2024 Biotech Innovations Target Pancreatic Cancer Survival

VANCOUVER, BC – Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with the majority of patients diagnosed at advanced stages, making treatment more challenging. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, approximately 80% of patients face a late-stage diagnosis. However, a recent breakthrough published in Cell Genomics has highlighted the discovery of significant protein biomarkers that could enhance early detection of the disease. The pancreatic cancer market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 13.7%, reaching $7.4 billion by 2032, according to analysts at Towards Healthcare. This growth is driven by dedicated efforts from biotech companies aiming to improve patient outcomes with novel treatments and early detection methods.

At the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Oncolytics Biotech Inc. presented promising developments in their cancer treatment research. The company showcased two abstracts on their innovative immunotherapy drug, pelareorep. One of these abstracts pertains to the GOBLET study's fifth cohort, which aims to examine the efficacy of combining pelareorep with modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX), with or without atezolizumab, for newly diagnosed patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Dr. Matt Coffey, President and CEO of Oncolytics, noted that combining pelareorep with mFOLFIRINOX could significantly extend the scope of their pancreatic cancer program. Previous studies have shown that adding pelareorep to standard chemotherapy regimens, such as gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, significantly improved tumor response rates. The new GOBLET study cohort is backed by a $5 million Therapeutic Accelerator Award from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), with patient enrollment expected to commence shortly.

Verastem, Inc. also presented positive initial results at ASCO from their Phase 1/2 trial, which evaluates the combination of avutometinib and defactinib alongside standard chemotherapy in first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer. The study, funded by PanCAN, showed an impressive confirmed overall response rate (ORR) of 83% in patients receiving this treatment combination. Despite one instance of dose-limiting toxicity, the trial demonstrated promising results, highlighting the potential of targeting the RAS/MAPK pathway, given that over 90% of pancreatic tumors have a KRAS mutation.

In another significant update, CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. shared initial data from their Phase 1a trial for CX-904, a PROBODY T-cell engager. The study showed a favorable safety profile and encouraging anti-cancer activity, with 33% of patients experiencing a partial response and all patients showing disease control. CEO Sean McCarthy emphasized the potential broad applications of this innovative treatment across various cancer types.

BioNTech SE continues to explore the potential of its mRNA cancer vaccine, autogene cevumeran. Three years into a Phase 1 trial, patients continue to exhibit T-cell responses. The vaccine, used in combination with atezolizumab and chemotherapy, aims to improve recurrence-free survival rates. BioNTech is now enrolling patients for a Phase 2 trial.

Lastly, FibroGen, Inc. is preparing to release important topline data from two late-stage trials for their antibody pamrevlumab, intended for different pancreatic cancer types. Results are expected from the PanCAN Precision Promise Phase 2/3 study for metastatic pancreatic cancer in mid-2024, and from the LAPIS Phase 3 study for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer later in the year.

These developments highlight the ongoing efforts and innovations in the fight against pancreatic cancer, offering hope for improved detection and treatment options in the near future.

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