LAST WEEK TODAY!

A summary of what was published on ProstateWarriors.com during the past week

Hi, fellow fighters! Ok, this week I had to take some time off for my PET scan and checkup, so I haven’t gathered as much information as usual to share with you. Nonetheless, what I found is still very interesting and promising!

As usual, we also have a podcast if you prefer to listen to the newsletter, you can find it HERE.​

Clinical Research

• CAN-2409 is a viral immunotherapy that delivers the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene directly into tumor cells. In a Phase 3 trial, when combined with valacyclovir and standard external beam radiation therapy, it resulted in a 14.5% relative improvement in disease-free survival (DFS) at 54 months compared to radiation therapy alone. It also led to a 30% reduction in the risk of disease recurrence or death. The therapy works through direct tumor destruction and immune activation, with adverse effects limited to mild flu-like symptoms.
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• BMS-986365 is an investigational oral drug that has entered a Phase 3 trial for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This drug has a dual mechanism of action, both degrading and antagonizing the androgen receptor (AR). In earlier clinical trials, up to 70% of patients experienced a PSA decline of 30% or more, with a median radiographic progression-free survival of 6.3 months. The Phase 3 trial aims to confirm its efficacy and safety in a broader patient population.
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• VIR-5500 is a dual-masked T-cell engager that targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). In an ongoing Phase 1 trial, 100% of patients showed a reduction in PSA, and 58% experienced a PSA50 response, meaning their PSA levels dropped by at least 50%. The dual-masking technology minimizes off-target effects and reduces the risk of harming healthy tissues. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) cases were minimal and low-grade, and no dose-limiting toxicities were reported.
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• CLS-1025 is a T-cell engager designed to target the p53^R175H mutant protein. Preclinical studies demonstrated high selectivity for the p53^R175H mutant peptide. It effectively activated T cells and killed patient-derived organoids. In vivo studies also showed tumor regression. A Phase 1Âclinical trial was expected to begin in early 2025.

Preclinical Research

• BacID is a novel (and very promising IMHO) bacteria-based therapy that uses genetically engineered Salmonella strains to target and colonize tumors. Administered intravenously, the bacteria preferentially colonize tumors. Once inside, they release a drug therapy directly into the cancer cells and multiply within the tumor. Clinical trials are expected to begin in 2027, though initial trials are not planned to include prostate cancer.
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• PARP inhibitors are being explored for prostate cancer treatment, with specific DNA mutations such as BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, FANCA, RNASEH2B, and CDK12 linked to their efficacy. However, current tests for identifying suitable candidates often produce unreliable results. Long-term use of PARP inhibitors may lead to secondary conditions such as myelodysplasia or leukemia. Patients who have progressed on PARP inhibitors are unlikely to respond to subsequent PARP1 inhibitors or platinum-based therapies. For the ATM gene, a complete loss, or biallelic inactivation, is generally required for PARP inhibitors to be effective.​
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And…that’s all folks! For today at least!
Please let me know if there is anything I can improve in my newsletters, and let me know if you have enjoyed the podcast.

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Have a great weekend!

Max