Highlight Therapeutics' skin cancer injections show promise in Phase 2b
Highlight Therapeutics reported positive Phase 2b results for its immunotherapy candidate BO-112 in treating basal cell carcinoma. The treatment aims to serve as a non-surgical alternative for tumors in sensitive areas like the face and neck.
Why it matters
Advancements in non-invasive cancer treatments could significantly improve patient quality of life by reducing the need for disfiguring surgeries.
Spain’s Highlight Therapeutics reported that its lead candidate, BO-112, met its Phase 2b endpoint in localized basal cell carcinoma, with 61% of evaluable patients achieving a response.
Why it matters: Highlight is developing the injected immunotherapy as a potential alternative to surgery, particularly for tumors on the face and neck. Surgery remains the most common treatment, but removing tumors in these sensitive areas can leave scars and require reconstruction.
Zoom in: The single-arm SPOTLIGHT-204 trial enrolled 50 patients, who received three weekly injections directly into their tumors, followed by surgical removal at week 24. Results presented yesterday at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology congress in Vienna showed:
How it works: BO-112 uses double-stranded RNA to mimic a viral infection, activating immune defenses against tumor cells. Its scientific roots lie in research led by Marisol Soengas at Spain’s National Cancer Research Centre.
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