Open-Label Phase 2 Efficacy Trial of Cancer Macrobeads in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Pancreatic/Colorectal Cancer

This is a clinical research study of an investigational (FDA BB-IND 10091) treatment for patients with pancreatic cancer (all stages) and advanced colorectal cancer that no longer responds to standard therapies. The treatment is being evaluated for its effect on tumor growth. It consists of the placement (implantation) of small beads that contain mouse renal adenocarcinoma cells (RENCA macrobeads). The cells in the macrobeads produce substances that have been shown to slow or stop the growth of tumors in experimental animals and veterinary patients. It has been tested in 31 human subjects with different types of cancers in a Phase I safety trial. Phase II studies in patients with colorectal, pancreatic or prostate cancers are in progress.

This is an open-label Phase 2 clinical trial. The study will have a duration of 12 months and involve a potential total of four macrobead implants for each enrolled patient, with the implants being no less than three months apart. The RENCA macrobeads are implanted intraperitoneally, using laparoscopic surgical procedures. The macrobeads remain permanently within the peritoneal cavity, even if patients withdraw from the study and/or begin new therapy (e.g. chemotherapy). After the formal phase of the trial is completed, subjects will be followed for life. The intent of this Phase 2 trial is to assess efficacy, safety, and tolerability of RENCA macrobeads. Screening occurs within 28 days prior to first implantation. Enrolled patients are treated with a dose of 8 RENCA macrobeads per kilogram of body weight and observed for a minimum of 3 months prior to the next implantation. A maximum of 4 implantation procedures is possible. Day 0 is the day of implantation. Prior to the start of the study, the Investigators ensured that the protocol and any attendant documentation were approved, in writing, by the Institutional Review Board. The study was conducted in compliance with the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use Good Clinical Practice Guidelines (E6 \[R1\]) for conducting, recording, and reporting studies, as well as for archiving essential documents. The Investigators, the Medical Monitor of the sponsor, and the Data Safety Monitoring Board were responsible for monitoring safety parameters collected in the study. They, collectively, provided oversight and monitoring of the safety of the participants in the study.