The Toronto Hospital Investigates New Treatment for Primary Liver Cancer

(Toronto, October 22, 1996)--The Toronto Hospital is offering some cancer patients an opportunity to participate in a research study to investigate THYMITAQ, a novel therapeutic drug for the treatment of various types of cancer.

The Toronto Hospital is one of a selected number of sites throughout North America currently conducting clinical research on this new investigational therapy. THYMITAQ, a synthetic compound under development by Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is designed to inhibit thymidylate synthase, an enzyme required for the rapid proliferation of cancer cells. Preliminary results for THYMITAQ in the treatment of several cancer types have been promising, with anti-tumour activity observed in pilot studies.

Specifically, in ongoing trials for hepatoma or primary liver cancer, a cancer that begins in the liver, THYMITAQ has shown in small scale studies to shrink the tumour by 50 per cent in some patients. The most commonly reported side effects are: mouth sores, skin rash, anorexia, lowered blood counts and mild nausea and vomitting. To participate in the trial, patients must be at least 18 years of age. Patients cannot be undergoing therapy with other investigational agents, or taking homeopathic remedies or vitamin supplements. Also, patients with a history of another malignancy within five years, with the exception of basal cell skin cancer or cervical cancer, will not be able to participate in this study.

"The THYMITAQ trial is an example of important cancer research in progress," said Dr. Janet Dancey, medical oncologist and principle investigator at The Toronto Hospital.
"THYMITAQ represents a cutting-edge concept that has shown initial signs of effectiveness in treating primary liver cancer."

The study, although currently underway, is still open to patients who have been diagnosed with primary liver cancer and meet the criteria. At the close of the trial, patients may be given the option of continuing treatment.

Interested patients can speak with the study co-ordinator to learn more about the details of the trial by calling 416-340-4263.


The Toronto Hospital is Canada's largest acute care teaching facility with approximately 1200 beds. It has achieved international acclaim for providing excellence in patient care, teaching and research in its four designated priority programs: oncology, transplantation, neurosciences and cardiac sciences.

Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a pioneer and leader in technologies permitting the rational design of novel, small molecule drugs based upon the molecular structures of proteins which play key roles in human disease. Agouron is currently applying these technologies to the design and development of novel drugs for the treatment of cancer, AIDS and other serious diseases.

For more information, contact Josey Panetta, Senior Media Relations Officer,
The Toronto Hospital, 416-340-4800 ext. 3303