Currently, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a key approach in treating ovarian cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy aims to reduce tumor size, allowing for surgical removal following three cycles of chemotherapy. Additional chemotherapy is administered after surgery. However, researchers are exploring additional oncologic interventions to improve patient outcomes. According to a news release from clinical-stage biotechnology company IMUNON, Inc., one potential intervention is IMUNON’s product IMNN-001. As the news release shares, IMUNON has recently released interim data on progression-free survival and overall survival from the company’s Phase 1/2 OVATION 2 trial, which is investigating IMNN-001 in conjunction with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for newly diagnosed, advanced fallopian tube, primary peritoneal, or epithelial ovarian cancer.
What Is IMNN-001?
Developed using IMUNON’s proprietary TheraPlas® platform, IMNN-001 offers an innovative approach to harnessing the immunological properties of interleukin-12 (IL-12). IMUNON refers to IL-12 as the immune system’s “master switch” on its website. This IL-12 plasmid vector secretes IL-12 protein, promoting antitumor immunity. The treatment also stimulates the proliferation of natural killer (NK) cells and T-lymphocytes. Previous studies have found IMNN-001 to be safe and biologically active.
Interim data from the OVATION 2 study suggests that IMNN-001 is both safe and effective. The data indicates that IMNN-001 reduces disease progression, resulting in improved progression-free survival rates, approximately 33% better than the control group. Patients receiving IMNN-001 also experienced an overall survival rate approximately 9 months longer than those in the control group. Further analysis of the data also revealed that individuals treated with both PARP inhibitors and IMNN-001 had extended progression-free survival and overall survival rates. Researchers now believe that a combination of IMNN-001, PARP inhibitors, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy could be the most effective treatment approach.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer, as the name suggests, originates in the ovaries. The ovaries typically store eggs and release hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Epithelial ovarian cancer, which forms in the thin tissue layer covering the ovaries, is the most common type of ovarian cancer and the fifth deadliest cancer among females in the United States. Unfortunately, this cancer carries a poor prognosis in later stages. The identification of novel and effective treatment options is crucial. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include bloating, appetite loss, changes in urinary frequency or urgency, abdominal and pelvic pain and swelling, abnormal bleeding or vaginal secretions, breast tenderness, endometrial hyperplasia, and menstrual irregularities.
