A Safety Study of RTA 744 in Patients With Recurrent High-Grade Gliomas

Malignant gliomas, glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma, are rapidly growing primary brain tumors associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality. Despite aggressive treatment, the median survival rate for GBM is approximately 12 months, with two-year survival rates no more than 8 to 12%, while median survival for patients with AA ranges from 2 to 3 years from time of first diagnosis. RTA 744 is a close chemical analogue of the well characterized anti-cancer agent doxorubicin. Unlike doxorubicin, RTA 744 has shown ability to cross the blood brain barrier and to achieve high concentration in CNS tumor tissue in animal models. It will be administered by i.v. infusions either daily for 3 consecutive days repeated every three weeks, or once weekly for 4 consecutive weeks repeated every 5 weeks. Once the maximum tolerated dose is determined , a new group of patients will be enrolled into the study to evaluate the tolerability and MTD when administered on an expanded schedule (once a week).