Doxorubicin-Loaded Nanoparticle Formulation in Patients With HCC

Graham Dixon, PhD, chief scientific officer, Onxeo, discusses a mechanistic study of the relative cytotoxicity of doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticle formulation versus doxorubicin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines.

The agent is currently being investigated in comparison with best standard of care in the phase III Relive trial, Dixon explains. As of March 2016, 65% of the 400 patients have been randomized. Preliminary results will be available in 2017, he adds.

The doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticle formulation has been targeted for the second-line setting for patients with HCC. Key findings from the mechanistic study demonstrate how the nanoparticle directly targets the liver. Secondly, the mechanism of action of this agent is unique, Dixon adds, in that it evades the efflux pumps that are present in HCC cells, allowing for higher concentration and delivery of cytotoxic action.