GPC Biotech has announced plans to conduct a major trial of its lead platinum-based cancer treatment.

The firm says that it is planning to conduct a phase I/II study investigating the efficacy of its satraplatin drug in the treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Led by Hak Choy, professor and chair of the department of radiation oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre at Dallas, the study will include up to 30 patients in its evaluation.

Dr Choy expressed his optimism at the prospects for the study, commenting: “Platinum-based drugs have been shown to enhance the effects of radiation therapy in treating cancer patients.”

"A platinum-based drug that can be administered orally, like satraplatin, can offer important advantages in that it can be conveniently taken daily by the patient while being treated with radiation therapy, and importantly, can also maximize the potential beneficial effect,” he added.

The trial is the first of several studies planned by GPC Biotech who say they are also seeking to explore the potential of satraplatin in other analogous treatment areas.