Diakonos Oncology's Groundbreaking Presentation at ASCO 2025
In a significant step towards finding effective therapies for glioblastoma, Diakonos Oncology Corp. is set to present new clinical findings at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois. The spotlight will be on their innovative double-loaded dendritic cell therapy, known as Dubodencel (DOC1021), which is currently undergoing evaluation in a Phase I clinical trial. The presentation, entitled "Vaccination by homologous antigenic loading with DOC1021 as adjuvant therapy for glioblastoma Phase I clinical trial results," will outline the findings from the trial, showcasing promising results that could potentially improve outcomes for patients suffering from this challenging form of brain cancer.
Glioblastoma is notorious for its aggressive nature, with a median overall survival rate of only 14 to 18 months despite receiving standard treatments. The results from the Phase I trial are eagerly awaited as they bring hope for enhancing treatments that have long been limited. "Our data indicates that Dubodencel may significantly boost immune responses against glioblastoma, even in patients who present with poor prognostic factors," stated Jay Hartenbach, President and COO of Diakonos Oncology. This optimistic outlook underscores the crucial role dendritic cells play in the adaptive immune response, and their potential to provoke a strong and specific attack on tumor cells.
Details of the Presentation
The details surrounding the presentation are noteworthy. It will feature multiple authors, including Joseph Georges, Christina Clay, and Sabina Amin, contributing to an exploration of the current clinical results. The session types include Rapid Oral Abstract Sessions, and the focus will be on Central Nervous System Tumors within the sub-track of Primary CNS Tumors – Glioma. The session is scheduled for May 31, 2025, between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM CDT, taking place at Room S102 in the iconic McCormick Place.
Understanding Dubodencel (DOC1021)
Dubodencel, also referred to as DOC1021, is an innovative approach in the world of cancer immunotherapy. This first-in-class therapy employs a unique method by combining tumor lysates with amplified tumor-derived mRNA. The therapy develops from the patient’s own dendritic cells and incorporates mRNA alongside proteins extracted from freshly obtained tumor specimens.
The technique is groundbreaking, as it very closely mimics a viral infection. By employing a double-loading methodology, it is capable of eliciting a powerful TH1 response, fostering an environment that targets a broader range of cancer antigens. The manufacturing process simplifies the treatment, as it does not necessitate any molecular alterations to the patient's immune cells and avoids the need for pre-treatment, making it suitable for outpatient administration. This provides a considerable advantage, granting greater access to community cancer centers and ultimately more patients in need.
Future Steps for Diakonos Oncology
Moreover, this promising therapy is not limited to glioblastoma. Diakonos is also steering forward with a Phase 2 study for patients with glioblastoma as well as an ongoing trial for pancreatic cancer. Their pioneering initiatives have already garnered recognition from the FDA, obtaining Fast Track designations for both the glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer programs, facilitating quicker access to treatment options for patients. In addition, the glioblastoma program was granted Orphan Drug Designation in January 2024, reflecting its potential to address a critical unmet medical need.
About Diakonos Oncology
Based in Houston, Texas, Diakonos Oncology Corp. stands at the forefront of transforming cancer treatment landscapes through its proprietary double-loaded patient-derived dendritic cell therapeutic platform. The emphasis of the company is on effectively addressing the significant challenges faced in treating late-stage and aggressive cancers. The upcoming ASCO presentation aligns with their mission, as they endeavor to revolutionize cancer immunotherapy and offer hope to countless patients grappling with these formidable diseases. For further information about their innovative treatment options, please visit
Diakonos Oncology's website.