A humanized anti-IL-6 antibody (ALD518) in non-small cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory pathways may be an important contributor to morbidity and mortality associated with lung cancer. The oncogene-associated inflammatory microenvironment leads to production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6. IL-6 is associated with poor prognosis and correlates with debilitating lung-cancer-related symptoms such as fatigue, thromboembolism, cachexia and anemia. IL-6 has been implicated in resistance of lung cancer to EGF inhibitors. A mAb therapy targeting IL-6 may be an effective treatment for the inflammatory microenvironment in lung cancer.

AREAS COVERED: An understanding of the inflammatory pathways involved in lung cancer, including the central role of IL-6, and how inflammation affects the course and treatment of lung cancer. The mAb ALD518, which targets IL-6, and its investigational development and use in advanced NSCLC. Preclinical and Phase I and II studies of ALD518 with a focus on NSCLC. How ALD518 could be used in NSCLC in the future.

EXPERT OPINION: IL-6-mediated inflammation may contribute to NSCLC-related morbidity and mortality. In preclinical and Phase I and II trials ALD518 targeting IL-6 appears well tolerated and ameliorates NSCLC-related anemia and cachexia. Other clinical outcomes need further study, and may include effects on overall survival, hypercoagulability associated with lung cancer and decreased resistance to EGF-pathway inhibitors.