Researchers affiliated with the multination randomized trial, SPARC, have reported that Satraplatin has significant benefit for the treatment of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in June.  

Satraplatin is a third-generation platinum compound and the first oral platinum compound. Satraplatin is being evaluated in lung cancer as well as prostate cancer.

The current study randomly allocated 950 men with metastatic prostate cancer who had failed one prior chemotherapy regimen to receive satraplatin, an anti-emetic and prednisone or a placebo, placebo anti-emetic and prednisone. Patients received a median of 4 courses in the satraplatin arm and 2 courses in the prednisone arm.

These authors reported that patients receiving satraplatin had a 31% reduction in progression-free survival events (radiological progression, or death) and a 33% reduction in pain progression. Beneficial effects were observed in all subgroups analyzed including patients failing Taxotere® (docetaxel). PSA responses were observed in 25% of satraplatin patients and 14% of prednisone patients. Median progression-free survival was 11 weeks compared to 9.7 weeks in the control group. The most common adverse effects of satraplatin were thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which were generally mild to moderate. These authors concluded that satraplatin had significant palliative activity in patients with refractory hormone independent prostate cancer.  

Comments: These data will probably lead to FDA approval of satraplatin.

References: Sternberg CN, Petrylak D, Witjes F, et al. Satraplatin (S) demonstrates significant benefits for the treatment of patients with HRPC:Results of a randomized trial. Proceeding from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Chicago/IL. 2007. Abstract # 4019.  

Related News:

Oral Satraplatin well Tolerated and Effective for Metastatic Prostate Cancer (5/29/2007)

Completion of New Drug Application Filing for Satraplatin (02/20/2007)

Rolling New Drug Application Submission Begins for Satraplatin (12/21/2005)