TakeAim Lymphoma – Now Enrolling
** Sponsored by Curis. This content is not an endorsement from the ABTA.**
Primary CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL)
Curis is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative cancer treatments, with a focus on diseases that have limited therapeutic options. We are focused on developing a promising new small molecule, emavusertiba, for the treatment of patients with PCNSL, a rare and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the brain, spinal cord, and eyes.
For patients with PCNSL, treatment options are limited, and achieving positive outcomes is difficult due to the aggressive nature of the disease. Curis aims to address this critical need by advancing novel therapies like emavusertib, offering hope to this underserved patient population.
Understanding PCNSL
PCNSL is a difficult cancer to treat because it primarily affects the central nervous system (CNS). Effective treatments must cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to target cancer cells directly in the CNS. While existing therapies, such as methotrexate-based regimens and Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi), have shown some benefits, resistance to these treatments can develop. This underscores the need for additional approaches to improve outcomes.
Scientific advancements have identified the MYD88/IRAK4 signaling pathway as a key driver in PCNSL. Mutations such as MYD88 L265P and the role of BTK in cancer cell survival make this pathway an important therapeutic target, presenting opportunities for new treatments.
Emavusertib: A Promising Targeted Therapy for PCNSL
Emavusertib (CA-4948) is an oral, small-molecule under investigation for its ability to target key proteins that drive PCNSL progression. It inhibits IRAK4, FLT3, and CLK proteins, which are crucial for tumor cell survival. Notably, emavusertib is designed to cross the BBB, allowing it to reach cancer cells in the CNS.
When combined with ibrutinib, a BTKi, emavusertib has shown promise in early studies for patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) PCNSL, where the disease has returned or stopped responding to previous treatments.
Grzegorz S. Nowakowski, MD, Deputy Director of Clinical Research at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and Vice-Chair of the Division of Hematology, highlighted the promise of emavusertib, stating:
“The nice thing about emavusertib is it’s an oral therapy. It’s well tolerated and can enhance the efficacy of BTK inhibitors in this setting. In studies, it was well tolerated with a very favorable safety profile.”
The Path Forward
The ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical study (TakeAim Lymphoma; NCT03328078) is evaluating the safety and efficacy of emavusertib in combination with ibrutinib in heavily pretreated adults with R/R PCNSL whose disease has progressed despite prior therapy. To support this important research, the study has recently expanded the number of active sites across the US, Europe, and Israel, with a strong focus on accelerating enrollment and gathering critical data to advance treatment options for this challenging disease.
Developing effective treatments for PCNSL is a challenging journey, but Curis remains committed to advancing research for this complex disease. Emavusertib offers a promising step forward, with the potential to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients and their families. If you or a loved one is facing PCNSL, speak with your oncologist about clinical study opportunities and how emerging therapies like emavusertib may offer new hope.
For more information about the clinical study and active locations, please visit us at www.curis.com or contact the American Brain Tumor Association at 1-800-886-2282.
a. This molecule is not FDA approved for any use.
