Aranose: Domestic original cytostatic agent for treatment of neuroendocrine tumors of all localizations

Abstract

Aranose is an original cytostatic, synthesized in the Russian Cancer Research Center, belongs to the class of nitrosourea derivatives (this class of drugs also including streptozotocin). In preclinical trials, Aranose has shown its activity in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Prospective clinical studies have confirmed high efficacy and good tolerability of the drug in different lines of treatment of patients with NET G1 and G2. Median PFS while Aranose treatment in a single mode or in combination with capecitabine, doxorubicin and temozolomide did not differ significantly (15.3 vs 15.8, 15.3 and 17.9 months, respectively, p = 0.791). After updating the histological classification and highlighting the prognostically unfavorable subgroup of NET G3, a prospective single-center clinical study of Aranose in the first line of NET G3 therapy was conducted. The standard dosage regimen of the drug was used: 500 mg/m2 from the first to the third days, a cycle of 21 days. On average, patients received nine courses of Aranose chemotherapy, but in case of an increase in the radiological response treatment continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Median PFS in the Aranose group was 12 months, in the group of patients receiving capecitabine and oxaliplatin combination – 5 months, in capecitabine and temozolomide combination – 7 months, in the etoposide with cisplatin or carboplatin group only 4 months. The frequency of objective responses in the Aranose group was 37 % (10/27), no complete responses were recorded. Disease stabilization was achieved in 40.7 % (11/27), thus, the frequency of disease control was 77.7 % (21/27). Disease control was maintained after 6 months or more in 63 % of patients.