Update ASCO 2012: most promising new cancer drugs all targeted therapies

The imminent opening of ASCO 2012 promises to be a showcase of the fruits of biotechnology research in developing targeted therapies of different classes.  These therapies attack the progression of metastatic cancer in a host of different ways. Thanks to Luke Timmerman at www.xconomy.com, we have a list of the most interesting targeted therapies to be presented at ASCO in a few days.

1. Genentech’s TDM-1 is a monoclonal antibody attached to chemotherapy providing both specificity and power to treat HER2+ breast cancer in women who are metastatic

2. Aveo’s tivozanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), providing another option for advanced kidney cancer

3. Onyx’s regorafenib is a TKI to treat colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors

4. Onyx’s proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib will add another option for patients with multiple myeloma who have advanced beyond first or second line therapy

5. Seattle Genetics’ Adcetris is a monoclonal antibody directed against the CD30 biomarker in lymphoma patients

6. J&J’s Zytiga is going for a second indication as an enzyme blocker in the synthesis of androgen in castrate resistant prostate cancer

7. Exelisis’ cabozantinib, another TKI, is for medullary thyroid cancer

8. Medivation’s enzalytimide is an androgen receptor blocker for castrate resistant prostate cancer

9. Ariad’s ponatinib is a TKI for chronic myleoid leukemia.

Source: www.xconomy.com (editor Luke Timmerman)