Investigating CK0804 as an Add-On Therapy to Ruxolitinib for Improved Myelofibrosis Management

If ruxolitinib (Jakafi, Incyte) hasn't managed your myelofibrosis symptoms as well as you'd hoped, discover how the new anti-inflammatory treatment CK0804 (Cellenkos Inc), when used with ruxolitinib, is improving patient outcomes.

The Impact of Inflammation on Myelofibrosis Treatment

In people with myelofibrosis, inflammation can reduce the effectiveness of treatments like ruxolitinib, a JAK inhibitor commonly used to manage symptoms of this cancer. Furthermore, if inflammation isn't properly controlled, myelofibrosis can worsen, leading to more complicated outcomes.

Improving Ruxolitinib’s Effectiveness by Adding Anti-Inflammatory CK0804 

Lucia Masarova, MD, from MD Anderson Cancer Center, led research to enhance ruxolitinib treatment by adding CK0804, an anti-inflammatory therapy. CK0804 is made of donor regulatory T cells enriched with CXCR4, a molecule vital for controlling inflammation. 

Incorporating CK0804 into existing ruxolitinib treatment could more effectively reduce excessive inflammation, thus improving the effectiveness of ruxolitinib.

How Effective Was CK0804 + Ruxolitinib for People with Myelofibrosis?

In a phase one study, nine myelofibrosis patients who had previously received ruxolitinib for an average of 35 months but still showed cancer-related symptoms received up to six doses of CK0804 through IV infusion, along with their regular ruxolitinib treatment. 

Though early, results from the trial presented at the 2024 ASH conference were promising. 

All participants saw improvements in their symptoms, including less fatigue, smaller spleen size, better blood counts, and a reduced need for blood transfusions. Additionally, no severe side effects were reported from the treatment.

Although more patients involved in the study will help validate these findings, this early data is an exciting start. 

If you're interested in checking your eligibility to participate in the study, click here. For more information on how clinical trials generally operate, click here.

Summary: How CK0804 Could Transform Myelofibrosis Treatment

This study found that reducing inflammation with CK0804 enhanced the effectiveness of treatment for individuals with myelofibrosis who did not respond well to ruxolitinib. Patients experienced reduced symptoms related to myelofibrosis, such as fatigue, spleen size, dependence on transfusions, and improved blood counts, while also maintaining a safe side effect profile.

We are eager for wider, continued research with this agent, hoping it will further improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for people with myelofibrosis. If you're interested in reviewing your eligibility to participate in this clinical trial, click here.

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Sources: 

• A Phase Ib, Open-Label Study of Add on Therapy with CK0804 in Participants with Myelofibrosis and Suboptimal Response to Ruxolitinib
• 634. Myeloproliferative Syndromes: Clinical and Epidemiological: Advancing MPN Care: Innovative Therapies and Clinical Breakthroughs in Myelofibrosis