Satraplatin Fails to Improve Survival in Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer

Satraplatin, a novel oral platinum compound under development, failed to improve overall survival in late-stage, pre-treated hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).  Early evaluations of satraplatin in HRPC in the SPARC (Satraplatin and Prednisone Against Refractory Cancer) trial looked promising, but the final survival analysis did not show statistical improvement, and the Expanded Access Study Program has been closed to further accrual. 

The explanation of this finding is not yet known.  Investigators who had experience with Satraplatin were surprised, given the apparent activity that had been seen in some patients treated.   A careful analysis of the patients who responded may yield insight into what clinical or molecular/genetic determinants led to improvements in individual cases, which may lead to insights into how future trials with Satraplatin may be better designed to enrich the population of patients who are more likely to benefit from Satraplatin.

Tags: androgen independent prostate cancer, hormone refractory prostate cancer, Satraplatin