Immunotherapy

Experts say that combining an immune checkpoint inhibitor with chemotherapy is the standard first-line treatment for patients with HER2-negative metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. Because many patients receive only one line of therapy, choosing the best initial treatment based on biomarkers is important. In a case discussion, a 60-year-old man with stage IV […]

Updated results from the Phase 2 COLIBRI trial suggest that adding immunotherapy before and after standard chemoradiation can significantly improve outcomes for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. After a median follow-up of about 40 months, the treatment achieved a 3-year progression-free survival rate of 83% and an overall survival rate of 90%. Patients with

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is becoming increasingly defined by personalized treatment decisions based on whether tumors are surgically removable. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, which grows slowly and rarely spreads, CSCC is more aggressive and can invade nerves, lymph nodes, and distant organs, especially in immunosuppressed patients. For unresectable or metastatic disease, FDA-approved anti–PD-1 immunotherapies

Doctors have performed a world-first genetic immunotherapy treatment for pancreatic cancer, adapting immune cell techniques usually used in blood cancers to treat a solid tumor. The process involves removing a patient’s T-cells, genetically modifying them to recognize specific features of pancreatic cancer cells, and then reinfusing them back into the body so they can target and

A phase 2a TACITO trial suggests that Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) from treatment responders may improve outcomes in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Patients received standard immunotherapy with pembrolizumab and axitinib, along with either donor FMT or a placebo. Results showed clear benefits for the donor FMT group. Median progression-free survival was 24 months versus 9

A study found that the physical arrangement of immune cells inside melanoma tumors plays a key role in determining whether immunotherapy works. Researchers analyzed tumor samples from patients in the SWOG S1616 clinical trial using advanced imaging and genetic tools. They discovered that patients who responded to treatment had active CD8 T cells clustered close

Results from a Phase 1/2 study show that mRNA-4359, an experimental cancer vaccine, can greatly improve the effectiveness of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in treating advanced melanoma. In a small group of patients, the combination achieved an 83% response rate and a 92% disease control rate. Patients responded quickly, with tumor shrinkage seen in about six weeks,

A Phase 2 study shows that combining PDS01ADC, an IL-12 immunotherapy agent, with hepatic artery infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy may significantly improve outcomes for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. The combination aims to both directly attack liver tumors and stimulate the immune system. PDS01ADC helps activate immune responses against

The FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation to eftilagimod alfa for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, supporting its development with incentives such as tax credits and market exclusivity if approved. Eftilagimod alfa works by activating antigen-presenting cells and strengthening both innate and adaptive immune responses. It boosts CD8+ T cells that help the immune

Results show that combining hormonal therapy with immunotherapy may offer a promising alternative to chemotherapy for advanced salivary gland cancer. The treatment combined goserelin, a hormone therapy, with pembrolizumab. The study reported a 27.7% overall response rate and a 78% disease control rate. Patients stayed on treatment for a median of 12.1 months, and some