Breakthrough in Cancer Precision Therapy: Identifying Patients Who Benefit from Bexmarilimab

Researchers at the University of Turku in Finland have made significant progress in improving targeted cancer treatments with their latest study on bexmarilimab, an immunotherapy antibody. The study investigates the specific conditions under which bexmarilimab can effectively activate the immune system to fight cancer. Notably, the drug has the potential to 'reawaken' macrophages—key immune cells involved in the body's defense—particularly when tumors exist within an immunologically silent microenvironment. Furthermore, the research reveals that bexmarilimab can stimulate B cell–mediated immune responses in healthy tissue neighboring the tumor, regardless of the tumor’s sensitivity to therapy, suggesting immunological effects beyond the tumor itself.

A major advancement from this study is the development of a gene signature—analyzing the expression of five specific genes—that predicts which patients are most likely to respond positively to bexmarilimab treatment. This predictor tool holds promise for more precise patient selection, potentially enhancing treatment success rates. Researchers validated these findings using patient-derived tissue samples that closely mimic actual tumor-immune interactions, aligning with clinical trial outcomes.

Developed in Finland, bexmarilimab has shown encouraging results across various solid tumors. The insights gained from this study aim to optimize its use, tailoring therapies based on tumor microenvironment characteristics. "Understanding tumor biology better allows us to personalize immunotherapy, supporting the approach with gene signatures that could guide clinical decisions," said Dr. Maija Hollmén.

The discovery emphasizes the importance of the tumor microenvironment in immunotherapy efficacy and paves the way for expanded, more targeted treatments in the future.

For more details, see the study by Jenna H Rannikko et al. in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-advances-cancer-precision-therapies-patients.html