Tanespimycin (** Generic (investigational) **)
Other Medications
Description
Tanespimycin (also known as 17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin or 17-AAG) is an investigational drug being studied in clinical trials. It is currently not approved for treating colorectal cancer or any other cancer. The main goal of the early clinical trials, like the one described (NCT00004065), was to determine the highest safe dose (maximum tolerated dose) of the drug in patients with advanced cancers that had stopped responding to standard treatments (refractory). These trials also looked at how the drug affects certain proteins within the cancer cells. Tanespimycin is given intravenously (IV) in cycles.
Mechanism of Action
Tanespimycin belongs to a class of drugs called geldanamycin derivatives. It works by targeting heat shock proteins (HSPs), specifically HSP90. HSP90 helps many other proteins, including some involved in cancer cell growth and survival, to fold correctly and stay active. By inhibiting HSP90, tanespimycin can disrupt the function of these proteins, potentially leading to cancer cell death or slowing their growth. The specific proteins affected and the overall impact on cancer are still being investigated in clinical trials.
Side Effects
Not all side effects are listed. Side effects vary by individual. Always consult your oncologist.