Dr. Novello on Targeting the MAGE-A3 Protein

Silvia Novello, MD, PhD, assistant professor, Thoracic Oncology Unit, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, Orbassano, Italy, discusses immunotherapy and targeting the MAGE-A3 protein in lung cancer.

Even though lung cancer is not as immunogenic as renal cancer, melanoma, and other cancers, Novello says, immunology is still developing for lung cancer. Immunotherapy treatments are especially beneficial during the earlier stages of lung cancer, Novello says.

A vaccine targeting the MAGE-A3 protein was developed specifically for treating patients with early disease. A trial is currently being conducted with 35-55% of the patients being MAGE-A3-positive. Novello believes the results of the study will be clear, as over 2,000 patients were enrolled.