The ESMO 2024 conference, held in Barcelona, Spain, from September 13th to 17th, was an incredible multidisciplinary event that brought together leading cancer researchers from around the world.
This conference offered an exceptional platform for sharing and discussing the latest breakthroughs in oncology research, and for deliberating on the current challenges in cancer management, including future strategies for ensuring better patient care. It was also a remarkable occasion for MEDSIR, as we had the privilege of presenting four of our trials to the scientific community: PECATI, I3LUNG, ZZ-FIRST, and ABIGAIL.
PECATI: A phase 2 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib in combination with pembrolizumab in pretreated advanced B3-thymoma and thymic carcinoma
We were excited to share the results from the PECATI study as a proffered paper presentation by Dr. Jordi Remon. This multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase II trial (NCT04710628) evaluated the efficacy of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib in pre-treated relapsed/recurrent B3-thymoma and thymic carcinoma in terms of progression free survival (PFS) rate at 5 months. The study demonstrated that this combination may be an effective treatment with manageable side effects, achieving a 5-month PFS of 88%. Moreover, a higher dose intensity of lenvatinib within the first 8 weeks was associated with better outcome. Overall, the outcome reported with the combination surpasses data reported with monotherapy of these agents.
Download the presentation here to learn more about the PECATI clinical trial. We also encourage you to download the lay language summary.
Dr. Jordi Remon during ESMO24
I3LUNG: Digital pathology predicts PD-L1 expression in metastatic NSCLC patients treated with immunotherapy
The second study was presented by Dr. Arsela Prelaj during a poster display session. I3LUNG, an international project, funded by the European Union, aimed at developing a cutting-edge decision-making tool that integrates artificial intelligence with real-world and multi-omics data to predict immunotherapy efficacy for advanced NSCLC patients (NCT05537922). The results of the study are groundbreaking, representing the largest series to date to demonstrate a correlation between morphological features and PD-L1 expression in lung cancer. These insights could lead to significant advancements in personalized treatment approaches for patients.
To delve deeper into the I3LUNG clinical trial, download the poster here. Don't miss the lay language summary, which provides a straightforward explanation of our research.
Dr. Arsela Prelaj during the I3LUNG poster presentation
First results from ZZFIRST: A randomized phase II trial of enzalutamide with or without talazoparib in metastatic hormone-naïve prostate cancer
The ZZ-First study was presented by Dr. Joaquin Mateo during a poster display session. This multicenter, open-label, randomized, two-arm, phase II clinical trial focuses on metastatic hormone-naïve prostate cancer (NCT04332744). The primary objective is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining talazoparib (a PARP inhibitor) and enzalutamide (an AR inhibitor) in patients with or without DDR gene mutations. Preliminary results show promising antitumor activity along with predictable toxicity in high volume metastatic hormone-naïve prostate cancer.
Explore the ZZ-First clinical trial in detail by downloading the poster here. For a more accessible overview of our research, be sure to check out the lay language summary as well.
Dr. Jaoquin Mateo during the ZZ-First poster presentation
ABIGAIL: Randomized phase II study of abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy (ET) with or without a short course of induction paclitaxel in patients (pts) with previously untreated HR-positive/HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (HR+/HER2- ABC) with aggressive disease criteria
Dr. Juan de la Haba presented the ABIGAIL study in a mini-oral presentation. This open-label, randomized, two-arm, phase II study evaluated the combination of abemaciclib with endocrine therapy (letrozole or fulvestrant), with or without a short course of induction chemotherapy with paclitaxel, as first-line therapy for patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer and aggressive disease characteristics (NCT04603183). The results demonstrated a remarkably better response of the combination after 12 weeks of treatment compared to the current standard chemotherapy in this populationof patients with poor prognosis. The side effects were manageable for all treatment plans. ABIGAIL stands out for its innovative approach, offering a chemotherapy-free treatment option that would minimize toxicity and improve quality of life.
Discover more about the ABIGAIL clinical trial by download the presentation here. We also invite you to download the lay language summary for a clearer understanding of our findings.
Dr. Juan de la Haba during the ABIGAIL presentation
Altogether, these studies underscore the strong commitment to significantly expand therapeutic options for patients facing complex and difficult-to-treat cancers. Additionally, during the ESMO days, MEDSIR hosted a satellite symposium titled "MEDTalks: Leading the Future of Brain Metastases", in partnership with the Daiichi Sankyo | AstraZeneca Alliance.
The symposium brought together international oncology experts to address one of the most pressing challenges in cancer care, brain metastases. Through six insightful presentations, we explored cutting-edge advancements in the understanding of this pathology, including its biology and emerging therapeutic approaches such as antibody-drug conjugates and radioligands, highlighting the critical importance of clinical trials.
We cannot wait to participate in the ESMO congress again next year! Please contact us if you want more information about any of the trials we presented.
What's next on MEDSIR's Agenda?
We are excited to attend be for the first time the Annual Global Meeting of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society, held in Dublin, Ireland, from October 16 to 18, 2024. This meeting is a key platform for exchanging insights, presenting research, and advancing gynecologic cancer care globally.
Finally, we will be at the Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposim, held in San Antonio, Texas, US, from December 10 to 13, 2024. This event is an eagerly awaited oncology conference every year and we are excited to be participating with an onsite team! This meeting serves as an outstanding platform to discuss and debate current cancer care standards, while collaboratively addressing ongoing challenges and controversies to drive improvements. Contact us to set up a meeting!
