A Phase I/II trial of a novel immune therapy (INKmune) for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has recently expanded to include U.S. military veterans. The trial is testing a new approach that primes the body’s own natural killer (NK) cells to better target and destroy tumor cells. One patient at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center has already received the investigational treatment. This expansion highlights the VA’s value as a clinical trial site, given its integrated healthcare system and diverse patient population.

The trial is designed to evaluate multiple dose levels, aiming to establish safety and determine the most effective dose for further testing. The treatment is administered intravenously over three outpatient infusions and does not require pre-medication. Over a six-month period, researchers monitor the therapy’s effects on immune response—such as the presence of tumor-killing memory-like NK cells—and measure anti-tumor activity through changes in PSA levels and imaging of metastatic lesions.

This represents a new immune therapy approach to treating advanced prostate cancer. Its outpatient administration and apparent minimal side effects could make it an accessible option for both veterans and the general population.

Specifically, it works with a part of the immune system called natural killer (NK) cells. These cells are like the body’s own “security guards,” constantly patrolling to detect and destroy harmful cells, including cancer cells. However, cancer cells can sometimes evade these NK cells by turning off the signals that alert the immune system.

INKmune is designed to “wake up” these NK cells and make them more active. It does this by providing them with the necessary signals that help them recognize and attack cancer cells. The therapy uses a specially modified type of human tumor cell that cannot reproduce, so it’s safe. These cells interact with the resting NK cells in a patient’s body, giving them a boost so that they can start targeting and killing cancer cells again.

The therapy’s potential goes beyond prostate cancer, showing promise for other NK-resistant tumors like ovarian, lung, and breast cancers. While still in clinical trials and not yet approved, this research offers a glimpse into a future where the immune system plays a more prominent role in combating advanced cancers.

Source.

Clinical trial.