Photo of CT scan of neuroblastoma in the brain
Childhood neuroblastoma is often a fatal disease. Despite the initial success of treatment, most patients return or develop resistance to current therapies. A new approach using a combination of two medicines shows promises in lowering relap levels and improving long -term survival.
Combined therapy: A proven strategy
Current treatment for neuroblastoma relies on topoisomerase inhibitors, which disrupt DNA replication. While these medicines can cause pardon, the rate of long -term survival remains unfavorable.
A new approach includes a combination of two medications that adds a monoclonal antibody to traditional treatment. Monoclonal antibody, Bevacizumab (B), prevents the formation of blood vessels. Tumors rely on new blood supplies to grow, and blocking the main growth factors required for the formation of blood vessels can improve the results. In this study, topoisomerase inhibitory therapy was combined with a monoclonal antibody aimed at the endothelial vascular growth factor. Antibody, Bevacizumab (B), is used for the treatment of other cancers and for the treatment of macular degeneration.
Mission Beacon: A smarter way to try treatments
An innovative test model enabled the evaluation of multiple treatment combinations. A total of 160 children with neuroblastoma were registered and evenly divided into four groups of 40. Each group received different combinations of Topoisomerase inhibitors – Irinotan and Temozolomides – with or without bevacizumab of monoclonal antibodies. This approach allowed researchers to identify the most effective strategies for the treatment of relaxed or refractory neuroblastoma. Moreover, the design facilitated direct comparisons between the wings of treatment and how the antibody contributed to the overall efficiency.
Combining drugs show promising results
The combination of the two medicines was superior to the use of single medicine. Children who received combined Bevacizumab, Irinotecan and Temozolomide therapy had a 33 percent response rate compared to 18 percent of standard therapy. The trial showed the use of the combination with antibodies also improved the long -term survival level of 54 percent compared to 33 percent.
Irinotecan and Bevacizumab: a powerful party to fight cancer?
There was another benefit. The combination had better results than expected. The interaction between the Irinotecan and the Bevacizumab showed a P 0.11 value, showing meaning. One possible explanation is that the monoclonal antibody encourages the presence of tumor fighting lymphocytes, adding an additional layer of power.
By design, both combinations of medicines can create a “hostile” environment for neuroblastoma cells. Bevacizumab antibodies blocks the factor of vascular endothelial growth (ENGF), an essential protein for the formation of blood vessels. By cutting this supply, the bevacizumab essentially “hunger” the tumor, increasing the ability of the irinotecan to penetrate cancer cells. It also disrupts the ability of the tumor to repair DNA damage caused by chemotherapy, making it more effective irinoter. Together, these medicines reformulate the immune response, leaving the tumor most vulnerable. However, the correct mechanisms after the way both medicines interact remain unclear.
Although both combinations of medicines have better results than just the only medicine, there is room for further improvements. The final results were that the combination improved the response rates by 15 percent and the long -term survival level by 21 percent. From this study, it is clear that the use of combined therapy is better than just a single medicine. Perhaps a three -medication regimen that includes antibodies from a different drug class can be even more effective in getting higher levels of response and dramatic growth in long -term survival.
For children and families fighting neuroblastoma, the Beacon-Neuroblastoma trial offers a hopeful perspective. This trial lays the basics for further testing, which can lead to even more positive results and improve long -term survival.