Oral cancer drug may help combat COVID-19: Clinical trial on

US researchers are conducting clinical trials to determine if oral cancer drug ibrutinib can also help patients with immunocompromised conditions recover from COVID-19.

By: Jahnavi Sarma | | Published: July 31, 2020 2:26 pm

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The COVID-19 virus has spread to all corners of the world in a very short span of time ravaging the economy and claiming lives. The current situation in India too is critical with thousands of cases being reported every day. Precautionary methods like washing hands frequently and social distancing will only work to a certain extent. Without a vaccine, things look bleak. Though scientists are working around the clock to develop a vaccine and cure for this disease, nothing concrete has emerged yet. However, now there are over 200 hopeful candidates, and a few are in final stages of clinical trials. Experts are also looking at existing drugs that have be of help. Also Read - COVID-19 may have longer incubation period than previously thought

Researchers from Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCC) in the US are now conducting a new clinical trial to determine if an oral cancer drug called ibrutinib can also help patients with cancer or other immunocompromised conditions recover from COVID-19. Also Read - Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is at Phase 3 trial: Preclinical and clinical trials explained

All about this cancer drug

Ibrutinib is an oral therapy in a class of drugs known as Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking specific chemical reactions in the body involved in cellular processes. According to researchers, Ibrutinib targets and blocks a specific kinase related to lung inflammation. They believe it could have real potential to help decrease this inflammation by shutting down the inappropriate cytokine release that is common in COVID-19–a sort of overreaction from the immune system that can cause many problems, including life-threatening respiratory challenges. Also Read - COVID-19 Live Updates: Cases in India surge to 21,53,010 as death toll reaches 42,518

Use of this drug is considered experimental for this study. However, ibrutinib is approved by the US FDA for the treatment of certain cancers, including mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma and others.

Trials to start soon

For this phase II clinical trial, the research team will enroll up to 78 patients with cancer or a precancerous condition who have been hospitalised as a result of a Covid-19 infection. According to researchers, the preliminary data suggests ibrutinib has the potential to reduce rates of respiratory failure and death in COVID-19-infected patients. They add that patients will be monitored throughout study treatment with blood work to measure inflammatory markers, immune response and other bodily functions.

Hope for immunocompromised patients

Individuals with cancer or certain precancerous conditions can have lower immunity to diseases and infection, due to treatment or the nature of the disease. Clinical trials are essential to try to improve COVID-19 care in these patients, because a COVID-19 infection can be even more dangerous for those who are immunocompromised.

(With inputs from IANS)

Published : July 31, 2020 2:26 pm

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