Method for treating a cancer based on inflammatory subtype thereof
Inventors
Assignees
University of Maryland Baltimore
Publication Number
US-12253522-B2
Publication Date
2025-03-18
Expiration Date
2041-07-19
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Abstract
Provided herein is a method for treating a cancer in a subject by quantitating the concentration of a soluble form of Semaphorin 4D (sSema4D) in a blood sample obtained from the subject and administering an immunotherapy when the blood concentration of sSema4D is below a threshold value of 155 ng/ml. Also provided is a method for determining the continued susceptibility of a tumor tissue to immunotherapy in a subject by identifying the inflammatory subtype of the tumor tissue from a blood sample from the subject and administering immunotherapy over at least one interval as long as the tumor tissue exhibits an inflamed subtype.
Core Innovation
The present invention provides a method for treating a cancer in a subject by quantifying the concentration of a soluble form of Semaphorin 4D (sSema4D) in a blood sample. The cancer is identified as an inflamed subtype susceptible to standard immunotherapy if the sSema4D concentration is below a threshold value, specifically 155 ng/ml. Based on this determination, immunotherapy is administered to the subject.
The invention also offers a method for determining a tumor tissue’s continued susceptibility to immunotherapy. This is done by identifying the inflammatory subtype of the tumor through sSema4D concentration in blood samples at multiple intervals. Immunotherapy is continued as long as the tumor exhibits the inflamed subtype, indicated by sSema4D remaining below the threshold value in subsequent testing intervals.
This approach addresses the lack of cost-effective and non-invasive screening methods for evaluating tumor tissue immune profiles as indicators for immunotherapy suitability. Current standards rely on invasive biopsies or expensive imaging to monitor patient response, which may not accurately represent the underlying dynamics of the tumor microenvironment. The described method provides a real-time, blood-based strategy to guide immunotherapy decisions.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims, each addressing key inventive features in methods for treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma based on sSema4D concentration and immunotherapy administration.
Method for identifying and treating an inflamed subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma based on sSema4D levels
This feature comprises the following steps: 1. Obtaining a blood sample from the subject. 2. Quantitating the concentration of soluble Semaphorin 4D (sSema4D) in the blood sample. 3. Identifying the carcinoma as an inflamed subtype susceptible to standard immunotherapy when sSema4D is below 155 ng/ml. 4. Administering a standard immunotherapy to the subject. 5. Repeating the obtaining and quantitating steps at intervals of about every 3 to 9 weeks. 6. Continuing the immunotherapy if sSema4D remains below 155 ng/ml after each interval, or discontinuing if it meets or exceeds 155 ng/ml.
Method for identifying and treating an inflamed subtype of platinum-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma based on sSema4D levels
This feature includes: - Obtaining a blood sample from a subject with platinum-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. - Measuring the concentration of sSema4D in the blood sample. - Identifying the cancer as an inflamed subtype susceptible to standard immunotherapy when sSema4D is below 155 ng/ml. - Administering standard immunotherapy to the subject. - Repeating the obtaining and measuring steps at intervals of about every 3 to 9 weeks. - Administering immunotherapy if sSema4D remains below 155 ng/ml after each interval, or discontinuing immunotherapy if the concentration meets or exceeds 155 ng/ml.
These inventive features establish methods for using sSema4D blood concentration as a biomarker to identify susceptible inflammatory subtypes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and to guide initiation, continuation, or discontinuation of immunotherapy, including for platinum-resistant cases.
Stated Advantages
The invention provides a cost-effective, non-invasive screening method to evaluate tumor tissue immune profiles as indicators for immunotherapy suitability.
The method enables real-time monitoring of tumor inflammatory status to optimize initiation and continuation of immunotherapy.
It allows for improved personalization of cancer treatment, reducing reliance on invasive biopsies or expensive imaging techniques.
Documented Applications
Treatment and monitoring of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, using sSema4D levels to guide immunotherapy.
Management of platinum-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by identifying suitability and timing for immunotherapy based on inflammatory subtype.
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