Publication reviews efficacy of Lorus’ interleukin 17E

Lorus Therapeutics (TSX:LOR) reports that the peer-reviewed journal, Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy, has published an article that outlines the anti-tumour activity of a novel cytokine interleukin 17E (IL-17E) and data of its mechanism of action.

In the article, Lorus scientists demonstrated the anti-tumour effects of IL-17E in preclinical models, using it alone and in combination with a number of approved anti-cancer agents to treat a number of solid tumours, including melanoma, breast, colon, pancreatic and non-small cell lung cancers.

In combination studies, IL-17E was compatible with a wide variety of approved anti-cancer drugs, including Avastin, Tarceva, Taxol, Cisplatin, Dacarbazine, Irinotecan, and Gemzar, Lorus said in a statement, adding that the combination of IL-17E with each of these anti-cancer agents “showed greater anti-cancer efficacy than either agent alone without additional toxicity.”

Lorus said the published results expand on its previous findings on the anti-tumour mechanism of the immunotherapy agent Virulizin, which is known to stimulate production of IL-17E, eosinophils and B cells in association with anti-cancer activity in preclinical cancer models.

“We’re very encouraged by these preclinical findings because they indicate that IL-17E not only has broad anti-tumour activity that is comparable to several approved anti-cancer therapies, but also improves the efficacy of these therapies in combination studies”, said CEO Dr. Aiping Young.