ASCI as a potential new treatment in lung cancer

MAGE-A3 as a target in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for about 80 to 85% of all lung cancers, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

In about 35 to 50% of patients with NSCLC, a cancer-specific antigen, called MAGE-A3, is found. MAGE-A3 antigen is only found in cancer cells, not in normal cells, which makes it a good target for ASCI.

MAGE-A3 ASCI is still in clinical development, and not yet approved for use outside of a clinical trial. Early studies have shown that it has potential for the treatment of NSCLC. This has prompted the launch of the largest ever Phase III study in lung cancer, named MAGRIT (MAGE-A3 as Adjuvant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Immunotherapy).

The MAGRIT clinical study

The MAGRIT clinical study is being conducted internationally and involves approximately 2,300 patients with NSCLC. The purpose of this study is to measure how well the MAGE-A3 ASCI works in preventing cancer to come back after removal by surgery. Two patients out of 3 will receive the MAGE-A3 ASCI, while 1 patient out of 3 will receive a placebo control (a substance that has no treatment value).

To find out more about this clinical trial and who can take part, visit our MAGRIT dedicated website