Overview

Metastasis involving the spread of systemic cancer to the brain typically results in neurologic disability and death; current treatments are largely palliative in nature. We have invented a method of treatment based on determining whether the patient has an increased level of MDM2/MDM4 genes and/or proteins and/or a decreased level of CDKN2A genes and/or proteins.

Market Opportunity

Brain metastases are the most common malignancy encountered in the central nervous system (CNS), with up to 30−40 percent of cancer patients developing brain metastases at some point during the course of their disease. Metastasis involving the spread of systemic cancer to the brain typically results in neurologic disability and death; current treatments are largely palliative in nature. Given the lack of targeted therapies for metastatic disease and biomarkers that predict metastasis to specific sites, in particular for metastases to the CNS, there is a need for more effective therapeutic approaches.

Innovation and Meaningful Advantages

We have invented a method for treating tumors that are either the cause or result of CNS metastasis. Our method includes determining whether the subject has an increased level of MDM2/MDM4 genes and/or proteins and/or a decreased level of CDKN2A genes and/or proteins. Patients who have an increased level of MDM2/MDM4 genes and/or proteins are treated with a combination of immunotherapy and an MDM2/MDM4 inhibitor, while patients who have a decreased level of CDKN2A genes and/or proteins are treated with a combination of immunotherapy and a CDK inhibitor. Our approach enables the development of rational precision therapy for glioblastoma multiforme and other solid tumors with brain metastases by targeting putative drivers associated with cancer spread to the brain.

Collaboration Opportunity

We are interested in exploring 1) research collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies to develop this method of treatment; and 2) licensing opportunities with pharmaceutical companies.

Principal Investigator

IP Information

US Application 18/139,402, Filed April 26, 2023

Publications

Arnoff TE and El-Deiry WS. MDM2/MDM4 amplification and CDKN2A deletion in metastatic melanoma and glioblastoma multiforme may have implications for targeted therapeutics and immunotherapy. American Journal of Cancer Research 2022-05-05;12(5):2102-2117. PMCID: PMC9185629.

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