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There was adequate restoration of lymphocyte counts after chemoradiation therapy with NKTR-255. Now, after the first 10 patients, the study continues to enroll [with a goal of] an additional 20 patients for a total of 30 patients on the study. We're going to look at the continued evaluation of safety, lymphocyte recovery, [and] preliminary efficacy in this group of patients.”

Steven H. Lin, MD, PhD, physician-scientist, radiation oncologist, professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, discusses findings from the phase 2 RESCUE study (NCT05632809) evaluating NKTR-255, a novel polymer-conjugated recombinant human interleukin 15 agonist, in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with radiation-induced lymphopenia following concurrent chemoradiation. Data were presented by Lin and colleagues at the 

The study evaluated NKTR-255 in combination with durvalumab (Imfinzi), and the combination was started following the completion of chemoradiation. The agents were administered on day 0 after chemoradiation and administered once every 4 weeks for up to 1 year. The primary objectives focused on safety and lymphocyte recovery, Lin begins. Preliminary efficacy was also assessed as a secondary end point.

Findings showed that in the first cohort of 10 patients, 9 experienced a complete recovery of lymphocyte counts by week 8, Lin explains. He notes that data from historical controls show that lymphocyte recovery would be expected in only a small number of patients at this time point, indicating that NKTR-255 plays a role in lymphocyte recovery.

In terms of safety, Lin noted that NKTR-255 was well tolerated when combined with durvalumab. Low-grade adverse effects including mild fever, chills, and fatigue were reported, and no high-grade AEs were observed, Lin notes. Grade 3 pneumonitis was reported in 1 patient, which was consistent with expected rates in this population, Lin adds.

As patients continue to enroll on the study, investigators will continue to evaluate the safety of NKTR-255 and the lymphocyte recovery achieved by patients, along with additional analysis to examine efficacy, Lin concludes.

Videos

Steven H. Lin, MD, PhD, discusses the safety of NKTR-255 in enhancing immune recovery post-chemoradiation in locally advanced NSCLC.

Dr Lin on the Safety of NKTR-255 in Enhancing Immune Recovery Post-Chemoradiation in Locally Advanced NSCLC

Steven H. Lin, MD, PhD, associate professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, discusses study of chemoradiation in elderly patients with esophageal cancer.

Many patients with esophageal cancer tend to be over 80 years of age. With the assumption that their age dictates their health, many physicians worldwide tend to veer away from aggressive therapies, such as chemoradiation, in fear of worsening toxicities and quality of life.

Surprisingly, elderly patients fared well with chemoradiation, with comparable toxicities to younger patients with the same disease. According to Lin, the baby-boomer generation is generally healthy and living longer than previous generations,which means aggressive treatment can and should be used when necessary.

Dr. Lin on Chemoradiation in Elderly Patients with Esophageal Cancer

Steven H. Lin, MD, PhD, associate professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses advances in radiation therapy for patients with esophageal cancer.

One of the most important treatment modalities for patients with esophageal cancer is radiation, along with surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery is still reserved for early-stage patients, however for locally advanced diseases, preoperative chemoradiation followed by surgery is now the current standard of care in patients who are surgical candidates, explains Lin.

Due to the location of esophageal tumors, around the heart and lung, it’s very important to be able to spare the doses to these organs as much as possible when delivering the radiation, says Lin. The current standard of care for the delivery of radiation is 3D conformal radiation therapy, which can potentially have long term morbidity and mortality in some cases. The advanced technologies try to spare the doses to the surrounding organs, particularly the heart and lung.

Steven H. Lin, MD, PhD

Articles

Dr Lin on the Safety of NKTR-255 in Enhancing Immune Recovery Post-Chemoradiation in Locally Advanced NSCLC

Dr. Lin on Chemoradiation in Elderly Patients with Esophageal Cancer

Dr. Lin on Advances in Radiation Therapy for Esophageal Cancer