Immunotherapy drug for head and neck cancers

Gonzalo Fernández Miranda

IRB, Logotipo del comercio Institut de Recerca Biomèdica, Spain

Research
The incidence of head and neck cancers (HNCs) is increasing worldwide, and there are still no effective therapies available on the market. This project aims to fill this gap in healthcare through a new cancer immunotherapy focused on an innovative mechanism of action (MoA), which combines a cytotoxic effect in malignant cells with an enhanced antitumor immune response.

Aim
Developing an innovative immuno-oncology drug to treat advanced HNCs.

Problem to Solve
Cancers that are detected in advanced stages frequently have a poor prognosis. HNCs, glioblastomas and pancreatic cancer constitute some examples of cancers that are generally diagnosed in their late stages. Current treatments rely on conventional chemotherapy, the effects of which are not sufficient to heal patients. In addition, these oncologic diseases lack effective targeted therapies, making it even harder to establish a proper treatment plan for patients.

Innovation
The possibility of using a single drug with a dual beneficial effect, such as cancer cell selective cytotoxicity and enhanced antitumor immune response, breaks new ground in terms of developing advanced therapies for oncology patients. This new drug is being designed to inhibit a novel regulator of translation which selectively affects the expression of key oncogenic and inflammatory pathways in tumoral cells.

Level of Innovation
This potential immunotherapy drug will be unique, as the MoA has not previously been targeted. This new class of drugs targeting translation are hoped to have a stronger impact, with fewer side effects than existing therapies.