Early clinical studies to explore candidate biomarkers in targeted cancer therapies

PhD ceremony: Ms. C.N.A.M. Oldenhuis, 12.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Early clinical studies to explore candidate biomarkers in targeted cancer therapies

Promotor(s): prof. J.A. Gietema, prof. E.G.E. de Vries, prof. S. de Jong

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Currently, much information is becoming available from tumor cell biology research, opening opportunities for the development of specifically tumor targeting agents. In this thesis we studied the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of two novel targeted agents in phase 1 studies. An oral angiogenesis inhibitor and the apoptosis inducing agonistic antibody mapatumumab both appeared safe in combination with chemotherapy. No pharmacokinetic interactions were seen. Further studies on this combination are therefore warranted.