STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delcath Systems, Inc. announced today it was a co-sponsor of the First International Symposium on Regional Cancer Therapies held January 14-16, 2006 in Colorado.
Dr. James F. Pingpank, Jr., Senior Investigator at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), presented the Delcath drug delivery system at the three-day symposium. Dr. Pingpank summarized the positive results of the Company’s Phase I clinical trial, conducted at the NCI from 2001 through 2004, and their ongoing experience in the Phase II trial for the treatment of primary and metastatic tumors in the liver using melphalan, an approved anticancer agent. In addition, Dr. Pingpank discussed the protocol for Delcath’s pending Phase III clinical trial, currently under review by the FDA, following the granting of fast-track status by that U.S. agency. This presentation was made to surgical oncologists who are at the forefront of regional cancer therapy, some of whom are candidates for participating in the upcoming melphalan melanoma trial.
The Delcath system delivers high-dose chemotherapy directly to the liver via the hepatic artery. As blood exits the liver, special Delcath filters trap the chemotherapy, protecting the rest of the body from excessive toxicity. The procedure is repeatable and is less invasive than traditional surgical ways of performing isolated perfusion to effect dose-directed therapy of specific body organs or regions.
Many of the speakers at the Symposium focused on their experience with intraperitoneal therapy, the subject recently of a clinical announcement issued by the NCI to encourage doctors to use the abdominal treatment upon diagnosis of metastatic ovarian cancer. Intraperitoneal therapy is not considered effective in the presence of inoperable liver metastasis since there are no meaningful treatments for the liver. Dr. Pingpank’s presentation was notable since the NCI’s data suggests isolated liver perfusion can provide meaningful anti-tumor activity while maintaining quality of life for patients with disease in the liver.
M.S. Koly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delcath Systems, said, “The First International Symposium on Regional Cancer Therapies covered the most recent advances in cancer treatment with a regional focus. The symposium therefore presented an ideal opportunity to increase awareness of our unique technology platform among leading medical professionals nationwide as we prepare for our upcoming Phase III clinical trial. We are pleased by the continued support of the NCI and look forward to accelerating our clinical programs.”
About Delcath Systems, Inc.
Delcath Systems is a developer of isolated perfusion technology for organ or region-specific delivery of therapeutic agents. The Company’s intellectual property portfolio currently consists of 12 patents on a worldwide basis, including the United States, Europe, Asia and Canada.
In May 2005, Delcath received fast-track status from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in the liver with melphalan using the Delcath system. For more information, please visit the Company’s website, www.delcath.com.
This release contains “forward-looking statements” based on current expectations but involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or achievements may be materially different from those expressed or implied. Delcath plans and objectives are based on assumptions involving judgments with respect to future economic, competitive and market conditions, its ability to consummate, and the timing of, acquisitions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond its control. Therefore, there can be no assurance than any forward-looking statement will prove to be accurate.
Delcath Systems, Inc.
CONTACT: M. S. Koly, Chief Executive Officer of Delcath Systems, Inc.,+1-203-323-8668; or Todd Fromer, +1-212-896-1215, or tfromer@kcsa.com, orMichael Cimini, +1-212-896-1233, or mcimini@kcsa.com, both of KCSAWorldwide
Web site: http://www.delcath.com//
