#USA #pancreatic cancer #Diakonos Oncology #DOC1021 #National Harbor, MD

Diakonos Oncology to Present Pioneering Findings at SITC

Diakonos Oncology Corp., a company at the forefront of biotechnology, specializes in developing cutting-edge immunotherapies aimed at tackling aggressive forms of cancer. This November, they will unveil significant clinical trial data regarding their innovative DOC1021 cell-based immunotherapy during the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 40th Annual Meeting, scheduled for November 5-9 in National Harbor, Maryland.

The presentation will focus on their Phase I trial of DOC1021, which shows promise, particularly in patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Jay Hartenbach, the President and COO of Diakonos Oncology, highlighted the unique nature of DOC1021, emphasizing its role in activating the patient’s immune system to fight cancer cells. He stated, “Building on promising results in glioblastoma, we are now excited to share preliminary data in pancreatic cancer. We believe this patient-derived immunotherapy holds great potential for pancreatic cancer and other indications with a high unmet need.”

Presentation Details

The findings will be presented by Dr. William Decker from the Baylor College of Medicine. Decker is slated to discuss the key aspects of the Phase I trial as part of a poster session on November 8, 2025. An abstract submitted for the event holds the number 540, and the session will occur within the Prince George ABC Exhibit Halls at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

Understanding DOC1021

DOC1021 stands out as a pioneering, patient-derived double-loaded dendritic cell therapy. The method distinguishes itself by combining tumor lysate with amplified tumor-derived mRNA, creating a uniquely designed immunotherapy that aligns closely with the patient’s specific cancer presentation. The process involves utilizing dendritic cells harvested from a patient, which are then mixed with proteins and mRNA extracted from their freshly obtained tumor samples. This sophisticated double-loading technique imitates a viral infection, significantly amplifying the tumor-eradicating responses of the immune system.

Unlike many conventional therapies, DOC1021 does not require any molecular modification of the patient’s immune cells for production, nor does it mandate preconditioning with chemotherapy or high dose IL-2 for administration. This approach facilitates outpatient administration and allows easier access to cancer treatments through community cancer centers.

Alongside the pancreatic cancer study, Diakonos is also advancing into Phase II trials for glioblastoma with DOC1021. The company has successfully obtained Fast Track designations from the FDA for both indications, with the pancreatic cancer program receiving this designation in May 2024.

Commitment to Innovation

Diakonos Oncology, headquartered in Houston, is dedicated to transforming cancer treatment via its proprietary, double-loaded patient-derived dendritic cell therapeutic platform. By focusing on meeting critical, unmet medical needs for aggressive and late-stage cancers, Diakonos is committed to changing the future landscape of cancer immunotherapy. Those interested in learning more can visit their website, https://www.diakonosoncology.com, or refer to their media contact, David Schull of Russo Partners.

This upcoming presentation at SITC marks a significant opportunity for the oncology community to gain insights into new methods of combating one of the most challenging types of cancer. As the event approaches, excitement continues to build around the potential impact of DOC1021 on pancreatic cancer treatment protocols.