Cancer immunotherapy has ushered in a new era in the development of anti-cancer agents. The remarkable clinical response demonstrated by first-generation checkpoint antibodies has garnered significant interest by developers, quickly creating a broad and
robust cancer immunotherapy development landscape. The discovery of new cancer immunotherapies continues to grow as developers find new ways to modulate the immune response beyond or in combination with checkpoint inhibition. These new approaches
are poised to significantly enhance the potential of obtaining durable clinical effects in a wider range of cancers.
Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s Second Annual Cancer Immunotherapy and Combinations meeting will convene immuno-oncology researchers, cancer immunotherapy developers, and technology providers to discuss next-generation
approaches and combinations.
Who should attend: Executives, Directors, Managers, Researchers, and Scientists from pharma, biotechs, academia, government and healthcare organizations working in fields such as oncology, molecular biology, immunology, drug discovery,
biologics, cancer immunotherapy.
Final Agenda
Tuesday, June 13
7:00 am Registration Open and Morning Coffee
8:25 Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
Dario Vignali, Ph.D., Vice Chair and Professor of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
8:35 Targeting Inhibitory Mechanisms in Cancer
Dario Vignali, Ph.D., Vice Chair and Professor of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of
Medicine
The relative importance of different Treg suppressive mechanisms remains contentious. The signals that maintain Treg stability and potentiate their function remain obscure. The immune cell surface ligand semaphorin-4a (Sema4a) on conventional T cells
and DCs, and the Treg-restricted receptor neuropilin-1 (Nrp1) interact to potentiate Treg function. Nrp1 ligation maintains Treg stability and function in highly inflammatory sites but is dispensable for the maintenance of immune homeostasis,
highlighting Nrp1 as a potential immunotherapeutic target in cancer.
9:05 Dominant Antibody Antagonists: A Novel Immunotherapy Approach Targeting the TNFR2 Receptor for Direct Oncogene-Targeted Cancer Killing and Selective Tumor Treg Killing
Denise Faustman, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Immunobiology & Associate Professor, Medicine, Immunobiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is a target protein with restricted expression on the most potent Tregs of the tumor infiltrate. We characterized the effect of TNFR2 antibody antagonists via TNFR2 in human samples from ovarian ascites compared
to healthy controls, finding that dominant TNFR2 antagonists demonstrate tumor-specific Treg depletion. Further, blocking TNFR2 signaling with antagonist antibodies also creates a novel tool to possibly eliminate tumors expressing the TNFR2 oncogene
and to more potently suppress Tregs.
9:35 KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Instability of Helios-Deficient Tregs Is Associated with Conversion to a T-Effector Phenotype and Enhanced Antitumor Immunity
Harvey Cantor, M.D., Baruj Benacerraf Professor, Microbiology & Immunobiology; Chairman, Department
of Cancer Immunology & Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Here we report that selective Helios deficiency within CD4 Tregs leads to enhanced antitumor immunity through induction of an unstable phenotype and conversion of intratumoral Tregs into T effector cells within the tumor microenvironment. Induction
of an unstable Treg phenotype is associated with enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines by tumor-infiltrating but not systemic Tregs and significantly delayed tumor growth. Ab-dependent engagement of Treg surface receptors that result
in Helios down-regulation also promotes conversion of intratumoral but not systemic Tregs into T effector cells and leads to enhanced antitumor immunity.
10:05 Grand Opening Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
10:50 Development, Discovery and Details of the Oral Small Molecule Checkpoint Inhibitors, CA170 and CA327
David Tuck, M.D., CMO, Curis, Inc.
CA-170 is a first-in-class, orally-available, small molecule antagonist of the immune checkpoints PD-L1 and VISTA. CA-170 is currently undergoing investigation in a Phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphoma. CA-327
is a first-in-class, orally-available, small molecule antagonist of the immune checkpoints PD-L1 and TIM3. CA-327 is currently undergoing IND-enabling studies, and the company expects to file an IND and initiate clinical testing of CA-327 in 2017.
11:20 Profiling the Human Tumor Immune Landscape by Flow Cytometry and Gene Expression Analysis
Douglas Wilson, Ph.D., Associate Principal Scientist, Merck
The landscape of immune cells in human solid tumors is markedly heterogeneous. Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte-focused and tumor myeloid cell-focused immunophenotyping panels were developed to quantify the expression of immuno-modulatory receptors
(IMRs) on the major human intratumoral immune cell populations by flow cytometry. The major cell populations were also sorted to confirm expression of IMRs by quantitative PCR. A profile of IMR expression in tumors of different origins will
be presented.
11:50 Immunotherapy Potency Analysis Using Cellular Impedance
Brandon Lamarche, Ph.D., Research Scientist, ACEA Biosciences
The kinetics of cancer cell destruction by diverse immunotherapies (NK cells, T cells, CARTs, oncolytic viruses, checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, BiTEs, combination therapies) can be monitored quantitatively, automatically, and in
a label-free manner using the impedance-based xCELLigence instruments. Examples of using this technology to analyze potency and serial killing capacity, and to optimize constructs/conditions for treating both liquid and solid tumor targets
will be provided.
12:20 pm Enjoy Lunch on Your Own
12:50 Session Break
1:40 Chairperson’s Remarks
Shane Olwill, Ph.D., Vice President, Head of Development & Immuno-Oncology, Pieris Pharmaceuticals
1:50 Costimulatory T-Cell Engagement by PRS-343, a CD137 (4-1BB)/HER2 Bispecific, Leads to Tumor Growth Inhibition and TIL Expansion in Humanized Mouse Model
Shane Olwill, Ph.D., Vice President, Head of Development & Immuno-Oncology, Pieris Pharmaceuticals
We report potent costimulatory T-cell engagement of the immunoreceptor CD137 in a HER2-dependent manner, utilizing the CD137/HER2 bispecific PRS-343. In a humanized mouse model, PRS-343 displays dual activity based on monospecific HER2-targeting
and bispecific, tumor-localized costimulation of CD137. Compared to known CD137-targeting antibodies in clinical development, this approach has the potential to provide a more localized activation of the immune system with higher efficacy
and reduced peripheral toxicity.
2:20 TRuC™-T Cells: A Novel Kind of Engineered T Cells for Solid Tumors Exploiting the Signaling Power of the Complete T Cell Receptor
Robert Hofmeister, Ph.D., CSO, TCR2 Therapeutics, Inc.
T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have demonstrated impressive clinical benefit in certain hematological malignancies, but so far struggled in treating solid tumors. Here, we present a novel, non-MHC restricted therapeutic platform
for engineering T cells (TRuC™) that is based on the direct fusion of antigen binding domains to subunits of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex. Unlike CARs, which do not integrate into the TCR, TRuC™ variants become part of the
TCR and power T cells through the complex signaling cascade of the TCR. TRuC™-T cells potently killed tumor cells in vitro and thereby released less cytokines than respective CAR-T cells. In a Raji xenograft model, treatment
with CD19-specific TRuC™ T cells was more efficacious than by 28zeta or 4-1BB CD19 CAR-T cells. Likewise, mesothelin-specific TRuC™-T cells were more potent than CAR-T cells. They uniquely eradicated solid tumors and protected
mice from a later re-challenge. Our TRuC™ technology appears to be superior over CARs because it relies on the signaling power of the complete TCR.
2:50 Immuno-Oncology Trials - Next Generation Immune Monitoring Tools as a Way Forward
Thomas Oliver Kleen, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Immune Monitoring, Epiontis GmbH
Monitoring both systemic changes in the blood and intra-tumoral leukocyte subpopulations will be crucial for identifying potential early surrogate markers of immunotherapy treatment success, ultimately paving the way to acceptable secondary endpoints
for future Immuno-Oncology trials. Logistics, sample requirements, stability of cells in blood samples and tissue and cost considerations often preclude the use of standard monitoring assays. Novel technologies allow precise and robust quantitation
of immune cells in all human samples from only small amounts of blood or tissue.
3:20 Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
4:05 Epigenetic Priming with HDAC Inhibitor Resminostat Sensitizes Cancer to NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy
Svetlana Hamm, Ph.D., Head, Translational Pharmacology, 4SC Group
The initiation and progression of cancer is controlled by both genetic and epigenetic events. Since epigenetic processes concurrently and concertedly regulate many cellular processes, their deregulation can contribute to a significant part
of cancer hallmarks, including the capacity to avoid recognition and elimination by the immune system. Epigenetic drugs were shown to increase immunogenicity and recognizability of tumors by immune cells, and there is growing evidence
that combination of epigenetic modulators with different cancer immunotherapies results in increased clinical benefit. Here, I will focus on the combination of epigenetic modulation with NK cell-based immunotherapies by demonstrating that
HDAC inhibitor resminostat sensitizes tumor cells to NK cell attack and increases anti-tumoral NK cell response in vitro as well as in vivo.
4:35 Covalent Irreversible USP7 Inhibitors for Cancer Immunotherapy
Suresh Kumar, Ph.D., Director, R&D, Progenra, Inc.
Tumors employ diverse strategies to suppress and evade the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy tumor cells. Presence of immune suppressive Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment correlate with poor
prognosis. Therefore, selective depletion of Tregs or impairment of Treg function is considered an attractive cancer immunotherapy approach. The deubiquitylase (DUB) USP7, a critical node in several cancer signaling pathways, is also essential
for maintaining Treg functions. USP7 controls Treg function largely by regulating post-translational modification of Foxp3 and TIP60. Treg specific deletion of USP7 results in impairment of Treg functions and lethal autoimmunity in mice.
Progenra has developed potent, selective covalent irreversible USP7 inhibitors that impair Treg functions ex vivo and in vivo. Most importantly, USP7 inhibitors exhibit powerful anti-tumor activity against variety of
syngeneic solid tumor models in immunocompetent mice. In addition, Progenra’s USP7 inhibitors enhances the efficacy of anti-PD1 antibody and cancer vaccines. Along with the already established direct anti-tumor activities of USP7
inhibitors, these studies strongly suggest that USP7 inhibitors alone or in combination can improve the efficacy and expand the scope of cancer immunotherapy.
5:05 Inhibition of Kinase-Mediated Signaling in Myeloid Cells Suppresses Peritumoral Immune Suppression in Pancreas Cancer
Michael Burnet, Ph.D., Managing Director, Oncology Discovery, Synovo GmbH
We have identified small molecule kinase inhibitors that act on myeloid cells infiltrating tumors. These compounds promote the tumor-specific local secretion of interferon gamma leading to activation of CD8+ and NK cells. Tumor specificity
appears to be due to a reliance on tumor co-signalling for target pathways to be expressed. The agents have safety margins in the range of 15-30x and are effective in very low doses in mice in the order of 3 to 5 mg/kg/day. The compounds
synergize both cytotoxic agents and checkpoint antibodies.
5:35 Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
6:45 Close of Day
Wednesday, June 14
7:00 am Registration Open
7:30 Interactive Breakout Discussion Groups with Continental Breakfast
This session features various discussion groups that are led by a moderator/s who ensures focused conversations around the key issues listed. Attendees choose to join a specific group and the small, informal setting facilitates sharing of
ideas and active networking. Continental breakfast is available for all participants.
Targeting Tregs as a Novel Immunotherapy Approach
Moderators:
Denise Faustman, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Immunobiology & Associate Professor, Medicine, Immunobiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Suresh Kumar, Ph.D., Director, R&D, Progenra, Inc.
- What are emerging targets and strategies for targeting Tregs?
- What are current opportunities and challenges for combination immunotherapy?
Combining Standard Antiangiogenic Therapy with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Moderator: To be Announced
- Will checkpoint combination with chemotherapy or other targeted agents prove to have too many toxicity issues?
- How do we minimize overlapping toxic effects of radiation and immunotherapy?
- How to optimize the sequencing of these two treatment modalities?
8:35 Chairperson’s Remarks
Brian Czerniecki, M.D., Ph.D., Chair and Senior Member, Department of Breast Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center
8:45 Dendritic Cell Vaccination Enhances Immune Responses and Induces Regression of HER2pos DCIS Independent of Route
Brian Czerniecki, M.D., Ph.D., Chair and Senior Member, Department of Breast Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center
Vaccination with HER2 peptide-pulsed DC1s stimulates a HER2 specific T-cell response. Anti-HER2 DC1 vaccination is a safe and immunogenic treatment to induce tumor-specific T-cell responses in HER2pos patients; immune and clinical responses
were similar independent of vaccination route. The immune response in the sentinel lymph nodes, rather than in the peripheral blood, may serve as an endpoint more reflective of anti-tumor activity.
9:15 Optimal Vaccine Clinical Trial Design Incorporating Biologically Relevant Prognostic Markers
Christopher Heery, M.D., CMO, Bavarian Nordic
Therapeutic cancer vaccine development has suffered main failures over the years attributable to poor clinical trial design, poor patient selection, use of ineffective vaccines, and lack of agents to overcome resistance to T-cell-mediated
tumor killing. The current landscape of immune-oncology offers the opportunity to overcome all of these factors. This talk will highlight opportunities in combinations with vaccines and one example selection of an ideal patient population
based on a validated prognostic marker with mechanistic rationale for clinical evaluation of vaccine.
9:45 Shifting the Immune Balance in the Tumor Microenvironment with Antibody Blockade of Semaphorin 4D Enhances Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Elizabeth Evans, Ph.D., Vice President, Preclinical Research, Vaccinex
The protein Semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D) is highly expressed at the growing invasive margins of tumors, where it restricts the infiltration and migration of anti-tumor immune cells, such as antigen presenting cells and T lymphocytes, into the tumor
microenvironment, indicating its role in promoting tumor growth. Antibody blockade reverses this effect, resulting in a shift in the immune balance and inhibition of tumor growth. Preclinical data supporting the combination of anti-semaphorin
4D (SEMA4D) with ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) or anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents will be presented. The humanized IgG4 anti-SEMA4D was well tolerated in Phase I trials of patients with advanced refractory solid tumors, and Phase Ib/II studies of anti-SEMA4D
in combination with immune checkpoint for the treatment of lung cancer and melanoma will be discussed.
10:15 Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
11:00 Rational Development of Combinations of Antiangiogenic Therapy with Immune Checkpoint Blockers Using Mouse Models of HCC and Cirrhosis
Kohei Shigeta, M.D., Ph.D., Research Fellow, Duda Lab, Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Immunotherapies targeting the programmed death 1 (PD-1) co-inhibitory receptor have shown promise in hepatocellular carcinoma. One challenge will be incorporation of checkpoint blockade with existing, standard anti-angiogenic therapy. I will
discuss several strategies addressing this important issue in liver cancer treatment using preclinical models.
11:30 Priming the Immune Microenvironment Using Neoadjuvant Therapy
Osama Rahma, M.D., Assistant Professor, Medicine, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Gastrointestinal
Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School
The effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with other modalities on the tumor immune microenvironment is a key component to understand their mechanism of action and resistance. We are currently investigating the combination
of anti-PD-1 antibodies and chemoradiation therapy (CRT) in patients with pancreatic and rectal cancer. Testing this combined modality in the neoadjuvant setting will allow us to study the safety of this approach and its effect on the
tumor microenvironment by comparing TILs and other effectors and suppressor immune cells and receptors pre- and post-treatment. In addition, we will study the correlation between these immune biomarkers and clinical outcomes.
12:00 pm Bridging Luncheon Presentation (Sponsorship Opportunity Available) or Enjoy Lunch on Your Own
12:30 Session Break
1:00 Coffee and Dessert in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
1:30 PLENARY KEYNOTE SESSION
3:30 Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
4:15 Close of Conference