A novel cancer drug developed in mainland China, called D3S-001, is showing significant potential in treating several difficult-to-treat cancers, including lung and bowel cancer. This is according to a multinational research team led by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The research indicates that this next-generation cancer inhibitor is effective against KRAS-G12C, a specific type of KRAS gene mutation that often fuels tumor growth in various solid cancers.
In clinical trials involving around 60 cancer patients from South Korea, Australia, the US, mainland China, and Hong Kong, a daily dose of 600 milligrams of the drug was observed to completely suppress these genetic mutations.
The trials showed that 70% of patients experienced considerable tumor shrinkage or complete remission, with no disease progression observed within a six-month period. The treatment also exhibited a good safety profile.
Professor Herbert Loong Ho-fung from CU Medicine stated that the most common side effects of the drug, such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, were generally mild and typically did not require medication, medical consultations, or hospitalization.
Yu, a 68-year-old lung cancer patient participating in the clinical trial, reported a significant reduction in his tumor size and an improvement in his overall health. He mentioned being able to climb two or three flights of stairs without difficulty, a stark contrast to before the treatment when he would become breathless after only half a flight.
Professor Tony Mok Shu-kam, Chairman of the Department of Clinical Oncology at CU Medicine, highlighted the higher efficacy demonstrated by this next-generation KRAS-G12C inhibitor in the multinational phase I study. He also emphasized Hong Kong's unique position in leading global development through collaboration with innovative biotechnology companies from China.
The research team emphasized that the drug is still under development and that clinical trials are ongoing, encouraging eligible cancer patients to participate in the study.