Immuno-Oncology:  Paradigm-shifting therapy for all solid tumors

Immunotherapy, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA4, and the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, have  taken center stage at recent international and national oncology meetings. Data from these paradigm-shifting therapies, initially benecfial in melanoma and renal (kidney) cancers, have shown remarkable initial efficacy in other solid tumors ; lung, ovarian and a host of other carcinomas.

As one of the most exciting areas of cancer research today, Immuno-oncology unleashes the power of the body's immune system to detect and combat tumors. Our Immuno-Oncology Center aims to maximize the advances of immunotherapy and take advantage of the growing enthusiasm in the field, spurred by recent successesto bring these benefts to all of our patients with a wide range of cancers. The Center fosters collaborative research among laboratory and clinical investigators in many different departments at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute.

The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute has been involved with PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies since their inception.  We were amongst  the first to make the drug deemed by the FDA to be a “breakthrough” therapy, Pembrolizumab (MK-3475), available for patients.  This data was presented and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Hamid et al.).  Dr. Hamid then presented ground breaking data with anti-PDL1 antibody MPDL328A in melanoma.

Our clinical trials program currently builds on this promise towards combinations to overcome PD1 resistance and set standards for solid tuors and lymphomas 

Phase 1 Clincal Program expands at The Angeles Clinic

Success developing targeted therapies in oncology depends on the ability to identify new targets and develop agents that hit those targets in an efficient manner.  Major clinical advances in the care of common cancers have been made through participation of patients in Phase I clinical trials of agents that achieve this goal.  Predictive oncology biomarkers -  i.e., genes and genetic mutations, proteins and signalling pathways implicated in the proliferation and death of cancer cells - and their use to control tumor growth has been a major advancement allowing more efficacious therapy with decreased toxicity.  Our collaboration with pharmaceutical partners has been instrumental in bringing this care to our patients.  For more information; click here