G1 Therapeutics and Genentech to evaluate Phase II lung cancer trial of tecentriq and trilaciclib

US-based clinical-stage oncology company G1 Therapeutics has collaborated with Genentech to conduct a Phase II clinical trial of tecentriq and trilaciclib to treat patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) receiving chemotherapy.

G1’s trilaciclib (G1T28) is a short-acting intravenous CDK4/6 inhibitor that is being developed to sustain hematopoietic stem cells and enhance immune system function during chemotherapy.

Genetech’s tecentriq is an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody that binds to PD-L1 expressed on tumour cells and tumour-infiltrating immune cells, thereby inhibiting its interactions with both PD-1 and B7.1 receptors.

G1 Therapeutics CEO Mark Velleca said: “We are excited that this combination regimen of trilaciclib plus Tecentriq may benefit patients with small-cell lung cancer, a disease with tremendous unmet medical need.

“Trilaciclib has demonstrated its ability to preserve the immune system from damage by chemotherapy and to enhance T-cell activation, which may augment anti-tumour immunity and be a powerful complement to Tecentriq.”

Expected to commence next year, the drug combination will be applied as a first-line treatment for small-cell lung cancer patients.

Trilaciclib has demonstrated its anti-tumour activity, including a complete response and multiple partial responses, while applied in combination with chemotherapy to patients with SCLC during two ongoing Phase Ib/IIa trials.

The treatment was favourably tolerated, with no occurrence of febrile neutropenia.