UCLH was the top recruiting site in a major study looking at a new drug in patients with advanced biliary tract or colorectal cancer.
Fifteen patients were enrolled at UCLH, amongst 45 recruiting sites around the world. The study was led at UCLH by medical oncologist Professor John Bridgewater.
The biliary tract refers to the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, and how they work together to make, store and secrete bile which is required in the digestion of lipids. Colorectal cancer refers to cancers that develop from the colon or rectum.
Participants were entered and supported through the study at the NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility.
Recruitment for the study has now closed, and the results are expected to be published before summer 2024.
The study drug, called RXC004, works by targeting a specific process in the body in which certain cell growth signals in the body become abnormally active, driving the formation of tumours. RXC004 is thought to be able to reduce this activity, which may deliver clinical benefit by reducing tumour formation. In this way the drug targets the specific cause of the cancers.
Participants who agreed to take part in the study were assigned to one of 2 components of the study which is called Porcupine. Porcupine 1 was testing the study drug for people with colorectal cancer and Porcupine 2 was testing the study drug for bile tract cancer.
A second module on both studies was looking at the effects of the study drug along with another drug called a PD-1, immune checkpoint inhibitor, which helps the body’s immune system recognise and kill tumours.
The treatments for both these cancers depend on the size and type of the cancer, where it is, if it has spread as well as patients’ general health. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There are limited treatment options for patients after their cancer stops responding to initial treatment and after the cancer has progressed. It is hoped RXC004 will give patients with bile tract and colorectal cancer better treatment options when their cancer has progressed.
Professor Bridgewater said: “The approach we are taking aims to attack just the abnormalities that cause a cancer rather than a more non-targeted approach like chemotherapy. As such we are aiming to hurt the cancer without hurting the patient.”
For more information on taking part in studies running within this facility as well as information on research taking place within UCLH and nationwide please email uclh.referrals.clinicalresearchfacility@nhs.net or visit Find a Study and Be Part of Research webpages.
