Tocagen Inc (TOCA)

[gr8db8]

Expert opinion: These early studies provide very encouraging results for Toca 511 and Toca FC in rHGG.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30676111

Early clinical trials of Toca 511 and Toca FC show a promising novel treatment for recurrent malignant glioma.
Philbrick BD1, Adamson DC1,2.
Author information
Abstract
Glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma are two of the most aggressive and common glioma malignancies in adults. These high-grade gliomas (HGG) universally recur despite aggressive treatment modalities and have a median overall survival (mOS) of approximately 14 months from initial diagnosis. Upon recurrence, there is no standard of care and these patients have a dismal prognosis of around 9 months at time of recurrence. Areas covered: In this article, we assess the newly published phase I data of Toca 511 and Toca FC, a two-drug combination therapy for recurrent HGG (rHGG) tumors, for effectiveness and safety. Expert opinion: These early studies provide very encouraging results for Toca 511 and Toca FC in rHGG. This therapy had a response rate of 11.3% and a mOS of 11.9 months in 56 patients, an improvement compared to historical controls. Furthermore, all responders were complete responses after extended follow-up. The drug is well tolerated for most patients. Responders tended to be young and have high performance scores prior to beginning therapy, but more studies are necessary to understand the patient profile that receives the most benefit. Randomized-controlled trials are warranted for Toca 511 and Toca FC to confirm drug efficacy.