Latest news with #ovarianCancer
Medscape
a day ago
- Health
- Medscape
Key Highlights in Ovarian Cancer From ASCO 2025
Novel drug combinations that improve outcomes, outstanding questions about treatment sequence, and encouraging results in chemotherapy resistant disease are among the ovarian cancer highlights presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Stephanie Gaillard, from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, begins with the ROSELLA trial of relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel vs nab-paclitaxel alone in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The results showed improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in this difficult-to-treat population. Next, she discusses the TRUST trial in advanced ovarian cancer, comparing radical upfront surgical therapy followed by chemotherapy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery, followed by further chemotherapy. Although PFS was improved by upfront surgery, OS was not, leaving the treatment sequence open to question. Dr Gaillard then reports on an updated survival analysis from the OVATION-2 study of intraperitoneal IMNN-001 plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy in newly diagnosed advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. The approach achieved impressive OS, alongside the previously reported PFS benefit. Finally, she reports on a phase 2 study of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib in recurrent or persistent clear cell ovarian carcinoma. The combination showed encouraging response rates and PFS in a population known to be highly resistant to chemotherapy.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Mayo Clinic researchers identify new immunotherapy target for ovarian cancer
Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a new immunotherapy target, a cryptic antigen, may be key in helping the immune system fight tumors in ovarian cancer. The study, published in Science Advances, could improve treatment approaches for this type of cancer. Because ovarian cancer has limited symptoms, it can go undetected until it has spread. At a later stage, it becomes challenging to treat and has had limited success from existing immunotherapies and checkpoint inhibitors. Cryptic antigens are part of a protein — known as epitopes — that are usually hidden or inaccessible to the immune system and may be present in tumor cells. By targeting these antigens, the immune system can be effectively mobilized to attack the cancer. "These findings underscore the need to look at alternate sources of target antigens for ovarian cancer," says Marion R. Curtis, Ph.D., senior author of the study and immunologist at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Discovering tumor-associated antigens that T cells recognize is crucial for the success of immunotherapeutic approaches in ovarian cancer, where the growth of cells that form in the ovaries multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue." T cells are a critical component of the adaptive immune system. Their ability to recognize and respond to specific targets is fundamental to their function. They play a significant role in developing and treating cancer and are vital in the immune system's fight against infections. In this study, the researchers characterized tumor antigens generated from ovarian cancer using multi-omics approaches to determine their ability to trigger an immune response. Multi-omics encompasses using multiple 'omes' (i.e., genome, proteome, microbiome, epigenome) to better understand the mechanisms of disease processes, detection, potential prevention and more focused therapies. Researchers have previously focused on discovering newly formed antigens (neoantigens). However, a previous study revealed that neoantigens are rarely found in ovarian cancer samples, making them unattractive targets. The next steps involve preclinical testing and clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new immunotherapies and vaccines that target these cryptic antigens. The researchers also plan larger-scale studies to determine the prevalence of cryptic antigen expression across various tumor types, potentially paving the way for broader applications of this immunotherapy approach. Review the study for a complete list of authors, disclosures and funding.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Quest PharmaTech Announces Opposition to OQPBIOM's Acquisition of AdBioTech
EDMONTON, Alberta, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quest PharmaTech Inc. (TSX-V: QPT) ('Quest' or the 'Company'), a Canadian based pharmaceutical company developing products to improve the quality of life through investee companies and proprietary technologies, announced today that Quest was not informed or consulted, opposes and will not support the recently announced acquisition by privately held South Korea-based OQPBIOM Inc. ('OQM') of a controlling interest in AdBioTech Co., Ltd. ('AdBioTech'), a public company listed on KOSDAQ in South Korea. OQM has announced that AdBioTech is the corporate vehicle through which it wishes to pursue the funding and advancement of its immunotherapy assets. As announced by Quest on June 2, 2025, as a result of the conversion of bonds, Quest has acquired a 26.25% share ownership interest in OQM and become its largest shareholder. OQM was established in April 2024 to conduct clinical trials for oregovomab, a novel ovarian cancer drug candidate, which was developed by Quest investee company, OncoQuest Inc., and sold in 2020, which ultimately resulted in Quest holding the bonds in OQM that were recently converted. Dr. Madi Madiyalakan, CEO of Quest, stated, "As the largest shareholder of OQM, we were never informed or consulted about OQM's acquisition of a controlling interest in AdBioTech and OQM's intention to use this vehicle to advance oregovomab." He added that Quest strongly opposes this acquisition and strategy, deeming it inappropriate for ensuring stable funding for oregovomab's clinical trials and not in the best interest of OQM or its shareholders. Quest is consulting with its advisors and evaluating its legal options. Any information or reports disseminated that suggest that Quest is supportive of OQM management in the implementation of this path and strategy for OQM is inaccurate. About Quest PharmaTech Inc. Quest PharmaTech Inc is a publicly traded, Canadian based biopharmaceutical company (QPT: TSX-V) developing products to improve the quality of life. The Company has a 42.5% ownership interest in OncoQuest Inc. which sold its immunotherapy technology assets to Korea-based Dual Industrial Co, Ltd. in April 2020. Quest also has a 23% ownership interest in OncoVent, a Chinese joint venture developing antibody-based immunotherapeutic products for cancer for the Greater China territory. Quest is also developing proprietary MAb AR 9.6 targeting truncated MUC16 as theranostic agents for cancer. AR 9.6 was licensed from University of Nebraska and currently is in late preclinical stage. To learn more, visit Forward Looking Statements This news release contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not historical in nature contain forward-looking information. Forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as 'may', 'expect', 'likely', 'should', 'would', 'plan', 'anticipate', 'intend', 'potential', 'proposed', 'estimate', 'believe' or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions 'may' or 'will' happen. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and is based on assumptions management believed to be reasonable at the time such statements were made. While we consider these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to management, there is no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this press release. Such factors include, without limitation, the risk factors that can be found in the Company's securities law filings which have been filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. For further information: Dr. Madi R. Madiyalakan, CEO, Quest PharmaTech Inc. Tel: (780) 448-1400, E-mail: madi@ Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Medscape
04-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Fact or Fiction: Ovarian Cancer and Drug Resistance
In ovarian cancer, the emergence of drug resistance has been shown to limit the durability of therapeutic treatment benefit and contribute substantially to ovarian cancer's high mortality rate. Factors such as treatment-free intervals and tumor microevolution may allow for re-sensitization to platinum agents in select patients. In addition to tumor biology, the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in therapeutic resistance. Targeted therapies, once heralded as a solution to chemotherapy resistance, have been shown to face similar obstacles. Drug resistance in ovarian cancer management is an ongoing field of study as clinicians look to limit its impact improve outcomes. Platinum resistance in ovarian cancer is not always permanent. While many patients relapse with tumors less responsive to platinum-based chemotherapy, resistance can be dynamic. Mechanisms such as epigenetic alterations, modulation of DNA damage response, and temporary activation of drug efflux pumps may contribute to reversible resistance. Importantly, a subset of patients initially labeled as platinum-resistant may benefit from platinum rechallenge after a treatment-free interval, particularly if newer maintenance strategies or resensitizing agents are used. This has led to the concept of a "platinum-free interval" to help guide re-treatment. Understanding these nuances is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies and optimizing outcomes. Learn more about medications used in ovarian cancer. While HRD — often due to BRCA1/2 mutations — initially predicts strong sensitivity to DNA-damaging therapies like platinum agents and PARP inhibitors, resistance commonly emerges over time. A key mechanism is the restoration of homologous recombination through secondary or "reversion" mutations in HR pathway genes. These mutations enable tumor cells to resume high-fidelity DNA repair, diminishing the cytotoxic effects of therapy. Additionally, tumors may activate compensatory pathways such as non-homologous end joining or increase drug efflux activity. This resistance may not be detectable at diagnosis and can evolve under therapeutic pressure. Consequently, current research emphasizes longitudinal molecular monitoring to capture evolving resistance mechanisms. Clinically, this underscores the need for re-biopsy or circulating tumor DNA analysis to reassess HR status in recurrent disease, which may influence therapy selection. Learn more about the importance of biopsy in ovarian cancer. Tumor heterogeneity — both genetic and phenotypic — plays a central role in drug resistance and further complications treatment outcomes. Ovarian tumors often consist of diverse subclonal populations, some of which may possess innate resistance traits. Within a single ovarian tumor, multiple subclonal populations may coexist, each with distinct characteristics and sensitivity profiles. When systemic therapy is applied, sensitive clones are eliminated, but resistant ones may persist and expand. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics studies have mapped how this clonal evolution occurs, revealing that treatment can select for resistant subpopulations not evident at baseline. Heterogeneity also affects the tumor microenvironment and immune response, further complicating therapeutic strategies. Clinically, this variability can manifest as mixed responses, where some lesions regress while others progress. Addressing heterogeneity remains a major challenge and has sparked interest in combination therapies and adaptive trial designs. Personalized treatment strategies based on real-time tumor profiling are likely to improve outcomes by accounting for this complexity. Learn more about ovarian cancer guidelines. Targeted therapies are susceptible to various resistance mechanisms, many of which overlap with those seen in chemotherapy. For example, resistance to PARP inhibitors, widely used in HRD-positive ovarian cancers, can arise from secondary mutations restoring DNA repair function or through enhanced drug efflux. Similarly, resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors may develop via upregulation of alternative pro-angiogenic pathways or changes in tumor vasculature that circumvent the need for VEGF signaling. Resistance is further complicated by factors such as epigenetic reprogramming and altered cell signaling networks. These findings have led to interest in combining targeted agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors, DNA repair modulators, or epigenetic therapies to overcome resistance. Future success with targeted therapy will likely depend on combination approaches informed by tumor genomics and adaptive resistance profiling. Learn more about risk assessment and genetic counseling in ovarian cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key contributor to drug resistance in ovarian cancer. Immune cells such as regulatory T cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) create an immunosuppressive milieu that hinders effective therapy. Additionally, fibroblasts and extracellular matrix components can form physical barriers that limit drug penetration. Cytokines and growth factors secreted within the TME also modulate signaling pathways in tumor cells, promoting survival and resistance. Studies have shown that high TAM density is associated with poor response to both chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and interventions targeting the TME may help reverse resistance. This includes strategies like macrophage reprogramming, TME remodeling agents, and stromal-targeting therapies. Incorporating TME characteristics into clinical decision-making may help guide therapeutic combinations and predict response. Learn more about tumor biomarkers in ovarian cancer.
Medscape
03-06-2025
- Business
- Medscape
Relacorilant + Nab-Paclitaxel Beneficial in Ovarian Cancer
Relacorilant, a selective glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, combined with nab-paclitaxel significantly improved progression-free survival in women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The interim analysis also showed meaningful improvement in overall survival, with median survival extending from 11.50 to 15.97 months. METHODOLOGY: While platinum-based chemotherapy is initially effective, about 70% of patients experience disease relapse that becomes platinum-resistant. Relacorilant, a selective glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, has demonstrated synergy with paclitaxel in nonclinical tumor models. The combination with nab-paclitaxel was chosen for this study because it does not require corticosteroid coadministration. Researchers conducted a randomized, controlled, open-label, phase 3 trial (ROSELLA [GOG-3073/ENGOT-ov72]) at 117 hospitals and community oncology treatment centers across 14 countries in Australia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and South Korea. Participants included 381 patients aged 18 years or older with confirmed platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer; up to three previous lines of anticancer therapy; and measurable disease as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (version 1.1). Analysis involved comparing relacorilant (150 mg orally the day before, of, and after nab-paclitaxel infusion) plus nab-paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle) with nab-paclitaxel monotherapy (100 mg/m2 on the same schedule). TAKEAWAY: Patients receiving relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel showed improved progression-free survival compared with those receiving nab-paclitaxel monotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54-0.91; median, 6.54 months vs 5.52 months; stratified log-rank P = .0076). = .0076). Interim analysis revealed improved overall survival with relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel vs nab-paclitaxel monotherapy (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52-0.92; median, 15.97 months vs 11.50 months; log-rank P = .0121). = .0121). Safety profiles were comparable between the groups when adjusted for nab-paclitaxel exposure, with no new safety signals observed. IN PRACTICE: 'Combined with the evidence from previous studies, our study supports relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel as a potential new standard of care for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, without the need for biomarker selection. This study is the first positive clinical trial conducted with registrational intent for a selective glucocorticoid receptor antagonist in patients with cancer,' authors of the study wrote. SOURCE: Lead author Alexander B. Olawaiye, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, both in Pittsburgh, presented the results of the study at American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025. A paper on the study was published online in The Lancet on June 2. LIMITATIONS: The open-label design and applicability to patients with more than three lines of anticancer therapy were noted as limitations. While the risk of bias in progression-free survival assessment was mitigated by using blinded independent central review and a dual primary endpoint of overall survival, the median duration of the follow-up for overall survival was less than the estimated median overall survival in the relacorilant combination group at interim analysis. DISCLOSURES: The study was funded by Corcept Therapeutics. The authors reported that adverse events were graded according to the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 5.0), with relatedness determined by the investigators. The funding source supported trial conduct, patient enrollment, and drug supply. The analysis, interpretation, writing, and submission decisions were the responsibility of the authors.
