The mTORC2 complex plays an important role in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, allowing activation of AKT and contributing to the development of BRAF-mutated (BRAFm) melanomas and their resistance to treatments. Researchers from Inserm aimed to identify new candidates for targeting the mTORC2 complex in melanoma, with focus on one principal protein of this complex, MAPKAP1 (also known as SIN1).
Researchers from Medical University Vienna presented data from a study that aimed to identify possible synergism between the novel son of sevenless (SOS) inhibitor BAY-293 and B-Raf or/and MEK1/2 inhibitors as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of melanoma.
Ocean Biomedical Inc. has discovered bispecific antibodies that target Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) and immune checkpoint inhibitors, killing glioblastoma cells and melanoma cells, and blocking the metastasis of malignant melanoma cells to the lung by over 90%.
Atreca Inc. and Xencor Inc. have mutually selected the first program from their strategic collaboration combining an Atreca-discovered antibody with Xencor's Xmab bispecific Fc domain and a cytotoxic T-cell binding domain (CD3).
Unexpected behavior of neutrophils unveiled by researchers at Stanford University could lead to a new type of immunotherapy to treat cancer. Although various studies have suggested that these cells are harmful due to their immunosuppressive characteristics, the scientists saw in them an opportunity to redirect them and eliminate tumors.
Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc.’s faith in tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy lifileucel was further proven by the Jan. 23 acquisition of worldwide rights from Clinigen Ltd. to Proleukin (aldesleukin), an IL-2 product used to promote T-cell activity after infusion of TILs. Terms call for San Carlos, Calif.-based Iovance to pay Clinigen, of Burton Upon Kent, U.K., £166.7 million (US$$206.1 million) right away and a £41.7 million milestone payment upon first approval of lifileucel in advanced melanoma, plus double-digit global royalties for Clinigen.
While immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized oncology, still only 20-30% of patients respond to PD-1/PD-L1 antibody monotherapy. This can be due to a failure of T cells to recognize “cold” tumors (low T-cell infiltrates).
