Eftilagimod Alpha (Soluble LAG3 Protein) Combined with Pembrolizumab as Second-Line Therapy for Patients with Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Purpose: Eftilagimod alpha (efti), a soluble LAG3 protein, activates antigen-presenting cells (APC) and downstream T cells. TACTI-002 (part C) evaluated whether combining efti with pembrolizumab led to strong antitumor responses in patients with second-line recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) while demonstrating good tolerability.

Patients And Methods: In this multinational phase II trial using Simon's two-stage design, patients who were PD-L(1)-naïve with R/M HNSCC who had failed first-line platinum-based therapy, unselected for PD-L1, received intravenous pembrolizumab (200 mg, once every 2 weeks) combined with subcutaneous efti (30 mg once every 2 weeks for 24 weeks and once every 3 weeks thereafter).

Paclitaxel plus Eftilagimod Alpha, a Soluble LAG-3 Protein, in Metastatic, HR+ Breast Cancer: Results from AIPAC, a Randomized, Placebo Controlled Phase IIb Trial.

Purpose: Eftilagimod alpha (efti), a soluble lymphocyte activation gene (LAG-3) protein and MHC class II agonist, enhances innate and adaptive immunity. Active Immunotherapy PAClitaxel (AIPAC) evaluated safety and efficacy of efti plus paclitaxel in patients with predominantly endocrine-resistant, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (ET-resistant HR+ HER2- MBC).

Patients And Methods: Women with HR+ HER2- MBC were randomized 1:1 to weekly intravenous paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) and subcutaneous efti (30 mg) or placebo every 2 weeks for six 4-week cycles, then monthly subcutaneous efti (30 mg) or placebo maintenance.

A soluble LAG-3 protein (eftilagimod alpha) and an anti-PD-L1 antibody (avelumab) tested in a phase I trial: a new combination in immuno-oncology.

Background: Eftilagimod alpha (efti) is a major histocompatibility complex class II agonist activating antigen-presenting cells which leads to greater systemic type 1 T helper response and more cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell activation. This phase I trial evaluated the administration of efti, a soluble lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) protein, combined with the anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody avelumab in advanced solid tumors.

Patients And Methods: Patients with heavily pretreated metastatic solid tumors received intravenous avelumab (800 mg) combined with subcutaneously administered efti (6 or 30 mg) for up to 12 cycles, followed by avelumab monotherapy.

Multidrug-Resistant Bloodstream Infections in Internal Medicine: Results from a Single-Center Study.

Objectives: Infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are expanding globally and are associated with higher mortality rates and hospital-related costs. The objectives of this study were to analyze the trends of MDRO bacteremia and antimicrobial resistance rates in Internal Medicine wards of our hospital and to identify the variables associated with these infections.

Methods: During a 6-year period (July 1, 2011-June 30, 2017), patients with positive blood culture isolates hospitalized in the Internal Medicine wards in the Santa Croce and Carle Hospital in Cuneo, Italy, were assessed.

Immunophenotyping of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Septic Shock Patients With High-Dimensional Flow Cytometry Analysis Reveals Two Subgroups With Differential Responses to Immunostimulant Drugs.

Sepsis is associated with a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection. Despite the activation of inflammation, an immune suppression is often observed, predisposing patients to secondary infections. Therapies directed at restoration of immunity may be considered but should be guided by the immune status of the patients.