QUE Oncology launches Phase II trials in New Zealand
August 1, 2019
Australian biotechnology company QUE Oncology today announces the launch of its Phase II trials which will see its novel non-hormonal therapy, for women with breast cancer suffering hot flushes and night sweats, tested across at least three sites in New Zealand.
QUE Oncology is developing drugs for large unmet medical needs and has already advanced clinical development of its lead drug program Q-122, through four Phase 1 trials.
QUE Oncology is now recruiting New Zealand patients for its Phase II study, taking place at Christchurch Clinical Studies Trustin Christchurch as well as Auckland City Hospitaland Optimal Clinical Trialsin Auckland. The Phase II trial is also taking place in leading hospitals across the United States and Australia.
After a diagnosis of breast cancer, women are routinely prescribed drugs such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors (known as endocrine therapy) for up to 10 years post-diagnosis. These drugs are known to reduce the recurrence of breast cancer by reducing or blocking the action of estrogen, a hormone known to stimulate the growth of breast cancer. However, the most common side-effect of reducing estrogen is an increased likelihood of severe hot flashes and night sweats. These symptoms can severely impact a women’s quality of life including their quality of sleep often causing them to stop taking their breast cancer treatment. QUE Oncology is looking to develop a therapy to address these debilitating symptoms.
Christchurch Clinical Studies Trust Medical Director Dr Chris Wynne, a specialist Oncologist with over 30 years’ experience caring for Breast Cancer patients and survivors is the Principal InvestigatorleadingQUE Oncology’s New Zealand clinical trials.
Dr Wynne says, “Most people don’t fully understand the significant impact of hot flushes and night sweats on these women. They can be debilitating and negatively affect the overall quality of life for women already impacted by breast cancer. There is a desperate need for new treatments and this trial will allow New Zealand women to contribute to the development of one of the most cutting-edge supportive therapies currently in development.”
The study will be conducted by the Christchurch Clinical Studies Trust which has 20 years’ experience in delivering quality early-stage clinical research.
QUE Oncology Chief Executive Officer Dr Rob Crombie says “We are very excited to be expanding our clinical trial for Q-122 to New Zealand, working with the best clinicians and sites across the globe. Trials in this area are urgently needed to identify effective treatments to combat these side effects.”
QUE Oncology’s products also have the potential to expand into related conditions, such as hot flushes associated with menopause, and hot flushes experienced by men undergoing prostate cancer treatment.
Previous trials with Q-122 have shown an excellent safety profile in over 60 patients and healthy volunteers. In a previous Phase 1b trial in women undergoing estrogen reduction therapy for breast cancer, 85 per cent of women showed a reduction in both the frequency and severity of their hot flushes.
Women interested in participating in QUE Oncology’s clinical trials should visit www.queoncology.com
