New Drugs and New Therapies Currently in use or in Clinical Trials that may be used for Ewing's Sarcoma and other Pediatric Cancer Metastasis or Relapse:

Alon Sugarman During Chemotherapy       Click Here to Donate Now...Your Contribution Can Help.    

This site maintained by Barry Sugarman, B.S.ENGR.
Father of Alon Sugarman, Diagnosed March 6, 1998
with Ewing's Sarcoma of the Distal Femur.
E-Mail to: barry@cureourchildren.org

** Warning: These drugs should be discussed with your primary physician and an oncologist prior to use.  These drugs are only available upon prescription of a licensed medical doctor.  These drugs are for those patients who have already completed the standard drug regimen for Ewing's Sarcoma and have had a reoccurrence of the disease, or those who are participating in a clinical study, or those who are otherwise requested to do so by their treating physician or oncologist.  The standard drug regimen products are listed at the bottom of our home page. The standard drug regimen has been tested in large, long term clinical trials, and is the most effective proven regimen known at this time.  The information herein does not constitute a medical opinion. **

Treatment Rating System:

Category 1: Front Line, First Choice Treatments for Ewing's Relapse.  Substantial Scientific Evidence of Safety and Efficacy.  All drugs are FDA approved.  These regimens known to be in used as a first choice treatment plan in relapse by reputable oncologists.
Category 2: Substantial Scientific Evidence of Safety of the individual drugs in the regimen or of the individual or combination of drugs in adults.  These regimens are also known to be in use by reputable oncologists when other first choice therapies have failed.  These are primarily New Regimens and Combinations of Traditional Chemotherapy with New Agents for Treatment of Ewing's Relapse.
Category 3: Some evidence of safety and efficacy, but still in clinical trials, and known to be in use by reputable oncologists. Not currently approved by the FDA yet.
Category 4: No proven evidence of safety or efficacy in humans currently, in Phase I clinical trials.
Category 5: Developmental and highly speculative or theoretical.

General Reference Links:

American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) Pediatric Solid Tumor Abstracts 2002, Phone: 703-299-0150, Fax: 703-299-1044

American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) Pediatric Solid Tumor Abstracts 2001, Phone: 703-299-0150, Fax 703-299-1044

American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) Abstracts 2001, Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma, Phone: 703-299-0150, Fax: 703-299-1044

American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) /Search Abstracts for all 1995 to present/, Phone: 703-299-0150, Fax: 703-299-1044

European Society of Medical Oncology Abstracts, Lugano, Switzerland, Phone: 011-41-91-973-1900, Fax 011-41-91-973-1902

Biospace Drugs in Clinical Development Search Engine, Phone: 888-BIOSPACE or 415-355-6500

Category 1: Front Line, First Choice Treatments for Ewing's Relapse.  Substantial Scientific Evidence of Safety and Efficacy.  All drugs are FDA approved.  These regimens known to be in used as a first choice treatment plan in relapse by reputable oncologists:

2/24/2001--Ifosfamide, Etoposide, Carboplatin (ICE) or Ifosfamide, Etoposide, or Ifosfamide or Docetaxel or Irinotecan with Vincristine or Topotecan with Cyclophosphamide.  These are the front line, first choice treatments for Ewing's relapse chosen by oncologists most experienced with Ewing's Sarcoma. Once the tumor is under control again, high dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue may be helpful and should be discussed with the oncologist.  Please also see our foundation Stem Cell Transplant Page for more information.  Doctors utilizing these regimens include Dr. James Miser, City of Hope National Medical Center, Phone 800-535-7119, email: jmiser@coh.org, Professor Stuart Siegel, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Phone is 323-669-2205, email:ssiegel@chla.usc.edu and Dr. Doug Hawkins at the University of Washington, Seattle, Phone: 206-526-2106 or (206) 526-2131, email:dhawki@chmc.org  Also, Paul Meyers, M.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Phone: 212-639-5952, Fax: 212-717-3447 Email:meyersp@mskcc.org

ICE Supporting Research: Here are published research abstracts from: ASCO, and Medline.
Topotecan with Cyclophosphamide Supporting Research: Abstracts: ASCO and Medline.

Hycamtin® (generic name Topotecan), Manufactured by Glaxo SmithKline, Phone: 1-888-825-5249 or 1-412-928-1000 with Cytoxan® (generic name Cyclophosphamide) Manufactured by Bristol Meyers Squibb, Phone: 800-321-1335 or 800-468-7746 or 212-546-4000. A Phase II study was conducted by the Pediatric Oncology Group, which merged into the Children's Oncology Group.  The protocol is here.  Title: Cyclophosphamide Plus Topotecan In Children with Recurrent or Refractory Solid Tumors (POG 9464) (HSC 970117)(HSC 990221). Principal Investigator: Sharon B. Murphy, Chair, Ph: 773-880-4562, Pediatric Oncology Group. This trial was able to enroll 91 patients, and the results were favorable; the published results abstract are here. 

Taxotere® (generic name Docetaxel) manufactured by Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Phone: 800-633-1610 or 908-243-6000. Taxotere web site is here. Status: FDA approved in the United States for locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. In use as a single agent for relapsed Ewing's Sarcoma by Dr. Doug Hawkins at the University of Washington, Seattle, Phone: 206-526-2106 or (206) 526-2131, Fax: 206-527-5182, email:dhawki@chmc.org and by Dr. Andrew Pendleton at Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia, Phone 304-691-1300.  The abstract of one Phase I trial of primarily osteosarcoma patients is here.  The complete published journal article is here.  The abstract of another Phase I trial conducted at the National Institute of Health is here.

Camptosar® (generic name Irinotecan [CPT-11]) manufactured by Pharmacia Upjohn Co. Phone: 800-800-323-4204. There is a recently completed Phase I clinical study in children with relapsed solid tumors with good results. The study was conducted at  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and The University of Tennessee also in Memphis. The Study synopsis appears in the Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Volume 17, 1998, No. 721.  The contact at St. Jude is Wayne L. Furman, M.D. Phone 901-495-2403/3577, mailto:wayne.furman@stjude.org
**Professor Stuart Siegel, M.D. at  Children's Hospital of Los Angeles  also reports good preliminary results on patient with relapsed Ewing's Sarcoma. His Phone is 323-669-2205, mailto:ssiegel@chla.usc.edu  Status: FDA approved drug but not for Ewing's Sarcoma.

*Added 12/28/2001*   Cosmegen® (generic Name Dactinomycin) -- Manufactured by Merck & Co., Phone: 1-866-448-7590.  This drug is used in Europe instead of Adriamycin (doxorubicin) in the initial treatment protocol.  This drug may be used as a substitute for doxorubicin for those patients who have reached their doxorubicin limit, or may be used alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents for Ewing's relapse.

Thalmomid® (Thalidomide)--Manufactured by  Celgene Corporation, Phone: 732-271-1001, FAX 732-271-4184, mailto:webmaster@celgene.com, Status: FDA approved drug, but not FDA approved for Ewing's Sarcoma. May be prescribed for any use by a licensed medical doctor.

Category 2 Chemotherapeutic Agents : Substantial Scientific Evidence of Safety of the individual drugs in the regimen or of the individual or combination of drugs in adults.  These regimens are also known to be in use by reputable oncologists when other first choice therapies have failed.  These are primarily New Regimens and Combinations of Traditional Chemotherapy with New Agents for Treatment of Ewing's Relapse:

*New* 7/14/2001--Mitroxantrone (Novantrone®) and Interferon Beta 1B (Betaseron®).  This is reported to be in use for Ewing's relapse at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Phone: 800-392-1611, 713-792-6161 via Dr. Carl Plager, Phone: 713-792-3626, Fax: 713-794-1934.  Both drugs are FDA approved treatments for other conditions.  Mitroxantrone is approved for hormone refractory prostate cancer, acute myleogenous leukemia (AML), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Manufacturer of Novantrone is Angen, Inc., Phone: 805-447-1000 or 805-447-1010.  Manufacturer of Interferon Beta 1B is Berlex Laboratories, Inc., Phone: 888-BERLEX4 or 973-276-2000.

*New* 6/26/2001--Topotecan (Hycamtin®) and Irinotecan (Camptosar®)[Also called: CPT-11].  Phase I Study of the combination in Children with chemotherapy resistant tumors has been conducted and reported by the oncologists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Phone: 901-495-3300 under this protocol.  Manufactures of the drugs are: Glaxo Smith Kline (Hycamtin), Phone: 1-888-825-5249 or Pharmacia and Upjohn (Camptosar), Phone: 1-800-253-8600 x8244.

*Updated 7/1/2001* Gleevec (Imatinib mesylate)  is a novel FDA approved compound approved for use in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).  The results in CML have been excellent in over 90% of the cases and are dramatic.  The drug apparently inhibits several enzymes that are present in some types of tumors including the Bcr-abl enzyme, the CD117 enzyme (C-kit), and PDGRF, Platelet derived growth factor.  Reputable oncologists such as George Demetri, M.D. at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Phone: 617-632-5122, Email:SarcomaDoc@aol.com, and Warren Chow, M.D. at City of Hope National Medical Center, Phone: 800-535-7119 are known to be testing their sarcoma patients for the presence of CD117 (c-kit) enzyme, and if the test is positive, and other chemotherapy has not worked, they are administering this drug.  A further explanation of this is available here.  The manufacturer of the drug is Novartis, Phone: 888-NOW-NOVA.

*New* 6/24/2001--Doxorubicin HCl Liposome (Doxil®).  Phase I Study of Doxorubicin HCl Liposome in Pediatric Patients With Refractory Solid Tumors, Protocol Numbers: NCI-99-C-0039D, LIPO-NCI-99-C-0039, NCI-99-C-0039, Frank Milton Balis, Principal Investigator, Phone: 301-496-0085, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, Frank Milton Balis, Principal Investigator, Ph: 301-496-0085, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, Phone: 1-800-879-2467 or 215-590-1000, Manufacturer is Alza Corporation., Phone: 650-564-5000, Fax: 650-564-7070.   Product Web Site is http://www.doxil.com

*New* 6/24/2001--Trastuzumab (Herceptin®).  Currently FDA approved for metastatic breast cancer where the tumor over expresses the HER-2 or HER-2/neu Protein.  Has the possibility of severe side effects including cardiac toxicity and allergic reaction, see the product insert.  Investigational only for other tumors, but should only be used when the tumor is tested for HER-2 or HER-2/neu Protein over expression.  Manufacturer is: Genentech, Inc., Phone: 650-225-1000, Fax: 650-225-6000.

2/24/2001--Low dose Cyclophosphamide or Vinblastine in combination with Celecoxib (Celebrex®).  Sylvain Baruchel, M.D., Associate Professor & Senior Associate Scientist, Director, New Agents and Innovative Therapy in Oncology, Phone: (416) 813-7795, Fax: (416) 813-5327, E-mail: sylvain.baruchel@sickkids.on.ca at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada.

*Updated 6/29/2001* Thalidomide with Cyclophosphamide, Phase II Study, Protocol numbers NCI-G99-1498, MSKCC-98088, MSKCC-98088A(1). Ira Dunkel, Principal Investigator, Phone: 212-639-2153, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, U.S.A., Phone: 800-525-2225, or 212-639-4900.  The ASCO abstract of this study is here.

Taxotere® (generic name Docetaxel) with Carboplatin, Currently in study in Germany under this protocol. And is under study in Greece under this protocol.  Taxotere is manufactured by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer. Taxotere web site is here.  The results of a German study are here. Free Medscape registration is required to view the article, or you can email the author: Dr. W. Schuette, Department of Internal Medicine II, City Hospital Martha-Maria, Röntgenstrasse 1, D-06120 Halle, Germany. E-mail: wolfgang.schuette@medizin.uni-halle.de  Phone: 011-49-0345-557-4480, Fax: 011-49-0345-557-4484.

*Updated* 11/23/2002--Oxaliplatine (Eloxatin®).  Recently approved in the USA and approved in Europe. Ongoing clinical trials here in the United States for numerous malignancies including solid tumors.  This compound is in the same class as carboplatin and other platinum containing compounds.  Phase I Study of Oxaliplatin in Children With Advanced Solid Tumors, Protocol Numbers: SJCRH-OXAL1, NCI-T99-0059, Charles Benton Pratt, III, Principal Investigator, Phone: 901-495-3442, Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A., Numerous other studies ongoing listed at http://www.cancer.gov/search/clinical_trials, Phone: 800-422-6237Manufacturer is Sanofi-Synthelabo, France, Phone: 011-33-0-1-53-77-42-23, Fax: 011-33-0-1-53-77-42 65 .  Please note that platinum containing products are toxic to the ears, and may cause permanent hearing loss or deafness.

Category 3 Chemotherapeutic Agents: Some evidence of safety and efficacy, but still in clinical trials, and known to be in use by reputable oncologists. Not currently approved by the FDA yet:

*New 12/28/2001*   Phase II Study of Nonmyeloblative Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation and Donor Lymphocyte Infusions in Patients With Refractory Metastatic Solid Tumors.  An interesting new study for those who cannot tolerate high dose myleoblative chemotherapy.  This procedure involves using donor stem cells to try to get the body to generate an immune response against the tumor.  Available only at the National Institute of Health under Protocol ID No. NHLBI-99-H-0064.  Richard W. Childs, Chair Ph: 800-411-1222, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

*Updated 6/29/2001* DX-8951f  is a novel and potent topoisomerase I inhibitor, water-soluble camptothecin derivative, currently in phase I clinical trials.  A clinical trial was recently conducted with significant results at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Phone: 901-495-3300 under this protocol. A preliminary in-vitro study  indicates that the drug is effective in adult and pediatric cancers.  Phase I and phase II studies are ongoing at the San Antonio Cancer Institute. Contact is Stephanie Hodges, R.N., Patient Referral Coordinator, Phase I  Department, Grossman Cancer Center, 7979 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78229, Phone 210-616-5798, FAX 210-616-5799, mailto:shodges@saci.orgManufacturer is Daiichi Pharmaceutical Corporation, Phone: 877-324-4244 or 201-573-7000.

*Updated 7/1/2001* Epothilone A and B  are novel and potent compounds derived from the bacteria Sorangium.  Epothilone B is currently under development by Novartis, Phone: 888-NOW-NOVA under the name EPO906.  An article about them is here.  An abstract of the Phase I study is here and another is here.  One study was conducted at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-340-3388, and The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, Phone: 732-235-CINJ.  Another study was conducted in England at Beatson Oncology Centre, Glasgow, UK, Phone: 011-44-141-330-3953, Fax: 011-44-141-330-4127; Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment, Phone: 011-44-191 273 8811, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.  Another epothilone analog is called BMS-247550 under development by Bristol Meyers Squibb, Phone: 212-546-4000.  An abstract on this compound is here.  It is under study at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, Sridhar Mani, Principal Investigator, Phone: 718-904-2488 under this protocol; and NYU Medical Center, New York, NY, Phone: 212-263-7300.  Currently in Phase II for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in people who have failed first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

*New* 7/14/2001--Lung Cancer Vaccine (GVAX®).  These vaccines are made of tumor cells taken from individual patients that have undergone irradiation and genetic modification so that they secrete a hormone that helps stimulate the immune system.  Research is ongoing at Stanford University Medical Center, with the lead doctor of Dr. Lawrence Fong, Phone: 650-723-7621, Fax: 650-723-1399. Manufactured by Cell Genesys Inc., Phone: 650-425-4400, Fax: 650-425-4457The current study is entitled: Phase I/II Study of GM-CSF Gene-modified Autologous Tumor Vaccines in Early and Advanced Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), and is ongoing nationwide.

ImmTher®  Manufactured by Endorex Corp., Phone: 847-573-8990, FAX: 847-573-9285, mailto:mrosen@endorex.com Status: In Phase II clinical trials for Ewing's Sarcoma. FDA orphan drug status designation for Ewing's Sarcoma and Osteosarcoma.

Unique Treatments:

Category 2: Substantial Scientific Evidence of Safety of the individual treatments in the regimen or of the individual or combination of drugs in adults.  These regimens are also known to be in use by reputable oncologists when other first choice therapies have failed.  These are primarily New Regimens and Combinations of Traditional Chemotherapy with New Agents for Treatment of Ewing's Relapse.

*New* 7/3/2001--Radio Frequency Ablation, This novel treatment is currently approved by FDA for treating non-resectable liver lesions; however, it can be used for soft tissue such as breast, lung and kidneys.  The manufacturer of the device is Boston Scientific Corporation, Toll-free: 800-225-3226, Phone: 508-650-8000, Fax: 508-650-8923.  Another write-up on this procedure is here.  This procedure basically destroys tumor cells locally by submitting them to radio frequency waves.

*New* 6/24/2001--Samarium Sm 153 Lexidronam (Quadramet®), Although this compound is approved by FDA for cancer bone pain, it is being used successfully to treat tumors.  Samarium-153 emits both medium-energy beta particles and a gamma photon, and has a physical half-life of 46.3 hours (1.93 days). Quadramet (samarium Sm-153 EDTMP) has an affinity for bone and concentrates in areas of bone turnover in association with hydroxyapatite. In clinical studies employing planar imaging techniques, more Quadramet accumulates in osteoblastic lesions than in normal bone with a lesion-to-normal bone ratio of approximately 5. The mechanism of action of Quadramet in relieving the pain of bone metastases is not known. Under study in local protocols by: Steven P. Howard, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator, Phone: 608-263-8500, University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Manufacturer of this compound is: Berlex Laboratories, Inc., Phone: 1-888-BERLEX4 or 973-276-2000.

*New* 11/25/2002--Bipolar Radiofrequency Interstitial Thermo Therapy (RFITT).  This is another unique procedure that utilizes radiofrequency and minimally invasive techniques for tumor treatments.  A company developing this technology is Celon AG in Germany, Celon AG medical instruments
Rheinstr. 8, D-14513 Teltow b. Berlin, Germany, Phone: 011-49-3328-3519-0,
  e-mail info@celon.com
Celon USA, Inc., P.O. Box 445 Spring Park, MN 55384-0445 USA, Fax: 952-495-0067

*New* 11/28/2000--High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).  This is a unique procedure recently developed and primarily used for prostate cancer, but now being tried on other localized cancers.  The tumor is heated up with ultrasound until the tissue is killed.  One machine is made by a company named Misonix, Phone: 800-645-9846.  One of the clinical trials is being conducted at Indiana at Focus Surgery Inc.(FSI), Phone: (317)541-1580.  This is a private company based in Indianapolis, Indiana founded in 1996 and has collaborated in research and development of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) with the Indianapolis Center for Advanced Research (ICFAR), and the Indiana University School of Medicine.  As with any investigational device, compassionate use for other non-prostate indications may be available.  Another company, EDAP Technomed, Phone: (770) 446-9950 is also developing a device currently in use for prostate cancer and being developed for breast cancer and other malignant tumors.   There is additional evidence regarding HIFU in liver tumors here  and also in this abstract.    An article from ABC News about this procedure is here.  Another article on HIFU is here.

8/6/2000--Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).  This is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved procedure.  This procedure involves intravenous injection of a drug that accumulates in cancerous cells, and insertion of a laser device in the mouth to the lung area where laser light is directed to the tumor sites which activates the drugs, and kills the tumor tissue.  The current approved drug is Photofrin (Porfimer Sodium) marketed by Axcan Scandipharm Inc., 22 Inverness Center Parkway, Birmingham, Alabama 35242, (205) 991-8085 / (800) 950-8085 / Fax (205) 991-9547 in the United States. A current approved manufacturer of the laser is Laserscope, 3052 Orchard Drive, San Jose, CA 95134-2011, Phone 408-943-0636.  Another approved manufacturer is Diomed Lasers in England.  Phone: +44 1223 729340, Fax: +44 1223 729329.

Category 3: Some evidence of safety and efficacy, but still in clinical trials, and known to be in use by reputable oncologists. Not currently approved by the FDA yet.

*New 12/29/2001*  AptosynTM (Exisulind).  Aptosyn™ is the first of a new class of compounds called Selective Apoptotic Antineoplastic Drugs (SAANDs). Aptosyn™ selectively induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in neoplastic cells by inhibiting the enzyme cyclic GMP-phosphodiesterase (cGMP-PDE). developed by Cell Pathway, Inc., 702 Electronic Drive, Horsham, PA 19044, Phone: 215-706-3800, Fax: 215-706-3801, Email:trials@cellpathways.com.  A Phase I study in combination with Camptosar® (generic name Irinotecan [CPT-11]) manufactured by Pharmacia Upjohn Co. Phone: 800-253-8600 x8244. was conducted by Dr. John L. Marshall of the Vincent T. Lombardi Cancer Center of Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC., Phone 202-784-4000.

*New* 6/24/2001--Holmium-166 DOTMP, This novel radiopharmaceutical is holmium-166-DOTMP. It emits high-energy beta particles that can destroy cells. DOTMP binds to bone and carries holmium to the bone and adjacent bone marrow. Because radiation is selectively delivered to the site of the disease, the exposure to normal organs is reduced compared to conventional external beam body irradiation. This agent is designed to treat cancers that arise in the bone or bone marrow, as well as those that spread to the bone and bone marrow, such as breast and prostate cancers.  Phase I/II Study, Protocol numbers FHCRC-1474.00, NCI-G00-1842, CHMC-S-6007, Doug Hawkins, M.D., Principal Investigator, Phone: 206-526-2100, Fax 206-527-3946, email:dhawki@chmc.org, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, Manufacturer of this compound is: NeoRx Corporation, Phone: 206-281-7001, Fax: 206-284-7112.

*New* 11/28/2000--Dendritic Cell Vaccine (Immune System Enhancement).  This is a new unique procedure currently under study at the University of Michigan, CS Mott Children's Hospital, Phone: 1-800-211-8181.  The doctors conducting the study are Dr. Jim Geiger and Dr. Raymond Hutchinson under protocol number UMCC9702.  Their research nurse is Cynthia Bower, Phone: 734-615-5294.  Another doctor at the University of Michigan, Dr. Laurence H. Baker is also studying Dendritic Cell Vaccines.  His phone number is 734-936-8456.  Their Cancer Information Line is 800-865-1125.  This is the link to the General Clinical Research Center. That protocol is here.  There are recent articles on this therapy at this location and also here.   This type of vaccine is also available from the University of Pennsylvania, Phone: 1-800-789-PENNDuke University, Phone: Renee Twombly 919-684-4148 also has studies ongoing. So does Dana Farber in coordination with Genzyme Molecular Oncology Phone: 508-872-8400, Fax: 508-271-2604 according to one press release.  An NIH abstract on this technology is here.   


Investigational Drug Listing:

Category 4: No proven evidence of safety or efficacy in humans currently, in Phase I clinical trials.

*New 12/29/2001*  ThymitaqTM (Nolatrexed Dihydrochloride).  This is a novel inhibitor of thymidylate synthase developed by Eximas Pharmaceutical Corporation, 1055 Westlakes Drive, Suite 200, Berwyn, PA 19312, Phone: 610-560-0600, Fax: 610-560-0700.  A Phase I study was conducted in children with advanced cancer by E.J. Estlin of the United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group, Cancer Research Unit, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, Phone: 011-44-191 202 3033, Fax: 011-44-191 202 3060.  One patient with spinal PNET had a favorable response.

*New 12/28/2001*  Halofuginone (Angiogenesis Inhibitor).  This is a novel anti-angiogenesis drug that is derived from a plant and developed in Israel by Collgard Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., 233 Needham Street, Newton, MA 02464, Phone: 617-454-1016, Fax: 617-454-1026.  In Israel: 1B Bazel Street, Kiriat Arie, Petah Tikva 49170 Israel, Phone: 011-972-3-924-7477, Fax 011-972-3-972-7446, Neal Farber, President/CEO, Email:farber@collgard.com

*New* 11/28/2000--PS-341 (Proteasome Inhibitor).  This is a novel new drug that affects the cell protein degradation pathway.  I have information that some doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital, Phone: 617-726-2070 and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Phone: 919-966-6047 are now trying this drug in Ewings patients.  This drug is under formal study in Phase I clinical trials in the United States at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Phone:800-733-4662, the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Phone: 1-800-392-1611, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Phone: 1-800-525-2225 and  Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Phone: 1-800-525-2225. Preliminary Phase I results are here.   An article on the drug is here. There is more information on this drug here.  Manufacturer is Proscript Inc, Phone: 617-374-1470 which is now owned by LeukoSite, Inc/Millennium Pharmaceutical (NasdaqNM:MLNM).

8/6/2000--Zadaxin (Thymosin alpha 1).  This drug is under study in the United States, but it is approved in 20 countries for treatment hepatitis B and C, and now a study exists for treatment of cancer.   The study abstract is here. There is more information on this drug here.  Manufacturer is Sciclone Pharmaceuticals (United States).  The International Site is at Sciclone International.

7/8/2000--Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-alpha).  This drug is under study in the United States at the NIH under protocol no. NCI-99-C-0145.  There are new studies in soft tissue sarcoma showing effectiveness here.  Manufacturer is Vion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

6/6/2000--Aplidin.  There is a study abstract at this location.  Here is a brief profile of this drug in Phase II clinical trials.  There are several Medline Abstracts: 1, 2, and 3. May be available under compassionate use guidelines.  Manufacturer is PharmaMar.

5/20/2000--Combretastatin A4 Prodrug (CA4P).  Antiangiogenesis inhibitor class compound.  This drug is manufactured by Oxigene, Inc., One Copley Place, Boston, MA 02116, Phone 617-673-7800, FAX 617-924-9229, See also: http://www.oxigene.com  May be available under compassionate use. ***Oxigene is positioning the product to be used against a wide variety of solid tumors.  Click here for the more information on Combretastatin.

5/20/2000--Decitabine.  This drug is manufactured by Supergen, Inc., Two Annabel Lane, Suite 220, San Ramon, CA 94583, Phone 925-327-0200, FAX 925-327-7347, mailto:investor_relations@supergen.com, See also:http://www.supergen.com  May be available under compassionate use. ***Supergen is positioning the product to be used against a wide variety of solid tumors, and has entered into an agreement with the National Institute of Health to start Clinical trials.  Click here for the press release.

5/20/2000--Apra (CT-2584).  This drug is manufactured by Cell Therapeutics, Inc. 201 Elliot Avenue West, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98119-4230, Phone 206-282-7100, FAX 206-284-6206, invest@cticseattle.com, See also:http://www.cticseattle.com  Undergoing clinical trials for sarcomas, also may be available under compassionate use.

5/20/2000--RFS-2000 (Rubitecan).  This drug is manufactured by Supergen, Inc., Two Annabel Lane, Suite 220, San Ramon, CA 94583, Phone 925-327-0200, FAX 925-327-7347, mailto:investor_relations@supergen.com, See also:http://www.supergen.com  May be available under compassionate use. Supergen is positioning the product to be used against a wide variety of solid tumors.

4/16/2000--Betulinic Acid.  This is a very new cytotoxic agent drug with promising results against Ewing's Sarcoma, Neuroblastoma, Medulloblastoma, and Glioblastoma. It is being developed in Germany.  The contact information is: Klaus-Michael Debatin, University Children's Hospital, Prittwitzstrasse 43, D-89075 Ulm, Germany, Phone 011-49-731-502-7700, FAX 011-49-731-502-6681, mailto:klaus-michael.debatin@medizin.uni-ulm.de.

Dolastatin 10   A linear polypeptide that is a unique and extremely potent antimitotic agent.  This drug is isolated the Sea Hare, a marine mollusk. A brief article is here.  Status: Currently in Phase II clinical trials all over the country under this master protocol with Principal Investigator:  Hedy L. Kindler, MD, Protocol chair, University of Chicago Cancer Research Center, Phone: 773-702-0360 or 1-888-824-0200.

*Updated 3/6/2001* Ecteinascidin 743 (ET-743), YondelisTM  isolated from a tunicate, Ecteinascidia turbinata, collected in the Caribbean.  An anticancer drug that inhibits the growth of cancer cells by disrupting the structure of tumor cell DNA.  Status: Currently in Phase I trials here in the USA, Canada and Austrailia under this protocol.  The chair of this protocol is: Sylvain Baruchel, Chair, Children's Oncology Group, Phone: 416-813-7795.  Also, currently in Phase II clinical trials in Europe under these protocols for Sarcoma.  The chair is Ole Steen Nielsen, Chair, Phone: 1945-89-49-2555, EORTC Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group.  Another study is in Phase II for Osteosarcoma. The chair is Paul A. Meyers, Principal Investigator, Phone: 212-639-5952, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, U.S.A.  The manufacturer is PharmaMar S.A., in Spain, Phone: 34 (91) 803.2000, Fax: 34 (91) 803.1143.  In the United States: PharmaMar USA, 320 Putman Ave., Cambridge, Massachussets 02139 USA, Phone: 617-868-3797, Fax: 617-868-0109.

Vaccine Therapy  An immune system therapy being conducted at the National
Institute of Health. See the following protocols at:
NIH Vaccine Therapy, Protocol No. NCI-97-C-0052K, NCI-T96-0038
NIH Vaccine Therapy Protocol No. NCI-97-C-0050J, NCI-T96-0037
NIH Vaccine Therapy Protocol No. MSKCC-99077, NCI-H00-0052
Crystal Mackall, Chair, Phone: 301-402-5940, Division of Clinical Sciences
Jonathan Lewis, Chair, Phone: 212-639-2940, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Status: In Clinical Trials

Angiostatin® , Endostatin®, and 2-Methoxyestradiol   Manufactured by EntreMed Inc.  Phone: 301-738-2490, FAX 301-738-2490 Status: In Clinical Trials. Contact for Endostatin Trials is: Phone 617-632-5100. Contact for Angiostatin Trials is Phone 1-800-JEFF-NOW
Endostatin Trials at Dana Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard
Angiostatin Trials at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
NCI Table of Clinical Trials for Antiangiogenesis Drugs

SU6668®, SU11248®, and SU101® and (Angiogenesis Inhibitors)--Manufactured by  Sugen, Inc, a Pharmacia Company., Phone: 866-804-1837 or 650-553-8300, FAX: 650-553-8301, mailto:ir@sugen.com  Status: In clinical trials.

Proleukin® (Aldesleukin, IL-2)--Manufactured by  Chiron Corporation, Phone: 510-655-8730, Fax: 510-655-9910. mailto:corpcomm@cc.chiron.com, Status: FDA approved drug, but not approved for Ewing's Sarcoma. May be prescribed for any use by a licensed medical doctor. 

Category 5: Developmental and highly speculative or theoretical.

7/7/2000--Lovastatin (Mevacor®).  This drug is approved already in the United States and is widely used to reduce cholesterol.  There are new, preliminary lab studies that show activity in Ewing's Sarcoma and other cell lines.  There is a study abstract at this location Manufacturer is Merck & Co.

4/16/2000--White Blood Cell Transfusion from matching donor.  This technique is being sponsored by Kenneth M. Tokita, M.D., Cancer Center of Irvine, 16100 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine, California 92618, Phone 949-417-1100, FAX 949-417-1165, mailto:med@ccoi.org. The company web site is at: http://www.ccoi.org

Capoten® (generic name Captopril Manufactured by Bristol Meyers-Squibb)
and Abbokinase® (generic name urokinase Manufactured by Abbott Laboratories) combination. This is an antiangiogenesis combination developed by Dr. Hans-Christoph Rossbach and described in a Chicago Tribune article on 5/8/99.  To reach Dr. Rossbach: Phone: 800-456-4543 or 727-892-4176, FAX 727-892-4379 Status: Both Drugs are FDA approved but not for Ewing's Sarcoma. A preliminary trial of one patient with reoccurring Ewing's has been treated successfully. 
*New*
4/16/2000--Another physician who has started a study using this protocol is Dr. Gearld A. Soff, M.D., Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Galter 4-102, The Blood Center, 251 Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611, Phone: 312-926-4325, FAX 312-926-8430, mailto:g-soff@nwu.edu.

TriButyrate®  Sodium Phenylbutyrate, Manufactured by Triple Crown America, Inc., Phone: 215-453-2500, FAX 215-453-2508, Status: FDA Approved drug, but not FDA approved for Ewing's Sarcoma. Numerous preliminary clinical trials in the literature.

*Updated 12/28/2001*  REOLYSIN® is the formulation of the reovirus that is a potential therapeutic for a broad range of cancers in humans.  Reovirus (generic name Respiratory enteric orphan virus) is an actual benign virus whose use as an antitumor agent is being advocated by Dr. Patrick Lee, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Calgary Medical School, Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive, N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada, Phone 403-220-7548, FAX 403-270-8520, mailto:plee@ucalgary.ca.  The product is owned by Oncolytics Biotech Inc., Phone: 403-670-7377, Fax: 403-283-0858 which was acquired in 1999 by Synsorb Biotech Inc., 201, 1204 Kensington Road, N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 3P5, Canada, Phone 403-283-5900, FAX 403-283-5907. Status: In early phase I clinical trials. Here is the news article on the discovery. 

 

Radiation and Photon Treatments Listing: 

*New* 9/11/2000 -- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IRMT)  This is a type of radiation planning and dosage given that customizes dosage strength and beam paths in 3 dimensions minimizing collateral damage to skin and other organs and maximizing the efficiency of the dose to the tumor.  The write-up on this device from Oncolink is at this location.  There are several manufacturers of this device.  Nomos appears to have a large number of installations and has an installation directory off of their main site.  Another manufacturer of this device is Siemens.  A third manufacturer is Varian. There are several more write-ups on this technique from: Cancer Treatment Centers of America, University of Nebraska, Western Pennsylvania Hospital, University of Maryland, Science Daily, and University of California, Irvine.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BCNT)  Pioneered by the U.S. Government's Brookhaven National Laboratory Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Research Program   Brookhaven National Laboratory Medical Department,  Jeffrey Coderre Ph.D., mailto:coderre@bnl.gov, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Medical Department, Upton, NY 11973 USA , Voice: (631)344-3684, Fax: (631)344-1349.  A number of other facilities that have this technology are listed on the Brookhaven site. BCNT uses drugs containing a stable isotope of boron, B-10, that are capable of preferentially accumulating in the tumor, which is then irradiated with low energy (thermal) neutrons. Another Pioneering laboratory not listed on the Brookhaven site is the Fermilab Institute for Neutron Therapy, Kirk Road and Pine Street, Batavia, IL 60510-0500, Phone 630-840-3865, FAX 630-840-8766.  

Fractionated Stereotactic Body Radiosurgery   Staten Island University Hospital The Radiosurgery Center, Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305, Phone: 1-800-285-4584, email form
Status: A unique method of delivering radiation using multiple beams and angles that is much healthier for surrounding tissue.

Proton Treatment     Loma Linda University Medical Center Proton Treatment Center, 11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92354, Phone: 800-776-8667, Fax: 909-824-4829. mailto:referral@dominion.llumc.edu Status: FDA approved for a number of localized tumor conditions.  Protons are said to be less harmful to other non-tumorous tissue than traditional radiation.  Other proton facilities are available at the Northeast Proton Therapy Center of the Massachusetts General Hospital, This Harvard link also has a list of numerous other Proton Treatment facilities. Their Phone number is: 877-726-5130 or 800-388-4644 or 617-726-5130, E-mail: infonptc@partners.org

Photon Radiosurgery System  Photoelectron Corp.  On September 27, 1999, FDA granted approval to extend the use of this system to tumors anywhere in the body.  The press release is located here.  The Photoelectron phone number is 781-861-2069.  This system is basically a way of using a needle to deliver radiation directly to a tumor with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

© Copyright, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, Barry Sugarman, B.S.ENGR., All Rights Reserved.

Phone 310-355-6046, FAX 310-454-9592

e-mail:barry@cureourchildren.org
Return to our Home Page: http://www.cureourchildren.org

This site last updated on February 17, 2002.