In 2023, television personality Maria Menounos publicly shared her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, a disease typically known for its high mortality rate. Fortunately, Menounos's form of the disease was detected early and was less aggressive. However, her case illuminates a troubling trend: pancreatic cancer cases are disproportionately rising among women under the age of 55.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in America. Unlike breast or colon cancer, there are no standardized screening tests for pancreatic cancer, making early detection extremely difficult. Johns Hopkins University notes that clear diagnosis usually requires a series of imaging scans, blood tests, and biopsies, which are typically conducted only after symptoms appear. By then, the cancer is often in an advanced stage, limiting treatment options.
Most patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer undergo aggressive chemotherapy, which can result in severe side effects. However, new research and clinical trials offer hope for less toxic and more effective treatments. Rockville, Maryland-based Theriva Biologics is leading the way with a novel approach that utilizes oncolytic virus therapies. Their lead candidate, VCN-01, is a highly differentiated oncolytic adenovirus designed to replicate and destroy cancer tissue.
Theriva's phase 2b trial focuses on patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), combining VCN-01 with two chemotherapy drugs: gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. These drugs have been standard first-line treatments for advanced pancreatic cancer for over 15 years. Gemcitabine disrupts the cancer cell's ability to make proteins, while nab-paclitaxel stops cancer cells from dividing and multiplying.
Steven Shallcross, CEO of Theriva, expressed optimism regarding the trial's results. “We believe VCN-01’s differentiated mechanism of action has the potential to address the urgent need for new treatment options for patients with PDAC by degrading the tumor matrix and increasing tumor access,” he said. Shallcross added that the combination of VCN-01 with standard chemotherapy has shown an acceptable safety profile, allowing the focus to shift towards improving clinical outcomes.
The stakes are high, as pancreatic cancer remains challenging to study, particularly in gender-related aspects. Gastrointestinal oncologist Mridula Krishnan, MBBS, emphasized the complexity of studying pancreatic cancer, especially in young women. This complexity underscores the importance of innovative treatments like those being developed by Theriva Biologics.
The high unmet need for effective pancreatic cancer treatments is evident. DataBridge Market Research estimates that this need could reach over $6.2 billion by 2029. Theriva Biologics is not only targeting pancreatic cancer but is also exploring VCN-01's potential in treating pediatric refractory retinoblastoma and adult ovarian cancer, indicating a broader impact for their oncolytic virus therapies.
In summary, the rising incidence of pancreatic cancer among young women highlights the urgent need for new, effective treatments. Theriva Biologics' innovative approach with VCN-01 offers promise and could potentially transform the treatment landscape for pancreatic cancer, addressing a critical healthcare challenge.
