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Effect of a novel IL-2 cytokine immune agonist (NKTR-214) on proliferating CD8+T cells and PD-1 expression on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment in patients with prior checkpoint therapy
''Background: NKTR-214 is a CD122-biased agonist designed to provide sustained signaling through the heterodimeric IL-2 receptor pathway (IL-2Rβɣ) to preferentially activate and expand effector CD8+ T and NK cells over T regulatory cells in the tumor microenvironment. Immune changes in the tumor microenvironment after NKTR-214 treatment was assessed in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Methods: NKTR-214 was administered IV in an outpatient setting q2w or q3w. Serial blood and tumor tissue samples were collected to measure immune activation using immunophenotyping including flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry (IHC), T cell clonality and gene expression analyses. Results: 26 patients (pts) have been treated with NKTR-214 at q3w, 4@0.003, 9@0.006, 6@0.009 and 1@0.012 mg/kg. Six pts received 0.006 mg/kg q2w. 58% of pts had prior immunotherapy. The most common Gr1-2 TRAEs were fatigue (73%) and pruritus (65%), and decreased appetite (46%). One pt experienced Gr3 syncope and hypotension at the highest dose tested and continued treatment at a lower dose. No drug-related AEs led to study discontinuation. No immune-related AEs or capillary leak syndrome were observed. 6 pts (23%) experienced tumor shrinkage from 10-30%. Three immunotherapy naïve pts receiving sequential anti-PD1 therapy, after ending treatment with NKTR-214, experienced significant tumor regression at first scan. In all pts evaluated, blood samples showed increases in newly proliferating (Ki67+) T and NK cells 8 days post dose. Flow cytometry and/or IHC revealed an up to 10-fold increase from baseline in tumor CD8+T and NK cells in the tumor microenvironment, with minimal changes to Tregs. PD-1 expression increased 2-fold in TILs. Gene expression analysis of tumor tissue showed increases in several immune checkpoint genes, cytotoxic markers (IFNg, PRF1, and GZMB), as well as a dynamic change in T cell clonality. Conclusions: Based on a favorable safety profile and strong correlative biomarker data, a phase 1/2 trial combining NKTR-214 and nivolumab is currently enrolling. Clinical trial information: NCT02869295'' http://abstracts.asco.org/199/AbstView_199_185211.html
A phase 1/2 study of a novel IL-2 cytokine, NKTR-214, and nivolumab in patients with select locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors
''Background: NKTR-214 is a CD-122-biased agonist that targets the IL-2 pathway and is designed to provide sustained signaling through the heterodimeric IL-2 receptor pathway (IL-2Rβɣ) to preferentially activate and expand NK and effector CD8+ T cells over T regulatory cells within the tumor microenvironment. In a phase 1 monotherapy trial, pts treated with NKTR-214 demonstrated a substantial increase in CD8+ T and NK cells within the tumor microenvironment even when pretreated with multiple prior immunotherapeutic agents (abstract submitted). Based on this biomarker data and a favorable safety profile, a trial combining NKTR-214 and nivolumab was initiated. Methods: This is an on-going phase 1/2 study of NKTR-214 plus nivolumab in Pts with either melanoma (Mel), NSCLC, renal, bladder, or TNBC. Pts who are immunotherapy naïve or checkpoint therapy relapse/refractory are being studied separately. NKTR-214 and nivolumab are administered IV on a q2w or q3w schedule. Cohort 1 received NKTR-214 0.006 mg/kg q3w with nivolumab 240 mg q2w. Blood and tumor tissue were collected to measure immune activation using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, T cell clonality and gene expression analyses. Results: As of February 7, 2017, 5 Pts have been treated with the combination and all Pts were naïve to checkpoint inhibitors. There have been no dose limiting toxicities, no drug-related or immune related grade 3-5 adverse events (TRAEs) and no Pts have discontinued treatment. The most common TRAEs were pruritis and rash. Radiographic scans were available for 2 Pts. On treatment, Pt 1 with Mel had a mixed radiographic response at 1st scan, a ~40% decrease in LDH and a robust tumor immune cell infiltrate at week 3 the majority being newly proliferating CD8+ T cells expressing PD-1. Pt 2 with Mel had an unconfirmed complete response per RECIST 1.1 after 6 weeks of treatment; follow up tumor response data will be presented. Conclusions: Preliminary data demonstrate that NKTR-214 and nivolumab combination therapy is well tolerated with early evidence of clinical activity. Updated safety, pharmacokinetics, tumor response and biomarker data will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT02983045'' http://abstracts.asco.org/199/AbstView_199_185207.html