At the heart of this experimental therapy is Acoustic Cluster Therapy (ACT), an intricate process leveraging microscopic clusters composed of gas bubbles and oil droplets, collectively known as PS101. This newly conceptualized agent works in conjunction with a modified version of FOLFIRINOX, a robust, FDA-approved chemotherapy regimen comprised of four distinct drugs: leucovorin calcium (folinic acid), fluorouracil, irinotecan hydrochloride, and oxaliplatin. Together, these elements synergize to target and incapacitate malignant cells with unprecedented precision.

The clinical pilot trial underway at HonorHealth Research Institute marks the first global site to administer this combined treatment specifically for pancreatic cancer. The methodology begins with intravenous infusion of PS101, allowing the tiny clusters to circulate and permeate throughout the body, reaching the vicinity of the pancreatic tumor. This step sets the stage for the subsequent ultrasonic intervention that plays a vital role in enhancing the therapeutic effect.

Once PS101 is distributed through the bloodstream, clinicians apply a high-frequency ultrasound directed at the tumor site. The acoustic energy causes the microclusters within PS101 to coalesce into larger bubbles, which temporarily lodge within the capillaries—the smallest blood vessels responsible for gas exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide. This physical entrapment localizes the drug-laden bubbles precisely where the tumor demands the greatest therapeutic concentration.

Following this initial acoustic seeding, the treatment protocol employs low-frequency ultrasound waves. These sound waves induce oscillations in the lodged ACT bubbles, effectively agitating and destabilizing them. This mechanical action facilitates increased permeability of the tumor’s vasculature and surrounding tissue, vastly improving the penetration and uptake of chemotherapy. As a result, more of the drug reaches the malignant cells while minimizing systemic exposure and collateral damage to healthy tissues.

Dr. Erkut Borazanci, the medical director of the Oncology Research Division at HonorHealth, articulates the significance of this modality: “By enhancing drug delivery directly to the tumor microenvironment without increasing systemic toxicity, we potentially shift the treatment paradigm. Shrinking previously inoperable tumors could open the door for surgical resection, the intervention most correlated with long-term survival.”

The success of this approach relies not only on the innovative engineering of PS101 and the precise application of ultrasound but also on the seamless collaboration across multiple medical disciplines. Interventional radiologists, ultrasound technicians, oncologists, and imaging specialists all bring their expertise to bear during each treatment session. This multidisciplinary teamwork ensures the intricate procedures are carried out with maximal safety and efficacy, benefiting the patients who face formidable challenges due to their diagnosis.

Historically, pancreatic cancer with locally advanced tumors has remained one of the deadliest malignancies, with median survival ranging between 14 and 20 months despite aggressive chemotherapy protocols. Dr. Borazanci remains cautiously optimistic about this trial due to the encouraging precedent established by ACT in treating liver tumors originating from colorectal metastases. These earlier successes provide a proof-of-concept that ACT can potentiate chemotherapy’s impact in deep-seated, difficult-to-access solid tumors.

The pioneering team at HonorHealth, including investigators Erin Pierce, Matt Siegel, Katie Morgan, and S. Danielle Legrand, alongside Dr. Borazanci, will soon share their findings at the highly anticipated “Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research — Emerging Science Driving Transformative Solutions” conference. This event, hosted by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) from September 28 to October 1 in Boston, provides a global platform to disseminate innovative scientific results and catalyze further research collaborations.

Erin Pierce, MSN, APRN, FNP-C and associate clinical investigator leading the study’s abstract, highlights the patient-centered potential of the research: “This method offers a realistic opportunity for patients with borderline or locally advanced pancreatic cancer to qualify for surgery, which significantly improves survival outcomes. The integration of novel therapeutic mechanisms exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of cancer care.”

In sum, the developments emerging from HonorHealth Research Institute represent a remarkable fusion of biomedical engineering, pharmacology, and clinical oncology. By harnessing the physical dynamics of ultrasound-mediated microbubbles with the pharmaceutical potency of chemotherapeutic agents, this treatment strategy may redefine what is achievable for pancreatic cancer patients worldwide.

Those interested in participating or learning more about ongoing clinical trials at HonorHealth Research Institute are encouraged to contact the research team by calling 833-354-6667 or emailing clinicaltrials@HonorHealth.com. Such innovations hold the promise not only of enhanced treatments but also of transforming pancreatic cancer into a more manageable disease.

HonorHealth Research Institute continues to reaffirm its position as a leader in medical innovation, offering patients access to tomorrow’s transformative therapies today. Situated in Scottsdale, Arizona, this institute draws upon national collaborations to deliver pioneering treatments and elevate patient care standards across multiple disease states.

Subject of Research: People

Article Title: Novel Ultrasound-Enhanced Chemotherapy Shows Promise for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

News Publication Date: August 16, 2025

Web References: https://www.honorhealth.com/company/research-institute

Keywords: Health and medicine, Clinical medicine

Melanoma, notorious for its rapid progression and poor prognosis once metastasized, has long posed challenges to oncologists due to its ability to evade immune surveillance and resist standard therapies. PRAME (Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma) is a peptide selectively overexpressed in melanoma cells but absent in most normal tissues, making it a prime target for immunotherapeutic interventions. The SUPRAME trial harnesses this specificity through an autologous T cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cell therapy known as ACTengine®, developed by the biotech firm Immatics based in Houston, Texas.

The core mechanism of this therapy involves harvesting T cells from a patient’s bloodstream and genetically modifying them ex vivo to express TCRs that recognize the PRAME peptide presented by the HLA-A*02:01 molecule. This engineered TCR-T cell product, designated IMA203, is tailored to seek out and eliminate cancer cells displaying the PRAME antigen, effectively turning the patient’s immune system into a highly selective cancer-fighting force. After expansion to billions of cells in vitro, a single infusion of these reprogrammed T cells is administered back to the patient, aiming to overcome tumor immune evasion and elicit durable clinical responses.

Prior to the current Phase III SUPRAME study, early phase clinical evaluation demonstrated encouraging safety and efficacy profiles. Published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine on April 9, 2025, the Phase I dose-escalation trial (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03686124) revealed a notable objective response rate of 54% in patients with various PRAME-positive advanced solid tumors. Additionally, subgroup analyses showed that 12 out of 26 treated individuals experienced more than a 50% reduction in tumor burden, with a median progression-free survival extending beyond 13 months. Such outcomes underscore the therapeutic potential of this precision-engineered cellular immunotherapy.

One of the key advantages of the ACTengine® approach lies in its streamlined manufacturing process. Unlike many personalized cell therapies that require protracted lead times, the turnaround from patient leukapheresis to reinfusion of modified cells averages approximately two weeks. This rapid scalability is critical in managing aggressive malignancies like melanoma, where disease progression can be swift. Moreover, the therapy’s safety profile appears favorable, with minimal reported side effects, further supporting its applicability in a challenging patient population.

The SUPRAME clinical trial encompasses nearly 360 patients across 50 global sites, reflecting the collaborative effort among oncologists, immunologists, and translational scientists to bring next-generation TCR-T therapy to those in need. Dr. Justin Moser, a leading clinician-investigator at HonorHealth and associate research professor at Arizona State University’s School of Medicine, emphasized the transformative potential this therapy holds for patients who face limited treatment options and poor prognoses. The trial’s design incorporates rigorous assessment of efficacy endpoints such as overall survival, progression-free survival, and quality of life measures.

At the molecular level, the therapy capitalizes on the fundamental biology of T cell recognition. TCRs are naturally designed to detect peptide antigens bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on cell surfaces. By genetically encoding TCRs with high affinity and specificity for the PRAME-derived peptide presented via HLA-A*02:01, the engineered T cells gain the ability to discriminate between malignant and healthy tissue. This targeted approach reduces off-target effects and enhances antitumor activity, a significant advancement over conventional chemotherapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

The scientific community has hailed this development as a milestone in personalized cancer immunotherapy, blending sophisticated genetic engineering with deep immunological insights. It bridges a crucial gap by addressing tumors that have historically been refractory to treatment, offering a beacon of hope for extending survival and improving patient outcomes. As clinical data continue to emerge, the potential expansion of this technology to other PRAME-expressing solid tumors may further widen its therapeutic impact.

Beyond the clinical and molecular aspects, the trial also showcases the importance of coordinated global efforts in cancer research. Institutions across the United States and Europe contribute expertise, infrastructure, and patient recruitment capabilities, facilitating rapid accrual and data generation. This international partnership exemplifies the new paradigm in oncology drug development — one marked by collaboration, innovation, and patient-centric design.

Dr. Cedrik Britten, Chief Medical Officer of Immatics, acknowledged the dedication and commitment of the multidisciplinary teams involved in this endeavor. The convergence of bioengineering, molecular biology, and clinical oncology manifests in this new wave of T cell therapies that may revolutionize the treatment landscape. Their mission to harness the innate power of T cells in combating cancer continues to inspire ongoing research and clinical exploration.

As the SUPRAME trial progresses, the oncology community watches closely, optimistic that this engineered TCR-T cell therapy will fulfill its promise to convert a once nearly incurable malignancy into a manageable condition. Continued analysis of long-term survival data, immune correlates of response, and patient-reported outcomes will be critical in defining its role in future melanoma treatment algorithms.

For patients confronting the devastating diagnosis of metastatic melanoma, these innovative therapies illuminate a path towards renewed hope, longevity, and improved quality of life. The evolution of immunotherapy, propelled by precise molecular targeting and advanced cell engineering, ushers in a new era where cancer’s formidable defenses may finally be breached by the body’s own immune warriors.

Subject of Research: People

Article Title: Autologous T cell therapy for PRAME+ advanced solid tumors in HLA-A*02+ patients: a phase 1 trial

News Publication Date: April 29, 2025

Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03650-6

References: Autologous T cell therapy for PRAME+ advanced solid tumors in HLA-A*02+ patients: a phase 1 trial. Nature Medicine. Published April 9, 2025.

Keywords: Cell therapies; Cancer patients

In a landmark appointment that promises to reshape the landscape of cancer research and treatment, HonorHealth Research Institute has announced the appointment of Sunil Sharma, M.D., MBA, as the director of its newly established Center for Translational Science. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Sharma has established himself as a formidable figure in the field of anti-cancer drug development, making significant advancements that have changed the way cancer is treated globally. This new role is a culmination of his extensive experience and commitment to enhancing patient outcomes through innovative medical research.

Dr. Sharma’s impressive credentials include a distinguished tenure at the HonorHealth Research Institute, where he has been a pivotal force since 2017. His expertise encompasses research design, drug development, and clinical trial methodology, which have set new benchmarks in the field. Now, as Chief of Translational Research and Drug Discovery, Dr. Sharma will leverage his knowledge and leadership skills to spearhead initiatives that convert basic scientific discoveries into actionable cancer therapies, thereby bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical application.

Under his guidance, a multidisciplinary team comprising scientists, researchers, chemists, and clinical personnel will work collaboratively to bring forth breakthrough therapies that harness cutting-edge science to improve the quality of life for cancer patients. This initiative reflects a broader trend in oncology aimed at integrating scientific discovery with patient care, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and patient outcomes are continually optimized.

Mark Slater, Ph.D., Vice President of Research at HonorHealth, expressed confidence in Dr. Sharma’s abilities, stating that he is uniquely qualified to lead this ambitious venture. Dr. Slater remarked on Dr. Sharma’s diverse skill set, noting his blend of scientific acumen, clinical expertise, and innovative thinking. As the institute seeks to elevate its research capabilities, Dr. Sharma’s role will be integral in developing educational programs and collaborations that will further enhance the institute’s reputation in the field.

This new leadership position is not only a testament to Dr. Sharma’s remarkable career but also aligns with HonorHealth Research Institute’s strategic partnership with Arizona State University’s School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering. It signifies a groundbreaking initiative to combine academic research with clinical practice, allowing for a seamless transfer of knowledge and technology that amplifies the impact of research on patient care.

Dr. Sharma’s career is marked by his dedication to drug discovery and innovation. He has made substantial contributions to the field of cancer treatment by developing novel therapeutic approaches, particularly in the area of immunotherapy. His groundbreaking work has notably expanded beyond gastrointestinal cancers to address pressing health challenges such as COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease, illustrating his commitment to advancing medicine across multiple fronts.

As part of his expanded role, Dr. Sharma has also been appointed to the Virginia G. Piper Distinguished Chair in Innovative Cancer Research, previously held by renowned pancreatic cancer specialist Daniel D. Von Hoff, M.D. This position carries with it an endowment that will fund Dr. Sharma’s pioneering cancer research and clinical trials, ensuring that his initiatives will have the financial backing necessary to achieve meaningful, impactful results.

Dr. Sharma’s future endeavors will focus on harnessing the power of translational medicine, which seeks to expedite the application of laboratory findings to clinical environments. His vision for the Center for Translational Science emphasizes the importance of innovation in treatment modalities, aiming to develop therapies that not only address the disease’s biological underpinnings but also consider patient-centered approaches that improve overall well-being.

The breadth of Dr. Sharma’s experience includes key leadership roles at notable institutions like the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), where he significantly advanced clinical research programs. His ability to foster collaborations with pharmaceutical companies enables him to bridge the gap between emerging scientific discoveries and tangible treatment options.

Among his notable achievements, Dr. Sharma has played a crucial role in developing targeted therapies such as ceritinib, pembrolizumab, and nivolumab, which have proven essential in the fight against various cancers, including lung cancer and melanoma. These therapeutic agents exemplify a new era in oncology where personalized medicine is paramount, allowing for tailored treatment strategies that maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.

His academic contributions are equally impressive, serving as a professor of medical oncology and mentoring numerous aspiring researchers and practitioners. Dr. Sharma’s profound impact on the field is not only evident in his clinical and research roles but also through his dedication to education and mentorship, nurturing the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians who will continue the fight against this formidable disease.

Dr. Sharma’s commitment to advancing cancer research is rooted in a genuine desire to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Throughout his career, he has maintained a clear focus on innovation and has consistently sought to explore new frontiers in treatment options deliberately. His appointment at the HonorHealth Research Institute signifies a renewed commitment to research excellence and patient care, ensuring that cutting-edge therapies are accessible to those in need.

As Dr. Sharma embarks on this new chapter at HonorHealth, the future looks promising for patients and researchers alike. His leadership will undoubtedly yield transformative results as the Center for Translational Science works diligently to pioneer breakthroughs in cancer care, ultimately striving to provide patients with access to the most advanced treatments available.

The HonorHealth Research Institute stands at the forefront of transformative cancer research, and with Dr. Sunil Sharma at the helm of the Center for Translational Science, the possibilities for innovative cancer therapies are limitless. This new era in cancer treatment is not only about scientific advancements but also about the unyielding spirit of compassion that Dr. Sharma embodies, aligning his journey with the broader goal of alleviating the burdens that cancer places on patients and their families.

With his extensive background, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to scientific innovation, Dr. Sharma is primed to lead HonorHealth Research Institute into a future filled with promise and potential as they collectively tackle the complexities of cancer and work towards a world where cancer is no longer a death sentence, but a manageable condition.

By embracing the synergy of research, academic collaboration, and clinical expertise, HonorHealth Research Institute aims to usher in a new paradigm of care that prioritizes the patient experience while advancing the field of oncology.

Subject of Research: Translational research for cancer therapeutics
Article Title: HonorHealth Research Institute Welcomes Leading Expert in Anti-Cancer Drug Development as Director of New Center for Translational Science
News Publication Date: February 18, 2025
Web References: HonorHealth Research Institute
References: None
Image Credits: Credit: Courtesy of HonorHealth Research Institute
Keywords: Anti-cancer drugs, translational research, drug discovery, immunotherapy, cancer therapeutics, HonorHealth, Arizona State University