Previous studies revealed that cancer-restraining cancer-associated fibroblasts express Meflin as a marker in pancreatic cancer, and further research has shown that Meflin can also be a good predictive marker for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response in non-small-cell lung cancer.
The development of EGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) over the past 20 years has modestly improved progression-free survival for patients with metastatic NSCLC. But many patients with EGFR mutations fail to respond to TKI treatments, and immune checkpoint inhibitors elicit a response in less than 10% of NSCLC patients.
Carna Biosciences Inc. has synthesized 1,2-diaminobenzimidazole derivatives acting as stimulator of interferon genes protein (STING) antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, viral infection, neurodegeneration and autoimmune, inflammatory, metabolic, eye and cardiovascular disorders, among others.
Tumor-specific CD8 T cells play a prominent role in antitumor immunity. However, these cells regularly enter a state of exhaustion due to chronic antigen stimulation within the tumor microenvironment.
Oncolytic virus immunotherapy has been proposed as a step forward for cancer treatment because it can kill cancer cells while activating the immune system. However, its current clinical application is limited because targeting deep-seated cancers is challenging and because the complement and innate immunity rapidly clear oncolytic viruses administered systemically.
Pancreatic cancer still remains a highly lethal disease, with a 5-year survival rate of <10%. It is characterized by strong stromal activation leading to pro-tumorigenic extracellular matrix deposition. Recent findings in preclinical models have unveiled that targeting desmoplasia may improve chemotherapy efficacy and impede metastasis in pancreatic cancer.
Lift Biosciences Ltd. and Minaris Regenerative Medicine GmbH have entered into a development and manufacturing partnership for N-Lift, Lift's first-in-class neutrophil progenitor-based leukocyte infusion therapy for the treatment of various cancer indications, including pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and other solid tumors.