The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center has treated the first patient in US with a new immunotherapy for lung cancer. UK Markey Cancer Center becomes the first site in the country to open a clinical trial for ZG006 (Alveltamig).
How Alveltamig Works
It is an experimental immunotherapy drug and works by connecting disease-fighting T cells to cancer cells and allows the immune system to attack lung cancer more effectively. This approach represents a new treatment strategy when standard therapies are no longer effective.
Treatment for Advanced Small Cell Lung Cancer
ZG006 treats people with small cell lung cancer whose disease had worsened with standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy. It has three arms: two to grab cancer cells much tighter and one to grab T cells. It represents a newer treatment approach when standard therapies fail to bring results.
First Patient Treatment and Early Response
The first patient was treated in late October under the direction of Markey Cancer Center medical oncologist Zhonglin Hao, M.D., Ph.D. The trial addresses the need for patients with small cell lung cancer, which is usually diagnosed at advanced stages. The patient treated at Markey did not experience any side effects from the initial dose and returned two weeks later for second treatment, which was also well-tolerated.
Phase 1 Trial and Previous Findings
The Phase 1 trial is the first for ZG006 in US, following a trial in China that showed the drug was well-tolerated among patients.
Why Markey Cancer Center Was Selected
Markey Cancer Center selection as the first U.S. site stems its status as a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center- one of 57 in the nation. “We want Kentuckians to be among the first to benefit from this newer drug,” Hao said. “Clinical trials represent the future of cancer care. When patients participate in trials at Markey, they’re getting access to tomorrow’s treatments today.”
Expanding Access to Innovative Cancer Trials
Markey works to provide patients with access to trials that test the newest treatments before they become widely available.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only. You should always consult with your healthcare professional for any medical needs.
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