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Genitourinary Research With Ben Garmezy, MD

Oncology / Hematology

Dr. Garmezy joined Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) in 2021 and serves as the Associate Director of Genitourinary Research. In his role, Dr. Garmezy oversees investigational therapy trials, as well as standard of care treatments, for GU cancers, including prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancers.

Prostate T-Cell Engagers

Dear readers,

At the Uromigos Live 2024 meeting, Drs. Rini, Morris, Dorff, and Autio discussed the role of T-cell engagers (TCEs) in prostate cancer. This is of particular interest, as I have already administered many of these therapies to my patients in the clinic and look forward to opening additional studies.

The promise of TCEs is bold. How can we awaken a patient’s immune system to fight prostate cancer? TCEs are therapies that redirect active T-cells into the tumor microenvironment by binding both a tumor antigen and an immune cell target. The toxicities are unique and focus on cytokine release syndrome (fever, hypotension, hypoxia, etc.), often requiring patient admission for close monitoring.

Numerous TCEs are in development. Perhaps the furthest along is AMG509, a STEAP1xCD3 XmAb. Data presented by Dr. Kelly at ESMO 2023 revealed PSA50 declines in half of patients (heavily pre-treated). At higher dose levels, 41% had a partial response, and an additional 38% of men had stable disease. Most impressive was a median duration of response of 9.2 months. We finally have seen durability with a TCE.

Many programs focus on PSMA in traditional prostate cancer, but other targets are in development as well. In neuroendocrine, DLL3 is a highly sought-after target. Recent data presented at ASCO with tartalamab shows a signal, but more work is to be done.

These therapies are unique and exciting. Please consider referrals to local research centers so your patients may have access to TCE therapy.

Best,

Ben Garmezy, MD

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