Immunotherapy, a form of personalized cancer treatment, currently requires a tumor sample to be removed surgically and analyzed so that the personalized treatment needed by the patient can be manufactured. However, getting the needed tumor sample can be challenging in many patients, such as those with tumors in hard-to-access parts of the body or those whose physical condition makes it risky to have surgery done to extract a sample.
If additional clinical trials confirm the efficacy of the blood-based approach to obtaining data on cancer neoantigens and specific T-cell activation, the method could potentially reduce the time that is required to manufacture immunotherapies developed by entities like Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. (NYSE American: CLDI). The ability to use blood samples instead of tumor tissue could also broaden the pool of patients eligible for these advanced therapies, particularly those who cannot undergo invasive procedures.
According to the source report, the blood-based method would involve analyzing circulating tumor DNA and immune cells to identify the specific neoantigens that drive a patient's cancer. This information is critical for designing personalized immunotherapies, which train the patient's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Without a tumor sample, doctors currently have no reliable way to obtain this data, limiting the use of immunotherapy to patients who can safely provide a tissue sample.
The implications of this development are significant. For patients with tumors in the brain, lungs, or other sensitive areas, surgery carries substantial risks. A blood test would offer a safer alternative. Moreover, the time required to manufacture immunotherapy treatments can be weeks or even months; a blood-based approach could streamline the process, allowing patients to begin treatment sooner. This is particularly important for those with aggressive cancers where delays can be life-threatening. For companies developing immunotherapies, such as Calidi Biotherapeutics, a blood-based method could simplify logistics, reduce costs, and expand market reach.
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