the colon (CALGB 9581). "Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol". 2004;23:251a.]

It is important to mention that edrecolomab was well tolerated and as such research has now concentrated on whether it can be of any use in other forms of cancer.

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