ESMO Asia 2023 is on the horizon, and prominent pharmaceutical companies Viracta Therapeutics and others are poised for the conference in order to present and discuss the most recent scientific and clinical discoveries in oncology, both globally and in the Asia-Pacific region.

Collectively referred to as head and neck cancer, these malignancies typically originate in the squamous cells lining mucosal surfaces within the head and neck region, including areas such as the mouth, throat, and voice box. Specifically, they are identified as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. As per DelveInsight’s analysis, Japan accounted for ~13% of the total incident cases of head and neck cancer in the 7MM, in 2022.

Head and Neck Cancer Highlights

• Abstract Number – 354O
• Abstract Type – Proffered Paper Session

• Indication – Recurrent/metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (R/M NPC)

Title: A Phase Ib/II study of nanatinostat (Nstat) plus valganciclovir (VGCV) in EBV+ solid tumors and with pembrolizumab (PEM) in recurrent/metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (R/M NPC)

Executive Summary: The combination of Nstat and VGCV offers a new strategy for treating recurrent or metastatic Epstein-Barr virus-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma (R/M EBV+ NPC). The treatment was well tolerated at doses surpassing the recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) for lymphoma, displaying initial indications of effective antitumor activity at higher dosage levels. 

Main Content: Nstat is an oral HDAC inhibitor belonging to Class-I, selectively targeting and inducing the expression of the lytic BGLF4 EBV protein kinase in tumor cells positive for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This activation leads to the phosphorylation of ganciclovir (GCV), causing GCV to inhibit both viral and cellular DNA synthesis and induce apoptosis.

The Phase Ib/II trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of nanatinostat in combination with valganciclovir in patients with relapsed/refractory EBV-positive solid tumors and in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent/metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

As of July 2023, a total of 17 patients have been included in five dose level cohorts. Adverse events associated with the treatment were generally of mild to moderate severity, with the most frequent being nausea, decreased appetite, increased creatinine, and fatigue. Notably, there were no instances of severe adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities reported. Further results are anticipated at the upcoming ESMO Asia 2023 conference.

 

List of Abstracts to be presented at ESMO Asia 2023