Zina Sarif’s Post

A new breakthrough platform will enable non-invasive clinical assays in time for clinical decision. The “Rapid, Reproducible, Rare Cell 3D Expansion” (R3CE) is able to generate solid tumors, rare cells, Circulating-Tumor-Cells (CTCs) and more. This opportunity will allow physicians to accurately predict drug resistance acquired over treatment cycles. It was developed by Dr. Mark D Pegram, Dr. Ying C Chang, Dr. Wen-Hung Kuo, Dr. Yu Zong, Dr. Yen-Jang Huang, and Dr. Jia-Yang Chen. Read more about the R3CE’s capabilities here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gsyY4YMY

We've been diving into some trends in current clinical trials for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), focusing particularly on the types of antibodies used and their target antigens. A review article by Edidiong U. et al. from the University of Illinois Chicago discusses over 500 active clinical trials investigating newer ADCs and addresses the challenges associated with their clinical translation. Here are some key points we found interesting: ➡️ Of all active clinical trials, only 36% focus on new ADCs. Interestingly, 90% of these new ADC trials target solid tumor applications, marking a significant shift from already approved ADCs. ➡️ 80% of trials target established antigens for hematological and solid tumors, including HER2 (32%), CD30 (14%), and TROP2 (9%). However, there is a growing interest in targeting novel antigens, which accounts for 20% of clinical trials. This push for novel antigens is likely driven by the expanding application of ADCs to solid tumors. Check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/gWEB9eZG #ADCs #AntibodyDrugConjugates #AntibodyTherapeutics #DrugDiscovery #AntibodyDiscovery

GAN DIO-MASH-HCC mouse Friday #EASL2024 is another big day, presenting pretty sophisticated tumor characterization poster data in our DIO-MASH-HCC mouse model, highlighting the clinical translatability to MASH-HCC patients. A great extension to our recent DIO-MASH-HCC paper, where also we presented the novel finding that semaglutide reduces liver tumor burden: https://lnkd.in/dURwMWpB How, you might ask? We take a qualified shot, and suggest that semaglutide impacts the accumulation of exhausted, but activated lymphocytic (CD8) T-cells, recently being reported in MASH-HCC patients by Dominik Pfister et al. Further supported by GLP-1R being a T cell-negative costimulatory molecule demonstrated by Moufida Ben Nasr et al. Hence a specific anti-inflammatory effect, notably in context of anti-steatotic action. Will the anti-tumor action also be observed for dual GLP-1:GIP or GLP-1:Glucagon molecules? And should the GLP-1 mono/duals be combined with first-line therapy (ICI) in MASH-HCC patients?

Overall survival rate estimated at 24 months was 52.4% with generally tolerated safety profile. Rakuten Medical is excited to announce the updated safety and efficacy findings from an interim evaluation of an open-label Phase 1b/2 study of #photoimmunotherapy using ASP-1929 in combination with anti-PD-1 for first-line recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The data will be presented in a poster at #ASCO24. Rakuten Medical recently completed a Type B End-of-Phase 2 (EOP2) meeting with the US FDA for the combination of ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy and anti-PD-1 in the first-line recurrent HNSCC setting and discussed the key details for a multi-regional registrational study. Rakuten Medical plans to initiate this global phase 3 clinical trial with a primary endpoint of OS in the second half of 2024. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gBjPvGzi #Alluminox

Busy days at ESMO - European Society for Medical Oncology 2024 in Barcelona. Today, the BioInvent team presents a Trial in Progress poster for the company’s second anti-TNFR2 antibody, BI-1910. BI-1910 is currently enrolling patients in the monotherapy cohort of the Phase 1/2a study in patients with advanced solid tumors. The fifth planned dose level has been reached without any notable adverse events observed. The prespecified target dose range with robust target occupancy has been reached, and evidence of immune activation has been observed. Dose escalation will continue for exploration of a wide range of dose-safety/tolerability margin, and is expected to complete before year-end 2024, leading to opening Phase 2a with BI-1910 monotherapy in NSCLC in H1 2025. Phase 1 Part B dose escalation of BI-1910 in combination with pembrolizumab is expected to commence Q4 2024. Read the full poster: https://lnkd.in/eTih9uD4). #immunooncology #immunotherapy #antibodytherapeutics #biotechnology #lifescience

🌟🔬 Very good insights from the latest JCO Precision Oncology publication: "Regorafenib in Patients With Solid Tumors With BRAF Alterations: Results From the TAPUR Study." 📚 While the outcomes may not have met all expectations, this study underscores the invaluable role of negative results in advancing medical science. 💡 A special shoutout to our NCORP site in Ann Arbor, MI (Trinity Health MI), for being a part of this study! 🏥 Each finding, whether positive or negative, enriches our understanding, guiding future research and clinical strategies. 🚀 Let's embrace every piece of data as a stepping stone towards precision medicine. 💊🧬 #Oncology #PrecisionMedicine #ClinicalResearch #MedicalInnovation #TrinityHealth✨

Novel mechanism to kill TNBCs by using both AKT and EZH2 inhibitors Components of the PI3K pathway represent plausible therapeutic targets; more than 70% of TNBCs have alterations in PIK3CA, AKT1 or PTEN. However, in contrast to hormone-receptor-positive tumors, it is still unclear whether or how triple-negative disease will respond to PI3K pathway inhibitors. Specifically, the researchers discovered that that by combining two types of agents known as EZH2 and AKT inhibitors, they could coax TNBC cells to differentiate. Once the cells are differentiated, these agents kill tumor cells by triggering a process similar to involution, which normally occurs when breast tissue returns to a non-lactating state after a mother stops producing breast milk. Mechanistically, the authors show that AKT inhibitors synergize with agents that suppress the histone methyltransferase EZH2 and promote robust tumor regression in multiple TNBC models in vivo. AKT and EZH2 inhibitors exert these effects by first cooperatively driving basal-like TNBC cells into a more differentiated, luminal-like state, which cannot be effectively induced by either agent alone. Once TNBCs are differentiated, these agents kill them by hijacking signals that normally drive mammary gland involution. #ScienceMission #sciencenewshighlights https://lnkd.in/g8K_UHr3

🔬 Exciting Advances in Metastatic Kidney Cancer Research: Unveiling Key Markers for Survival 🚀 I'm thrilled to share insights from a recent study published in our Special Issue at Biomedicines (IF= 4.7, Q1 in pharmacy and pharmacology), where I am the guest editor. This research was on advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), shedding light on crucial markers that could influence survival rates. In the analysis of 55 mRCC patients undergoing first-line treatment with sunitinib, the researchers delved into clinical, pathohistological, and molecular data, focusing on the expression of Receptor Interacting Protein 5 (RIP5) and Vestigial Like Family Member 4 (VGLL4). 🔍 Key Findings: RIP5 Expression Trends: The authors observed a fascinating linear increase in RIP5 protein expression with tumor-grade progression. Notably, 80% of RIP5-positive cells were found in high-grade mRCC and control kidneys, whereas grade 2 mRCC exhibited significantly lower RIP5 expression (5.63%). VGLL4 Expression Trends: Conversely, the expression of VGLL4 displayed a linear decrease as the tumor grade advanced. The highest protein expression of VGLL4 was recorded in grade 2 (87.82%), compared to grades 3 and 4, as well as the control group. Survival Correlations: High mRNA expression of RIP5 correlated with longer first-line overall survival and progression-free survival in mRCC patients. Additionally, elevated VGLL4 mRNA expression was associated with improved overall survival in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). 📈 Implications for Clinical Practice: These findings suggest that monitoring the mRNA expression of RIP5 and VGLL4 could serve as valuable prognostic markers for mRCC patients. The observed correlations with survival rates highlight their potential as indicators of treatment response and overall patient outcomes. 🌐 Future Directions: To explore the therapeutic implications of these molecular markers and their potential for personalized treatment strategies in the mRCC. Link of the full-text: https://lnkd.in/g5mPYWWR #MedicalResearch #mRCC #CancerResearch #PrecisionMedicine #ScienceAdvances #OncologyResearch

Just another example of how Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network, Inc. (MPLN) is at the forefront of diagnostic technologies in our field. We are PROUD to be the first clinical lab to verify the Pillar Biosciences Incorporated OncoReveal Pan-Cancer Solid Tumor Dx NGS panel. Be sure to register for the webinar below to learn more about the impact of this new assay!

🥼 Galvanize Therapeutics, Inc. completed patient enrolment in the AFFINITY study assessing the Aliya pulsed electric field system in treating late-stage non-small cell lung cancer and lung metastasis. The device operates by delivering high-voltage, short-duration electrical energy directly to cells, causing a disruption in their transmembrane potential and leading to programmed cell death without damaging cellular proteins or the extracellular matrix. 👏 Founder and CEO Jonathan Waldstreicher, MD said: “Completing enrolment in AFFINITY is a significant milestone towards our goal of providing patients with solid tumours a biology-based therapy that extends beyond focal ablation." 🔍 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dCMjPFwS 📰 Follow Guided Solutions to receive the latest #MedTech news daily and subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dS5gxq3t #MedicalDevices #MedicalDevice #MedicalEquipment #Medicine #HealthTech #Surgeons #GuidedSolutions