Precede Biosciences has unveiled new data at the AACR Special Conference In Cancer Research: Liquid Biopsy (LBx) 2024, showcasing the potential of its novel epigenomic liquid biopsy platform. The research indicates that a simple blood test can accurately quantify tumor PSMA expression and predict response to Lutetium-PSMA therapy in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Non-Invasive PSMA Expression Readout
The study, led by researchers at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, highlights the platform's ability to provide a real-time, non-invasive readout of PSMA expression. This is particularly significant given that PSMA-PET scans, the current standard for confirming tumor PSMA expression, are not universally accessible.
"For the estimated 120,000 men in the USA living with advanced metastatic prostate cancer... Lutetium-PSMA is an important FDA-approved treatment option, and requires a PSMA-PET scan to confirm tumor PSMA expression," said Jacob E. Berchuck, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. "Our study highlights the potential of epigenomic profiling from a simple blood draw to provide a real-time, non-invasive readout of PSMA expression that corresponds with treatment response."
Implications for PSMA-Targeting Therapies
The implications of this research extend beyond Lutetium-PSMA. With over 70 new medicines in clinical development against 25 cell surface targets, including PSMA, Precede Biosciences' platform could play a crucial role in enabling the success of these emerging therapies.
"This is both an exciting and promising era for precision medicine in prostate cancer, with more than 70 new medicines in clinical development against 25 cell surface targets, including PSMA," said Rehan Verjee, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Precede Bio. "Our platform’s capability to resolve target expression from a simple blood draw, as we have done in this study for PSMA, underscores the opportunity that we see for Precede Biosciences to play an important role in enabling the success of these emerging medicines."
Comprehensive Epigenomic Profiling
In addition to the PSMA study, Precede Biosciences presented data on comprehensive epigenomic profiling from plasma. This approach has the potential to inform drug development, enhance understanding of cancer biology, and improve therapy selection.
About Precede Biosciences
Precede Biosciences is focused on developing precision medicines through its first-in-class comprehensive epigenomic liquid biopsy platform. The company aims to improve success rates in drug development and enable rapid, minimally invasive diagnosis and therapy selection for patients.
