Researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center have made significant strides in understanding how the tumor-immune-gut axis – the complex interplay between tumors, the immune system, and the gut microbiome – influences immunotherapy responses in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Their findings, published in *Nature Communications*, pave the way for new treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.
A Hopeful New Lead in the Fight Against Ovarian Cancer
Epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer are among the deadliest gynecological malignancies, with a five-year survival rate of less than 50%. Most deaths occur due to disease resistant to treatment, leaving patients with recurrent ovarian cancer with few options. A Phase 2 clinical trial led by Dr. Emese Zsiros, Chair of Gynecologic Oncology at Roswell Park, provided encouraging results by combining immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, Keytruda), targeted therapy (bevacizumab, Avastin), and chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, Cytoxan). This combination therapy led to:
- 95% of patients experienced complete or partial disease response or stable disease.
- Significant extension of time to disease progression.
- High quality of life for patients.
This success prompted the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) to recommend the combination as a second-line therapy for recurrent ovarian cancer resistant to platinum-based treatments.
Further analysis revealed a post-treatment increase in cancer-fighting T and B immune cells in patients who responded well to therapy. The research team also identified specific bacterial species present before and after treatment in responders, suggesting potential for enhancing the immune response through probiotics or fecal transplants. This groundbreaking multiomic analysis discovered the CD40 protein as a potential target for triggering immune responses against ovarian cancer. Dr. Zsiros is now leading a new Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the addition of a CD40-targeting therapy to the proven pembrolizumab and bevacizumab combination for recurrent ovarian cancer patients.
A Bright Future for Cancer Research at Roswell Park
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has a long history of pioneering cancer research, with its team of 4,000 dedicated individuals striving to improve cancer treatment and prevention worldwide. They are continuously making strides in understanding the complexities of cancer and exploring innovative solutions to enhance patient care.
To learn more about Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and The Roswell Park Care Network, you can visit www.roswellpark.org or call 1-800-ROSWELL (588-767-9355), or email [email protected]