In a remarkable demonstration of precision medicine's potential, a British Columbia grandfather has achieved complete cancer remission through a personalized immunotherapy approach, defying typical treatment expectations for metastatic prostate cancer.
Dante Di Pasquale, diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in 2019, experienced an extraordinary response to immunotherapy after participating in a BC Cancer Foundation-funded precision medicine trial. The success came after conventional treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, showed only temporary effectiveness against his cancer that had spread to his spine.
Innovative Precision Medicine Approach
The breakthrough emerged through the IND.234 trial, a first-of-its-kind study that employs liquid biopsy technology to screen for specific genomic markers in prostate cancer patients. Through genomic testing, researchers discovered Di Pasquale had a high mutation burden, making him an ideal candidate for immunotherapy – a treatment approach typically not effective in prostate cancer.
"It's a true success story," explains Dr. Bernie Eigl, deputy head of the department of clinical research at BC Cancer. "The donor-supported trial enabled us to home in on the unique characterizations of Dante's cancer to recommend a personalized and effective treatment."
Remarkable Treatment Response
The treatment protocol involved monthly hour-long immunotherapy infusions at BC Cancer – Vancouver. From the very first treatment, Di Pasquale's prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels became undetectable, with subsequent quarterly scans confirming stable results indicating cancer remission.
This response has now continued for an unprecedented 55 months, marking a significant milestone in personalized cancer treatment. The success is particularly noteworthy given that prostate cancer affects one in nine men, with 90% of diagnoses occurring in men over 60.
Clinical Implications
While immunotherapy isn't typically effective for most prostate cancer cases, Di Pasquale's exceptional response provides valuable insights for future treatment strategies. Dr. Eigl emphasizes that this knowledge will be applicable to future patients presenting with similar disease characteristics.
The study's innovative approach of using liquid biopsy – a simple blood test – to match patients with one of five new targeted therapies represents a significant advance in precision oncology. This methodology could potentially revolutionize treatment selection for prostate cancer patients, moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches toward more personalized therapeutic strategies.
