Recent Insights on Immunotherapy for Breast and Pancreatic Cancers
On April 10, 2025, Oncolytics Biotech® Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) participated in a pivotal event organized by H.C. Wainwright that brought together leading experts to discuss the future of immunotherapy, particularly focusing on treatments for metastatic breast and pancreatic cancers. The event showcased invaluable insights from recognized leaders in oncology, including Dr. Martine Piccart and Dr. Alexander Eggermont, who presented their perspectives on the current treatment landscape and the potential impact of new therapeutic options such as pelareorep.
Overview of the Event
The discussion emphasized the pressing need for innovative treatments to combat the complexities of HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Dr. Martine Piccart, an esteemed Honorary Professor of Oncology at the Université Libre de Bruxelles and Scientific Director at the Institut Jules Bordet, detailed the obstacles and opportunities within the metastatic breast cancer sphere. She stressed the importance of therapies like pelareorep, which not only aim to activate the patient's immune system but are also designed to enhance the immune response to effectively target and destroy cancer cells.
Complementing Dr. Piccart's insights, Dr. Alexander Eggermont, a prominent figure in clinical-translational immunotherapy and a Board Member of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges associated with treating PDAC, a cancer notoriously resistant to standard therapies. His presentation illuminated the critical role of immunotherapy, particularly the mechanisms through which pelareorep could shift the treatment paradigm.
Pelareorep: A Beacon of Hope
Pelareorep, an intravenously administered immunotherapeutic agent developed by Oncolytics Biotech, exhibits promising potentials as demonstrated across multiple clinical trials. Notable results from randomized Phase 2 studies in metastatic breast cancer and Phase 1 studies in pancreatic cancer signal its potential effectiveness in eliciting robust anti-cancer immune responses. This drug operates by promoting an 'inflamed tumor phenotype', effectively converting traditionally 'cold' tumors into 'hot' tumors — a process that is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of immune-mediated cancer therapies.
As Oncolytics advances toward more extensive clinical trials, the company intends to evaluate pelareorep in combinatory settings with other clinically endorsed oncology treatments. This approach aims to amplify the therapeutic effects of established drugs, thereby optimizing patient outcomes. Significantly, both breast and pancreatic cancers, the focal points of these investigations, have been granted Fast Track Designation by the FDA, expediting their pathway to potential approvals.
Future Directions
The event concluded with an optimistic outlook for the future of cancer treatment facilitated by emerging innovations in immunotherapy. With ongoing research efforts and clinical trials, Oncolytics Biotech is committed to further exploring the viability of pelareorep in treating challenging malignancies. As the field continues to evolve, the integration of cutting-edge immunotherapeutic strategies will likely play an increasingly vital role in transforming treatment modalities and improving the lives of countless patients facing these formidable diseases.
For up-to-date information on Oncolytics Biotech’s clinical endeavors, please visit
www.oncolyticsbiotech.com or engage with the company on social media platforms like LinkedIn and X @oncolytics.