On Wednesday, October 8th, PHEN brought the topic of immuno-oncology to life for the audience attending the Managing Survivorship Meeting and Webinar at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Zoom. Dr. Nicholas Zorko, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota, joined PHEN’s Director of Clinical Trials & Patient Education Dr. Keith Crawford to highlight the treatments and clinical trials in the category of immuno-oncology that could save men’s lives. As many as 70 people attended the webinar titled Immuno-Oncology: The Next Step in Care for Men Living with Prostate Cancer!

Dr. Crawford explained how “the immune system is involved to slow the spread of cancer or kill cancer.” He outlined key immune cells like dendritic cells, killer T cells, and B cells (antibody producing cells). Further, he described how targeted immuno-oncology treatments, such as T cell engagers, can target and attack prostate cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.

Dr. Zorko described that researchers have also found that patients who have more natural killer T cells tend to have better outcomes than immunosuppressed patients. He also highlighted immuno-oncology therapies including vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific engagers that bind immune cells to tumors, and chimeric antigen receptors. Dr. Zorko answered audience questions and outlined the cytokine response, which involves numerous side effects from treatment, such as fevers, aches, and chills.

Dr. Crawford also outlined the Xalute clinical trial sponsored by Amgen, which is testing whether the immune-targeting medicine Xaluritamig can stimulate the immune system to target and kill prostate cancer cells. This clinical trial is meant for men who have metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and have previously undergone chemotherapy. The trial is also meant for patients whose prostate cancer no longer responds to hormone therapy.

The audience answered survey questions after the presentations ended. The survey results show that 91% of the audience were satisfied with this meeting and presentation while 100% would attend another survivorship focus session. In addition, 80% better understand how their immune system can be used to treat prostate cancer. Lastly, 94% of the survey takers thought the pace of the webinar was just right, and 95% rated the speakers as “very good” while 5% rated them as “good.” This webinar has provided clear and vital information about immuno-oncology and how it can expand treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer.