Dr. Gutierrez on the Investigation of MK-0482 in Advanced Solid Tumors

Martin E. Gutierrez, MD, Cancer Genetics, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Thoracic Medical Oncology, Hackensack Meridian Health, discusses the investigation of MK-0482 in advanced solid tumors. 

A phase 1 trial (NCT03918278) is evaluating MK-0482, a novel humanized IgG4 mon0clonal antibody targeting immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3), both as a single agent and in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in patients with advanced solid tumors.

ILT3 is an inhibitory receptor that is highly expressed on monocytic myeloid cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, Gutierrez explains. Since myeloid-derived suppressor cells inhibit T-cell function, they are considered the primary driver of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment, Gutierrez explains.

By targeting ILT3, MK-0482 is designed to relieve immunosuppression and improve clinical benefit when combined with a PD-1 inhibitor such as pembrolizumab, Gutierrez concludes.