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| |  Multikine Shows Encouraging Results In Head And Neck Cancer Treatment VIENNA, VA -- June 8, 1998 -- Head and neck cancer patients receiving 10 daily injections of an immune boosting product called Multikine, had promising anti-tumour responses after only three weeks of treatment, according to the results from a clinical trial presented today at the International Head and Neck Cancer Congress in Hong Kong. Using only the Multikine regimen, of the 10 patients, seven had regression in tumour size, with one of the patients showing a complete disappearance of the tumour. In addition, patients had a resolution of tumour ulceration, increased tongue mobility and reduction or elimination of local pain. There were no tumour progressions or adverse local changes, nor evidence of toxicity from Multikine. Recovery after operation and wound healing were normal. Additionally, microscopic evaluation of the surgical specimens showed evidence of cellular immune reaction against the tumours and destruction of tumour cells. Multikine is being developed by CEL-SCI Corporation and is a natural mixture of human immune system regulators called cytokines. It contains Interleukin-2 and other cytokines, several of which have been shown to be effective cancer treatments. The trial is conducted in patients with newly diagnosed advanced head and neck cancer (Stage II-IV) with Multikine given before surgery and/or radiation, the normal treatments of choice. Multikine therapy is given during the first two weeks, with surgery or radiation to follow after week three. Dr. Feinmesser intends to expand the trial by another 10 patients at a higher dose level of Multikine. A similar trial involving 21 patients is currently ongoing in Canada. The success of this drug regimen will ultimately be measured by its effects on the overall recurrence rate in these patients and its effects on patient quality of life. Currently, about 50 percent of advanced head and neck cancer patients have a recurrence of the cancer and the prognosis for these patients is poor. Head and neck cancer is the sixth most frequently occurring cancer world-wide, with an incidence of 500,000 cases annually. Recent statistics show no reduction in head and neck cancer mortality, but rather a dramatic increase of the disease in certain segments of the population. It mostly occurs in men in their 50's or early 60's with a history of smoking and alcohol consumption. Conventional treatments consist of either surgery, which can be extremely disfiguring, or radiation therapy and chemotherapy, both of which can be associated with severe side effects.
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