OncoHost and Gustave Roussy Cancer Institute have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to identify predictive biomarkers for immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment. The partnership centers around the PREMIS study, which aims to validate OncoHost's PROphetirAE™ test and advance the understanding of immunotherapy-related toxicities.
Understanding the Clinical Challenge
While immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment through immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, these therapies can trigger severe autoimmune side effects. The risk is particularly pronounced in combination therapy regimens, where toxicities can become life-threatening. Currently, physicians lack reliable tools to predict which patients may develop these complications.
The PREMIS Study Design
The study has enrolled 1,000 cancer patients receiving various immunotherapy monoclonal antibodies, including anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-CTLA4, and combination treatments. Operating within a dedicated pharmacovigilance department, the research team will systematically collect clinical data and thoroughly characterize immune-related adverse events.
Dr. François-Xavier Danlos, the study's coordinating researcher at Gustave Roussy, emphasized the critical nature of this work: "Identifying biomarkers allowing to predict irAE is now essential. It is a crucial step toward personalizing the management of patients receiving immunotherapy."
Advanced Technology and AI Integration
OncoHost's PROphetirAE™ test represents a sophisticated approach to toxicity prediction, combining artificial intelligence with biomarker analysis. The technology aims to assess individual patient risk for developing immune-related adverse events, enabling more personalized treatment strategies.
"Understanding the mechanisms behind these toxicities is crucial to identifying at-risk individuals and managing toxicities effectively," explained Dr. Yehonatan Elon, CTO of OncoHost. "This study is an important step toward achieving these goals."
Implications for Patient Care
The collaboration between OncoHost and Gustave Roussy is expected to yield valuable insights into the biological mechanisms underlying immune-related adverse events. Beyond validating the PROphetirAE™ test, the study's findings will contribute to developing prevention strategies and personalized approaches to managing immunotherapy-related toxicities.
This research initiative represents a significant advance in addressing one of oncology's most pressing challenges, potentially leading to safer and more effective cancer immunotherapy treatments through improved risk prediction and management strategies.
