Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

Researchers study the clinical outcomes of using tumor-treating fields therapy, with or without chemoradiation, in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma BEIJING, BEIJING, CHINA, August 12, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- The most prevalent malignant brain tumor in adults – glioblastoma (GBM) – is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. Several preclinical studies suggest that the addition of tumor-treating fields (TTFields) to chemoradiation therapy (CRT) helps improve the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with GBM. TTFields therapy is a novel treatment strategy for cancer, in which tumors are exposed to low-intensity electrical fields of intermediate-frequency to inhibit cancer cell replication. According to previous reports, apart from an anti-mitotic effect, TTFields also increase cell permeability, activate autophagy, stimulate immune responses, and inhibit the DNA damage repair pathway of cancer cells. Increased cell permeability after TTFields therapy ensures better delivery of chemotherapeutic agents like temozolomide to glioma cells, improving response to the treatment. This provides a strong rationale for using concurrent TTFields with CRT for patients with newly diagnosed and recurrent GBM. An international phase 3 randomized clinical trial to examine the efficacy of this strategy is underway, but the real-world outcomes of this strategy are not well-studied. To this end, Dr. Zhiyong Qin and Dr. Yang Wang from Fudan University, China, collaborated with researchers from Shanghai Gamma Hospital, China; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, USA; Fudan University Cancer Hospital, China; and Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, China, to conduct a retrospective study examining the clinical outcomes of concurrent TTFields therapy with CRT in patients with newly diagnosed GBM (ndGBM). Their findings were published in the Chinese Neurosurgical Journal on March 7, 2025. This study included patients who underwent radiation therapy and TTFields at Huashan Hospital, China, between January 2020 and December 2021. “Patients were categorized into two groups: one group received adjuvant TTFields therapy after completing CRT (referred to as the A-TTF group), while the other received TTFields therapy concurrently with CRT and continued TTFields after treatment (referred to as the CA-TTF group),” explains Dr. Qin. Out of the 72 patients included in this retrospective study, 41 belonged to the CA-TTF group, and 31 were part of the A-TTF group. The researchers compared the efficacy and toxicity of the treatment modalities between the CA-TTF and A-TTF groups. They found no significant difference in the median PFS and OS between the two treatment groups. The PFS and OS for the CA-TTF group were 14.2 months and 20.8 months, respectively, whereas for the A-TTF group, the PFS and OS were 15 months and 20 months, respectively. Dr. Wang explains, “After adjusting for baseline characteristics, the hazard ratios (HRs) for PFS and OS suggested a potential benefit for concurrent TTFields therapy, although the differences were not statistically significant,” suggesting that further investigations may be necessary to confirm the above observation. The researchers also studied the distribution of relevant molecular markers, like MGMT promoter methylation status and TERT promoter mutation status, between the two treatment groups. Earlier studies have shown that MGMT promoter methylation is associated with a better prognosis, whereas higher mutations in the TERT promoter can result in poorer prognosis. In this study, the survival outcomes for patients with methylations at the MGMT promoter was better in both CA-TTF and A-TTF groups. However, TERT promoter mutations were more prevalent in the CA-TTF group than in the A-TTF group. Despite this, these patients achieved comparable survival outcomes as the patients in the A-TTF group. Skin-related adverse effects (AEs), such as dermatitis, pruritus, electric sensation, and skin burning sensation, were observed and graded along with the survival outcomes of patients. Mild scalp irritation was reported in 55 to 60% of the patients. Dermatitis was the most common skin-related AE, while pruritus was the second most common in this patient population. Electric sensation and burning sensation were rarely reported by these patients. Overall, the researchers found no significant difference in skin toxicity between the CA-TTF and A-TTF groups. This study is the first real-world analysis of the advantages of concurrent TTFields therapy combined with CRT in patients with ndGBM. Dr. Qin and Dr. Wang conclude, “Our findings suggest that TTFields, when used concurrently with CRT, could maintain a favorable safety profile, with no significant differences observed in survival outcomes compared to adjuvant therapy (A-TTF group).” To summarize, TTFields used concurrently with CRT has the potential to improve survival outcomes for patients with ndGBM. About the University Fudan University was established in 1905 as Fudan Public School. Fudan University is a comprehensive research-oriented university located in Shanghai, China. Fudan combines liberal education with cultivation of eminent talents through a proactive exploration of a new system that boasts of disciplinary intersection and integration and coordinates innovation and cultivation in scientific research. The University strives for a world-class undergraduate education and a postgraduate educational system with international influence, both of which inject continual vitality into the hundred-year-old institution. Website: https://www.fudan.edu.cn/en/ About Dr. Zhiyong Qin from Fudan University Zhiyong Qin born in China, in 1969. He received the Ph.D. degree in neurosurgery from Fudan University, Shanghai, China, in 2000. He is currently a Professor with the Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University. His research focuses on developing comprehensive treatment plans for brain tumors, encompassing surgical intervention, individualized therapies, and physiotherapy approaches. Funding information: This study was supported by the Beijing Xisike Clinical Oncology Research Foundation (Approval Nos. Y-zai2021/qn-0204 and Y-zai2021/zd-0207). *** Reference Title of original paper: Chemoradiation treatment with or without concurrent tumor-treating fields (TTFields) therapy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) patients in China Journal: Chinese Neurosurgical Journal DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41016-025-00391-w Yi Lu Chinese Neurosurgical Journal +861059978478 ext. luyi617@sina.cn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Distinguished Researchers to Influence and Advance Breast Cancer Research DALLAS, April 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Susan G. Komen®, the world's leading breast cancer organization, has appointed nine world-renowned medical and research experts to serve as advisors to the organization. These breast cancer experts will be part of a distinguished group, known as Komen Scholars, who help guide Komen's research and scientific programs, with a focus on advancing discoveries to improve breast cancer outcomes for everyone. The incoming class of nine Scholars joins an advisory group of nearly 50 world-class leaders in breast cancer research and advocacy, representing about 30 health institutions across the nation. Their expertise spans many areas, including breast cancer biology, genomics, biomarkers, health disparities, therapeutics, clinical trials and imaging. The Komen Scholars contribute to a variety of Komen programs, including leading Komen's scientific peer review process and act as Komen ambassadors in communities around the U.S. and the world. "We're so excited to welcome these incredible individuals as Komen Scholars. Komen is fortunate to have such a tremendous team of experts guiding our work and research priorities: to advance precision medicine, conquer deadly and aggressive breast cancers and achieve health equity," said Kimberly Sabelko, Ph.D., vice president of scientific strategy & programs at Susan G. Komen. The nine clinical oncologists and researchers are: Carlos Arteaga, M.D., University of Texas Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center Myles Brown, M.D., Harvard Medical School/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Susan Domchek, M.D., University of Pennsylvania/Perelman School of Medicine David Mankoff, M.D., Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania Kathy Miller, M.D., Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Harikrishna Nakshatri, BVSc, Ph.D., Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Jeffrey Rosen, Ph.D., Baylor College of Medicine Bryan Schneider, M.D., Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Antonio Wolff, M.D., FACP, FASCO, Johns Hopkins University/Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center "The Komen Scholars bring their expertise and experience from laboratories, clinics and as patients. They are incredible assets to the transformative work we're doing at Komen to accelerate research at a time when there is critical need to advance personalized medicine to help everyone impacted by breast cancer live longer, healthier lives," said Jennifer A. Pietenpol, Ph.D., chief scientific advisor at Susan G. Komen, Chief Scientific and Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President for Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Ingram Professor of Cancer Research and Professor of Biochemistry at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine. Komen also expressed its appreciation for the scientific advisors whose terms have come to an end: Nikhil Wagle, M.D. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Anne Meyn, M.Ed., Advocates in Science, Houston, TX "These leaders are the foremost experts in breast cancer and will make a lasting impact to advance progress against deadly and aggressive breast cancers and achieve health equity to benefit everyone affected by this disease," said Ann Partridge, M.D., MPH, chief scientific advisor for Susan G. Komen and the Eric P. Winer, M.D., Chair in Breast Cancer Research, Vice Chair of the Department of Medical Oncology, Director of the Adult Survivorship Program and Director of the Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. "We're grateful for the service of our departing Komen Scholars and appreciate the commitment they, our current, and new Komen Scholars have to ending breast cancer forever." For more information about Komen's research and advocacy scholars go to . About Susan G. Komen ® Susan G. Komen® is the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow's cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at . SOURCE Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Median overall survival was 21.9 months for highest vaccine dose vs. 14.6 months in published standard of care studies Median progression-free survival was 10.4 months vs. 6.9 and 5.4 months in published standard of care studies Results presented today at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2019 ATLANTA, March 31, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Imvax, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of novel patient-specific vaccines and immunotherapy strategies, today announced positive results from an ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial that demonstrate treatment with IGV-001, the Company’s novel autologous tumor cell vaccine, outperformed standard of care (SOC) with prolonged overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The results, which were presented today in an oral presentation during the Advances in Novel Immunotherapeutics session at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2019, support the continued development of a new immunotherapy paradigm for the treatment of GBM. “Our results clearly demonstrate that this new investigational vaccine shows promise when compared to standard of care therapy as currently practiced,” said neurosurgeon David W. Andrews, M.D., co-founder, Chief Medical Officer and interim Chief Executive Officer of Imvax, and Anthony Alfred Chiurco, MD Professor of Neurological Surgery, Vice Chair of Clinical Services at the Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience at Jefferson. The Phase 1b trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of IGV-001, an autologous vaccine made from patients’ tumor cells and an antisense formulation, in adults with newly diagnosed GBM. Thirty-three patients received one of four vaccine exposures. SOC treatment (i.e., radiotherapy and temozolomide) was initiated four to six weeks after vaccine administration. The primary endpoint was safety and the secondary endpoint was tumor response. Exploratory objectives included assessment of PFS, OS and immune markers. A historical comparator group comprised of 35 newly diagnosed GBM patients treated at the same center evaluated SOC alone. Dr. Andrews said, “The Imvax vaccine demonstrated striking tumor regression in over one-third of trial patients that was associated with clinical improvements. We initiated the Phase 1b trial in 2015 and are pleased to report that eleven patients who participated in the trial have returned to active, vigorous lives.” Treatment with IGV-001 was well tolerated, and 15 of 33 patients (45.5 %) experienced no tumor growth as of March 1, 2019. Moreover, the cohort treated with the highest vaccine dose demonstrated an improvement of 7.3 months in OS (21.9 months vs. 14.6 months per Stupp1) and 3.5 months in PFS (10.4 months vs. 6.9 months when compared against the historical comparator group; p=0.031) against SOC treatment alone. The most prominent survival statistics included those patients with DNA methylation of the MGMT promoter which favors temozolomide treatment. However, PFS for methylated patients was three-fold longer (30.9 months vs. 10.3 months for historic SOC patients per Hegi2). This finding is under further investigation for its benefit. “Cancers originate as a disease of the cell but their progression is often associated with disorders of the immune system,” said immunologist D. Craig Hooper, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Imvax, and Researcher, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health. “This is certainly true for patients with glioblastoma multiforme where the growth of cells that should be effective targets for therapeutic immunity appears to be dependent upon altered immune function. Our approach is to inhibit aberrant immune mechanisms induced by the tumor cells at the same time as vaccinating with the patient’s own tumor antigens. Restoration of the patient’s ability to mediate an appropriate immune response together with the use of a truly personalized array of tumor antigens provides us with the best chance of generating effective anti-tumor immunity.” Andrew E. Sloan, M.D., Professor and Vice Chair Department of Neurological Surgery at University Hospitals, Cleveland Medical Center, and Director, Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Medical Center & the Center of Excellence for Translational Neuro-Oncology, UH Seidman Cancer Center, said “The data presented at AACR suggests that IGV-001 prolonged both progression-free and overall survival, particularly in the group of patients with methylated MGMT. Notably, it appears to work in both patients with imaging complete resection as well as in patients with subtotal resection, which has been a challenge in previous generations of immunotherapy for GBM. I look forward to further evaluation of this vaccine as a novel treatment for glioblastoma.” Dr. Sloan played no part in the clinical trial, nor does he have an association with either Imvax or Thomas Jefferson University. IGV-001 has been developed over the past 20 years at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, where three Phase 1 trials directed by Drs. Andrews and Hooper have now demonstrated efficacy and safety. Dr. Andrews added, “After devoting nearly two decades to this novel vaccine’s research and development, we believe this lethal cancer is one significant step closer to becoming an effectively managed condition. We look forward to initiating a multi-center Phase 2 clinical trial later this year.” References: 1. Stupp R, et al (2009). Lancet Oncology, 10(5), 459–466. 2. Hegi ME, et al (2005) N Engl J Med, 352(10), 997-1003. About IGV-001 IGV-001 is a first-in-class autologous vaccine in development for the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a lethal and common type of brain tumor. Based on early clinical research, one treatment with IGV-001 has the potential to trigger a multi-pronged immune response, including a short-term innate immune response followed by longer-term powerful adaptive immune activity, that is selectively directed at the patients’ tumor cells. IGV-001 has been granted orphan drug designation for the treatment of malignant glioma by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency. About Imvax, Inc. Imvax is a discovery and clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of novel patient-specific vaccines and immunotherapy strategies for the treatment of malignant gliomas and other cancers with unmet medical needs. Imvax’s lead product candidate, IGV-001, is an autologous tumor cell vaccine that delivers a multi-pronged response against tumor cells by leveraging the patient’s immune system as a defense mechanism. Imvax is based in Philadelphia, PA. For additional information, please visit . 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