I recalled discussing drugs for brain tumors with Genentech back in 2002. I dug into my pc and found this correspondence.
Regards
Joe
Subj: Brain tumor study
Date: 11/27/02 8:16:34 AM Pacific Standard Time
To:
NutraChris@aol.com
Hi Christine,
I have done some checking on your request and I think the drug Dr. Black spoke about is Tarceva (erlotinib). Tarceva is similar to Herceptin in that it targets the same pathway of growth factors that HER2 belongs to. Researchers think it may be able to cross the blood/brain barrier because Tarceva is a "small molecule" or oral drug.
Genentech is currently in discussions with investigators and outside groups to develop a study with Tarceva in patients with certain types of brain cancer. My estimate would be that this study might begin in mid-2003. In the meantime, here are a couple of links to the NCI's clinical trial database with information about smaller studies looking at Tarceva in brain cancer, as well as links to some product information and a recent Tarceva news release with some more information about the product.
http://www.nci.nih.gov/clinical_tria...1-f39e5009bde5
http://www.nci.nih.gov/clinical_tria...9-7e72b90a7909
http://www.gene.com/gene/pipeline/st...ceva/index.jsp
http://www.gene.com/gene/news/press-...sp?detail=5248
I'd suggest that you check back with us in the early part of next year to see if there's a firm trial design for a Tarceva brain cancer study. You can email or call me and I'm glad to track down the information for you.
In the meantime, let me know if you have any other questions and have a great Thanksgiving holiday.
Regards,
Colleen
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