What's Happening?
Xenetic Biosciences has presented new preclinical data at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, demonstrating that DNase I significantly enhances the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapies in treating aggressive hematologic
cancers. The data show that DNase I improves CAR-T cell expansion, persistence, and antitumor efficacy by degrading extracellular DNA and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are known to contribute to CAR-T cell exhaustion and therapeutic failure. In preclinical models, DNase I co-administration resulted in improved tumor control and prolonged survival compared to CAR-T therapy alone. These findings suggest that DNase I could serve as a transformative adjunct therapy, enhancing the durability and effectiveness of CAR-T treatments.
Why It's Important?
The findings from Xenetic Biosciences highlight the potential of DNase I as a significant advancement in the field of immuno-oncology. By addressing the limitations of current CAR-T cell therapies, particularly in difficult-to-treat hematologic malignancies, DNase I could improve patient outcomes and expand the applicability of CAR-T treatments. This development is particularly relevant for patients with refractory cancers who have limited treatment options. The ability to enhance CAR-T cell persistence and reduce exhaustion could lead to more durable responses and potentially higher survival rates.
What's Next?
Xenetic Biosciences plans to continue the clinical development of DNase I as an adjunctive therapy, with a focus on advancing it into clinical trials for pancreatic carcinoma and other solid tumors. The company aims to further validate the preclinical findings and explore the broader application of DNase I in combination with existing cancer therapies. The ongoing research will likely involve collaborations with clinical partners and regulatory bodies to ensure the safe and effective integration of DNase I into treatment protocols.
