Breakthrough discovery promises eradication of metastatic cancer growths
New Cancer Drug 2141-V11 Shows Promising Results in Phase 1 Trial
A new cancer drug, 2141-V11, has shown promising results in a recent phase 1 trial. The study, conducted by researchers at Rockefeller University, involved 12 human participants with metastatic cancers such as melanoma, breast cancer, and renal cell carcinoma.
The drug, an enhanced CD40 agonist, was injected directly into the tumors of the participants. The trial demonstrated the drug to be well-tolerated, with no treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) higher than grade 3. Ten participants experienced adverse events during the treatment, but these were not considered TRAEs.
The positive outcomes observed in the trial include tumor shrinkage in half of the patients and complete remissions in two participants, notably in melanoma and breast cancer. Study author Juan Osorio is looking forward to the results of the ongoing phase 2 studies, which will target metastatic breast cancer, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma, building on the promising safety and antitumor activity results from the completed phase 1 trial.
The goal of the ongoing phase 2 studies is to evaluate in larger cohorts whether TLS or other immune spatial interactions are crucial for effective induction of antitumor immunity. The team is also currently trying to figure out which biomarkers may predict response to CD40 agonists.
The drug, an Fc-engineered human IgG1, is designed to enhance immune cell activation while reducing toxicity common to earlier CD40 agonists. The promising phase 1 results support further clinical development, with phase 2 studies planned or expected to focus on these metastatic cancers given the initial patient population and responses.
It's worth noting that while the trial was successful, one participant was hospitalized due to a urinary tract infection, and another participant had shortness of breath related to chronic heart failure. These events were not related to the drug treatment.
The participants in the trial ranged from ages 42 to 89. Early data from the phase 2 studies is promising, and the team is looking forward to continuing their research into this potential new treatment for difficult-to-treat cancers such as malignant gliomas, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer.
- The ongoing phase 2 studies will target metastatic breast cancer, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma.
- The initial patient population in the study consisted of people with metastatic cancers such as melanoma, breast cancer, and renal cell carcinoma.
- The drug, an enhanced CD40 agonist, has shown promising results in reducing toxicity common to earlier CD40 agonists, making it a potential treatment for various medical conditions like cancer.
- The research team is currently trying to determine which biomarkers may predict response to CD40 agonists, potentially leading to improvements in health and wellness for people with breast cancer, melanoma, and other forms of malignant tumors.
