Dr Chalasani on the Potential Utility of Eftilagimod Alpha in HER2–/HER2-Low Breast Cancer

Pavani Chalasani, MD, MPH, director, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, George Washington (GW) Medical Faculty Associates, medical director, Inpatient Hematology/Oncology, leader, Breast Cancer Clinical Research, GW Cancer Center, discusses the potential clinical significance of the ongoing phase 2/3 AIPAC-003 trial (NCT05747794) investigating eftilagimod alpha in combination with paclitaxel in patients with HER2-negative and HER2-low metastatic breast cancer.

Immunotherapy often relies on stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively, Chalasani begins. However, this approach can sometimes lead to overactivation of the immune system, resulting in immune-related adverse effects (AEs) or autoimmune complications, she explains. Eftilagimod alpha, which is part of a broader class of drugs that is currently in development, works differently, according to Chalasani. Rather than overstimulating the immune system, it harnesses the body’s innate immunity, helping to expose the tumor to this system and allowing it to combat the cancer without excessive immune activation, Chalasani emphasizes. This difference is a crucial distinction and may influence the AE profile of the treatment, which is currently being studied, she says.

If the ongoing study of eftilagimod alpha yields promising results, this agent could significantly affect treatment outcomes, such as the trial’s primary end point of overall survival (OS), Chalasani continues. A positive outcome would have substantial benefits for patients and physicians alike, she emphasizes. As the oncology field’s understanding of immunotherapy continues to evolve, evidence indicates that administering these therapies earlier in the treatment course could enhance their effectiveness, she explains. This approach may also influence how other therapies perform, leading to further potential improvements in patient care, Chalasani notes.

Improving OS remains the primary goal in cancer therapy, she expands. This aim is about extending life expectancy and ensuring that quality of life is maintained, she explains. Achieving these outcomes is of paramount importance to both patients and the medical community, Chalasani says. Significant advances in OS in AIPAC-003 wouldrepresent a crucial win for patients with breast cancer, she concludes.