ASCI and lung cancer
ASCI (Antigen-Specific Cancer Immunotherapeutics) is being developed as a potential new treatment for lung cancer, specifically Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).
ASCI works by educating our own natural immunity system to fight cancer. It incorporates a cancer antigen and an Adjuvant System to direct and enhance the immune response that the antigen has triggered.
One of the known antigens specific to lung cancer is called MAGE-A3. It is found in various cancers including 30-40% of all lung cancer patients.
Why ASCI with MAGE-A3?
MAGE-A3 antigen is a good candidate for a potential new treatment of lung cancer because it is:
- A genuine cancer-specific antigen, present in 30-40% of patients with lung cancer;
- Not found on the surface of normal cells;
- Appropriate laboratory tests exists to detect MAGE-A3 presence on cancer cells;
- Present in both early and advanced stages of the disease.
Early research results
MAGE-A3 ASCI is still in clinical development and not yet approved for current prescription and administration outside of a clinical trial. Early studies have shown that it has potential for the treatment of NSCLC. This has prompted the launch of the MAGRIT clinical study, a large Phase III study in lung cancer.
MAGRIT: Large Phase III study in lung cancer
The MAGRIT clinical study will be conducted internationally involving approximately 2,300 NSCLC patients who have had their tumor successfully removed (stages IB, II and IIIA). Before entering the study, patients might have received chemotherapy. 2 patients out of 3 will receive the MAGE-A3 ASCI, while 1 patient out of 3 will receive a placebo control (a substance that has no treatment value).
If you are interested in taking part in this clinical study of MAGE-A3 ASCI, you should discuss it with your doctor.
