Oxford BioDynamics collaborates with National Cancer Institute in prostate cancer clinical trial

Oxford BioDynamics Plc (AIM: OBD), a pioneering biotechnology company, has announced its participation in a significant clinical trial led by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. The trial will utilize the EpiSwitch Prostate Screening (PSE) test, developed by Oxford BioDynamics, in correlative studies aimed at improving the monitoring of prostate cancer in patients with biochemically recurrent disease.

The Challenge of Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American men. Annually, up to 50,000 men in the U.S., previously treated for early-stage prostate cancer through methods such as surgery or definitive radiation, face biochemical recurrence (BCR). At this stage, traditional imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) and Tc99 bone scans often fail to detect the resurgence of the disease, presenting a significant challenge in patient management.

Trial Objectives and Methodology

The NCI-sponsored clinical trial, NCT05588128, aims to identify effective techniques, tools, and biomarkers for predicting outcomes in patients with BCR. Approximately 250 patients will be tracked over a five-year period. The trial will include regular PSMA PET imaging, tri-monthly blood samples, and annual or biannual scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to monitor changes and progress in the condition.

Role of EpiSwitch PSE Test in the Trial

The EpiSwitch PSE test, a novel blood-based screening tool developed by Oxford BioDynamics based on their proprietary EpiSwitch 3D genomics platform, will be a focal point of the study. It is designed to detect early markers of prostate cancer progression, offering a potential breakthrough in the management of BCR. Dr. Ravi Madan, M.D., the trial lead, highlighted the importance of integrating the PSE test into their comprehensive evaluation approach. “The multi-institutional PROSTAGRAM trial by OBD, Imperial College London, the University of East Anglia, and Imperial College NHS Trust, highlighted the potential role of the PSE test in supporting us in reaching the objectives of our new trial,” he stated.

Strategic Collaboration and Future Prospects

The collaboration between OBD and NCI under a material transfer agreement (MTA) allows for the thorough evaluation of samples and data collected throughout the trial. Thomas Guiel, COO of OBD, expressed enthusiasm about their inclusion in the trial, noting the rapid recognition of the PSE test’s utility by leading research organizations. “This natural history study will allow all parties to study the evolution of recurrent prostate cancer and validate new tools for managing patient care,” Guiel said.

The integration of Oxford BioDynamics’ EpiSwitch PSE test into this NCI trial is a testament to the advancing field of genomic medicine and its application in cancer monitoring. This collaboration not only underscores the potential of new genomic tools in enhancing patient outcomes but also sets a precedent for future research in biochemically recurrent cancers.