The ASCO 2025 conference, held recently, shared new research that may shape cancer treatments. This article covers studies on treatment-induced lymphopenia, lymphocyte stability in immunotherapy, and early work on the Cancer Bioshield platform. Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong reported these findings on June 7, 2025, via X. They offer key data for oncologists and researchers. A companion video on OncologyTube.com adds visual details.
Treatment-Induced Lymphopenia in Lung Cancer
A study from Ohio State University, titled “Survival Impact of Lymphocytopenia during Chemoradiation in Locally Advanced NSCLC Patients Treated with Adjuvant Durvalumab,” focused on 118 Stage III lung cancer patients. They received chemoradiation and durvalumab. Results showed a 48% higher mortality risk per 10% drop in absolute lymphocyte count (ALC). The hazard ratio was 1.48, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.22-1.79. This indicates immune suppression by standard treatments, especially for NK and T cells.
The Ohio State team suggested lymphopenia is a modifiable side effect. Supportive therapies might help. Monitoring ALC and protecting immune function are now priorities across cancer types.
Lymphocyte Stability Outperforms TMB in Immunotherapy
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers presented “The impact of lymphocyte count dynamics on the predictive value of tumor mutational burden (TMB) for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) outcomes in patients with cancer.” Dr. Toni Choueiri, Director of the Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, led the team. Dr. Mustafa Saleh, a post-doctoral fellow, and Dr. Sasha Gusev, a researcher, assisted. They studied over 200 patients with various cancers.
Results showed lymphocyte stability, not TMB, predicts ICI response. The p-value was less than 0.05. The team stated, “The prediction for overall survival is not dependent on TMB, but on the stability of lymphocytes.” This challenges TMB as a biomarker. The diverse patient group supports its use in personalized care.
Investigating the Cancer Bioshield Platform
ImmunityBio researchers, guided by Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong, explored the Cancer Bioshield platform. It includes ANKTIVA, an IL-15 superagonist. Data from 10 years, shared at ASCO 2025, link it to complete responses in bladder cancer and other tumors. A trial with 152 bladder cancer patients showed 93% avoided cystectomy at 20.7 months. Thousands more participants had partial responses.
ANKTIVA, approved by the FDA in April 2024 for BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer, boosts NK and T cells to reverse lymphopenia. Dr. Soon-Shiong noted an expanded access program. Patients can contact the Chan Soon-Shiong Institute for Medicine at [email protected] or www.cssifm.org for details. This research may guide future immune support.
Patient Explanation
For patients, this research offers hope and practical steps. Some cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, can weaken the immune cells that fight cancer, making it tougher to recover. The good news is that keeping these cells strong may improve survival odds. ANKTIVA, part of the Cancer Bioshield platform, helps by boosting immunity. In trials, 93% of bladder cancer patients avoided surgery, a big win. If you’re a patient, ask your doctor about checking your immune health and exploring these options!
Implications for Oncology Practice
ASCO 2025 findings highlight immune health’s role in cancer care. Ohio State data suggest reducing treatment-induced lymphopenia. Dana-Farber results call for new biomarker strategies in immunotherapy. ImmunityBio’s work on Cancer Bioshield supports further immune therapy studies. Oncologists might monitor ALC and test myeloprotective options.
Conclusion
ASCO 2025 research underscores immune health in cancer treatment. Studies from Ohio State University, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and ImmunityBio provide a solid base for future work. Watch the companion video on OncologyTube.com for more. Stay updated as these findings develop.
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