Onconase is a different type of chemical derived from the leopard frog, which in the laboratory has targeted cancer cells while not damaging normal cells. It is the first drug in its class.
It has gone through some of the stages of testing as a chemotherapeutic agent for mesothelioma. In Stage IIIb trials, it was used to treat patients with unresectable malignant mesotheliomas. There were not enough patients in the trial for the results to be statistically useful.
However, in one group of patients, those who had already failed one chemotherapeutic regimen, treatment with Onconase did show a statistically significant improvement in survival. In this respect, Onconase is filling a “currently unmet medical need.” Another, larger trial is needed, but as of January in 2009, the company owning Onconase did not have the funding to pursue further testing. They are looking into options for more funding.
Dr. Kaplan
