Gene Signature Identifies Low-Risk Patients in MAGE-A3 Trial

CHICAGO-It may be possible to identify non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with a high or low risk of relapse after surgery, according to findings presented at ASCO 2008 (abstract 7501).

By analyzing data from a phase II trial of the investigational MAGE-A3 Antigen-Specific Cancer Immunotherapeutic (GlaxoSmithKline) in resected NSCLC, Johan F. Vansteenkiste, MD, PhD, of Catholic University, Leuven, Belgium, and colleagues were able to identify a gene signature predicting good prognosis. Overall, in the study, MAGE-A3 reduced the relative risk of recurrence by 25%, but in the population with a predicted low risk (gene signature positive), the risk reduction with MAGE-A3 was 43%.

The gene signature will be prospectively evaluated in the ongoing phase III MAGRIT study in MAGE-A3-positive NSCLC patients (stage Ib, II, and IIIA) who have undergone complete surgical resection, Dr. Vansteenkiste said.