ASCO Offers Glimpse Of LAG-3 Inhibitors’ Potential Opportunities – And Limitations

PD-1-Naïve Patients More Likely To Derive Benefit

 
• By Alaric DeArment
  
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Clinical data released on drugs targeting LAG-3 from BMS, Regeneron, Merck & Co. and Immutep in a variety of cancers.

3d illustration of T cells attacking a cancer cell
Several studies of LAG-3-targeting drugs combined with PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors are being presented at ASCO • Source: Shutterstock

New data presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting is helping to fill in the picture on LAG-3 inhibitors and validate the immune checkpoint as an immuno-oncology target with potential in several cancers – but there is still uncertainty over where these drugs will fit in the oncology landscape. While some experts see less activity for anti-PD-1/LAG-3 than anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 strategies in melanoma, others see the new combinations’ efficacy as comparable, in addition to being less toxic.

Arguably the most buzz has been around Bristol Myers Squibb Company’s Phase II/III RELATIVITY-047 trial of PD-1 inhibitor Opdivo...

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