A three cohort trial of STP705, a treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, has met its primary endpoint. This treatment is administered in a series of injections, offering an alternative to radiation and surgery. The continued success of STP705 will lead to a viable treatment option for those with squamous cell carcinoma.
About Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer, affecting the middle and outer layers of the skin. It most commonly occurs in the areas of the body that see the most sun exposure. UV rays are the most common form, with risk factors such as fair skin, many sunburns, tanning beds, a weak immune system, a history of skin cancer, and certain genetic conditions heightening the chance of this cancer.
Symptoms include red nodules, flat sores, sores inside of the mouth, sores appearing on top of scars, and sores on the anus and genitals. This cancer can spread and damage other healthy tissue, causing complications. Because of this, it is important to seek treatment.
A physical exam and skin biopsy will be used to obtain a diagnosis. Treatment consists of surgery to remove the carcinoma, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, topical medications, and cryosurgery. If the carcinoma is larger, Mohs surgery, simple excisions, and radiation will be used. Cancer that has spread will be treated with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Prevention is possible. People can take steps to avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning beds. Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing is also another way to lower the risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Checking the skin regularly can also help with early diagnosis and treatment.
About STP705
STP705 is an RNA therapeutic that utilizes “dual-targeted inhibitory property and polypeptide nanoparticle-enhanced delivery” to take down the TGF-β1 and COX-2 gene expressions. It has received the Investigational New Drug approval in the United States and China. Not only has it been approved for squamous cell carcinoma, but it can be used for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, hypertrophic scar, and non-melanoma skin cancer. Before this approval, it was granted the Orphan Drug designation.
About the Study
This trial included three cohorts, all with different doses (10 µg, 20 µg, or 30 µg). The primary endpoint was complete histological clearance of treated isSCC lesion, and 66% of patients within these three cohorts achieved it.
There are still 2 ongoing cohorts, with dosing at 60 and 120 µg. These are meant to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of the treatment when being given at different doses. By the end of the study, there will be five cohorts, and the doses will escalate with each cohort. Researchers will enroll five participants in each of the cohorts and dose them once a week for six weeks.
If the results continue to be positive, STP705 will be a less invasive, viable option for those with squamous cell carcinoma.
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