Researchers at the School of Medicine and the Abramson Cancer Center will lead a nationwide trial of anti-cancer drug combinations in patients with advanced kidney cancer, according to a Penn Medicine press release.
"This trial takes three proven drugs, and combines then into two drug combinations," Medicine Keith Flaherty said in a statement. "They all seem to attack blood vessel formation in somewhat unique ways, so we think we could get a more profound effect by combining them."
The three drugs, bevacizumab, sorafenib and temsirolimus, have been shown to slow the progression of metastic cancer when used alone by starving the cancer cells of the oxygenated blood required for growth.
Flaherty and other researchers will determine which combination is most effective by seeing how long it takes patients' tumors to start growing again while on treatment.
The longer the period of progression-free treatment, the more effective the drug combination is.
The results of the trial may influence how other cancers, including breast, lung and colon cancers, are treated.
University researchers will collaborate with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, a network of researchers, physicians and health care professionals, for the trial.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
