Cancer Funded Sarcoma Trial Cuts Relapse Risk by 43%

LOS ANGELES, June 3, 2024 — Soft tissue sarcomas, rare cancers that target muscles, fat, and connective tissues, have seen minimal advancements over the past three decades. However, today marks a significant milestone in the fight against these cancers. A global research team, supported by a Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C) grant, unveiled clinical trial results indicating a groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment for two prevalent adult soft tissue sarcomas. This novel treatment decreases the risk of cancer relapse by 43% over two years and is expected to reshape clinical practices.

The findings were presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

Conducted by the SU2C Catalyst® Research Team, the trial received backing from Merck's Investigator Studies Program and was sponsored by the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC). SU2C Catalyst grants are designed to expedite clinical trials for new treatments and combination therapies.

"Immunotherapies have revolutionized cancer treatment for various types, but over the 25 years I've treated sarcoma patients, there have been no significant advancements for these sarcomas. This research will change that," said Dr. David Kirsch, leader of the SU2C Catalyst Research Team and Head of the Radiation Medicine Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto. "This study is the most crucial for patients with these sarcomas in 30 years, addressing a major unmet need."

The SU2C-SARC032 trial monitored 127 patients across 20 hospitals in the U.S., Canada, Italy, and Australia. Sarcoma affects approximately 15,000 people annually in the U.S., making patient enrollment challenging, explained Dr. Kirsch.

Beginning in 2017, the research team spent six years enrolling adequate patients, facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SU2C extended funding timelines to ensure the trial's completion.

"It takes big ideas, unique collaborations, and sometimes a global effort to bring breakthroughs to patients with rare cancers," said Julian Adams, Ph.D., president and CEO of SU2C. "We were confident in the SU2C Catalyst approach, supported by Merck and global sarcoma experts, to make this work."

The standard treatment for non-metastasized soft tissue sarcoma typically involves radiation followed by surgery. Yet, about 50% of patients with high-risk sarcomas experience recurrence or metastasis post-treatment. A previous SARC-sponsored trial, also supported by Merck, showed that undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and pleomorphic/dedifferentiated liposarcoma respond to the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab.

"Sarcoma affects fewer patients than breast, lung, prostate, or colorectal cancer, but clinical trials are crucial for the sarcoma community," commented Steven Young, president and CEO of SARC. "This research builds on our prior trial to achieve significant advances in novel treatment strategies, significantly impacting the sarcoma community."

In the SU2C-SARC032 trial, patients were divided into two groups: one received standard radiation therapy and surgery, while the other received pembrolizumab before, during, and after radiation therapy, and again post-surgery. Researchers tracked all patients for two years following treatment. Results demonstrated that pembrolizumab reduced the risk of relapse by 43%.

The SU2C Catalyst grant, which supported this trial, was administered by SU2C's scientific partner, the American Association for Cancer Research.

Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C) mobilizes funds to accelerate research and quickly deliver new therapies to patients. Founded in 2008, SU2C leverages media and entertainment resources to promote cancer research collaboration and increase public awareness of cancer prevention and treatment progress.

As of April 2024, over 3,100 scientists from more than 210 institutions are involved in SU2C-funded projects. The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and a dedicated advisory committee oversee grant administration and research progress.

This pivotal study marks a significant step forward in treating soft tissue sarcomas, offering new hope to patients and their families.

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