Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies, with many patients facing poor prognosis due to the advanced nature of the disease when diagnosed. However, new findings could potentially alter the landscape for patients suffering from locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). On September 18, 2024, OncoSil Medical Limited (ASX: OSL) announced the results of its first comparative analysis, revealing significant benefits when the company's device, OncoSil, is added to chemotherapy treatments for LAPC.
The Power of the OncoSil Device
The study was a retrospective, investigator-initiated analysis conducted by researchers from the Royal Adelaide Hospital in South Australia and Waikato Hospital in New Zealand. By comparing patients treated with the OncoSil device plus chemotherapy against those receiving chemotherapy alone, the analysis revealed significant advantages.
Patients who received the OncoSil device in addition to chemotherapy experienced an average survival increase of 3.7 months over those who underwent standard chemotherapy, with or without external radiotherapy. Beyond this, the OncoSil device demonstrated an additional 3.7 months in local progression-free survival (PFS), and a 2.5-month increase in distant PFS, showing its potential not only to extend life but also to reduce cancer spread.
Extending Survival and Improving Surgical Outcomes
The data from the comparative analysis is compelling. The results revealed a clear survival advantage for those treated with the OncoSil device, showing an additional 3.7 months of overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone. Patients also demonstrated improved local disease control, with a 3.7-month increase in progression-free survival (PFS) when the OncoSil device was integrated into their treatment regimen. Furthermore, the OncoSil device contributed to a 2.5-month extension in distant progression-free survival, suggesting its potential to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
Perhaps most striking was the increase in surgical resection rates. A significant 28.6% of patients treated with the OncoSil device were able to undergo surgical resection—a critical step in potentially curing pancreatic cancer—compared to only 12.1% of patients treated with chemotherapy alone. This highlights the device’s ability to not only extend survival but also convert more patients into surgical candidates, offering them a better chance for a curative outcome.
Dr. Amanda Lim's Contribution
Dr. Amanda Lim, an advanced endoscopy fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in Boston, MA, USA, and an academic researcher from the Royal Adelaide Hospital, led the presentation of these findings. Her work was recognised with the prestigious Young Investigators Award at AGW 24, acknowledging her significant contribution to scientific research. Dr. Lim's 15-minute presentation, titled "Clinical Research: Combined phosphorus-32 implantation and chemotherapy: A comparison with standard therapy using a propensity-score weighted landmark analysis and an assessment of its impact on vascularity in locally advanced pancreatic cancer," delved into the study's findings, emphasising the OncoSil device's role in transforming pancreatic cancer treatment.
OncoSil Medical's Vision
Nigel Lange, Managing Director and CEO of OncoSil Medical, expressed the company’s excitement at these results:
“We are delighted to congratulate Dr. Amanda Lim on receiving the Young Investigators Award by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia. Her presentation at AGW 24 demonstrates the growing recognition of the OncoSil™ device in the scientific and medical communities. The results of this important study highlight the potential of our device to enhance the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer and provide further evidence of its efficacy when combined with chemotherapy.”
The recognition of Dr. Lim’s research and the findings from this comparative analysis are significant milestones for OncoSil Medical. The company continues to make strides in improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients, a group that has long been in desperate need of more effective treatment options.
The OncoSil™ Device and Future Prospects
The positive results from this study mark an important step forward for OncoSil Medical and the OncoSil device. The increased survival rates, improved disease control, and higher surgical resection rates offer renewed hope for patients battling locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer.
As OncoSil Medical continues to push the boundaries of cancer treatment with its innovative device, the company is positioned to play a key role in transforming how pancreatic cancer is managed worldwide. The next phase of research will likely focus on further validation of these results and expanding the use of the OncoSil device in a broader range of clinical settings.
