theguardian.com 21 hours ago URGENCY: 7/10

New Drug Trial Aims to Prevent Cancer Side Effects

A groundbreaking drug trial in London could revolutionize cancer treatment by preventing life-threatening cytokine storms. Discover how this innovation may change the landscape of immunotherapy for blood cancer patients.

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New Drug Trial Aims to Prevent Cancer Side Effects

Promising Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment

A London-based startup, Poolbeg Pharma, is set to trial a new oral drug, POLB 001, aimed at preventing cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in patients undergoing cancer immunotherapy. This condition, which can lead to severe organ damage, affects approximately 70% of patients receiving treatments from major pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson and Gilead.

The trial will involve 30 participants across six NHS hospitals, with the goal of allowing patients to manage their treatment in community settings rather than centralized cancer centers. This shift could not only enhance patient safety but also significantly reduce healthcare costs.

  • Key benefits of POLB 001 include:
  • Prevention of life-threatening CRS during immunotherapy.
  • Reduced need for intensive hospital supervision.
  • Potential savings for the NHS and other health systems.
Poolbeg expects to release interim data from the trial by the end of summer, which could pave the way for a new standard in cancer care.