Cancer treatment regimens often include multiple anticancer agents targeting different cellular mechanisms in delicate balance with associated toxicity. Drug delivery systems offer a unique tool in the treatment of cancer, and applications in the local treatment of cancer have demonstrated utility in providing sustained high local concentrations at the tumor site while minimizing systemic drug levels. Treatment options for local cancer therapy are focused on indications where targeted activity may result in improved patient outcomes such as increased local control and decreased metastatic potential. Targeted therapies may also enhance response to combination anticancer regimens. OncoGel (TM), a control led-release depot formulation of paclitaxel in ReGel (TM), has been evaluated in numerous nonclinical studies. Results from these studies demonstrated OncoGel's ability to physically target paclitaxel to the tumor site with very little reaching the circulation, resulting in an acceptable safety profile with dose-limiting toxicities being local in nature. In addition, OncoGel demonstrated efficacy as a stand-alone treatment and synergistic activity in combination therapies. Clinical studies in superficially-palpable tumors and esophageal carcinoma confirmed local paclitaxel release from OncoGel in patients. OncoGel's ability to improve current treatment options for esophageal and brain cancers is being further evaluated. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
