Dr. Debu Tripathy Previews the Phase II GRN1005 Study

Debu Tripathy, MD, Co-Leader, Women's Cancer Program, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, discusses a phase II trial that is examining the peptide-drug conjugate GRN1005 in patients with brain metastases from breast cancer.

GRN1005 consists of 3 molecules of paclitaxel bound to a lipoprotein related peptide. This unique molecular structure allows GRN1005 to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, providing the rationale for its efficacy against brain metastases.

The trial examining GRN1005 was designed to enroll both HER2-negative and -positive patients regardless of prior whole brain radiation therapy. Those with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer received GRN1005 alone and patients that were HER2-positive received GRN1005 in combination with trastuzumab.

Tripathy notes interest in the ability of GRN1005 to produce objective responses in both CNS and systemic metastases. The primary endpoint of the trial assesses the CNS response as measured by intracranial responses. Additionally, changes in systemic or extracranial bone metastases will be assessed.