bempegaldesleukin + pembrolizumab + radiation therapy

Bempegaldesleukin (NKTR-214) is a CD122-preferential interleukin-2 (IL-2) pathway agonist designed to stimulate the immune system by targeting the heterodimeric IL-2 receptor beta/gamma (IL-2Rβγ). In the context of a Phase II clinical trial (NCT04936841) led by the University of Wisconsin, Madison, it is being evaluated as part of a combination regimen with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab and palliative radiation therapy for patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Bempegaldesleukin acts as a prodrug, utilizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains to slowly release active IL-2, providing sustained signaling that promotes the expansion of CD8+ effector T cells and natural killer (NK) cells within the tumor microenvironment while minimizing the activation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). The addition of pembrolizumab blocks the inhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, while palliative radiation is intended to induce local tumor destruction and potentially stimulate a systemic anti-tumor immune response through the abscopal effect.

Brand names

Keytruda

Other names

bempegaldesleukinpembrolizumabpalliative radiation therapy