According to a study published in “Nature Medicine”, 84% of patients developed immune response capable of combating mutations in the Kras gene
An experimental vaccine may extend the lives of patients with pancreatic and intestine cancer in years. Immunizant Eli-002 prevented the disease from returning in most clinical study participants released in 11.ago.2025. Read A (PDF – 7 MB).
Of the 25 patients who received the vaccine, 84% developed immune response capable of combating tumors with Kras gene mutations. Those with strong immune response did not have cancer relapse for almost 20 months of follow -up.
In contrast, patients with low immune response had a return of the disease in just 3 months.
Technology directs to the “brain centers” of the immune system
The updated results of the study, in the scientific journal Nature Medicineshow that the US vaccine Elicio Therapeutics teaches the immune system to recognize and destroy specific cancer cells.
The differential is precisely in its direction technology. The vaccine uses an proprietary platform called ampphilos (amp) that carries mutant Kras peptides directly to lymph nodes, “Brain Centers” of the immune system.
There, it trains the “soldiers” T cells of the immune system – to selectively recognize and destroy carcinogens with kras mutation.
Eli-002 activates T cells in more than 80% of patients. In 24% of cases, this response was so effective that it completely eliminated signs of detectable residual disease in the blood.
Kras protein acts as a “switch” that controls when cells should grow and divide. When the Kras gene is mutated, the switch is permanently “connected”resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation and aggressive tumor formation.
These mutations are found in approximately 90% of cases of pancreatic cancer and 50% of colorectal tumors.
“Kras change is an important change in tumors and is a mechanism by which it grows, invades, develops and causes metastases. Therefore, attacking Kras is an extremely important target in various therapies.”says, oncologist doctor
Vaccine “Prompt for use”
Pancreatic and colorectal cancer are among the most challenging malignancy due to high recurrence rates after conventional treatment.
The 5 -year survival is only 23.3% for patients with recurrence of the disease. The recurrence of pancreatic cancer is considered “Almost a certainty” after standard therapy.
The Eli-002 is a standardized product and brings advantages as the lower cost of production and rapid availability. “This vaccine, apparently, is safe and she is off the shelf. What does it mean? She doesn’t need to be personalized for each type of patient.”explains the doctor.
88% reduction in the risk of progression
The study included 20 patients with pancreatic cancer and 5 with colorectal cancer who had completed surgery and chemotherapy, but still had signs of minimal residual disease in the blood.
Subgroup analysis revealed that of the 25 study patients, 17 developed strong immune response to the vaccine. And they had 88% less likely to have cancer coming back or dying – compared to 8 patients who had a weak response.
“Progression -free survival, yes, was quite promising, almost a year and a half, and the global survival was also interesting, around 30 months.”says Maluf.
An interesting aspect, according to the doctor, was the phenomenon of “Antigens spreading” observed in 67% of tested patients. This means that the vaccine not only trained the immune system to attack specific kras mutations, but also promoted T cell expansion that recognize other tumor antigens not present in the vaccine.
In addition to effectiveness, the vaccine security profile was favorable. The study did not report limiting toxicities of dose or adverse events related to grade 3 or higher treatment. It became the ideal candidate for use as maintenance therapy in high-risk patients.
The results of the Eli-002 represent a significant advance in oncology, demonstrating that it is possible to train the immune system to accurately and effectively attack cells with kras mutations.
“Other tumors also express kras and the idea is that this can eventually be used for other tumors as well. So, yes, there is a potential use of the vaccine.”concludes Maluf.
The Independent Study Data Monitoring Committee has already recommended its continuity without modifications.
The final analysis of disease -free survival for the study is scheduled for the 4th trimester of 2025. Its results should give the definitive validation of the immunizer.
