This study proposes to determine the clinical activity of this agent in patients with asymptomatic multiple myeloma. It is believed that TBL12 will help delay the onset of active multiple myeloma, with very few-if any- side effects.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that evolves from a state known as Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), defined by parameters of M spike and bone marrow. After evolution to myeloma, patients may be asymptomatic, that is, without any endorgan disease of hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia or bone lesions. In asymptomatic myeloma (ASxM), there is no standard therapy. Thalidomide has been tried in patients with ASxM but with significant toxicity. The patients with ASxM are evaluable in terms of paraprotein measurements. TBL12 sea cucumber extract has been shown to have a number of antitumor properties preclinically, including antiangiogenesis and direct tumor cytotoxicity. TBL12 has been used by a number of patients as a food supplement without any toxicity detected. The investigators thus propose to determine the clinical activity of this agent in patients with ASxM. Patients will be given TBL12 at the dose of 2 units of 20 mL each twice per day daily until disease progression and the effects on the paraprotein noted. Clinical effects seen will be correlated with any in vitro changes in angiogenesis in patient bone marrow samples. The results of this trial may form the basis for the use of this nontoxic agent in patients with the prodrome of or with other early cancers.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
New York University School of Medicine, Clinical Cancer Center
New York, New York, United States
Duration of Response (All Treated Patients)
Response \[complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and stable disease (SD)\] was assessed after approximately 2 months, 6 months and then every 4 months, until progression of disease. Response and progression of disease evaluation is based on the criteria reported by Blade, et al. (1998).
Time frame: up to 3 years
Duration of Response (Excluding Patient Choice and Non-compliance)
Response \[complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and stable disease (SD)\] was assessed after approximately 2 months, 6 months and then every 4 months, until progression of disease. Response and progression of disease evaluation is based on the criteria reported by Blade, et al. (1998).
Time frame: up to 3 years
Percentage of Patients Who Have Responded to TBL12
Response to TBL12 is defined as SD or better after 2 cycles of TBL12. The evaluation of SD, PR, or CR is based on the report by Blade et al. (1998)
Time frame: 2 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.