Immutep's Phase II Trial Shows Promising Results for Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment
IMM (IMM) Share Update November 2024 Wednesday 13th
Immutep's Triple Therapy Shows Promising Results in Soft Tissue Sarcoma Trial
Immutep Limited has announced promising results from its Phase II EFTISARC-NEO trial, showcasing the efficacy of a novel triple therapy for treating soft tissue sarcoma.
Instant Summary:
- Efti combined with pembrolizumab and radiotherapy shows significant efficacy.
- Over three-fold increase in tumor hyalinization compared to historical radiotherapy results.
- 71.4% of patients achieved a pathologic response, with 9.5% achieving complete response.
- No grade ≥3 toxicities related to efti and pembrolizumab observed.
Trial Overview
Immutep Limited, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, presented new data from its Phase II EFTISARC-NEO trial at the CTOS 2024 Annual Meeting. The trial investigates the efficacy of eftilagimod alpha (efti) combined with radiotherapy and pembrolizumab in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Preliminary results from 21 patients show significant efficacy in the neoadjuvant setting for resectable STS.
Results and Implications
The trial demonstrated a greater than three-fold increase in tumor hyalinization/fibrosis, with a median of 50% at surgical resection, compared to a historical median of 15% from radiotherapy alone. This rate of hyalinization is a crucial predictor of overall survival for STS patients.
Additionally, 71.4% of patients achieved a pathologic response, defined as ≥35% hyalinization/fibrosis, and 9.5% achieved a complete pathologic response. Importantly, the combination therapy was well-tolerated, with no grade ≥3 toxicities related to efti and pembrolizumab.
Future Prospects
The ongoing open-label study, conducted by the Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, aims to enroll 40 patients by Q1 2025. The trial is primarily funded by a Polish government grant. Further evaluation of efti's potential as a neoadjuvant immunotherapy is anticipated to drive improved clinical outcomes.
The positive results from the EFTISARC-NEO trial could boost Immutep's stock as investors respond to the promising data. The significant increase in tumor hyalinization and the high pathologic response rates suggest a strong potential for this treatment approach, which could enhance Immutep's market position in oncology therapeutics.
Investor Reaction:
Analysts are likely to view these results favorably, given the high efficacy and safety profile reported. The absence of severe toxicities and the promising response rates could spur interest in Immutep's ongoing and future trials.
Conclusion:
Investors should keep an eye on Immutep's progress in the EFTISARC-NEO trial and its potential implications for the company's future in cancer treatment. The promising results highlight the potential of innovative immunotherapy combinations in addressing challenging cancers.