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Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
Published on: April 22, 2019
Investigational drugs for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Brigette B Y Ma1,2,3, Edwin P Hui1,2,3, Anthony T C Chan1,2,3
1a State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China , Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer , Hong Kong SAR , China.
Introduction:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic to Southern China and Asia and is etiologically associated with the Epstein Barr virus (EBV). Whole exome and genome sequencing (WES, WGS) studies of NPC have reported several actionable therapeutic targets, and that the mutational load of NPC maybe comparable to that of squamous head and neck cancer. These unique biological characteristics have been exploited as potential targets and a wide range of investigational drugs are being investigated in clinical trials. Area covered: This review focused on the latest clinical development of the most promising classes of investigational agents in the treatment of advanced NPC. These include inhibitors of tumor angiogenesis, kinase signaling pathways and immunotherapy. Expert opinion: Checkpoint inhibitors and EBV-specific T-cell therapy have shown promising activity in early phase clinical trials, and are being further evaluated in randomized studies. For patients whose tumors express genetic alterations that are known to predict response to kinase inhibitors, novel trial designs such as an 'Umbrella' study may be considered given the abundance of targeted agents that are now available for clinical evaluation. It is envisioned that regulatory approval for new drugs for advanced NPC will occur in the near future.
Insights
Investigational drugs targeting tumor angiogenesis, kinase pathways, and immunotherapy show promise for advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Early trials suggest checkpoint inhibitors and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific T-cell therapy are effective for NPC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is prevalent in Southern China and Asia, with a strong association with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
- Genomic studies have identified actionable therapeutic targets in NPC, comparable to squamous head and neck cancers.
- Investigational drugs targeting these unique biological characteristics are under evaluation in clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest clinical development of promising investigational agents for advanced NPC.
- To focus on inhibitors of tumor angiogenesis, kinase signaling pathways, and immunotherapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical trials and studies on advanced NPC treatments.
- Analysis of emerging therapeutic classes including targeted agents and immunotherapies.
- Evaluation of early-phase clinical trial data for novel agents.
Main Results:
- Checkpoint inhibitors and EBV-specific T-cell therapy demonstrate promising activity in early clinical trials.
- These immunotherapies are advancing to randomized studies for further evaluation.
- Targeted agents show potential for patients with specific genetic alterations, suggesting novel trial designs like 'Umbrella' studies.
Conclusions:
- Novel therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapy and targeted agents, offer new hope for advanced NPC.
- Further clinical evaluation is ongoing for promising treatments.
- Regulatory approval for new advanced NPC drugs is anticipated in the near future.
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