AACR, Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 28.04.2025
AACR: PFS Extended in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Trial of anti-PD-1 Antibody Penpulimab Plus Chemotherapy
[caption id="attachment_68201" align="alignleft" width="150"] Dr. Shreenivas[/caption]
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Aditya Shreenivas M.D., M.S.
Assistant Professor
Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
City of Hope
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly aggressive tumor of the head and neck region with a distinct geographical distribution, with incidence rates as high as 30 per 100,000 in endemic regions like Asia and North Africa but less than 1 per 100,000 worldwide. Despite comprehensive curative intent therapy, up to 30% of patients with advanced NPC experience treatment failure, primarily due to recurrence and/or metastasis. This high mortality rate highlighted the urgent need for effective treatments.
Clinical trials (JUPITER-02, CAPTAIN-1st, and RATIONALE-309) showed improved progression-free survival by adding anti-PD-1 antibodies to chemotherapy for first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC. However, these studies were conducted exclusively in Asian populations.
Penpulimab is a humanized anti-PD-1 antibody that's unique because it is a IgG1 subtype with a modified Fc segment. This structure potentially improves efficacy and safety compared to other anti-PD-1 drugs through lower immune-related adverse events.
Dr. Shreenivas[/caption]
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Aditya Shreenivas M.D., M.S.
Assistant Professor
Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
City of Hope
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly aggressive tumor of the head and neck region with a distinct geographical distribution, with incidence rates as high as 30 per 100,000 in endemic regions like Asia and North Africa but less than 1 per 100,000 worldwide. Despite comprehensive curative intent therapy, up to 30% of patients with advanced NPC experience treatment failure, primarily due to recurrence and/or metastasis. This high mortality rate highlighted the urgent need for effective treatments.
Clinical trials (JUPITER-02, CAPTAIN-1st, and RATIONALE-309) showed improved progression-free survival by adding anti-PD-1 antibodies to chemotherapy for first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC. However, these studies were conducted exclusively in Asian populations.
Penpulimab is a humanized anti-PD-1 antibody that's unique because it is a IgG1 subtype with a modified Fc segment. This structure potentially improves efficacy and safety compared to other anti-PD-1 drugs through lower immune-related adverse events.