T Cell Signature Predictive of Clinical Outcome with Immunomodulatory Treatment

Tech ID: 29514 / UC Case 2014-197-0

Invention Novelty

Biomarkers to predict responsiveness to anti-CTLA-4 antibodies

Value Proposition

The anti-CTLA-4 antibody, Ipilimumab, also known as YERVOY, was FDA approved for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in 2011. Ipilimumab works by inhibiting CTLA-4, a protein on T-cells that prevents them from attacking cancer cells. Only about 10-20% of melanoma patients respond to Ipilimumab. Since Ipilimumab works by stimulating the immune system, it can cause severe, potentially fatal, side effects, such as stomach pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, but also fever, breathing or urinating problems. Thus, it is critical to develop a diagnostic to predict which patients will respond treatment. No such method exists to date. 

In addition to melanoma, clinical trials for the treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), bladder cancer and metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer with Ipilimumab are underway. Therefore, these biomarkers to predict the responsiveness of tumors to anti-CTLA-4 antibodies could benefit many cancer patients.

Technology Description

Using mass cytometry, UCSF investigators identified a population of T cells that can be quantitated in the blood of melanoma patient prior to treatment with anti-CTLA-4 antibody that is correlated with improved overall survival. The distinct set of biomarkers expressed in these T cells can be used to determine which patients to treat. 

Furthermore, the investigators found that the T cells in the peripheral blood of melanoma patients who went on to respond to Ipilimumab express low levels of another set of biomarkers, which can predict the outcome in patients who have already begun treatment. 

All of the biomarkers described above can be detected with conventional methodologies in clinical diagnostics, such as flow cytometry and are further described in the publications referenced below.

Looking for Partners

To develop & commercialize this diagnostic

Stage of Development

Clinical Trial

Related Materials

Data Availability

Clinical trial data described in publications

Patent Status

Country Type Number Dated Case
United States Of America Issued Patent 11,639,495 05/02/2023 2017-163
China Issued Patent CN 110546495 B 11/01/2022 2017-163
United States Of America Issued Patent 11,215,616 01/04/2022 2014-197
Germany Issued Patent 3281010 12/30/2020 2014-197
France Issued Patent 3281010 12/30/2020 2014-197
United Kingdom Issued Patent 3281010 12/30/2020 2014-197
United States Of America Published Application 20220187299 06/16/2022 2014-197
 

Additional Patents Pending

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Inventors

  • Fong, Lawrence
  • Kwek MacPhee, Serena
  • Lewis, Jera

Other Information

Keywords

Immunetherapy, Melanoma, Andenocarcinoma, Ipilimumab, anti-CTLA-4 antibody

Categorized As