Overview

• Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that combining anti-CD30 therapy with anti-PD1 immune checkpoint blockade reverses resistance by targeting CD30+ regulatory T cells.
• A mouse model with PD-1 deficiency confined to regulatory T cells showed that PD-1 blockade elevates CD30 expression and boosts Treg immunosuppression.
• A US Phase II trial of anti-PD1 antibodies plus Brentuximab Vedotin produced a 24% median survival advantage in patients with refractory metastatic cutaneous melanoma.
• More than 60% of cancer patients fail to respond to ICB monotherapy, highlighting the urgency for alternative treatment strategies.
• Scientists believe the combination approach could also benefit patients with other solid tumors such as lung, bowel and pancreatic cancers.