Mendus announces start of VITAL-CML trial in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Mendus has announced the start of the VITAL-CML trial, a Phase 1b study evaluating vididencel in patients with chronic phase CML who have a sub-optimal response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). For CMYC, the trial is of particular interest through the centre’s role in blood sample collection, biobanking and biomarker analyses linked to the study. Led by Professor Bjørn Tore Gjertsen at the University of Bergen and Haukeland University Hospital, the trial will investigate the safety and feasibility of vididencel as an active immunotherapy in CML. The longer-term aim is to help more patients achieve treatment-free remission, reducing the need for lifelong TKI treatment.

Morten Yung Isaksen, co-investigator and senior consultant hematologist, says:

We are very excited about VITAL-CML, which offers an innovative treatment for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. Our ultimate goal is to offer personalized therapy so that more CML patients can achieve treatment-free remission.

As part of the study, blood samples collected from trial participants will support translational research activities at CMYC. These analyses may provide insight into immune responses and help identify biomarkers associated with treatment response.

Stein-Erik Gullaksen, a postdoctoral researcher affiliated with CMYC, says:

Through biomarker analyses of blood samples collected in the VITAL-CML trial, we hope to better understand how patients respond to vididencel at the molecular and immunological level. This may help identify biomarkers associated with treatment benefit and support the development of more precise treatment strategies for patients with CML.