CytRx's bafetinib helps reduce skeletal complications in cancer patients

Feb 8 2011

CytRx Corporation (Nasdaq: CYTR), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in oncology, today announced that results from a series of preclinical studies show that bafetinib may be useful in preventing bone loss in cancer patients who are at high risk for this event. The studies, which evaluated the effect of bafetinib on bone cells (osteoclasts) from multiple myeloma patients, were directed by leading multiple myeloma expert James R. Berenson, MD, Medical & Scientific Director of the Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research.

“Results from these first-ever studies evaluating bafetinib's anti-bone resorptive effects showed that this kinase inhibitor could present a new therapeutic option to reduce skeletal complications in cancer patients. Reduction of bone loss represents one of multiple oncology indications in which bafetinib could represent an effective treatment.”

The studies demonstrated that in two model systems, bafetinib significantly suppressed the activity of osteoclasts and inhibited bone resorption in a dose-dependent manner, which is the process by which bone cells known as osteoclasts break down bone. Bone formation and bone resorption are closely coupled processes involved in the normal remodeling of bone. In patients with bone metastases, increased bone resorption can outpace bone remodeling, causing bone deterioration.

Dr. Berenson stated, "The consequences of bone loss in cancer patients due to increased bone resorption can be devastating, including fractures, bone pain and hypercalcemia. Prior studies indicated that Lyn and Fyn kinases have negative impacts on osteoclasts, thus potentially reducing bone resorption, which prompted us to evaluate bafetinib's osteoclast inhibitory activity in bone deterioration using cells from multiple myeloma patients. We are encouraged by the results."

CytRx President and CEO Steven A. Kriegsman said, "Results from these first-ever studies evaluating bafetinib's anti-bone resorptive effects showed that this kinase inhibitor could present a new therapeutic option to reduce skeletal complications in cancer patients. Reduction of bone loss represents one of multiple oncology indications in which bafetinib could represent an effective treatment."

CytRx is currently evaluating bafetinib in three ongoing clinical trials: the PROACT Phase 2 proof-of-concept prostate cancer clinical trial in patients with advanced cancers; the ENABLE Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical trial in patients with a late-stage form of leukemia known as high-risk B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia; and a pharmacokinetic clinical trial in patients with recurrent brain tumors.

SOURCE CytRx Corporation