#United States #Houston #pancreatic cancer #Diakonos Oncology #DOC1021

Diakonos Oncology's Breakthrough in Immunotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Diakonos Oncology Corporation, a Houston-based clinical-stage biotechnology firm, has officially presented preliminary data from a Phase 1 clinical trial of its innovative immunotherapy, DOC1021, at the esteemed Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer's 40th Annual Meeting, recently held in National Harbor, Maryland. This trial represents a significant step forward in the fight against pancreatic cancer, a notoriously aggressive disease that presents considerable treatment challenges.

Overview of the Study

The clinical trial investigated the efficacy of DOC1021, specifically its patient-specific dendritic cell therapy, administered after traditional treatment methods including neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgical intervention, and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy. Out of the initial cohort of patients, five of seven are reported to be alive, with six participants under continuous monitoring, demonstrating an encouraging prognosis.

Jay Hartenbach, the President and COO of Diakonos Oncology, emphasized the necessity for innovative treatment options amidst the bleak outlook faced by pancreatic cancer patients. “These results reveal promise in the unique approach of DOC1021, which aims to harness and amplify the patient’s immune response directly against their own cancer cells,” he stated.

Key Findings

The trial revealed several noteworthy outcomes:
Patient Survival: Among the treated individuals, five remain alive, with three showing no signs of relapse. Their post-operative survival durations range from 12.9 to an impressive 45.3 months.
Tolerability: Notably, DOC1021 was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities recorded throughout the trial.
Adverse Events: The most frequent side effects experienced were mild flu-like symptoms, suggesting manageable responses to treatment.
Biomarker Response: Enhanced T-cell activity was observed via a notable increase in post-vaccination CD127 and Granzyme B in circulating CD8+ T-cells, indicating a robust immune response generated by the therapy.

Dr. Benjamin Leon Musher, a professor at the Baylor College of Medicine and one of the key figures in the trial, expressed optimism about the future directions of the study. “With personalized tumor vaccinations being a critical area of development, we are actively enrolling patients for further phases, emphasizing the need for efficacious approaches against pancreatic cancer,” he highlighted.

The Technology Behind DOC1021

DOC1021 distinguishes itself as a first-in-class therapy leveraging a unique double-loading method that utilizes a combination of tumor lysate and amplified tumor-derived mRNA. This innovative technique stimulates a more potent immune reaction by mimicking a viral infection, allowing a comprehensive targeting of cancer antigens. Crucially, this therapy does not necessitate genetic alteration of immune cells, enhancing its practicality and accessibility, particularly in outpatient settings.

In addition to its developments in pancreatic cancer treatment, Diakonos Oncology has recently initiated a Phase 2 clinical study focusing on glioblastoma, also utilizing the promising DOC1021 therapy. Both the pancreatic and glioblastoma trials have garnered Fast Track designations from the FDA, with significant milestones reached within 2023 and 2024.

Conclusion

Diakonos Oncology's innovative research represents a hopeful advancement in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, a realm marked by unmet medical needs. With promising Phase 1 results and ongoing trials, the landscape of cancer therapy may see transformative improvements thanks to therapies like DOC1021. Continuing to pursue personalized and effective treatments, the future holds significant promise for patients battling this challenging disease.