A targeted cancer immunotherapy that boosts the immune response while reducing side effects

Pedro Berraondo.

Fundación para la Investigación Médica Aplicada (FIMA/CIMA), Spain.

Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, but many people with solid tumours do not benefit from existing therapies. One of the most powerful immune-stimulating molecules has severe side effects that limit its clinical use. The project aims to develop a modified version of this molecule that activates the immune system primarily at the tumour site while minimising the effects on healthy tissues.

The modified molecule developed by the team has shown strong anti-tumour activity and a favourable safety profile in several preclinical models. The project will now complete late-stage preclinical work, focusing on understanding the mechanism of action, assessing safety and generating the evidence required to support future clinical studies and move towards patient application.

The project could extend the benefits of immunotherapy to patients who currently have few options. By concentrating activity where it is needed, the molecule could improve patients’ outcomes and quality of life while also benefiting healthcare systems. This therapy may also improve the balance between efficacy and toxicity and provide a broader platform for developing safer immunotherapies for different cancers.

STAGE 3