Recent Advances in Oncology Drug Development
I was honored, along with my Catalyst Oncology colleagues, to attend the annual ESMO Congress in Barcelona, Spain, 13-17 September.
ESMO is one of the leading scientific and educational conferences for oncology research in the world. Approximately 34,000 people from 149 countries attended this year’s conference, which featured nearly 600 speakers and 2,200 abstract presentations. Each year ESMO offers a unique opportunity to hear about the latest in translational cancer science and groundbreaking data and to hold multidisciplinary discussions on improving patient care.
I’ve summarized a few highlights and my key takeaways from the conference.
A focus on oncology drug development
Essential to any conference is the opportunity to stay up-to-date with industry trends, and we continue to see developments in antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and radiopharmaceuticals, a space which holds a specific interest for me. At ESMO, we saw many companies showcasing next-generation ADCs with different payloads and a few companies in the early development space with exciting new delivery systems for improved specificity and reduced off-target toxicity. There was also some interesting breaking data presented in the radiopharmaceutical space. Some highlights include:
A late-breaking abstract from TORL BioTherapeutics presented early data from its ongoing, two-part, multicenter first-in-human Phase 1 study of TORL-1-23, a novel Claudin 6 (CLDN6) targeting ADC in patients with advanced solid tumors. Promising data showed TORL-1-23 to be well tolerated with preliminary antitumor activity in heavily treated patients with CLDN6-expressing ovarian, endometrial, and testicular cancers.
Lantheus Holdings showed data from its Phase III SPLASH trial evaluating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treatment using PSMA [Lu-177]-PNT2002 therapy after second-line hormonal treatment. The preliminary data showed the primary endpoint for radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) was improved in patients receiving 177Lu-PNT2002 for 9.5 months compared to 6 months for those on an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI): HR (95% CI): 0.71 (0.55, 0.92), p=0.0088. Overall survival was less decisive and may not be enough to outperform approved radiotherapy—Pluvicto from Novartis—given the comparable tolerability.
We have seen a lot of promising monotherapy data for new treatments in patients with late stage disease following multiple previous lines of therapy. I’m excited about the results we’ll begin to see from studies exploring ADCs and Radiopharmaceuticals in earlier lines of therapy in combination with chemotherapy or immuno-therapy (IO) products.
Optimism among investigators in new oncology treatments
ESMO provided a great opportunity to speak to principal investigators and site staff who are closest to the patients and deal with the devastating impact of cancer daily.
After speaking with many investigators during the conference, it struck me that there is an air of confidence about better treatment options on the horizon. I heard from a couple of investigators that they are gaining more experience with administrating complex products with very specific toxicity profiles, such as ADCs, bispecifics, or IO therapies. There remains a strong desire to participate in Phase I studies and to offer those trials to patients without other treatment options.
I was humbled at how generous and transparent the principal investigators and site staff were to share their time and invaluable insights on cancer research and the promise of better treatments.
Keeping patients at the forefront of oncology research
We’ve all been affected in some way by cancer. This is what motivates us to get up and do what we do every day. Attending ESMO this year was a fresh reminder for me that we’re all here to develop new and better treatments for cancer patients.
With such a broad program of sessions and poster presentations at ESMO, I was also reminded of the need for a holistic approach to cancer. It is not just about developing better medicines, but it is also about prevention, early detection, support services for patients and families, and palliative care.
“What’s Your Why?”
In the spirit of keeping patients at the forefront, Catalyst Oncology asked booth visitors at ESMO this year to complete a card about “What’s Your Why?”—why are you involved in oncology clinical research?
This was a conference highlight for me, and we received amazing contributions. It was inspiring to read the stories and remind ourselves why we work in this emotionally challenging—but rewarding—field of cancer research.
How Kalida Barcelona is making a difference for cancer patients
Catalyst Oncology also hosted a breakfast session during ESMO with Kalida Barcelona, part of Maggie’s, an international organization providing free support to those with cancer and their families. During the breakfast, sponsors and Catalyst employees heard about the great work being done by Kalida, and how this organization is making a difference for cancer patients and their families in the Barcelona region.
As exciting as it is to hear about the latest breakthroughs in cancer research, the highlight for me from this year’s ESMO was the reminder of why we all do what we do. The fight against cancer is a global effort and together we truly can make a difference. We all have personal connections and reasons to help bring better cancer therapies with increased efficacy and decreased toxicity to patients.
Learn more about how Catalyst Oncology can support your early and late phase, global oncology trials.
