New Trial Aims To Target Rare Form of Cancer
A multi-center trial is now being offered to patients with solid tumors linked to MSI-H, a type of gene alteration, or DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR), a condition that can cause several gene mutations in the tumor, more commonly seen in colorectal cancer.
The phase 1 trial is investigating a therapeutic agent called MOMA-341. Spearheaded by Tiago Biachi, MD, PhD, a gastrointestinal oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center, it will be conducted at several research hospitals across the country.
“These genetic characteristics make the patient’s cancer different — the cancer can be less responsive to traditional chemotherapies, but potentially more responsive to therapies that exploit DNA repair defects,” Biachi said.
Patients enrolled will be receiving MOMA-341 orally, either as a single agent, in combination with chemotherapy drug irinotecan or in combination with immunotherapy.
According to Biachi, Moffitt is one of the first centers in the world to open the trial, enrolling and treating the first two patients in the United States.
The treatment used in this trial targets Werner helicase, a protein that helps cancer cells repair DNA damage, particularly in tumors with MSI-H alterations or DNA mismatch repair deficiency.
“By inhibiting this protein, MOMA-341 prevents cancer cells from fixing DNA errors, leading to their death while sparing healthy cells. This is especially promising for MSI-H cancers, which rely heavily on Werner helicase due to its high mutation rate,” Biachi said.
Patients will undergo imaging and blood tests to track their progress, also allowing the patient’s care team to note any side effects early on.
Biachi expects the trial to enroll around 100 patients.
“This trial represents more than just a treatment — it’s a testament to the power of precision medicine,” Biachi said. “Learning about Werner helicase and how it’s uniquely critical to MSI-H cancers gave me a deeper appreciation for the science behind this drug.”
