The overexpression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), present in 15%-20% of myeloma patients, is known to be a poor prognostic indicator for the disease. Pre-clinical data demonstrates that TKI258 (CHIR-258), an orally available kinase inhibitor developed by Chiron Corporation, now part of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, inhibits FGFR3, as well as several other growth factor receptors. As such, TKI258 (CHIR-258) may hold promise in treating the subgroup of myeloma patients known to express FGFR3.

A Phase I clinical trial of TKI258 (CHIR-258), sponsored by research partner Novartis Pharmaceuticals, is now underway. This trial is being performed entirely within the MMRC, with the Myeloma Tissue Bank collecting, processing and transhipping virtually all tissue samples. Three MMRC Institutions are now accruing patients:

• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Mass.
• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Fla.
• Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.
• Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Scottsdale, Az.

This Phase I trial of TKI258 (CHIR-258) was designed to identify the highest possible dose of TKI258 (CHIR-258) in myeloma patients. Preliminary efficacy data will also be gathered from a group of patients treated at the highest tolerated dose.

For more information about this clinical trial, contact Alicia Sable-Hunt, RN, MMRC Program Manager, at sablehunt@themmrc.org.