Targeting B-cells and T-cells with Triplet Immunotherapy to Control Head and Neck Carcinomas and Breast Cancers

Novel Therapeutics & Platforms, Immunotherapies & Personalized Vaccines

Andrew Sharabi, MD, PhD (UC San Diego)

Stephen Schoenberger, PhD (LJI)

Rebecca Shatsky, MD (UC San Diego)

Sangwoo ‘Shawn’ Kim, MD (UC San Diego)

Assutina Sacco, MD (UC San Diego)

JingJing Zou, PhD (UC San Diego)

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer care; however, long term durable responses remain rare and advanced immunotherapy combinations are
still needed to maximize tumor control. Our group recently identified that B-cells play a major role in overall survival of Head and Neck Cancer (HNSCC) and Breast Cancer patients. In this project we will use a novel triple combination of immunotherapies targeting CD40, TLR9, and PD-1 to activate both B-cell and T-cell immune responses. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms and effects of this novel triple combination of drugs will contribute to our goal of improving patient outcomes by enhancing long term tumor control.

“Human Papillomavirus associated Head and Neck cancer is the fastest rising cancer in the US, and Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women. Our goal is to improve durable response rates to these two cancer types using a triple combination of immunotherapy drugs which activate both T-cell and B-cell anti-tumor immune responses. With the support of Curebound our world-class team of researchers and physician scientists can rapidly translate this novel combination into clinical trials.” - Andrew Sharabi