Systems Oncology to Present Positive Preclinical Data for SERA2 at J.P. Morgan 41st Annual Healthcare Conference

On December 6, 2022 Systems Oncology reported that they will be presenting positive preclinical data on the company’s next generation estrogen receptor positive drug candidate, SERA2 (Selective Estrogen Receptor Activator). SERA2 has a unique mechanism that can exploit and overcome therapy resistance to create long-term and durable complete responses in patients with ER+ cancers (Press release, Systems Oncology, DEC 6, 2022, View Source [SID1234624867]). The selective hyper-activation of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) leads to ER+ cancer specific lethality; this is a new form of inescapable cell death in ER positive cancers, including and beyond breast cancer. The SERA2 compound has the unique ability to kill all ER positive breast cancer cells, even cancer cells with ER mutations that cause resistance to aromatase inhibitors, SERMs, and SERDs.

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In the preclinical data presented at J.P. Morgan, treatment with SERA2 in animal models of human breast cancer results in multiple, complete, durable tumor regressions. In comparison to earlier generation SERA family members, SERA2 shows superior tolerability in multiple mammalian species. These data support the rationale for SERA2 as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of breast cancer and potentially other estrogen receptor positive cancers.

"There is still an unmet need for patients who progress on all current breast cancer treatment options. This new next-generation SERA compound has proven to have outstanding efficacy and tolerability, which is a strong indicator that SERA2 should produce durable and complete responses clinically," said Dr. Spyro Mousses, CEO and Co-Founder of Systems Oncology.

"I fully expect that this exciting compound has the potential to create a real paradigm-shift for breast cancer care," said Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy, Baylor University Medical Center, Texas Oncology, US Oncology.

Systems Oncology will be having partnering meetings during the J.P. Morgan conference from January 9 to January 11, 2023. To schedule, please reach out to Katy Marhenke at [email protected].

About SERA

Scientists at Systems Oncology entered into a strategic research collaboration with two professors at the University of Illinois, Dr. David Shapiro and Dr. Paul Hergenrother, who respectively conducted pioneering research into the biology and chemistry of anticipatory activation of UPR in breast cancer. The research led to intellectual property (IP) that covered small molecule agents that can activate the UPR. Inspired with a multi-scalar systems understanding of this mechanism, Systems Oncology acquired a license to the IP from the University and invested to drive pre-clinical studies and manufacturing development, eventually establishing the SERA program as a promising investigational compound.

Kurome Therapeutics Announces Oral and Poster Presentations on Dual IRAK1/4 Inhibitors at American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting

On December 6, 2022 Kurome Therapeutics, Inc., a late pre clinical stage biotech company developing novel IRAK1/4 inhibitors for oncology indications, reported two abstracts have been accepted for oral and poster presentations at the 64th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition, to be held December 9-13, 2022, in New Orleans (Press release, Kurome Therapeutics, DEC 6, 2022, View Source [SID1234624866]). The presentations highlight preclinical data supporting the importance of inhibiting both IRAK1 and IRAK4 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).

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ASH 2022 Presentation Details:

Oral Presentation Title: IRAK1 Contributes to IRAK4 Inhibitor Resistance Via Non-Canonical Signaling Mechanisms in MDS/AML
Presenter and Lead Author: Josh Bennett, BS, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and Daniel T. Starczynowski, PhD, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Session Name: Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Resistance: Myeloid Neoplasms: Immune Signaling and Antibody-therapeutic Targeting in Myeloid Neoplasms
Presentation Date/Time: Monday, December 12, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. CST
Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 353-355

Poster Presentation Title: Inhibition of Both IRAK1 and IRAK4 Is Required for Complete Suppression of NF-Kb Signaling across Multiple Receptor-Mediated Pathways in MDS and AML
Publication Number: 2647
Authors: Jan S Rosenbaum, PhD, Kurome Therapeutics, Scott B. Hoyt, Ph.D., National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Amal S. Kolt, MS, Kurome Therapeutics, Daniel A Luedtke, PhD, Kurome Therapeutics, Craig J. Thomas, PhD, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, and Daniel T. Starczynowski, PhD, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Session Name: Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Resistance: Myeloid Neoplasms: Poster II
Session Date/Time: Sunday, December 11, 2022, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. CST
Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Hall D

Abstracts are available on the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting website at www.hematology.org

New Data for Trodelvy Demonstrate Clinical Efficacy Across Trop-2 Expression Levels in HR+/HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer

On December 6, 2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) reported new data from a post-hoc analysis from the Phase 3 TROPiCS-02 study evaluating Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy; SG) versus comparator chemotherapy (physicians’ choice of chemotherapy, TPC) in patients with HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer who progressed on endocrine-based therapies and at least two chemotherapies (Press release, Gilead Sciences, DEC 6, 2022, View Source;Metastatic-Breast-Cancer [SID1234624865]). In the analysis, Trodelvy improved progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR) compared with TPC across Trop-2 expression levels. Details of the late-breaking abstract will be presented today at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS, Abstract #GS1-11).

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"Sacituzumab govitecan improved both progression-free survival and overall survival in pre-treated HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer in the Phase 3 TROPiCS-02 study compared to standard chemotherapy options. This post-hoc analysis demonstrates that the level of Trop-2 expression on an individual’s tumor did not impact sacituzumab govitecan efficacy," said Dr. Hope Rugo, Professor of Medicine and Director, Breast Oncology and Clinical Trials Education at the University of California San Francisco Comprehensive Cancer Center, U.S. "These data can give us confidence in the potential benefit of sacituzumab govitecan for patients with endocrine-resistant metastatic breast cancer who have progressed on available chemotherapies, across Trop-2 expression levels."

Trop-2, a protein found on the surface of cancer cells, is involved in several cellular processes regulating cancer growth and invasion. It is highly expressed in most human solid tumors, including more than 90% of breast cancers. In the TROPiCS-02 study, Trop-2 expression was measured by immunohistochemistry and expressed as a histochemical score (H-score; range, 0-300). Efficacy outcomes were assessed across H-score groups, including those with very low Trop-2 expression. Across each H-score subgroup, Trodelvy demonstrated improved PFS, OS and ORR compared to TPC, which is consistent with the PFS, OS and ORR in the TROPiCS-02 intention-to-treat population.

"The prognosis for patients with pre-treated HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer who have developed resistance to endocrine-based therapies has been poor, and these TROPiCS-02 study results demonstrate clinical efficacy with Trodelvy, across Trop-2 expression levels," said Bill Grossman, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head, Gilead Oncology. "Our ambition is to continue our impact beyond our current approval in second-line metastatic TNBC, and we look forward to advancing discussions with the U.S. FDA and global health authorities to help bring Trodelvy to more people living with metastatic breast cancer."

The safety profile for Trodelvy in TROPiCS-02 was consistent with prior studies, with no new safety signals identified in this population.

Detailed statistically significant and clinically meaningful PFS and OS results from the Phase 3 TROPiCS-02 study were presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2022 and ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2022, respectively. Based on these data, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted for priority review the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Trodelvy in adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic HR+/HER2- (IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH–) breast cancer who have received endocrine-based therapy and at least two additional systemic therapies in the metastatic setting. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date is currently set for February 2023.

Trodelvy has not been approved by any regulatory agency for the treatment of HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer. Its safety and efficacy have not been established for this indication. Trodelvy has a Boxed Warning for severe or life-threatening neutropenia and severe diarrhea; please see below for additional Important Safety Information.

Summary of post-hoc analysis results by Trop-2 expression

Trop-2
expression,
H-score

n (SG/TPC)

Median PFS
(SG vs
TPC),
months

PFS Hazard
Ratio
(95%CI)

Median OS
(SG vs
TPC),
months

OS Hazard
Ratio
(95%CI)

<100

96/96

5.3 vs. 4.0

0.77
(0.54-1.09)

14.6 vs. 11.3

0.75
(0.54-1.04)

≥100

142/128

6.4 vs. 4.1

0.60
(0.44-0.81)

14.4 vs. 11.2

0.83
(0.62-1.11)

≤10

34/45

5.5 vs. 4.3

0.89
(0.51-1.57)

17.6 vs. 12.3

0.61
(0.34-1.08)

>10-<100

62/51

5.0 vs. 3.5

0.67
(0.42-1.07)

13.7 vs. 11.0

0.81
(0.54-1.23)

>10

204/179

5.6 vs. 4.0

0.62
(0.48-0.80)

14.1 vs. 11.1

0.82
(0.65-1.0)

H-score, histochemical score; OS, overall survival; PFS, progression-free survival; SG, sacituzumab govitecan; TPC, treatment of physician’s choice.

Additional Abstracts across Gilead’s Breast Cancer Franchise at 2022 SABCS:

Gilead is also presenting a number of other abstracts at the congress, including patient-reported outcomes data from TROPiCS-02, and in preclinical research and trials in progress in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Accepted abstracts at SABCS 2022 include (all times CDT):

Abstract Disposition

Abstract Title

Oral Presentation

Presentation # GS1-11
Tuesday, Dec. 6
4:30 PM

Sacituzumab Govitecan (SG) vs. Treatment of Physician’s Choice (TPC) by Trop-2 Expression in the TROPiCS-02 Study of Patients (Pts) With HR+/HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer (mBC)

Poster Presentations

Poster # P3-07-08
Wednesday, Dec. 7
5:00 PM

Exposure-Adjusted Incidence Rates (EAIRs) of Adverse Events (AEs) From the Phase 3 TROPiCS-02 Study of Sacituzumab Govitecan (SG) vs Treatment of Physician’s Choice (TPC) in HR+/HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer

Poster # P4-07-65

Thursday, Dec. 8

7:00 AM

Effect of Sacituzumab Govitecan vs Chemotherapy in HR+/HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer: Patient-Reported Outcomes From the TROPiCS-02 Trial

Poster # P4-07-12
Thursday, Dec. 8
7:00 AM

Development of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Syngeneic Models and TROP2-Directed Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Surrogate to Model Therapeutic Combinations

Poster # OT2-10-01
Wednesday, Dec. 7
5:00 PM

A Phase 2, Randomized Study of Magrolimab Combination Therapy in Adult Patients With Unresectable Locally Advanced or Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TiP)​

About Trodelvy

Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) is a first-in-class Trop-2 directed antibody-drug conjugate. Trop-2 is a cell surface antigen highly expressed in multiple tumor types, including in more than 90% of breast and bladder cancers. Trodelvy is intentionally designed with a proprietary hydrolyzable linker attached to SN-38, a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. This unique combination delivers potent activity to both Trop-2 expressing cells and the microenvironment.

Trodelvy is approved in more than 40 countries, with multiple additional regulatory reviews underway worldwide, for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease. Trodelvy is also approved in the U.S. under the accelerated approval pathway for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (UC) who have previously received a platinum-containing chemotherapy and either programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor.

Trodelvy is also being developed for potential investigational use in other TNBC and metastatic UC populations, as well as a range of tumor types where Trop-2 is highly expressed, including HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC), head and neck cancer, and endometrial cancer.

U.S. Indications for Trodelvy

In the United States, Trodelvy is indicated for the treatment of:

Adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease.
Adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC who have previously received a platinum-containing chemotherapy and either programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
U.S. Important Safety Information for Trodelvy

BOXED WARNING: NEUTROPENIA AND DIARRHEA

Severe or life-threatening neutropenia may occur. Withhold Trodelvy for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 or neutropenic fever. Monitor blood cell counts periodically during treatment. Consider G-CSF for secondary prophylaxis. Initiate anti-infective treatment in patients with febrile neutropenia without delay.
Severe diarrhea may occur. Monitor patients with diarrhea and give fluid and electrolytes as needed. Administer atropine, if not contraindicated, for early diarrhea of any severity. At the onset of late diarrhea, evaluate for infectious causes and, if negative, promptly initiate loperamide. If severe diarrhea occurs, withhold Trodelvy until resolved to ≤Grade 1 and reduce subsequent doses.
CONTRAINDICATIONS

Severe hypersensitivity reaction to Trodelvy.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Neutropenia: Severe, life-threatening, or fatal neutropenia can occur and may require dose modification. Neutropenia occurred in 61% of patients treated with Trodelvy. Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 47% of patients. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 7%. Withhold Trodelvy for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 on Day 1 of any cycle or neutrophil count below 1000/mm3 on Day 8 of any cycle. Withhold Trodelvy for neutropenic fever.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurred in 65% of all patients treated with Trodelvy. Grade 3-4 diarrhea occurred in 12% of patients. One patient had intestinal perforation following diarrhea. Neutropenic colitis occurred in 0.5% of patients. Withhold Trodelvy for Grade 3-4 diarrhea and resume when resolved to ≤Grade 1. At onset, evaluate for infectious causes and if negative, promptly initiate loperamide, 4 mg initially followed by 2 mg with every episode of diarrhea for a maximum of 16 mg daily. Discontinue loperamide 12 hours after diarrhea resolves. Additional supportive measures (e.g., fluid and electrolyte substitution) may also be employed as clinically indicated. Patients who exhibit an excessive cholinergic response to treatment can receive appropriate premedication (e.g., atropine) for subsequent treatments.

Hypersensitivity and Infusion-Related Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions including life-threatening anaphylactic reactions have occurred with Trodelvy. Severe signs and symptoms included cardiac arrest, hypotension, wheezing, angioedema, swelling, pneumonitis, and skin reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions within 24 hours of dosing occurred in 37% of patients. Grade 3-4 hypersensitivity occurred in 2% of patients. The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions leading to permanent discontinuation of Trodelvy was 0.3%. The incidence of anaphylactic reactions was 0.3%. Pre-infusion medication is recommended. Observe patients closely for hypersensitivity and infusion-related reactions during each infusion and for at least 30 minutes after completion of each infusion. Medication to treat such reactions, as well as emergency equipment, should be available for immediate use. Permanently discontinue Trodelvy for Grade 4 infusion-related reactions.

Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea occurred in 66% of all patients treated with Trodelvy and Grade 3 nausea occurred in 4% of these patients. Vomiting occurred in 39% of patients and Grade 3-4 vomiting occurred in 3% of these patients. Premedicate with a two or three drug combination regimen (e.g., dexamethasone with either a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist or an NK1 receptor antagonist as well as other drugs as indicated) for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Withhold Trodelvy doses for Grade 3 nausea or Grade 3-4 vomiting and resume with additional supportive measures when resolved to Grade ≤1. Additional antiemetics and other supportive measures may also be employed as clinically indicated. All patients should be given take-home medications with clear instructions for prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting.

Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions in Patients with Reduced UGT1A1 Activity: Patients homozygous for the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1)*28 allele are at increased risk for neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and anemia and may be at increased risk for other adverse reactions with Trodelvy. The incidence of Grade 3-4 neutropenia was 67% in patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28, 46% in patients heterozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele and 46% in patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. The incidence of Grade 3-4 anemia was 25% in patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, 10% in patients heterozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, and 11% in patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. Closely monitor patients with known reduced UGT1A1 activity for adverse reactions. Withhold or permanently discontinue Trodelvy based on clinical assessment of the onset, duration and severity of the observed adverse reactions in patients with evidence of acute early-onset or unusually severe adverse reactions, which may indicate reduced UGT1A1 function.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action, Trodelvy can cause teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal lethality when administered to a pregnant woman. Trodelvy contains a genotoxic component, SN-38, and targets rapidly dividing cells. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Trodelvy and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Trodelvy and for 3 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In the ASCENT study (IMMU-132-05), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were fatigue, neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, alopecia, anemia, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (>1%) were neutropenia (7%), diarrhea (4%), and pneumonia (3%). SAR were reported in 27% of patients, and 5% discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the ASCENT study were reduced neutrophils, leukocytes, and lymphocytes.

In the TROPHY study (IMMU-132-06), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were diarrhea, fatigue, neutropenia, nausea, any infection, alopecia, anemia, decreased appetite, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and rash. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (≥5%) were infection (18%), neutropenia (12%, including febrile neutropenia in 10%), acute kidney injury (6%), urinary tract infection (6%), and sepsis or bacteremia (5%). SAR were reported in 44% of patients, and 10% discontinued due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the TROPHY study were reduced neutrophils, leukocytes, and lymphocytes.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

UGT1A1 Inhibitors: Concomitant administration of Trodelvy with inhibitors of UGT1A1 may increase the incidence of adverse reactions due to potential increase in systemic exposure to SN-38. Avoid administering UGT1A1 inhibitors with Trodelvy.

UGT1A1 Inducers: Exposure to SN-38 may be substantially reduced in patients concomitantly receiving UGT1A1 enzyme inducers. Avoid administering UGT1A1 inducers with Trodelvy.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING.

New Data Presented at SABCS 2022 Reveal Expanded Predictive Value of the Breast Cancer Index™ Test for Ovarian Function Suppression in Premenopausal Women with HR+ Breast Cancer

On December 6, 2022 Hologic, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOLX) and its subsidiary, Biotheranostics, Inc., reported new study data showing that the Breast Cancer Index test identified which premenopausal patients with early-stage, hormone-receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer benefited from the addition of ovarian function suppression (OFS) to primary adjuvant endocrine therapy (Press release, Hologic, DEC 6, 2022, View Source [SID1234624864]). The Breast Cancer Index test is the first biomarker to be evaluated in a cohort from the landmark Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT). The translational study results are featured in the official press program at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) being held from December 6-10, 2022.1 Full study results were presented during the general session #GS1-06 on December 6 at 3:15 p.m. CST.

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"There is a significant need for biomarkers to aid in treatment decisions for premenopausal women with breast cancer. Our study presented at SABCS is the first to examine a biomarker’s ability to determine benefit of ovarian function suppression in these women," said Dr. Ruth O’Regan, Chair of Medicine and Charles A. Dewey Professor at the University of Rochester. "These data found that the Breast Cancer Index test identified women who received benefit from ovarian function suppression as well as those who did not, which is incredibly important given the potential impact of this more intensive treatment approach in young women. While these data are promising, we look forward to further investigating the test’s utility to help inform ovarian function suppression treatment decisions in the future."

The landmark SOFT trial was an international, three-arm, non-blinded, randomized clinical trial of 3,066 premenopausal women with HR+ breast cancer. The trial demonstrated that the addition of OFS to five years of primary adjuvant endocrine therapy (either tamoxifen or exemestane) reduced the risk of recurrence compared to adjuvant tamoxifen alone.2 OFS typically involves hormonal drug injections with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist or surgical removal of the ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy).3 In an effort to evaluate the potential of a biomarker to assist in patient selection for this more intensive approach, the new study presented at SABCS evaluated the predictive and prognostic ability of the Breast Cancer Index test in a cohort of patient tumor samples (n=1,717) from the SOFT trial. Notably, the patient characteristics in this retrospective translational study were highly representative of the original SOFT trial.

The data found that the Breast Cancer Index genomic assay identified which premenopausal women with early-stage, HR+ breast cancer benefited from more intensive endocrine therapy (exemestane plus OFS) compared to tamoxifen alone. The Breast Cancer Index test identified 58% of women who benefited from the addition of OFS, experiencing an absolute benefit of 11.6%, compared with 42% who did not benefit (p<0.01 in adjusted analysis). The data also found that the Breast Cancer Index test’s predictive performance was generally consistent across subgroups, including nodal status, prior chemotherapy, age and HER2-negative patients. Compared to the benefit shown with exemestane plus OFS versus tamoxifen alone, the benefit for tamoxifen plus OFS versus tamoxifen alone was smaller, which is consistent with data reported from the SOFT trial itself. The study also confirmed the prognostic value of the Breast Cancer Index test, as women with higher Breast Cancer Index test risk scores were more likely to experience disease recurrence.

"Multiple clinical studies and national oncology guidelines affirm the predictive ability of the Breast Cancer Index test for extended endocrine therapy," said Kevin Thornal, Group President, Global Diagnostic Solutions at Hologic. "These new data further establish the Breast Cancer Index test as a significant endocrine response biomarker and reveal additional predictive capabilities of the test. As we explore its predictive power earlier in a patient’s journey, we aim to uncover broader potential clinical utility in more women with early-stage, HR+ breast cancer."

About the Breast Cancer Index Test

The Breast Cancer Index test is a molecular, gene expression-based test uniquely positioned to provide information to help physicians individualize treatment decisions for patients with early-stage, HR+ breast cancer. This breakthrough test helps oncologists and patients navigate the difficult trade-offs between taking steps to prevent recurrence of their disease and facing significant side effects and safety challenges related to unnecessary treatment. The Breast Cancer Index test has guideline designation from the American Joint Committee on Cancer for cancer staging based on molecular profile. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper), the European Group on Tumor Markers (EGTM) and St. Gallen acknowledge the Breast Cancer Index test as a biomarker to inform the chemotherapy decision; and ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), EGTM and the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) acknowledge the Breast Cancer Index test as a biomarker to inform the extended endocrine treatment decision.4 It is the only validated, commercially available test that predicts benefit from extended endocrine therapy. The Breast Cancer Index test is intended for routine clinical use, and treatment decisions based on results are the responsibility of the physician. It is a laboratory developed test (LDT) performed in a single CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited diagnostic laboratory and is not required to be cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit www.breastcancerindex.com.

Exai Bio’s RNA-based Liquid Biopsy Platform Delivers Promising Data on Detecting Breast Cancer at its Earliest Stages

On December 6, 2022 Researchers at Exai Bio and UCSF reported data demonstrating that Exai’s novel, RNA-based liquid biopsy platform accurately detected breast cancer at the earliest stages and for the smallest tumors (Press release, Exai Bio, DEC 6, 2022, View Source [SID1234624863]). Earlier detection of breast cancer is crucial for optimal patient outcomes but cannot always be achieved based on symptoms or mammography.

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Exai’s technology uses RNA sequencing to identify a novel category of cancer-associated, small non-coding RNAs, termed orphan non-coding RNAs (oncRNAs). In a poster entitled, "Early-stage breast cancer detection using orphan noncoding RNAs", presented at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Exai demonstrated that oncRNA biomarkers in blood, combined with machine learning, detected breast cancer with high accuracy overall, including across all cancer stages and tumor sizes. The poster also showed that even at the earliest stages and smallest tumors, sensitivity was greater than 80% at 95% specificity. These findings suggest that Exai’s liquid biopsy test for earlier detection of cancer will improve care and outcomes for cancer patients.

OncRNAs are secreted from cancer cells and are abundant in the blood of cancer patients. Exai has created a catalog of hundreds of thousands of oncRNAs from all major cancer types. This vast catalog gives the Exai platform several scientific and practical advantages over tests that focus on circulating tumor DNA.

These SABCS 2022 results complement and build on breast cancer data presented at SABCS 2021, where changes in oncRNAs reflected breast cancer treatment response, predicted overall survival and added significant information to standard clinical endpoints such as tumor tissue pathology.

With this study, Exai demonstrated again that oncRNAs can be used as a biomarker for earlier cancer detection from a blood sample. Exai recently presented results from a colorectal cancer patient cohort at the 2022 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) meeting, where Exai’s RNA-based platform accurately detected colorectal cancer at the earliest stages and for the smallest tumors.

"Our results presented at SABCS 2022 represent another important step in establishing the role of oncRNAs in addressing the unmet need of detecting cancer at its earliest stages from a simple blood sample," said Patrick Arensdorf, Chief Executive Officer of Exai. "The oncRNA-based liquid biopsy technology will be compatible with standard blood sample requirements enabling easy integration into conventional clinical workflows. Exai’s goal is to improve patient care with a variety of liquid biopsy tests for early cancer detection and monitoring of residual disease and recurrence in multiple types of cancer."

This poster will be available on-demand on the website for SABCS attendees (www.sabcs.org) beginning December 6, 2022. The poster will also be accessible on Exai’s website.

Details of the SABCS 2022 poster presentation:
Title: Early-stage breast cancer detection using orphan noncoding RNAs
Poster ID: P1-05-18
Abstract category: Detection/Diagnosis
Authors: Taylor Cavazos, Jeffrey Wang, Oluwadamilare I. Afolabi, Alice Huang, Dung Ngoc Lam, Seda Kilinc, Jieyang Wang, Lisa Fish, Xuan Zhao, Andy Pohl, Helen Li, Kimberly Chau, Patrick Arensdorf, Fereydoun Hormozdiari, Hani Goodarzi, Babak Alipanahi