A novel monoclonal antibody, ZL-1310, is showing promise in treating recurrent extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Preliminary results from an ongoing Phase Ia/Ib study indicate favorable efficacy and safety profiles for this next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). The study, evaluating patients who had previously undergone at least one platinum-based chemotherapy regimen, reveals a potential advancement in SCLC treatment.
The overall response rate (ORR) reached 74% among individuals with at least one post-treatment evaluation. Developed by Zai Lab, ZL-1310 also demonstrated encouraging results in patients with brain metastases; all response-evaluable patients with baseline brain metastases achieved a partial response. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with most treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) being Grade 1 or 2.
Potential of ZL-1310
According to Dr. Alex Spira, a medical oncologist at Virginia Cancer Specialists and NEXT Oncology, ZL-1310 "has the potential to deliver anti-tumour responses in the majority of patients with ES-SCLC, with good tolerability." He added, "This is particularly encouraging given the urgent need for improved treatment options for these patients. These promising data support continued evaluation of ZL-1310 as a monotherapy in the dose-expansion phase of the ongoing Phase I clinical trial and in combination."
The ongoing Phase I trial is evaluating ZL-1310 both as a single agent and in combination with the immune checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab. ZL-1310, a humanized anti-DLL3 monoclonal antibody conjugated with a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor payload, is designed to address payload toxicity issues observed in earlier-generation ADCs, according to Zai Lab.
The initial data on ZL-1310 were presented at the EORTC-NCI-AACR (ENA) Symposium 2024.
