Emactuzumab (SynOx Therapeutics) is the name of a monoclonal antibody currently in trial for TGCT. Monoclonal antibodies are engineered protein that bind to one substance, in this case CSF1 at the cell source. Once it binds, the CSF1 cannot interact with surrounding cells, reducing growth and symptoms of disease.
It is a Phase 3 randomized study, meaning the optimal dose is known and the effectiveness is being investigated. The Phase 3 trial is known as TANGENT. It has started recruiting, starting at MedStar in DC and Sarcoma Oncology Research Center in California. Clinical trial sites in Belgium (Brussels), Italy (Bologna, Pisa, and Sicily), Netherlands (LUMC), Spain (Barcelona and Zaragoza), Taiwan (Taipei), Sweden (Lund), Switzerland (Basel), France (Lyon and other sites), Montreal and Toronto (Canada), and the UK (London) are open. Check back for more information as more sites open!
Published data from the Phase 1 trial suggests it has an improved tolerability profile and remains effective at shrinking TGCT in 71% of patients with a robust response for up to 800 study days (1). The most common side effects include itching (70%), lack of energy (62%), facial swelling (49%), extremity swelling (44%), eyelid swelling (37%), headaches (30%), nausea (29%), rash (29%), fatigue (24%), among others. Rarer side effects such as lupus-like events have occurred.
