In an important proof of concept that also confirmed safety and tolerability, Imugene Ltd (ASX:IMU, OTC:IUGNF) has revealed new imaging data on its oncolytic virotherapy candidate, CHECKvacc (CF33-hNIS-antiPDL1), which was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2023 in Orlando, Florida overnight.
The abstract, titled 'hNIS imaging data from a first-inhuman trial of the oncolytic virus CF33-hNIS-antiPD-L1 in patients with triple-negative breast cancer', was presented by Dr Jamie Rand, an assistant professor in the Division of Breast Surgery at the City of Hope’s Department of Surgery.
“While it was pleasing to see the primary objective of safety and tolerability of CHECKvacc confirmed, the imaging data presented showed several other positive outcomes resulting from our first-in-human trial,” Imugene managing director and CEO Leslie Chong said.
“We’ll complete further analysis of the data and look forward to the trial continuing, with a view to improving the prognosis of a cancer with limited options for its patients.”
Imaging data abstract conclusions
The core conclusions of the abstract highlighted that CHECKvacc is safe and well tolerated at dose levels 1 through 3, and evidence indicates it replicates within the body when injected into lesions, showing enhancement in 75% of said lesions.
Imugene was able to track where the virus was replicating in real time during treatment with the aid of SPECT (single-photon emission computerised tomography) imaging.
The imaging technique allows researchers to observe hNIS (human sodium iodide symporter) expression resulting from the virus’ replication.
The company believe this is the first report of successful hNIS-based imaging to track oncolytic poxvirus replication in humans.
Imugene intends to undertake further analysis to evaluate the correlation of SPECT imaging results with pathologic immune cell infiltrate, viral staining and tumour response.
The company says its preliminary evaluation suggests the oncolytic virus increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration and increased PD-L1 expression following intratumoral (directly into the tumour) injection of CF33-hNIS-antiPD-L1.
In other words, the company believes the use of CHECKvacc increases the efficacy of the immune system’s response to tumours, producing a therapeutic response.