Kazia Therapeutics to Highlight Innovative Data at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
Kazia Therapeutics Limited, an oncology-focused company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol KZIA, is gearing up to present significant data at the upcoming San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. The research focuses on the company's lead product candidate, paxalisib, and its effectiveness in treating immunotherapy-resistant triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) as well as HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer with active brain metastases.
The immune landscape of breast cancer presents considerable challenges, particularly for patients unable to respond to conventional immunotherapy options. John Friend, M.D., President and CEO of Kazia Therapeutics, emphasized the critical need for innovative solutions in an environment where standard treatments often fall short. He noted, "Immunotherapy-resistant triple negative breast cancer represents one of the most difficult-to-treat areas of breast cancer." This sentiment reflects the urgency for novel treatment pathways as more patients exhaust existing options.
At the symposium, Kazia will unveil preclinical findings that underline the therapeutic synergies attained when paxalisib is combined with pembrolizumab (known as KEYTRUDA®), a prominent checkpoint inhibitor, in immunotherapy-resistant TNBC models. These results are particularly striking, suggesting that the use of paxalisib may not only enhance treatment efficacy but also tackle some of the common resistance mechanisms seen in patients.
Alongside this, new data will also be shared regarding the combination of paxalisib with olaparib (LYNPARZA®), a PARP inhibitor approved for certain breast cancer cases. The findings from these experiments lend support to the hypothesis that paxalisib can effectively mitigate primary tumor burden, lung metastases, and inflammation within the liver, all while overcoming the typical toxicities associated with standard treatments.
The symposium will also feature another abstract pointing to the therapeutic potential of paxalisib combined with trastuzumab (ENHERTU®) in patients with heavily pretreatment HER2 positive breast cancer and active brain metastases. Despite the primary endpoint regarding overall response rate (ORR) being unmet, the results showcased a median overall survival of 16.5 months for those receiving this combination therapy. This survival rate is markedly better when compared to historical controls, signaling a glimmer of hope for a patient cohort that has faced limited options thus far.
The abstracts being presented include:
Abstract Number: SESS-2122
Title: Immunotherapy and PI3K/mTOR Inhibition Combination to Mediate Metastasis and Immunotherapy Resistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Presenting Author: John Friend, M.D.
Date/Time: December 12, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM CT
Conclusions:
The addition of paxalisib to immunotherapy in a preclinical model significantly reduced various adverse factors associated with tumor growth and spread.
Abstract Number: SESS-1433
Title: Final Results of a Phase II Trial Evaluating Paxalisib with Trastuzumab for Patients with HER2 Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer with Active Brain Metastases
Presenting Authors: Jose Leone and others
Date/Time: December 13, 2024, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM CT
Conclusions:
In patients with HER2 positive breast cancer, the combination treatment appeared feasible, although clinical activity was minimal despite the tolerable toxicity profile typical of PI3K/mTOR inhibitors.
As Kazia continues to develop paxalisib, clinical trials are ongoing for various brain cancer forms, with recent successes suggesting the company's work may lead to significant advancements in patient care. The company is dedicated to addressing the pressing needs within oncology, particularly for patients facing complex and aggressive forms of cancer.
Kazia Therapeutics, based in Sydney, Australia, is not only focused on paxalisib but is also working on EVT801, a small-molecule inhibitor of VEGFR3, which shows promise against multiple tumor types. As this company progresses, it affirms its commitment to bring innovative solutions to the forefront of cancer treatment.
For further details on Kazia Therapeutics's clinical advancements and ongoing studies, you can visit their website at
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