Lisata Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:LSTA). has initiated treatment in the second-line cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cohort of its BOLSTER trial. Cholangiocarcinoma, often referred to as bile duct cancer, is a rare and aggressive cancer with a five-year survival rate below 5%. This low survival rate underscores the significant need for advancements in treatment options.
The BOLSTER trial is a Phase 2a, multi-center trial that explores the efficacy of Lisata's investigational drug, certepetide, in combination with standard-of-care treatments for patients with first- or second-line CCA. This drug is designed to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of cancer therapies by improving penetration within tumors and altering the tumor microenvironment, potentially offering new hope for those affected by this condition.
Certepetide has demonstrated promising safety and efficacy profiles in earlier clinical trials. Additionally, it has been granted important designations such as Fast Track and Orphan Drug status for its potential role in treating various cancers. These designations aim to expedite the drug's development process and bring effective treatments to patients more quickly.
According to Lisata’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kristen Buck, the decision to initiate treatment in the second-line cohort stems from recommendations made by investigators involved in the first-line cholangiocarcinoma cohort. Dr. Buck emphasized that the expansion of the trial seeks to improve outcomes for patients who have not responded to first-line treatments alone, reflecting the company's commitment to exploring new avenues for treatment.
Lisata Therapeutics has been gaining attention for its innovative approaches in cancer treatment, and certepetide is seen as a potential breakthrough for patients with hard-to-treat cancers like CCA. As the trial progresses, the company aims to gather more data to determine the drug’s broader impact and potential in improving patient survival rates.
This development marks another step forward for the healthcare sector in advancing cancer treatments, particularly for rare and challenging forms like cholangiocarcinoma