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ARTICLE | Clinical News

Selumetinib: Phase II data

May 28, 2012 7:00 AM UTC

Data from 9 evaluable patients with advanced colorectal cancer refractory to standard therapy in an open-label, U.S. Phase II trial showed that once-daily 75 mg selumetinib plus once-weekly 90 mg MK-2206, an AKT inhibitor from Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK, Whitehouse Station, N.J.), produced 2 cases of stable disease after two 28-day cycles. No patient showed >=70% inhibition of phosphoylation of both mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK) and AKT. The partners said that if repeated dosing does not produce >70% inhibition in both markers, they will conclude that the combination cannot provide adequate dual inhibition. Grade 1/2 adverse events included rash, reversible retinal detachment, liver abnormalities, hypoalbuminemia and lymphopenia. Data will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago in June. ...