Dr. Visani on Tosedostat and Cytarbine in Elderly Patients With AML

Guiseppe Visani, MD, director, Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Center at AORMN, Pesaro, Italy, discusses a phase II study examining the efficacy of tosedostat plus low-dose cytarabine in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Tosedostat, an aminopeptidases inhibitor, has a mechanism that is critical in deterring the growth of tumor cells, Visani explains. This agent may demonstrate similar activity beyond AML cells, he adds.

The combination of tosedostat plus cytarabine was examined in the elderly population, a subgroup known to be relapse/refractory and an area where there is an unmet medical need. Thirty-three patients received tosedostat 120 mg/daily until disease progression, coupled with intermittent low-dose cytarabine given subcutaneously at 20 mg/twice daily for 10 days. The complete remission rate found in the combination arm was 45.4%.