In late February 2022, biopharmaceutical company Trascenta Holding Limited (“Trascenta”) provided an update on its clinical program for TST001, a monoclonal antibody therapy designed for those with locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer. Trascenta announced that TST001 was being evaluated in a Phase 2a clinical trial in conjunction with cisplatin and gemcitabine for patients who had previously not received treatment. As of late February, the first patient within the trial was dosed.
Evaluating TST001
TST001 has also received Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer. This status is granted to drugs or biologics intended to treat, diagnose, or prevent rare (affecting under 200,000 Americans) conditions.
Unfortunately, biliary tract cancer can be difficult to treat. For many patients, their conditions progress to a point where current therapeutic options are ineffective. Thus, TST001 has the potential to fulfill huge unmet needs.
About Biliary Tract Cancer
Biliary tract cancer refers to cancer affecting the bile ducts, or small tubes which carry the bile from the liver to the small intestine. Also known as cholangiocarcinoma, biliary tract cancer may have multiple subtypes: distal, perihilar, extrahepatic, gallbladder cancer. Risk factors for developing biliary tract cancer include Thorotrast exposure, being obese, having diabetes, being older in age, having a history of bile duct inflammation, and having certain rare or inherited conditions such as chronic ulcerative colitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis.
In many cases, those with biliary tract cancer do not experience symptoms until later cancer stages. When symptoms appear, these may include:
- Appetite loss
- Unintended weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes)
- Dark urine and pale stool
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pruritus (intense itchiness)
- Right abdominal pain
- General weakness
- Fever and chills
Learn more about biliary tract cancer.
