RC220 Boosts Anticancer Power and Cuts Heart Damage in Preclinical Tests
Race Oncology showcased compelling preclinical data at ESMO 2025 revealing that their drug RC220, combined with doxorubicin, not only shields the heart from toxicity but also boosts anticancer effects, supporting ongoing clinical trials.
- RC220 (E,E-bisantrene) reduces doxorubicin-induced heart damage
- Combination therapy enhances anticancer activity across multiple cancer types
- Mechanism involves DNA damage reduction in heart cells and MYC gene silencing
- Preclinical data presented at major international oncology congress
- Phase 1 clinical trial underway for advanced solid tumors
Race Oncology’s Breakthrough at ESMO 2025
At the prestigious European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress held in Berlin, Race Oncology Limited unveiled promising preclinical findings on their lead asset, RC220, a proprietary formulation of (E,E)-bisantrene. The data highlights a dual benefit when RC220 is combined with the widely used chemotherapy drug doxorubicin – enhanced anticancer efficacy alongside significant protection against the cardiotoxic side effects that often limit doxorubicin’s clinical use.
A Dual Mechanism of Action
Race’s research reveals that RC220 mitigates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by reducing double strand DNA breaks in heart muscle cells, a mechanism shared with the FDA-approved cardioprotective agent dexrazoxane. However, RC220 distinguishes itself by also amplifying anticancer activity through stabilizing G4-DNA and RNA structures, which suppresses the MYC oncogene, a critical regulator of cancer cell growth. This additive effect suggests RC220 could improve outcomes without compromising safety.
Preclinical Evidence and Clinical Implications
Extensive in vitro testing across 111 cancer cell lines demonstrated that the RC220 and doxorubicin combination consistently outperformed doxorubicin alone in inhibiting cancer cell growth. Animal studies further confirmed enhanced survival rates and improved cardiac function in models treated with the combination. These encouraging results underpin the ongoing Phase 1 dose escalation trial (NCT06815575) evaluating RC220 with standard doxorubicin doses in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Strategic Collaborations and Future Prospects
Race Oncology’s collaborative network spans leading institutions including MD Anderson, Sheba City of Health, and several Australian universities, positioning the company well to accelerate development and potential commercialization. The company is actively exploring partnerships and licensing opportunities to broaden patient access globally. CEO Dr. Daniel Tillett emphasized the significance of presenting these findings at ESMO, underscoring the potential for RC220 to transform cancer treatment paradigms by addressing a critical unmet need.
Balancing Promise with Caution
While the preclinical data is compelling, RC220’s ultimate impact will depend on clinical trial outcomes and regulatory approvals. The dual cardioprotective and anticancer profile offers a rare combination that could redefine chemotherapy regimens, but investors and clinicians alike will be watching closely as Phase 1 results emerge.
Bottom Line?
Race Oncology’s RC220 could reshape cancer therapy by protecting the heart while intensifying anticancer effects, next steps hinge on clinical trial success.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Phase 1 trial results confirm RC220’s safety and efficacy in humans?
- How might RC220’s dual action influence standard chemotherapy protocols?
- What partnerships or licensing deals could accelerate RC220’s global availability?
