Core Insights - Ignite Proteomics has demonstrated that MHC-II protein expression is a superior predictor of response to pembrolizumab (Keytruda) compared to PD-L1, with data to be presented at the NCCN Annual Conference [1][6] - The analysis indicates that measuring MHC-II levels can better identify breast cancer patients who will respond to Keytruda, potentially leading to more effective treatment decisions [2][6] I-SPY 2 Trial Context - The I-SPY 2 trial is a multicenter, adaptive platform trial focused on high-risk stage II and III breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment, evaluating new agents based on interim outcomes [2] - MHC-II expression outperformed PD-L1 measurements in predicting patient outcomes within this significant research setting [2] Key Findings - Among five tested PD-L1 antibodies, only MHC-II showed a statistically significant correlation with response to pembrolizumab, while none of the PD-L1 measurements reached statistical significance [7] - Patients with higher MHC-II protein levels exhibited nearly double the response rate compared to unselected patient cohorts [7] - There is an unmet need for biomarker testing in certain cancer types, where a significant number of patients do not respond to checkpoint inhibitors; MHC-II testing could enhance the identification of those likely to benefit [7] About Ignite Proteomics - Ignite Proteomics utilizes a multi-analyte proteomic assay to assist oncologists in identifying the most effective targeted therapies for patients, moving beyond single-gene tests to evaluate entire protein pathways [4] - The company is expanding its focus from advanced breast cancer to other solid tumors and therapies reliant on protein function, aiming to improve treatment outcomes and reduce costs [4]
Ignite Proteomics to Present Data on MHC-II as a Predictor of Pembrolizumab Response at NCCN Annual Conference