Bioxytran's Groundbreaking Research on Immunotherapy Enhancement
Bioxytran, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has recently published a preprint article that could mark a significant advancement in cancer treatment. The article, titled "Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI): Prospects for Galectin-3 Modulation to Increase Objective Response Rate (ORR) and Remission-free Survival in Oncology Patients," delves into the mechanisms behind resistance to ICI therapy and the pivotal role of galectin-3 in this process.
The Role of Galectin-3 in Cancer Treatment Resistance
Galectin-3 has been identified as a critical factor in the resistance to ICI therapy, particularly in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The research highlights that 90% of NSCLC patients with high levels of galectin-3 did not experience tumor shrinkage after three ICI treatments. Conversely, patients with low to moderate galectin-3 expression showed a positive response to ICI therapy, suggesting that galectin-3 levels could serve as a predictive biomarker for ICI efficacy.
Overcoming Resistance with Galectin-3 Antagonists
The preprint also explores the mechanism by which galectin-3 contributes to ICI resistance. Through advanced techniques like Surface Plasmon Resonance and cryogenic electron microscopy, researchers discovered that galectin-3 binds to the PD-1 receptor, preventing ICIs from attaching and thereby allowing PD-L1 to bind and deactivate T-cells. This discovery opens the door to potential treatments using galectin-3 antagonists to reverse this effect and enhance the efficacy of ICI therapy.
A New Paradigm in Cancer Treatment
Dr. David Platt, CEO of Bioxytran, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, "Our findings herald a significant shift in cancer treatment paradigms." The research not only sheds light on the variable responses to immunotherapy but also identifies galectin-3 as a key driver of disease progression and resistance. The potential of combining galectin-3 antagonists with existing cancer treatments could significantly improve patient outcomes.
Looking Ahead
Bioxytran's research is part of a broader effort to address the challenges in cancer treatment, particularly the mechanisms by which cancer evades the immune system. The company's focus on galectin antagonists represents a promising avenue for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy and improving the lives of cancer patients worldwide.
For more information on Bioxytran's research and development efforts, visit www.bioxytraninc.com.