Spectrum data shows Apaziquone exhibits anti-tumor activity in bladder cancer

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., April 13 - Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. said the results of a recent study found that invasive bladder cancer has significantly lower levels of NQO1 and higher levels of Glut-1, a marker for reduced oxygen tension (hypoxia).

Many tumors grow under conditions of hypoxia, making them insensitive or resistant to treatment by X-rays, the company said in a news release.

EO9 is activated in tumor cells both in normal oxygenation and in hypoxia. Data suggests that E09 can be used in combination with radiation as a hypoxic selective therapy for the treatment of invasive bladder cancer.

"We already have exciting data on EOquin for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer. This study suggests that Apaziquone may also have anti-tumor activity in hypoxic tumors, such as invasive bladder cancer," chairman, chief executive officer and president Rajesh C. Shrotriya said in the release.

EOquin (Apaziquone, E09) is an anti-cancer agent formulated for administration directly into the urinary bladder. It is activated by certain enzymes present in higher amounts in cancer cells than in normal cells.

Spectrum has proprietary worldwide rights to EOquin and plans to out-license it for markets outside the United States, including Europe and Japan.

This data was announced during a presentation of new preclinical data on Apaziquone at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C. earlier this month.

Spectrum is a specialty pharmaceutical company based in Irvine, Calif., engaged in the business of acquiring, developing and commercializing prescription drug products for the treatment of cancer and other unmet medical needs.

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