Hoag Family Cancer Institute and Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute are at the forefront of neuro-oncology, engaging in two clinical trials aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), a brain tumor characterized by a poor prognosis with a 5% five-year survival rate. These initiatives showcase Hoag's commitment to combining innovative technologies and therapies to combat this aggressive cancer.
Focused Ultrasound for Enhanced Liquid Biopsies
The LIBERATE study (NCT05383872), sponsored by INSIGHTEC, is evaluating the use of Focused Ultrasound (FUS) to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in patients with GBM, allowing for liquid biopsies. Liquid biopsies offer a less invasive method of collecting and analyzing biomarkers through a simple blood test, which can then be used to inform diagnosis and treatment planning.
"Focused Ultrasound has untold potential," says Dr. Khagi. "This approach of opening BBB may allow for targeted delivery of treatment to specific areas in the brain, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes in the future. Low frequency FUS can open the blood-brain barrier for up to 24 hours. During that time, two things can happen: fluid comes out, and we can test it for biomarkers; and treatment can go in. This means that we can effectively deliver treatment to target specific areas in the brain. Most chemotherapy and immunotherapy are unable to fully penetrate the brain to kill brain tumors. Opening the blood-brain barrier would be revolutionary in future clinical trials of cell therapy and immunotherapy."
Investigating Novel Immunotherapy Combinations
Hoag Family Cancer Institute has been selected as one of two study sites for the QUILT 3.078 clinical trial (NCT06061809). This Phase 2 study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of combining the investigational immune system enhancing agent N-803 and PD-L1 t-haNK cell therapy, both from ImmunityBio, Inc., with Bevacizumab (Avastin®) for recurrent or progressive glioblastoma. Participants receive Bevacizumab and PD-L1 t-haNK intravenously, while N-803 is administered subcutaneously twice a month for up to 18 months.
Multi-Modal Approach to GBM Treatment
Hoag physician leaders envision a future where GBM treatment involves a multi-modal approach, potentially combining FUS with cell therapy and Optune Gio, a device that uses electrical fields to disrupt cancer cell division. This comprehensive strategy requires a collaborative team of multidisciplinary experts working together to advance diagnosis and treatment, with the goal of optimizing patient outcomes.
"We are very proud to be one of only two sites in the world running this study using modified natural killer cells for glioblastoma patients," said Dr. Khagi. "We've seen promising results in treating other cancers with this innovative option and are hopeful that it will provide new hope to our patients."
