Combining two monoclonal antibodies to treat advanced melanomas may be more effective
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Recently, a phase I clinical trial conducted by researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reported that pairing two drugs called ipilimumab and bevacizumab is both safe and effective for treating advanced melanomas. These two monoclonal antibodies are natural, disease-fighting proteins that help enhance the immune response and block the growth of blood vessels that nourish tumors.
Lead author F. Stephen Hodi and his team evaluated a total of 22 patients who had metastatic melanoma that was not treatable by surgery. In these individuals, the drugs elicited a strong response that resulted in decreased blood flow to tumors.
"Our findings indicate that ipilimumab and bevacizumab can be safely administered with careful management of side effects," Hodi explained. "The results of lab tests suggest that the two agents may work synergistically, with 14 out of 21 patients experiencing a clinical benefit. This approach merits exploration in further clinical trials."
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