INOVIQ (ASX:IIQ) has announced promising results from a proof-of-concept study of its novel breast cancer therapy. The study demonstrated that exosomes derived from genetically engineered natural killer (NK) cells can effectively deliver cancer-killing agents directly to triple-negative breast cancer cells, a particularly aggressive form of the disease, while sparing healthy cells.
Targeted Therapy for Aggressive Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2, making it difficult to treat with traditional hormone therapies or HER2-targeted drugs. TNBC accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancers and tends to be more aggressive and have a poorer prognosis than other subtypes.
INOVIQ's approach utilizes exosomes, nano-sized vesicles secreted by cells, to deliver therapeutic payloads specifically to cancer cells. In this study, exosomes were derived from NK cells, which are immune cells known for their ability to kill cancer cells. The NK cells were genetically engineered to enhance their cancer-killing activity, and the resulting exosomes were loaded with cancer-killing agents.
Study Results
The proof-of-concept study showed that the exosome-based therapy was effective in killing triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro. At the highest dose, the therapy killed over 30% of targeted cells. Importantly, the therapy was also shown to be selective for cancer cells, sparing healthy cells from damage. These early results suggest the potential for significant improvements as the therapy continues to be developed.
Clarity Pharmaceuticals' Pan-Cancer Approach
Clarity Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CU6) is also making strides in cancer therapy with its new radiopharmaceutical, SAR-bisFAP. This agent is designed to diagnose and treat multiple cancers by targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP). FAP is present in many cancer types but largely absent in healthy tissue, offering a potential "pan-cancer" approach. Phase I trials are scheduled for late 2025.
