Promising New Treatment for Advanced Prostate Cancer Announced by BioNTech

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men worldwide. However, BioNTech has announced a new treatment called BNT324/DB-1311 aimed at treating advanced prostate cancer, which has received the FDA fast-track designation.

The Impact of Prostate Cancer

While most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it, survival rates drop sharply if the cancer spreads beyond the prostate. Additionally, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) develops in many patients within 18 to 24 months, which means the cancer continues to grow despite hormone therapy. Unfortunately, metastatic CRPC has few treatment options, with a 5-year survival rate of only about 36%.

BioNTech’s New Treatment

BioNTech’s new antibody-drug conjugate candidate, called BNT324/DB-1311, uses an antibody-drug conjugate to target a protein called B7-H3, which is found in high levels in various types of tumors. High levels of this protein are associated with cancer progression and poorer outcomes for patients.

Early results from the Phase 1/2 trial showed that this treatment was effective against advanced solid tumors, demonstrating antitumor activity. It also had manageable side effects. This treatment is aimed at patients with advanced, inoperable, or metastatic CRPC who have worsened despite receiving standard treatments. This promising new treatment could offer hope to those who previously had few options.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of prostate cancer is crucial for better treatment outcomes. Men should discuss with their doctor when to start screening, especially if they are over 50, have a family history of prostate cancer, or are of African American descent.

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men ages 55 to 69 discuss the benefits and risks of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening with their doctors. Screening options include:

• PSA blood test: measures the PSA protein made by the prostate gland, and elevated numbers can indicate prostate issues, including cancer.
• Digital rectal exam: a healthcare provider checks for prostate abnormalities using a gloved finger in the rectum.

Conclusion

The FDA’s Fast Track designation for BioNTech’s new candidate could speed up the development process and regulatory review, potentially getting it to patients who need it sooner. Regular check-ups are key to catching prostate cancer early and managing it effectively.

As medical professionals and researchers continue to develop new treatments for prostate cancer, it’s important for men to stay informed and work proactively with their doctors to maintain their health.

Originally Post From https://www.wxyz.com/news/health/ask-dr-nandi/new-treatment-for-advanced-prostate-cancer-put-on-fda-fast-track

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