Pegilodecakin and Checkpoint Inhibitors Combo shows Prominent Action in NSCLC and Kidney Cancer

Release Date: 07-Oct-2019

According to the findings of a recently performed study led by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center,  Pegilodecakin  in combination with two leading anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies i.e. pembrolizumab and nivolumab, has shown positive safety results and may offer a potential new treatment avenue for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and kidney cancer. Pegilodecakin is a first-in-class drug currently in clinical trials.

Pegilodecakin works by stimulating the survival and proliferation of CD8+ T cells. It also potentiates the killing ability of CD8+ T cells. These cells are known for their ability to distinguish and destruction of the cancer cells. This drug is able to increase the amount of CD8+ T cells within the tumor, which improves the prognosis and survival of the patient. The immune stimulatory effect of pegilodecakin supplements the action of anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies that blocks the immune suppressive effect on T cells.

The researchers designed the study in such a manner that it makes the evaluation of the safety, tolerability and maximal tolerated dose of pegilodecakin in combination with pembrolizumab or nivolumab simpler. Simultaneously, investigation of the biomarkers was also performed by the study to identify patients likely to respond to treatment.

According to the Aung Naing, M.D., associate professor of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, “The study indicated that the Pegilodecakin with anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies had a controllable toxicity profile and prominent anti-tumor activity. Our study showed this combination demonstrated favorable response in NSCLC and kidney cancer patients who previously had been treated when compared to those treated with anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies alone.”

Dr. Naing also added that the activity of pegilodecakin in combination with anti-PD1 monoclonal antibodies introduces a new class of drugs to the treatment of advanced solid tumors. Future randomized trials hopefully will determine the tolerability and clinical benefits of pegilodecakin as a single agent and in combinations in a range of cancers.