LE-AON

LErafAON is a liposome encapsulated c-raf antisense oligonucleotide. Raf-1 is a protein produced by human cells, both normal and cancerous, which may help protect tumor cells from radiation. Antisense oligonucleotides are very specific drugs, which can decrease the amount of a certain target protein by blocking the gene that makes it. Antisense oligonucleotide to raf gene can reduce the amount of Raf-1 protein in tumor cells. Liposomes are tiny globules of fat, which can carry drugs in the body. The experimental agent LErafAON is composed of liposomes carrying antisense oligonucleotide against the Raf-1 protein. It is hoped that decreased Raf-1 in the cancer cells will make them more sensitive to the radiation therapy.
Patients with advanced solid tumors will receive IV infusions of LErafAON over at least 60 minutes, once per week, for 8 weeks. In the absence of progression, patients may continue on weekly treatment. Pre-medications will be administered prior to each dose of study medication.
Cohorts of at least three patients will be entered at escalating dose-levels. Each cohort will be observed for at least ten days after receiving the first dose of treatment before additional patients are treated at a higher dose level. Patients will be followed for one month after receiving the last dose of study medication. The study will stop when a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is identified. Dose escalation within a patient will not be allowed.

LErafAON is a liposome encapsulated c-raf antisense oligonucleotide. Raf-1 is a protein produced by human cells, both normal and cancerous, which may help protect tumor cells from radiation. Antisense oligonucleotides are very specific drugs, which can decrease the amount of a certain target protein by blocking the gene that makes it. Antisense oligonucleotide to raf gene can reduce the amount of Raf-1 protein in tumor cells. Liposomes are tiny globules of fat, which can carry drugs in the body. The experimental agent LErafAON is composed of liposomes carrying antisense oligonucleotide against the Raf-1 protein. It is hoped that decreased Raf-1 in the cancer cells will make them more sensitive to the radiation therapy.
Patients with advanced malignancies will receive daily IV infusions of LErafAON for 2 weeks (total of 10 doses) during clinically indicated palliative radiotherapy. Cohorts of at least three patients will be entered at escalating dose-levels. Each cohort will be observed for toxicity for at least two weeks after completion of treatment with study medication before the next cohort is enrolled. The study will be stopped when a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is identified. Dose escalation within a patient will not be allowed. Safety and supportive care requirements will be assessed.