Earlier this week, biotechnology company Syntrix Pharmaceuticals (“Syntrix”) announced that it had finished dosing all patients in its Phase 1/2 clinical trials. The trials were designed to evaluate SX-682 as a potential treatment for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and metastatic melanoma.

SX-682

Developed by Syntrix, SX-682 is an orally-administered CXCR1/2-inhibitor. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), both CXR1 and CXR2 play a role in immunosuppression. As a result, the immune system does not work on attacking the tumor; rather, it is allowed to grow. However, SX-682 works by blocking tumors from metastasizing and prompting an immune response. As a result, researchers believe it will improve patient outcomes.

Within the Phase 1/2 trials, SX-682 was both safe and well-tolerated. It was discovered through Syntrix’s proprietary TME platform. In future clinical trials, researchers will evaluate SX-682 for patients with pancreatic, colorectal, breast, head, and neck cancers. 

Melanoma

Currently, melanoma is considered the most severe type of skin cancer. It typically develops in areas that get high sun exposure. Cancer cells develop in melanocytes, or cells that produce melanin. In many cases, melanoma can be metastatic, progressing throughout the body. Often, it occurs in people with lighter skin, and in adults over children. Symptoms include:

• A new spot that changes size, shape, or color
• Changes in an existing mole
• New moles developing
• Skin color changes

Many people have between 10 and 45 moles. Normal moles are usually one color with a very distinct border. However, identifying melanoma can be done through the ABCDE system:

• Asymmetry. If half of the mole’s shape does not match the other half, it could be melanoma.
• Irregular border. Again, a healthy mole has a distinct border. Moles from melanoma may have irregular or ragged-looking borders.
• Color changes. Is the mole more than one color?
• Diameter. Normal moles are usually smaller than a pencil eraser. If a mole is larger than that, it should be examined by a doctor.
• Evolution. Is the mole changing over time, itching, bleeding, or having some other difference?

Learn more about melanoma.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

Genetics, chemotherapy, and toxin exposure may all play a role in the development of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), progressive conditions that prevent healthy blood cells from growing in the bone marrow. Ultimately, there are 5 subtypes of MDS that depend on bone marrow analysis. However, in all cases, platelets and red and white blood cells fail to mature. MDS progresses to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in about half of all cases. Typically, MDS affects males more than females. Symptoms include:

• Anemia
• Chest pain
• Pallor
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent infections
• Neutropenia
• Thrombocytopenia
• Easy bruising and bleeding

Learn more about MDS.