ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting), the pinnacle of the medical conference season, is right around the corner. Let’s take a quick look and see who’s on the radar so far…

Genta

Genta just announced today that they will be presenting data on Genasense and (oblimersen sodium) and tesetaxel.

Aside from the main AGENDA trial, Genta (GNTA) has sponsored a pilot dose-ranging study in advanced melanoma using Genasense combined with Temodar (temozolomide) plus Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension). The study uses a brief iv infusion schedule for Genasense, as well as a biomarker for targeting patient selection similar to that employed in AGENDA. GNTA will be presenting the results of long-term survival at ASCO:

Survival of advanced melanoma patients with normal LDH treated with oblimersen, temozolomide, and nab-paclitaxel. (Abstract #9080). Monday June 1, 2009. Poster Session: Melanoma/Skin Cancer: 8 am-12 pm.

GNTA will also be presenting PK data from its tesetaxel program, an oral taxane licensed from Daiichi-Sankyo.

Pharmacology and safety factors affecting use of flat (rather than weight-based) dosing of tesetaxel, an orally administered taxane. (Abstract #2510). Monday June 1, 2009. Poster Session: Developmental Therapeutics: 2-6 pm; Discussion Session: 5-6 pm.

Cell Therapeutics

Cell Therapeutics (CTIC) has been getting a lot of attention recently, primarily from their positive Pixantrone data in March in third-line NHL. The stock has been on a bit of a roller-coaster as well, fueled by Novartis option rumors, rolling NDA filing and recent Brostallicin preclinical data at AACR.

CTIC will be presenting the full Pixantrone EXTEND trial results where we assume they’ll quell any cardiac concerns.

Exelixis

Exelixis will have a whopping 7 presentations/posters at ASCO, most from XL184, a small molecule VEGFR2/MET/RET inhibitor in development for thyroid cancer and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). [BusinessWire]

Roche/Genentech

Finally, after a disappointing day yesterday when the companies announced that Avastin had failed it’s late stage trial in preventing colon cancer recurrence after surgery, Roche/DNA will be presenting the full results and provide some encouraging data that it may have some activity in early stages of the disease. [Bloomberg]

Stay tuned for more ASCO Watch Updates…

Image from pharmalot

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