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Name of the Trial

Phase II Study of AZD2171 in Patients With Metastatic Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer (NCI-07-C-0059). See the protocol summary ³.

Principal Investigators

Dr. William Dahut and Dr. William Figg (Protocol Chair), NCI Center for Cancer Research.

Dr. William Dahut Principal Investigator

Why This Trial Is Important

Advanced prostate cancer is often dependent upon male hormones (androgens) for continued growth and may initially respond to anti-androgen therapy. Unfortunately, however, prostate cancer growth ultimately becomes androgen-independent. Treatment with the chemotherapy drug docetaxel may help men with androgen-independent prostate cancer survive longer, but, if the cancer becomes resistant to docetaxel, there currently are no other proven effective treatment options.

One strategy being tested for treating metastatic, androgen-independent prostate cancer is to block the blood supply that feeds the tumors. A large body of research indicates that solid tumors need to develop new blood vessels (a process called tumor angiogenesis) in order to keep growing and that attacking the tumor blood supply may inhibit further growth and spread. Some studies suggest that metastatic prostate cancer may be especially dependent on tumor angiogenesis.

A drug called cediranib blocks the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that plays a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis, by attaching to VEGF receptors on cancer cells. Cediranib treatment, therefore, may be able to block prostate tumor angiogenesis and inhibit prostate tumor growth.

In this trial, men with metastatic, androgen-independent prostate cancer whose cancer has continued to progress on docetaxel will take oral cediranib daily. Treatment will continue for those patients whose tumors do not progress and who do not suffer unacceptable side effects. Doctors want to see if cediranib can help delay the progression of cancer in these patients.

"There are a number of drugs that block the action of VEGF being tested in metastatic, androgen-independent prostate cancer, but each drug works differently" said Dr. Dahut. "Cediranib looks to be a promising agent because it blocks more VEGF receptors than other drugs in the class, potentially making it a more effective inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis."

For More Information

See the list of eligibility criteria and contact information ³ or call the NCI Clinical Trials Referral Office at 1-888-NCI-1937. The call is toll free and confidential.

Glossary Terms

Describes the ability of tumor cells to grow in the absence of androgens (hormones that promote the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics). Many early prostate cancers require androgens for growth, but advanced prostate cancers are often androgen-independent.

A drug used together with other drugs to treat certain types of breast cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, and certain types of head and neck cancer. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Docetaxel is a type of mitotic inhibitor. Also called Taxotere.

By or having to do with the mouth.

A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores.

An abnormal mass of tissue that usually does not contain cysts or liquid areas. Solid tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Different types of solid tumors are named for the type of cells that form them. Examples of solid tumors are sarcomas, carcinomas, and lymphomas. Leukemias (cancers of the blood) generally do not form solid tumors.

A substance made by cells that stimulates new blood vessel formation. Also called VEGF.