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Retifanlimab

This article explores the use of Retifanlimab, an innovative immunotherapy drug, in clinical trials for various advanced cancers. Retifanlimab is a PD-1 inhibitor that works by boosting the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells. Several ongoing studies are investigating its effectiveness and safety, both as a single agent and in combination with other treatments, for conditions like soft tissue sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other solid tumors.

Table of Contents

What is Retifanlimab?

Retifanlimab is a type of immunotherapy drug known as a PD-1 inhibitor. It’s also referred to by other names such as INCMGA00012 or MGA012[3]. This medication is designed to help your immune system fight cancer more effectively[4].

How Does Retifanlimab Work?

Retifanlimab works by targeting a protein called PD-1 on the surface of immune cells. By blocking PD-1, retifanlimab helps to “unmask” cancer cells, making them more visible to your immune system. This allows your body’s natural defenses to recognize and attack the cancer cells more effectively[6].

What Conditions Does Retifanlimab Treat?

Retifanlimab is being studied for the treatment of various types of cancer, including:

  • Solid tumors: This includes cancers of organs or tissues[1]
  • Non-small cell lung cancer: A type of lung cancer[1]
  • Urothelial cancer: Cancer of the bladder and urinary system[1]
  • Melanoma: A type of skin cancer[1]
  • Renal cell carcinoma: A type of kidney cancer[1]
  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal: A type of anal cancer[2]
  • Merkel cell carcinoma: A rare type of skin cancer[3]
  • Soft tissue sarcoma: Cancers that develop in soft tissues like muscles and fat[4]
  • Gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma: Cancers of the stomach and esophagus[5]

Clinical Trials and Research

Retifanlimab is currently being studied in several clinical trials to determine its effectiveness and safety for different types of cancer. These trials are investigating retifanlimab both as a single treatment and in combination with other cancer therapies[1][4].

Some notable trials include:

  • POD1UM-203: Studying retifanlimab in patients with advanced solid tumors[1]
  • POD1UM-202: Investigating retifanlimab for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal[2]
  • POD1UM-201: Assessing retifanlimab in patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma[3]
  • A study combining retifanlimab with chemotherapy drugs for soft tissue sarcoma[4]
  • AuspiCiOus-dMMR: Evaluating retifanlimab with chemotherapy for esophagogastric cancer[5]

How is Retifanlimab Administered?

Retifanlimab is typically given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it’s delivered directly into your bloodstream through a vein. The dosage and frequency can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the clinical trial protocol. Common dosing schedules include:

  • 500 mg every 4 weeks[1]
  • 375 mg every 3 weeks[7]

The infusion usually takes about 30-60 minutes to complete[1].

Potential Side Effects

As with any medication, retifanlimab can cause side effects. These are carefully monitored during clinical trials. Common side effects may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Skin rash
  • Decreased appetite

More serious side effects, though less common, can include immune-related reactions affecting various organs. It’s important to report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly[1].

Future Prospects

Retifanlimab shows promise in treating various types of cancer, particularly those that have not responded well to other treatments. Ongoing research is exploring its potential in different cancer types and in combination with other therapies[8].

For example, a study called MERCURY is investigating the use of retifanlimab with chemotherapy before surgery in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma[9]. Another trial is looking at combining retifanlimab with chemotherapy for anal cancer[8].

As research continues, we may discover more about how retifanlimab can be used effectively to help patients with different types of cancer.

Aspect Details
Drug Name Retifanlimab (also known as INCMGA00012)
Drug Type PD-1 inhibitor (immunotherapy)
Administration Intravenous infusion, typically every 3-4 weeks
Cancer Types Studied Soft tissue sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal, Merkel cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, urothelial cancer, melanoma, and other solid tumors
Key Outcomes Measured Overall response rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, duration of response, safety profile
Combination Therapies Being studied with chemotherapy (e.g., gemcitabine, docetaxel, carboplatin, paclitaxel) and other targeted therapies
Current Status Experimental drug in various phases of clinical trials

FAQ

  • What is Retifanlimab? Retifanlimab is an experimental immunotherapy drug known as a PD-1 inhibitor. It works by enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.
  • What types of cancers are being studied with Retifanlimab? Clinical trials are investigating Retifanlimab for various advanced cancers, including soft tissue sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal, Merkel cell carcinoma, and other solid tumors like lung cancer, urothelial cancer, and melanoma.
  • How is Retifanlimab administered? Retifanlimab is typically administered intravenously (through an IV) at regular intervals, such as every 3 or 4 weeks, depending on the specific trial protocol.
  • What are the potential side effects of Retifanlimab? As with other immunotherapies, Retifanlimab may cause side effects related to the immune system. The clinical trials are closely monitoring for treatment-emergent adverse events to assess its safety profile.
  • Is Retifanlimab approved for use outside of clinical trials? Currently, Retifanlimab is an experimental drug and is not approved for use outside of clinical trials. Its safety and efficacy are still being evaluated in various studies.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Retifanlimab

  • Study of Pemigatinib and Retifanlimab for Patients with Advanced Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma

    Recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Denmark Norway Sweden

  • Study of Retifanlimab Combined with Carboplatin, Cisplatin and Etoposide Before Surgery in Patients with Resectable Merkel Cell Carcinoma

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Italy

  • Study on Retifanlimab, Doxorubicin, and Ifosfamide for Adults with Certain Types of Sarcoma in the Abdomen, Limbs, and Trunk

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France

  • Study of Retifanlimab, Capecitabine, and Oxaliplatin for First-Line Treatment in Patients with Metastatic Esophagogastric Cancer

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    The Netherlands

  • Study of Retifanlimab, Carboplatin, and Paclitaxel for Patients with Inoperable or Metastatic Anal Canal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Not Treated with Chemotherapy

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium Denmark France Germany Italy Norway +2

  • Study on the Effectiveness of Retifanlimab with Chemotherapy for Patients with Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Bulgaria Czechia

  • Study of Retifanlimab Alone and in Combination with Drug Therapy for Adults with Advanced or Metastatic Endometrial Cancer Who Have Not Responded to Platinum Chemotherapy

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium France Greece Italy

  • Study of Retifanlimab, INCAGN02385, and INCAGN02390 for First-Line Treatment in Patients with PD-L1 Positive Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France Greece Italy Portugal Spain

Glossary

  • PD-1 inhibitor: A type of immunotherapy drug that blocks the PD-1 protein on immune cells, helping to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
  • Immunotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that helps the body's immune system fight cancer cells.
  • Solid tumors: Abnormal masses of tissue that usually do not contain cysts or liquid areas. Solid tumors may be benign or malignant.
  • Metastatic: Cancer that has spread from its original site to other parts of the body.
  • Intravenous (IV): A method of administering medications or fluids directly into a vein.
  • RECIST: Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, a standard way to measure how well a cancer patient responds to treatment.
  • Progression-free survival (PFS): The length of time during and after treatment that a patient lives with cancer without it worsening.
  • Overall survival (OS): The length of time from the start of treatment or diagnosis that patients are still alive.
  • Adverse event: Any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease associated with the use of a medical treatment.
  • Pharmacokinetics: The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body.

References

  1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03679767
  2. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03597295
  3. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03599713
  4. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04577014
  5. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05177133
  6. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03059823
  7. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03910530
  8. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04472429
  9. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05594290