Stem Cells in Adrenal Cancer

Dr. Hammer explains the goals of adrenal cancer research.

The National Cancer Institute is sponsoring a phase II trial of a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the IGF2 signaling pathway. The antibody is given in combination with mitotane - the only drug approved by the FDA to treat adrenal cancer. The trial began in 2010 in patients with advanced or metastatic adrenal cancer at the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center and other research institutions nationwide.

Another phase III trial of an oral drug called OSI-906 targeted at the IGF signaling pathway is underway at the U-M Cancer Center and other research institutions. The trial, which opened in 2009, is aimed at patients with locally advanced or metastatic adrenal cancer and is sponsored by OSI Pharmaceuticals. If this drug is approved by the FDA, it will be the first drug approved for adrenal cancer since mitotane was approved in 1959.