Osteosarcoma, the most prevalent bone tumor affecting children and young adults, has seen limited advancements in treatment outcomes for several decades, particularly for metastatic and relapsed cases. To address this critical unmet need, the Children's Oncology Group (COG) Bone Tumor Committee established the New Agents for Osteosarcoma Task Force, dedicated to identifying and prioritizing promising agents for clinical trials.
The task force pinpointed several agents of significant interest, including multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immunotherapies targeting B7-H3, CD47-SIRPα inhibitors, telaglenastat, and epigenetic modifiers. These agents were selected based on their potential to overcome the disease's biological complexity and the limitations of existing treatment strategies.
Prioritized Agents for Clinical Evaluation
Among the identified agents, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors stood out as the most promising for frontline evaluation. These inhibitors met all criteria established by the task force and are slated for inclusion in an upcoming phase III study concept. This decision reflects the urgent need for improved first-line treatments for osteosarcoma patients.
Immunotherapies and Other Novel Approaches
In addition to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the task force is actively exploring immunotherapies targeting B7-H3 and CD47-SIRPα inhibitors. These immunotherapies aim to harness the body's immune system to combat osteosarcoma cells. Telaglenastat, an inhibitor of glutaminase, and epigenetic modifiers are also under consideration, representing alternative approaches to disrupt tumor growth and development.
Continuous Evaluation and Future Directions
The New Agents for Osteosarcoma Task Force remains committed to continuously reassessing the identified agents as new data emerge. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the most promising and effective treatments are prioritized for clinical trials, ultimately striving to improve outcomes for children and young adults battling osteosarcoma.
