Oncolytics Biotech, Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCY) has announced a new study, known as IRENE and under the sponsorship of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and Incyte. The Phase 2 trial is evaluating Pelareorep-anti-PD-1 Combination treatment in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It is enrolling 25 patients in a 28-day treatment cycle, and the first patient has already been dosed according to the company. Pelareorep will then be administered intravenously on days 1, 2, 15, and 16 of the treatment cycle.
Making an Impact in the Lives of Patients Living With Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Thousands of people worldwide live with cancer, and unfortunately, most of them are not aware they have it. Cancers in our bodies are occasioned by our immune systems’ failure to recognize these tumors as foreign bodies. They affect the T cells – through receptors called checkpoints.
However, the Medical Oncologist of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Mridula George says that prior clinical data from pelareorep in TNBC has demonstrated that it can be a possible solution for the challenging indication “…Checkpoint inhibitors targeting interactions between PD-L1 and PD-1, while commercially successful, are ineffective in up to 80% of TNBC patients…’’ the principal investigator reported.
The Expansion of Oncolytics’ Lead Breast Cancer Program
Breast cancer is reportedly the most common in women from all walks of life, representing about 25% of all cancers in women being diagnosed in 2018. Cancer begins when cells are growing out of control before they can form a tumor detectable on an x-ray or felt as a lump.
Nonetheless, George says they are excited at the possibility of being able to revert this through the IRENE study. This is going to give a new market representation to the company’s lead breast cancer program. Apart from investigating the efficacy and safety of pelareorep-anti-PD-1, the study also intends to evaluate its changes in PD-L1 expression.
There is also the possibility of exploring the interaction between pelareorep-induced adaptive immune responses and PD-1 inhibition synergistically. This will be an exciting study in support of cancer patients.
