Fudan University

Researchers study the clinical outcomes of using tumor-treating fields therapy, with or without chemoradiation, in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma BEIJING, BEIJING, CHINA, August 12, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- The most prevalent malignant brain tumor in adults – glioblastoma (GBM) – is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. Several preclinical studies suggest that the addition of tumor-treating fields (TTFields) to chemoradiation therapy (CRT) helps improve the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with GBM. TTFields therapy is a novel treatment strategy for cancer, in which tumors are exposed to low-intensity electrical fields of intermediate-frequency to inhibit cancer cell replication. According to previous reports, apart from an anti-mitotic effect, TTFields also increase cell permeability, activate autophagy, stimulate immune responses, and inhibit the DNA damage repair pathway of cancer cells. Increased cell permeability after TTFields therapy ensures better delivery of chemotherapeutic agents like temozolomide to glioma cells, improving response to the treatment. This provides a strong rationale for using concurrent TTFields with CRT for patients with newly diagnosed and recurrent GBM. An international phase 3 randomized clinical trial to examine the efficacy of this strategy is underway, but the real-world outcomes of this strategy are not well-studied. To this end, Dr. Zhiyong Qin and Dr. Yang Wang from Fudan University, China, collaborated with researchers from Shanghai Gamma Hospital, China; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, USA; Fudan University Cancer Hospital, China; and Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, China, to conduct a retrospective study examining the clinical outcomes of concurrent TTFields therapy with CRT in patients with newly diagnosed GBM (ndGBM). Their findings were published in the Chinese Neurosurgical Journal on March 7, 2025. This study included patients who underwent radiation therapy and TTFields at Huashan Hospital, China, between January 2020 and December 2021. “Patients were categorized into two groups: one group received adjuvant TTFields therapy after completing CRT (referred to as the A-TTF group), while the other received TTFields therapy concurrently with CRT and continued TTFields after treatment (referred to as the CA-TTF group),” explains Dr. Qin. Out of the 72 patients included in this retrospective study, 41 belonged to the CA-TTF group, and 31 were part of the A-TTF group. The researchers compared the efficacy and toxicity of the treatment modalities between the CA-TTF and A-TTF groups. They found no significant difference in the median PFS and OS between the two treatment groups. The PFS and OS for the CA-TTF group were 14.2 months and 20.8 months, respectively, whereas for the A-TTF group, the PFS and OS were 15 months and 20 months, respectively. Dr. Wang explains, “After adjusting for baseline characteristics, the hazard ratios (HRs) for PFS and OS suggested a potential benefit for concurrent TTFields therapy, although the differences were not statistically significant,” suggesting that further investigations may be necessary to confirm the above observation. The researchers also studied the distribution of relevant molecular markers, like MGMT promoter methylation status and TERT promoter mutation status, between the two treatment groups. Earlier studies have shown that MGMT promoter methylation is associated with a better prognosis, whereas higher mutations in the TERT promoter can result in poorer prognosis. In this study, the survival outcomes for patients with methylations at the MGMT promoter was better in both CA-TTF and A-TTF groups. However, TERT promoter mutations were more prevalent in the CA-TTF group than in the A-TTF group. Despite this, these patients achieved comparable survival outcomes as the patients in the A-TTF group. Skin-related adverse effects (AEs), such as dermatitis, pruritus, electric sensation, and skin burning sensation, were observed and graded along with the survival outcomes of patients. Mild scalp irritation was reported in 55 to 60% of the patients. Dermatitis was the most common skin-related AE, while pruritus was the second most common in this patient population. Electric sensation and burning sensation were rarely reported by these patients. Overall, the researchers found no significant difference in skin toxicity between the CA-TTF and A-TTF groups. This study is the first real-world analysis of the advantages of concurrent TTFields therapy combined with CRT in patients with ndGBM. Dr. Qin and Dr. Wang conclude, “Our findings suggest that TTFields, when used concurrently with CRT, could maintain a favorable safety profile, with no significant differences observed in survival outcomes compared to adjuvant therapy (A-TTF group).” To summarize, TTFields used concurrently with CRT has the potential to improve survival outcomes for patients with ndGBM. About the University Fudan University was established in 1905 as Fudan Public School. Fudan University is a comprehensive research-oriented university located in Shanghai, China. Fudan combines liberal education with cultivation of eminent talents through a proactive exploration of a new system that boasts of disciplinary intersection and integration and coordinates innovation and cultivation in scientific research. The University strives for a world-class undergraduate education and a postgraduate educational system with international influence, both of which inject continual vitality into the hundred-year-old institution. Website: https://www.fudan.edu.cn/en/ About Dr. Zhiyong Qin from Fudan University Zhiyong Qin born in China, in 1969. He received the Ph.D. degree in neurosurgery from Fudan University, Shanghai, China, in 2000. He is currently a Professor with the Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University. His research focuses on developing comprehensive treatment plans for brain tumors, encompassing surgical intervention, individualized therapies, and physiotherapy approaches. Funding information: This study was supported by the Beijing Xisike Clinical Oncology Research Foundation (Approval Nos. Y-zai2021/qn-0204 and Y-zai2021/zd-0207). *** Reference Title of original paper: Chemoradiation treatment with or without concurrent tumor-treating fields (TTFields) therapy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) patients in China Journal: Chinese Neurosurgical Journal DOI: https://doi-org.sutd.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s41016-025-00391-w Yi Lu Chinese Neurosurgical Journal +861059978478 ext. luyi617@sina.cn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

SUZHOU, China I July 28, 2025 I XellSmart Biopharmaceutical (Suzhou/Shanghai) Co., Ltd. achieved a significant milestone in its “world’s first” China NMPA & US FDA-approved registrational clinical trial. This Phase I China registrational clinical trial for XS228 Cell Injection – the world’s first “off-the-shelf”, allogeneic, iPSC-derived, spinal neural progenitor cell therapy targeting major neurological disorders, specifically spinal cord injury (SCI) – has commenced. The clinical trial initiation meeting was held at The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU-3) in Guangzhou. Following this, the world’s first patient dosing with the therapy was successfully administered. Following the world’s first transplantation of clinical-grade, iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells in the registrational clinical trial, the initial subject exhibited no surgical or perioperative complications or other adverse safety events. All monitored parameters remained within normal ranges. The subject successfully completed the observation period uneventfully and has now entered the formal follow-up period. XellSmart has achieved a significant milestone in global central nervous system (CNS) injury repair — having completed the world’s first patient dosing in its China registrational clinical trial. This landmark event serves as a benchmark for evaluating the safety of transplanted, iPSC-derived, spinal-cord neural progenitor cells and analyzing their potential therapeutic effects on patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). XellSmart is a leading biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative iPSC-derived cell therapies. To date, the company has secured seven Investigational New Drug (IND) approvals from both China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for registrational clinical trials. All approved programs focus on clinical-grade, off-the-shelf, allogeneic, iPSC-derived cell therapies targeting central nervous system (CNS) diseases with significant unmet medical needs, including: For funding and BD cooperation, please contact: BD@xellsmart.com XellSmart, standing at the forefront of advancing innovative iPSC-based therapies, is committed to developing clinical-grade, off-the-shelf, allogeneic, iPSC-derived cell therapies targeting major and intractable central nervous system (CNS) diseases with no effective treatment options. The following is an overview of its clinical milestones: In 2023 , China’s first iPSC-derived cell therapy (XS228 injection), developed by XellSmart, received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the US FDA for the treatment of ALS. In 2024 , China’s first national-level registered clinical study of an iPSC-derived cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease—also developed by XellSmart—was approved and initiated, including the first case treated in China . In 2024 , the world’s first national-level registered clinical study of a subtype-specific, iPSC-derived, neural progenitor cell therapy (XS228 injection) for ALS was approved. Multiple patients, including the world’s first ALS case treated with this approach , received the therapy with preliminary data showing good safety profiles and slowed disease progression . In 2025 , China’s first registrational Phase I clinical trial of an off-the-shelf, allogeneic, iPSC-derived, dopaminergic neural progenitor cell therapy (XS411 injection) for Parkinson’s disease was launched, led by the National Neurological Disease Medical Center at Beijing Tiantan Hospital . In 2025 , China’s first randomized, double-blind, controlled Phase I/II clinical trial of XS411 injection was initiated to treat early-onset Parkinson’s disease (EOPD) , led by Huashan Hospital of Fudan University , a National Neurological Disease Medical Center. In 2025 , the world’s first registrational Phase I clinical trial of an off-the-shelf, allogeneic, iPSC-derived, subtype-specific, neural progenitor cell therapy was launched by The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , targeting SCI . In 2025 , the world’s first Phase I/II registrational clinical trial of XS228 injection — an off-the-shelf, allogeneic, iPSC-derived, subtype-specific, neural progenitor cell therapy — was initiated by Peking University Third Hospital , targeting ALS . XellSmart has established a fully dedicated and internationally competitive team focusing on development of clinical-grade, allogeneic, off-the-shelf, iPSC-derived cell therapies for central nervous system (CNS) diseases that currently lack effective treatment options. XellSmart has built a portfolio of proprietary, globally leading industrial technologies and platforms, fueling sustained in-house innovation centered on its core business. To develop iPSC-derived cell therapy candidates, XellSmart has established and operates an R&D center, a B+ and A-grade GMP manufacturing facility, and a quality control center spanning over 5,000 square meters. With completed core CMC development, fully integrated clinical-grade manufacturing processes and quality control systems in place, XellSmart has successfully produced clinical batches of multiple GMP-grade, iPSC-derived, subtype-specific, neural progenitor cell therapies, currently deployed in multiple clinical trials. XellSmart has secured multiple rounds of financing, collectively led by renowned market-driven venture capital firms including Qiming Venture Partners, Eli Lilly Asia Ventures, Sequoia Capital China (Hongshan), and others. SOURCE: XellSmart Biopharmaceutical (Suzhou/Shanghai) Co.

Frontage Holdings Corporation (SEHK:1521.HK) The integration of global GDDS, Chemistry, and DMPK operations is primed to drive Frontage drug discovery services from initial leads to developmental candidates” — Dr. Wentao Zhang, Co-CEO, Frontage Laboratories, Inc. EXTON, PA, UNITED STATES, July 15, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- Frontage Holdings Corporation announces the appointment of Dr. Sean Yu as Senior Vice President and Head of Global Drug Discovery Services ( GDDS ) and Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics ( DMPK ) Services. Dr. Yaodong Huang, Senior Vice President of Frontage Chemistry Services, will serve as Co-Head of GDDS. Both will report to Co-Chief Executive Officer Dr. Wentao Zhang. Dr. Sean Yu has over 30 years of experience from large pharma and CRO operations. He led DMPK Services at Frontage since joining in 2019 through the acquisition of RMI Laboratories, he founded in 2014 and led as CEO. He spent over 18 years at Merck & Co., has over 50 publications, and holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Rutgers University, BS from Peking University, and a Management Certificate from Wharton Business School. Dr. Yaodong Huang joined Frontage in 2024. Previously, he was Executive Vice President of Chemistry at Ocgene Biotech, leading over 350 professionals in R&D, production, and quality control. He has worked with SYNthesis Med Chem, ACME Biopharma, and Philips Research. Dr. Huang holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of California and MS from Fudan University and received the BR Baker Memorial Fellowship and the Roche Bioscience Award. Dr. Zhang stated, “Sean and Yaodong’s leadership has positioned our DMPK and Chemistry services as a trusted provider. The integration of global GDDS, Chemistry, and DMPK operations is primed to drive Frontage drug discovery services from initial leads to developmental candidates” Dr. Yu said, “I’m excited to position Frontage as a leading provider of GDDS and DMPK services globally.” Dr. Huang added, “I’m honored to co-lead with Dr. Yu and aim to drive exemplary growth as trusted partners to our customers.” 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 ( www.frontagelab.com ) Frontage Holdings Corp (1521.HK), together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Frontage Laboratories, Inc., is a global Contract Research Organization providing integrated, science-driven, product development services from drug discovery to late-phase clinical process to enable biopharmaceutical companies to achieve their development goals. Comprehensive services include drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, analytical testing and formulation development, preclinical and clinical trial material manufacturing, bioanalysis, preclinical safety and toxicology assessment, and early-phase clinical studies. Frontage has enabled many biotechnology companies and leading pharmaceutical companies of varying sizes to advance a myriad of new molecules through development and to successfully file global regulatory submissions.  For more details visit Frontage Laboratories, Inc. Xiaoyun Niu Frontage Laboratories, Inc. xniu@frontagelab.com Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.