Q: What is BMX-001, and how does it work?
A: BMX-001 is a new drug that helps people with brain cancer. It was created by Ines Batinic-Haberle at Duke University. It is inspired by a natural enzyme called superoxide dismutase, which protects us from damage. The drug is special because it is stable, dissolves well in water, and has a positive charge that helps it target the brain.
Q: What were the main findings from the recent phase 2 trial for high-grade glioma patients?
A: In a recent study, 160 people with high-grade glioma, a severe form of brain cancer, were given BMX-001 along with radiation and chemotherapy. Those who took BMX-001 lived 6.6 months longer than those who did not. The drug also helped people keep their mental abilities. People who took the drug with radiation did better on mental tasks and had less damage to healthy brain tissue
Q: What other benefits were observed during the trial?
A: BMX-001 extended patients' lives and helped them maintain their mental function. Patients who took the drug with radiation showed better performance on mental tasks and had less damage to healthy brain tissue.
Q: Can BMX-001 help brain cancer patients with cognitive effects from treatment?
A: BMX-001 aims to improve the quality of life of brain cancer patients by protecting normal brain tissue from radiation effects. It can help people with speech, focus, and handling many tasks, which can be worsened by radiation
Q: What is the current status of BMX-001?
A: BMX-001 is still being studied and has not been approved for general use. Researchers are looking at the potential benefits of using BMX-001 in other cancers
To read the full release and to learn more about the story behind BMX-001, visit: https://medschool.duke.edu/news/drug-born-duke-improves-survival-people-advanced-brain-cancer