Our project aims to improve advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment by identifying patients resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs help the immune system attack cancer cells, but many advanced NSCLC patients do not respond well, leading to poor outcomes and a five-year survival rate of only 20%. This resistance is often due to a lack of tumor " antigenicity," where tumor cells do not display enough signals to attract an immune response. Dr. Yifat Merbl's research found that high levels of the protein PSME4 inhibit these signals, leading to resistance. Erisyon will use its single-molecule protein sequencing technology to measure the ratio of PSME4...

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Our project aims to improve advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment by identifying patients resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs help the immune system attack cancer cells, but many advanced NSCLC patients do not respond well, leading to poor outcomes and a five-year survival rate of only 20%. This resistance is often due to a lack of tumor " antigenicity," where tumor cells do not display enough signals to attract an immune response. Dr. Yifat Merbl's research found that high levels of the protein PSME4 inhibit these signals, leading to resistance. Erisyon will use its single-molecule protein sequencing technology to measure the ratio of PSME4 to another protein, PSMB10, in tumor samples. This highly sensitive technology directly measures tumor antigenicity, unlike current FDA-approved tests. We will develop our test using controlled samples and then validate it with stored NSCLC tumor samples with known treatment outcomes. We aim to demonstrate the assay's clinical utility by comparing it to existing tests. Concurrently, we will design and manufacture the necessary reagents and equipment to meet regulatory standards, preparing for clinical trials and FDA approval. This project supports CPRIT's mission by potentially improving the survival rates of patients with advanced lung cancer and reducing healthcare costs by selecting the right treatment option early.

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