An experimental tablet that strips cancer cells of their 'invisibility cloak' has been shown to shrink tumours by at least 30% in six common cancer types, according to early trial results. The drug, GRWD5769, developed by Oxford-based Greywolf Therapeutics, works by inhibiting an enzyme called ERAP1 that cancer cells use to hide from the immune system.
In a phase 1 trial involving 83 patients across the UK, France, Spain, and Australia, tumours shrank in 26 participants, with 15 experiencing reductions of at least 30%. All patients had previously failed to respond to treatment, and most had no other options. The drug was given alongside the immunotherapy cemiplimab, and results were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting in Chicago.
The smart drug halted disease progression for at least six months in 18% of cervical cancer patients, 32% of liver cancer patients, 36% of bladder cancer patients, 38% of those with head and neck cancer, and more than half of bowel (51%) and lung (55%) cancer patients. Prof Fiona Thistlethwaite, principal investigator from the Christie NHS foundation trust, described the results as 'very impressive' for a tablet-based treatment.
The drug was well tolerated, with few side effects, and can be taken at home. The trial remains ongoing, with a larger study planned. Prof Stefan Symeonides, UK principal investigator, called the early results 'exciting' and noted that patients are already benefiting from this new immunotherapy approach.
