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Onconase - Turning programmed cell death back on
Monday, September 26, 2005
The company Alfacell has been conducting phase IIIb trials with a new drug called Onconase for use in malignant mesothelioma.
One of the problems with cancer cells is that they have lost the ability to self-destruct when they are genetically damaged. This allows a damages cell to keep dividing and growing, producing more defective cells. Scientists have reasoned that if this self-destruct mechanism known as apoptosis could be somehow turned on, the cancer would stop spreading and eventually die off.
Onconase is a class of protein molecules called ribonuclases. These proteins act to degrade RNA (Ribonucleic Acid). RNA acts as the messenger and translator for the DNA of a cell. RNA reads the letters of the genetic code and translates them into protein production. By degrading key types of RNA, Onconase inhibits the growth of the tumor. Onconase also seems to sensitize tumors to chemotherapy, allowing lower doses of other agents to be used. This class of molecules are present in the body fluids of vertebrates from amphibians to mammals. They seem to be part of an antiviral or antiparasite defense system. Onconase was derived from a species of leopard frog.
The current clinical trial is the last phase before Alfacell applies for approval to market Onconase for treatment of Mesothelioma. It involves 40 sites in several cointries. Another study is investigating its use with Non-small cell lung cancer, another cancer sometimes caused by asbestos exposure and smoking.
Previous studies have indicated that certain patients can benefit from Onconase. An added benefit is the low toxicity of the drug. Some of the major side-effects associated with chemotherapy such as anemia, hair-loss and nausea are not present in Onconase chemotherapy.
In December 2002, Onconase received fast-track designation by the FDA. This was meant to speed the approval process. Onconase is designated as an orphan drug in both Australia and Europe meaning that its use is allowed to treat a rare disease.
