Heat shock protein inhibitor brings new hope in advanced pre-treated lung cancer

CHICAGO—A new approach to dealing simultaneously with several of the identified molecular processes taking place in cancer has brought new prospects for extending life in patients with advanced non small-call lung cancer who have already received chemotherapy. The American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting heard phase II study findings from patients treated with ganetespib — a drug which inhibits heat shock protein, known as a “molecular chaperone” because it controls the activity of a number of different cancer-causing molecular processes. Used second line in combination with docetaxel the drug produced marked and highly significant improvements in progression-free and overall survival. Dr Suresh Ramalingam from Emory University in Atlanta discussed the study findings with Peter Goodwin.