Curis Hedgehog and Beyond --plus multi-targeting cancer inhibitors

The emergence of new small molecules with capacity of blocking the Hedgehog signaling pathway provides a novel therapeutic approach in pancreatic adenocarcinoma treating the primary tumor, stroma, systemic metastases and pancreatic cancer stem cells by hedgehog pathway inhibition. This phase 2 clinical trial will evaluate the progression free survival (PFS) in patients with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We hypothesize that the combination of cytotoxic agents (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel) with the Hedgehog inhibitor GDC-0449 may increase PFS.

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01088815

This one also includes two other drugs.

Gemcitabine: This drug is a general cytotoxic drug that destorys the cells ability to replicate DNA. This also means that all cells can't divide easily. Since cancer cells divide abnormal fast this is a good thing for cancer patients.

Paclitaxel: This drug is a general cytotoxic drug that destroys the cytoskeleton (Structure) of your cells. Paclitaxel interferes with the normal function of microtubule breakdown. Like above if the structure of your cells can't be built then you can't generate new and healthy cells.

Hedgehog inhibitor GDC-0449: Specific pathway inhibitor less side effects. The hedgehog pathway might be the gatekeeper to metastasis.