Biocancell Therapeutics Ltd. (TASE:BICL) today notified the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) that successful compassionate treatment was carried out on a 78-year old patient suffering from transitional cell cancer (TCC) of the renal pelvis, a common form of bladder cancer.
The patient previously had his right kidney removed because of the disease, and was about to lose his left kidney as well, which would have resulted in him requiring dialysis for the rest of his life.
After obtaining the necessary permits and verifying that the patient was a suitable candidate for Biocancell's flagship product, BC-819, doctors began treatment. The patient received six treatments of 10-milligram dosages of the drug via injection into the renal pelvis.
Biocancell said that the treatment prevented the formation of tumors in the renal pelvis, a year after the patient was a candidate for its removal. There were no severe side-effects. The patient reported that he was able to function and work in line with his lifestyle before the treatment. His doctors say that they want to use BC-819 on other patients.
Biocancell chairman and chief scientist Prof. Avraham Hochberg said, "The results of the treatment demonstrate that it's possible to use BC-819 to keep the kidneys and renal pelvis of patients who were candidates for radical removal of their organs. The treatment prevented massive harm to the patients' quality of life."
Biocancell added that it was considering further development of BC-819 for the treatment of TCC, depending on available resources.
Biocancell's share soared 256% by midday to NIS 5.55, giving a market cap of NIS 26 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 4, 2009
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