Thymoma

MEDSIR together with Oncoclinicas & Co., leads independent clinical research at the largest European congress of medical oncology, with the presentation of 12 studies, marking a new scientific milestone for the company. The ABIGAIL study stands out for its innovative strategy, evaluating the combination of abemaciclib with endocrine therapy as an alternative treatment without chemotherapy in first-line HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer with poor prognosis criteria. The PECATI study, focused on patients with advanced thymic tumors, a rare type of cancer, has demonstrated an 88% rate of progression-freedisease in the first 5 months. The company hosted MEDTalks, a satellite symposium dedicated to advancing brain metastasis research, addressing a critical unmet need in solid tumors such as lung, breast, and skin cancers. BARCELONA, Sept. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MEDSIR, a leading company dedicated to promoting independent clinical research in oncology internationally and part of Oncoclinicas & Co, the largest hospital group dedicated to cancer treatment in Latin America, participated this year in the congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), held in Barcelona, presenting 12 new studies addressing different types of cancer. Continue Reading Dr. Juan de la Haba presenting ABIGAIL study at ESMO The studies presented by MEDSIR reflect its pivotal approach and commitment to innovation in personalized treatments, highlighting advances in prostate (ZZFIRST study), breast (ABIGAIL), thymic (PECATI) and lung (I3Lung.) cancers. Among these, the I3Lung study, funded by the European Union, integrates artificial intelligence models to optimize individualized treatments, reaffirming MEDSIR's commitment to cutting-edge research. These studies underscore the strong commitment to significantly expand therapeutic options for patients facing complex and difficult-to-treat cancers. Among the most relevant studies is ABIGAIL, in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer and poor prognosis criteria. Its objective is to provide consistent evidence that the treatment strategy with abemaciclib (a CDK4/6 inhibitor) in combination with endocrine therapy as first-line treatment in advanced breast cancer is not inferior to paclitaxel (the standard chemotherapy commonly used in this type of patient) in terms of overall response rate and safety during the first 12 weeks. The aim of this study is to provide hope to patients by offering a chemotherapy-free treatment option. The overall response rate at 12 weeks was markedly better in the group treated with the combination of abemaciclib and endocrine therapy (59%) compared to the group receiving chemotherapy (40%). "The data from the ABIGAIL study are a crucial step forward for patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. The possibility of offering a chemotherapy-free alternative not only improves quality of life, but also offers new perspectives for these patients with poor prognostic criteria. This study reinforces our commitment to finding more effective and less aggressive therapeutic solutions for those who need it most," adds Dr. Juan de la Haba, principal investigator of the study and oncologist at the Reina Sofia University Hospital in Córdoba (Spain). Another highlight of the congress was the oral presentation of the PECATI study, aimed at patients with thymic tumors, a rare disease that includes thymomas and thymic carcinomas. To date, there have been no standard treatments for metastatic thymic carcinomas beyond chemotherapy, and therapeutic advances in this field have been scarce due to the low prevalence of the disease. The study, an international initiative conducted in 10 hospitals in Spain, Italy and France, evaluated the efficacy of combining two drugs, lenvatinib and pembrolizumab (immunotherapy treatment), in patients with advanced and previously treated thymic tumors. The results were positive, as 88% of the patients had no disease progression during the first 5 months of treatment, and in more than half of the patients (62%) the disease had not progressed at 12 months after the start of treatment. These findings highlight the potential efficacy of this combination therapy and could be considered a future gold standard treatment for this pathology. "These results are truly promising. Thanks to research, we are opening up new therapeutic possibilities that make a difference in patients' lives. While research is essential to improve treatments in any type of cancer, it becomes even more relevant in rare tumors such as thymomas, where treatment options are more limited," says Dr. Jordi Remon, principal investigator of the study and medical oncologist at the Institut Gustave Roussy in Paris, France. These positive results not only reflect a significant advance in the treatment of patients with limited therapeutic options, but also consolidate the importance of innovation and the integration of new treatments in the optimization of therapeutic regimens. MEDSIR is thus positioned at the forefront of oncology research, pushing the frontier of scientific knowledge towards new therapeutic possibilities. Advancing research in the area of brain metastases In addition, the company led a symposium on brain metastasis (September 14th), which addressed the essential role of Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs) and pharmaceutical industry-sponsored trials in revolutionizing our understanding and treatment strategies for one of the biggest challenges, brain metastasis. This remains a critical unmet need, particularly in solid tumors such as lung, breast, and skin cancers. As a tough challenge in oncology, brain metastasis requires innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. The event, named MEDTalks, featured chairs like Prof. Antonio Llombart, MEDSIR Senior Scientific Lead, and Prof. Mathias Preusser, Head of the Clinical Division of Oncology at the Medical University of Vienna. During a 360° overview of the biology, pathology, and development of brain metastases, along with recent advancements in systemic management, speakers focused on groundbreaking new drugs, such as Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and radio-ligands, delving into the emerging field and potential of theranostics in oncology. About MEDSIR Established in 2012, MEDSIR is distinguished by its close collaboration with strategic partners to drive innovation in oncology research. Based in Spain and the United States, the company provides end-to-end management of clinical trials, spanning from study design to subsequent publication, relying on an extensive global network of experts and integrated technology to streamline the process. The company offers proof-of-concept support and a strategic approach that enables research partners to benefit from the best of both worlds: industry clinical research and investigator-driven trials. With the aim of promoting independent research globally, MEDSIR has established a strategic alliance with Oncoclinicas, the leading oncology group in Brazil with outstanding research potential in South America. For more information: About Oncoclinicas & Co. Oncoclínicas&Co. is the largest group dedicated to cancer treatment in Latin America, with a specialized and innovative model focused on the entire oncology care journey, combining operational efficiency, humanized care and specialization through a medical team composed of more than 2,700 medical specialists with emphasis in oncology. With the mission of democratizing oncology treatment, it offers a comprehensive system that integrates outpatient clinics with highly complex oncology centers. The company operates 145 units in 39 Brazilian cities, allowing high quality access in all regions where it operates, aligned with world reference standards. With a focus on technology, precision medicine and genomics, Oncoclinicas performed approximately 635,000 treatments in 2023. It is the exclusive partner in Brazil of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, one of the world's leading cancer research and treatment centers. The company also owns Boston Lighthouse Innovation, a bioinformatics company based in Cambridge, USA, and has a stake in MedSir, a company dedicated to the development and management of clinical trials for independent cancer research, based in Barcelona, Spain. Recently, Oncoclinicas expanded its operations to Saudi Arabia through a joint venture with the Al Faisaliah Group, bringing its mission of defeating cancer to a new continent and providing advanced cancer care on a global scale by combining oncology hyperspecialization with innovative treatment approaches. The company is part of the IDIVERSA index, launched by B3, which highlights companies committed to gender and racial diversity. For more information, visit: SOURCE MEDSIR WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

Before the start of the ESMO congress, MEDSIR has brought together scientists, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and patient association representatives to analyse the key points that will drive innovation in breast and lung cancer research and treatment over the next decade. BARCELONA, Spain, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In the framework of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) congress, held in Barcelona from September 13th to 17th, MEDSIR, a company that is part of Oncoclínicas & Co, dedicated to promoting independent clinical research in oncology internationally, hosted an informational breakfast with key players in cancer research to discuss the present and future of breast and lung cancer treatments. The discussion focused on crucial aspects and challenges for future research, including optimizing the recruitment process, the importance of early detection, access to the most innovative treatments, the promotion of disruptive, collaborative, and international research, and the incorporation of innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. Continue Reading Dr. Antonio Llombart-Cussac speaking during the informational breakfast The event discussed the most recent advances in oncology research and treatment on both national and international levels, with a particular focus on rare cancers with limited therapeutic options. 'One of the main challenges we will face in the next 10 years is finding ways to integrate treatment innovations with advances in new technologies to offer new hope to patients. Besides new technologies, both proper prevention and early detection remain fundamental tools to stay ahead of the disease,' says Dr. Antonio Llombart-Cussac, MD, PhD, Senior Scientific Leader at MEDSIR and Head of the Medical Oncology Department at Arnau de Vilanova Hospital. The importance of international collaboration in research was emphasized by Dr. Carlos Gil Ferreira, Medical Director of Oncoclínicas & Co, the largest oncology treatment group in Latin America. He highlighted the collaboration with MEDSIR to "promote clinical research worldwide thanks to the expertise of our doctors and MEDSIR's ability to design clinical trials. The synergy between our teams has been fundamental in expanding access to innovative solutions and developing clinical studies that truly impact patient care". From the pharmaceutical industry perspective, Maria José Martínez, Medical Head of Solid Tumors at Novartis, stated: "For us, innovation lies in integrating the voices of patients, researchers, and the healthcare system itself into the development of new treatments, adapting to their reality, and ultimately addressing the major challenges in managing the disease". From the patient's perspective, the discussion explored unmet needs and the importance of reaching all patients, regardless of the complexity of their condition, to ensure their longevity and quality of life. Pilar Fernández Pascual, President of the Spanish Metastatic Breast Cancer Association, echoed this sentiment, saying, "Patients are in a hurry to live, and that means increasing resources for research, facilitating access to clinical trials, raising awareness of the disease, and shortening the time for approval of innovative drug funding to improve their quality of life". Alfonso Aguarón, spokesperson for Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE), added, "Artificial Intelligence provides the opportunity to develop more precise treatments thanks to its vast capacity for global data analysis, ensuring that patients live longer and better." Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Cancer Research The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research was another key topic of the session. The use of innovative technology is crucial in addressing current research challenges, such as the potential to develop personalized treatments for patients. It also serves as a tool not only to assist oncologists but also to provide more information to patients themselves. This was demonstrated by Arsela Prelaj, Medical Oncologist at the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori in Milan, who presented the European I3LUNG project, which seeks to improve the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a particularly aggressive form of lung cancer, through AI. "Technology has undoubtedly become a key ally for a comprehensive approach to the disease, facilitating collaboration between Artificial Intelligence and oncologists to achieve increasingly precise and early diagnoses." Attendees also participated in a practical session on how to apply AI in the interpretation of scientific studies. In addition to Dr. Prelaj, Gustavo Entrala, Senior Advisor at LLYC and expert in digital transformation, stated, "For the first time in history, we have technology that understands us and can help us in decision-making. These tools are increasingly of higher quality and reliability, allowing for the optimization of processes and resources in healthcare, such as detecting patterns in pathologies, clinical diagnosis, or the design and optimization of clinical trials." Quality scientific research: among the European Union's priorities Recently, Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, presented her political guidelines for the next term (2024-2029) under the title "The Choice of Europe". The document outlines an agenda to address the multiple challenges facing the European Union, including the Biotechnology Law. Similar conclusions were drawn from the report "The Future of European Competitiveness"1, presented by Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank (ECB), which highlights the need to increase investment in research and innovation and the potential role of AI in improving this research. This strategy is fully aligned with the goals and trajectory of MEDSIR, which has experienced exponential growth in just 13 years, with a vast network of more than 500 independent researchers worldwide and several trials with significant results for the treatment of various types of cancer, such as the recently published PHERGain study in the prestigious journal The Lancet. An increase in research investment is expected, focusing on strategic priorities, innovative fundamental research, and disruptive advancements.2 Cancer data Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and in Spain, where approximately 181 million new cases were diagnosed globally in 2020, with projections expected to reach 28 million annually by 2040. In Spain, REDECAN predicts 286,664 cases in 2024. This increase in Spain is due to population growth, aging, and risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles. Among the most prevalent tumours, breast cancer is the most diagnosed globally since 2021, with 36,395 new cases expected in Spain by 2024, and lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death, with 18 million deaths in 2020. MEDSIR has been part of this study alongside other European partners. Moreover, at the ESMO congress, it will present 12 new studies focused on patients with limited therapeutic options, in collaboration with its partner Oncoclínicas & Co. Among the most notable are PECATI, focused on patients with thymic tumors (including thymomas and thymic carcinomas); ABIGAIL, aimed at patients with advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer with poor prognosis characteristics; and ZZ-FIRST, for patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer who are not candidates for curative treatments. About MEDSIR Founded in 2012, MEDSIR stands out for its close collaboration with strategic partners to drive innovation in cancer research. With headquarters in Spain and the United States, the company manages clinical trials from study design to publication, with a vast global network of experts and integrated technology to streamline the process. The company provides support for proof-of-concept trials and a strategic approach that allows research partners to benefit from the best of both worlds: industry clinical research and investigator-driven trials. In pursuit of promoting independent global research, MEDSIR has established a strategic alliance with Oncoclínicas, the leading oncology group in Brazil, with notable research potential in South America. For more information: About Oncoclínicas & Co. Oncoclínicas & Co. is the largest group dedicated to cancer treatment in Latin America, with a specialized and innovative model focused on the entire oncology care journey, combining operational efficiency, humanized care, and specialization through a medical team of more than 2,700 specialists with a focus on oncology. With a mission to democratize cancer treatment, it offers an integrated system that combines outpatient clinics with high-complexity oncology centres. The company operates 145 units in 39 Brazilian cities, providing high-quality access in all regions where it operates, aligned with global reference standards. With a focus on technology, precision medicine, and genomics, Oncoclínicas conducted approximately 635,000 treatments in 2023. It is the exclusive partner in Brazil of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, one of the leading cancer research and treatment centres in the world. The company also owns Boston Lighthouse Innovation, a bioinformatics company based in Cambridge, USA, and has a stake in MEDSIR, a company dedicated to the development and management of clinical trials for independent cancer research based in Barcelona, Spain. Recently, Oncoclínicas expanded its operations to Saudi Arabia through a joint venture with the Al Faisaliah Group, bringing its mission to conquer cancer to a new continent and providing advanced oncology care on a global scale by combining oncology hyper-specialization with innovative treatment approaches. The company is part of the IDIVERSA index launched by B3, which highlights companies committed to gender and racial diversity. For more information, visit: . 1 Comisión Europea. The future of European competitiveness: Report by Mario Draghi 2 ConSalud. Así es la nueva Ley de Biotecnología de la UE aplaudida por el sector farmacéutico. Link SOURCE MEDSIR WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

This article will continue to review the antitumor targets of the GPCR family and the therapeutic drugs that have been marketed. 07 GPRC5DGPRC5D is a Class C type-7 transmembrane GPCR receptor protein, primarily expressed in cells with a plasma cell phenotype, including the majority of malignant plasma cells from patients with multiple myeloma (MM). GPRC5D is an orphan receptor, whose ligand and signaling mechanisms have yet to be identified. In patients with multiple myeloma, the expression levels of GPRC5D messenger RNA correlate with the plasma cell burden and genetic abnormalities such as Rb-1 deletion and high-risk MM. Compared to normal cells, GPRC5D mRNA levels are higher in myeloma plasma cells. The selective expression of GPRC5D suggests that it could be a potential target for effector cell-mediated therapy in treating plasma cell disorders like MM. The accompanying figure shows the expression differences of GPRC5A in normal tissues versus various tumor tissues. Talquetamab is a full-length, humanized IgG4 bispecific antibody developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals that targets GPRC5D and the CD3 receptor. It is the first GPRC5D-targeting agent approved for the treatment of triple-exposed relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients and was approved for use in the United States in August 2023. Bispecific antibodies are designed to overcome some of the limitations of traditional monoclonal antibodies and enhance therapeutic efficacy. T-cell-engaging bispecific antibodies have two antigen-binding sites: one for CD3 on the surface of T-cells and another for a target antigen expressed on tumor cells. The simultaneous binding to T-cell surface receptors and tumor-specific antigens brings T cells into proximity with tumor cells, leading to synapse formation, activation of T cells, and subsequent killing of malignant cells. T-cell-engaged antibodies may overcome certain forms of tumor-mediated immune evasion since they do not require antigens to be presented by major histocompatibility complex molecules, which are often downregulated or lost in tumor cells, to perform their effector functions. 08 GHSRGhrelin is a small peptide consisting of 28 amino acids, identified as a ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Beyond its original function in stimulating the release of growth hormone from the pituitary, ghrelin has various roles, including regulating energy balance, gastric acid secretion, appetite, insulin secretion, gastrointestinal motility, and the renewal of gastric and intestinal mucosa. Cachexia is a hypercatabolic state characterized by accelerated loss of skeletal muscle in the presence of chronic inflammatory response, seen in conditions such as advanced cancer, chronic infections, AIDS, heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cachexia is prevalent in various malignancies, affecting nearly half of patients with advanced cancer. Although cancer patients commonly experience decreased appetite and weight loss, the significant weight loss in cachexia cannot be solely attributed to inadequate caloric intake. Insufficient oral intake combined with complex metabolic abnormalities can lead to increased basal energy expenditure, ultimately resulting in the reduction of lean body mass due to skeletal muscle consumption. Unlike simple starvation, where caloric deficiency can be reversed by appropriate feeding, weight loss in cachexia cannot be adequately treated through aggressive nutritional support. Anamorelin, developed by Helsinn Healthcare SA, is an orally administered non-peptidic drug, a selective agonist for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). It has effects on promoting appetite and anabolic metabolism, primarily used in treating cancer cachexia and anorexia. The drug was approved for market in Japan in 2021. Anamorelin acts by stimulating the levels of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in the human body, without affecting the plasma levels of other hormones such as prolactin, cortisol, insulin, glucose, adrenocorticotropic hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, or thyroid-stimulating hormone. It is capable of increasing appetite, overall body weight, lean body mass, and muscle strength. However, on May 18, 2017, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the refusal of the marketing authorization for the drug, because although Anamorelin had a slight effect on lean body weight in patients, it showed no proven effect on handgrip strength or patient quality of life. Additionally, following inspections of clinical research facilities, the agency considered that the safety data of the drug were not adequately documented. Furthermore, increasing evidence also reveals ghrelin's role in regulating several processes related to cancer progression, especially regarding metastasis and proliferation. Transcriptomic data generated by RNA sequencing and matched clinical data from large cancer cohorts in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) indicate elevated expressions of GHRL and GHSR in various cancers including cholangiocarcinoma, breast cancer, endometrial carcinoma, glioblastoma, renal cancer, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, glioma, lung cancer, mesothelioma, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, sarcoma, testicular cancer, thymoma, and acute myeloid leukemia. This suggests a pathological role for these genes in cancer, making the development of selective antagonists to inhibit GHSR activity a potential anti-tumor strategy. Consequently, targeted anti-tumor research on GHSR undoubtedly requires further mechanistic studies and exploration. 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