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12/20: BC Cancer Agency joins international study to examine innovative treatment for advanced prostate cancer
Instead of putting up his feet after retiring at the age of 55 from a finance job in the construction industry, Frank King opened his own accounting business for tax consulting – a business he has run for the last 24 years. His optimistic and determined approach to life did not waver even after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2002.
The cancer has now metastasized to his liver and bone, but King refuses to give up without a fight. He recently joined a new clinical trial called ASCENT-2 offered at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Centre and Centre for the Southern Interior.
This Phase 3 clinical trial will test whether a high-dose calcitriol (DN-101) pill, a biologically active form of vitamin D and a naturally-occurring hormone, taken with the chemotherapy drug docetaxel will improve the survival rates of patients with advanced prostate cancer while reducing some of the side effects caused by chemotherapy. DN-101 administers much higher blood levels of the active form of vitamin D than the levels the body can produce from dietary vitamin D or vitamin D supplements.
“I know there’s no guarantee that this study will benefit me, but I want to explore all options,” says King who is supported by a strong family. “I’m happy to know that my participation could help other prostate cancer patients in the future.”
The study, conducted in over 150 medical centres in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, is being led in Vancouver by Dr. Kim N. Chi, Principal Investigator, BC Cancer Agency and one of the study’s co-chairs.
“This large study builds on the results of the Phase 2 clinical trial where DN-101 appeared to improve chemotherapy survival results for advanced prostate cancer patients,” says Dr. Chi. “The BC Cancer Agency has a strong clinical trials program for patients with prostate cancer and studies like this one will contribute to helping us find new treatment options.”
The clinical trial is open to men over the age of 18 who are diagnosed with prostate cancer and no longer responding to hormone therapy (otherwise known as androgen-independent prostate cancer). Eligible patients will be randomized to receive either docetaxel and the calcitriol pill, or the current standard of care, docetaxel and prednisone, an oral steroid.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men. In B.C., approximately 3,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006 and an estimated 570 will die.
Novacea, Inc. is the sponsor of this clinical study, and is providing management and financial support for ASCENT-2.
The BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Jinny Wu
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Agency
604.877.6272
Toll-free: 1.800.663.3333, ex 6272
jwu2@bccancer.bc.ca
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