On May 15, 2008, Amgen Inc. released initial results in the Phase II trial of its experimental drug AMG 102. The trial found the drug may only be effective in a subpopulation of patients who have recurring brain cancer. AMG 102 is meant to target a specific growth factor that may play a significant role in many different forms of cancer.

The trial studied 20 patients with a type of brain cancer who were treated every two weeks with infusions of AMG 102 until either their disease progressed or they withdrew from the trial.

Out of the 18 trial participants with available data, one had a confirmed partial response, one had a minor response but withdrew due to tissue swelling, and in two patients the cancer stabilized, however one of these two withdrew because of swelling and the other withdrew because of deep vein thrombosis. Five of the patients reported side effects like swelling, nausea, and fatigue. 14 patients had their cancer worsen.

The results of the study suggest that for a subpopulation of brain cancer patients with a particular form of the recurrent cancer, the disease may be dependent on what AMG 102 targets.

Source: Deena Beasley, “Amgen drug has little impact on brain cancer,” Reuters, May 15, 2008.