Drug Containing Recombinant Mistletoe Lectins for Treating Malignant Melanoma

Abstract

The invention relates to a drug and/or pharmaceutical composition for treating metastatic tumors, in particular of malignant melanoma, above all of stage IV malignant melanoma, and to the use of said drug, in particular the use of said drug in select patient populations.

1 . A drug containing a recombinant mistletoe lectin for treating metastatic tumors or skin cancer, wherein the recombinant mistletoe lectin is selected from the group consisting of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-12, or comprises parts and fragments thereof, or is a combination thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The drug according to  claim 1 , wherein the recombinant mistletoe lectin polypeptide is a mistletoe lectin A-chain selected from the group consisting of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-3, or comprises parts and fragments thereof, or is a combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The drug according to  claim 1 , wherein the recombinant mistletoe lectin polypeptide is a mistletoe lectin B-chain selected from the group consisting of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 4-12, or comprises parts and fragments thereof, or is a combination thereof 
     
     
         4 . The drug according to  claim 1 , wherein the metastatic tumor or skin cancer is malignant melanoma. 
     
     
         5 . The drug according to  claim 1 , wherein the drug is selected for non-responders and therapeutic failures of a standard tumor therapy. 
     
     
         6 . The drug according to  claim 1 , wherein the drug is selected for the treatment of stages III and IV of a metastatic tumor or skin cancer, in particular of malignant melanoma. 
     
     
         7 . The drug according to  claim 1 , wherein the drug is used after a first standard treatment for tumors. 
     
     
         8 . A drug containing a recombinant mistletoe lectin according to  claim 1 , possibly in combination with a pharmaceutically compatible carrier. 
     
     
         9 . A drug containing a recombinant mistletoe lectin according to  claim 1  containing a recombinant mistletoe lectin for the specific treatment of malignant melanoma in humans, wherein the drug is used in a dosage in a range of 3-7 ng recombinant mistletoe lectin per kg body weight. 
     
     
         10 . The drug according to  claim 9 , wherein the drug is used in a dosage of 5 ng recombinant mistletoe lectin per kg body weight. 
     
     
         11 . A drug containing a recombinant mistletoe lectin according to  claim 1  containing a recombinant mistletoe lectin for the specific treatment of malignant melanoma in humans, wherein the dosage of the recombinant mistletoe lectin is 200-500 ng, independently of body weight. 
     
     
         12 . The drug according to  claim 11 , wherein the dosage of the recombinant mistletoe lectin is 350 ng, independently of body weight. 
     
     
         13 . The drug according to  claim 1 , wherein the drug is administered at least once a week, preferably two or three times per week. 
     
     
         14 . A pharmaceutical composition containing at least one recombinant mistletoe lectin according to  claim 1 , in combination with a pharmaceutically compatible carrier or, possibly, additional inactive ingredients and additives.