Regression of metastatic breast cancer in a patient treated with the anti-angiogenic drug TNP-470.

BACKGROUND: Solid tumors in general, and breast cancer in particular, depend on angiogenesis to grow and metastasize. Multiple agents have been developed in order to inhibit this phenomenon of tumor-induced angiogenesis. TNP-470 is one of the most potent of these drugs. We report here a case of regression of metastatic lesions from breast cancer due to the administration of the anti-angiogenic drug TNP-470. METHODS: A 44-year-old woman with a history of stage 2 breast cancer developed metastases at four sites: eye, lung, liver, and bone. She had been treated with radiation, megace, adriamycin, cytoxan, and 5-fluorouracil with disease stabilization. After she completed her radiation and chemotherapy, she was started on TNP-470. RESULTS: In response to TNP-470, her disease showed a partial response at the three-month follow-up and stabilization at the five-month follow-up. There were no side effects, and her quality of life was good. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this patient is the first reported case of regression of breast cancer metastases as a result of treatment with TNP-470. Anti-angiogenic drugs hold promise for the future therapy of breast cancer, and possibly of many other solid tumors as well.

Duke Scholars

Author Maggie L DiNome Surgical Oncology