UZ Leuven and VIB-KU Leuven Pioneering New Melanoma Treatment with First Patient Enrolled

UZ Leuven and VIB-KU Leuven's Ground-Breaking Melanoma Study

In a significant advancement in cancer treatment, UZ Leuven and VIB-KU Leuven, partnered with Presage Biosciences from Seattle, have initiated a pioneering study focusing on malignant melanoma. Recently, they announced the enrollment of their first patient in what is touted as a revolutionary phase I clinical trial. This research aims to explore the effectiveness of administering multiple drugs directly into tumors while patients simultaneously undergo systemic anti-PD1 therapy.

Study Overview

This innovative pilot study is non-randomized and open-label, focusing solely on pharmacodynamics. It examines patients with either stage III melanoma that cannot be surgically removed or stage IV metastatic melanoma. The trial allows for the administration of up to seven different medications intratumorally through Presage's advanced Comparative In Vivo Oncology (CIVO) microinjection technology. This technique enables precise drug delivery directly to tumor sites, aiming to enhance the therapeutic responses in a localized manner.

Goals of the Study

The principal objective of this study is to investigate how tumors respond to these localized drug combinations, administered concurrently with anti-PD1 systemic therapy. Researchers will utilize state-of-the-art single-cell spatial technology to gather valuable insights into the biology of melanoma and assess the efficacy of the drugs used in combination with systemic therapy. This may lead to the discovery of novel treatment options, particularly for patients who do not respond to the standard anti-PD1 therapies.

Prof. Dr. Oliver Bechter, a medical oncologist at UZ Leuven, expressed optimism about the trial, noting that it represents a first for studying locally administered anti-cancer agents in coordination with systemic treatments for melanoma patients at the beginning of their treatment journey. The pilot is expected not only to evaluate the feasibility of this combined approach but also to push the boundaries of current melanoma treatment paradigms, especially for challenging cases of refractory patients.

Research Perspectives and Innovations

Prof. Dr. Chris Marine, a cancer biologist with the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, emphasized the potential implications of this study. The application of advanced spatial multi-omics will aid in cultivating a unique understanding of each individual tumor's response to the treatments being applied. This may significantly elevate the traditional approaches to cancer research and treatment.

The innovative multiplex CIVO technology, developed by Presage, plays a critical role in this research by permitting the evaluation of several investigational drugs simultaneously within a single intact tumor. Jason Frazier, VP of Technology and Research Operations at Presage, highlighted the promising potential of this personalized approach to identify effective combination therapies for melanoma patients, which marks a substantial step forward in cancer treatment research.

Background on Collaborators

The VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology is dedicated to uncovering the complex mechanisms causing cancer. Through research initiatives, the center strives to convert groundbreaking lab discoveries into viable diagnostics and therapies. In parallel, UZ Leuven stands out as a leading university hospital known for providing specialized patient care, innovative treatments, and ongoing medical research. Lastly, Presage Biosciences focuses on revolutionizing cancer therapy evaluation through their pioneering CIVO technology, which enhances understanding of drug efficacy within the tumor microenvironment.

This study not only signifies a hopeful advancement in cancer treatment but also embodies a commitment to improve patient outcomes through collaborative research and cutting-edge technology. As the trial progresses, the insights gathered may lay the groundwork for future therapies tailored to combat melanoma more effectively.