Phase I Clinical Trial NCT05346494 by Imugene Limited

Imugene’s CF33, or Vaxinia, is a modified DNA virus of the Poxviridae family developed by Professor Yuman Fong at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles. Vaccinia, or pox, viruses have a track record of safe use in millions of humans, as the original variant was the active constituent of the vaccine that eradicated smallpox, and first proved able to kill cancer cells in 1922. CF33 has the potential to act as both a gene therapy delivery vehicle and an oncolytic (cancer-killing) agent.

Clinical TrialsKirk SmithSeptember 29, 2022Imugene, Clinical Trials

Pre-Clinical Research Sets the Stage for Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are studies that are done in humans to test a new treatment. Long before a clinical trial, a host of “pre-clinical” studies must test the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a new treatment. Preliminary work involves chemistry to develop a compound that can be manufactured and has the potential to inhibit cancer growth. That compound is then tested for safety and effectiveness.

Clinical TrialsKirk SmithSeptember 29, 2022Clinical Trials

ALKOVE Clinical Trial, a 4th Generation TKI from Nuvalent

The Phase 1/2 trial of Nuvalent, Inc.’s NVL-655, the fourth generation ALK TKI, has begun at Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville, soon to be followed by additional locations. For patients currently on Lorlatinib, NVL-655 provides a hope-filled option for those who test positive for certain mutations that are common upon progression on Lorlatinib. The trial is also open to a range of patients described below that are progressing after other treatment options.

Clinical TrialsKirk SmithJuly 18, 2022Clinical Trials, Nuvalent, ALKOVE-1

A New Clinical Trial in Italy: Does Supervised Exercise Improve Outcomes in Oncogene Addicted Lung Cancer?

For those diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, there is often the question of how lifestyle changes can improve the prognosis. A unique study in Italy called EXcellenT will measure how supervised exercise affects outcomes. Those who have a positive biomarker, like ALK, can participate if they are on their first or second tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Participants will be randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group and control group. The experimental group will be assigned a home-based exercise program that is directed and monitored by entries in a smartphone app.

Clinical TrialsKirk SmithJuly 18, 2022Clinical Trials, Exercise

An Exciting New Clinical Trial for Those who Are Resistant to ALK Inhibitors Is Recruiting Soon

Those in the ALK community fear the day when progression occurs after Lorlatinib, the “last” ALK inhibitor available. Although there are effective treatments after Lorlatinib, there is no standard treatment. Without a specified FDA-approved treatment, people must face Lorlatinib resistance without knowing the best strategy.

Clinical TrialsKirk SmithMay 14, 2022Clinical Trials, ALKove-1

What is YAP and its significance for ALK-positive cancer

In recent years, a signal pathway called HIPPO, which is important in angiogenesis (blood vessel growth), has become important for the ALK cancer realm. There has been accumulating evidence that a protein called YAP (Yes Associated Protein-1) can prevent TKI-resistant cells from developing resistance in vitro and in vivo (in laboratory experiments and in cell experiments). This pathway is very important as there is evidence that it is very well-preserved in evolution - there are homologs to humans in Drosophila (fruit flies).

Research, Clinical TrialsKirk SmithMarch 22, 2022YAP

ALK Clinical Trials, March 2022, and Upcoming Emotional Support Study at Massachusetts General Hospital

On the ALK Positive Support Group pages, I see photos of smiling, loving families having incredible adventures while living with an unpredictable and unrelenting illness. Our family has taken the same snapshots with my husband smiling in the center, his face showing no signs of stage 4 lung cancer. These pictures show the tremendous well of love and resilience we all tap into every day. But on some days, I look at these families and see my own weaknesses. The others seem to be managing this illness so well, so positively, while I wrestle with an obscured future.

Clinical Trials, caregiverKirk SmithMarch 22, 2022Clinical Trials, caregiver, self-care

Clinical Trials Can Help Those with ALK Lung Cancer Get State of the Art Treatment

Linnea Olsen, along with many other long-term ALK-positive lung cancer survivors, participated in clinical trials at several junctures in treatment. Linnea participated in a trial of Crizotinib, the first treatment for ALK-positive lung cancer. She joined 5 more clinical trials over the course of her illness. By enrolling in clinical trials, she was able to get advanced treatments before they were approved for general medical use.

Clinical TrialsKirk SmithJanuary 19, 2022Linnea Olsen, Clinical Trials

Announcing ALK Positive ClinWiki, A Better Way to Search for Clinical Trials

Just in time for Lung Cancer Awareness Month, ALK Positive, Inc. is presenting a website where you or your clinician can search for clinical trials that are recruiting for ALK-positive lung cancer. ALK Positive has partnered with ClinWiki, a non-profit who provides a free web-based application to help patients with serious illnesses understand their clinical trial options.

Clinical TrialsKirk SmithNovember 7, 2021Clinical Trials, ClinWiki