The LK101 vaccine combined with tislelizumab showed disease control in 95.2% of evaluable patients in an early-stage study of maintenance treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Researchers presented the results on October 24, 2026, at the ESMO Congress in Madrid.

Key Takeaways

  • Four of 21 efficacy-evaluable patients had a confirmed partial response after vaccination.
  • A randomized, multicenter Phase 2 study of the combination has begun.

LK101 vaccine study results

The investigator-led Phase 1b/2a study enrolled patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer whose disease had been controlled by platinum-doublet chemotherapy and an anti-PD-1 antibody. Patients had no actionable driver alterations and had PD-L1 expression of at least 1%.

As of March 31, 2026, 26 patients had enrolled and 25 had received LK101. Among 21 patients evaluable for efficacy, investigators reported a 19.0% response rate and a 95.2% disease control rate after vaccine administration. Some patients experienced further tumor shrinkage during maintenance.

The disease control result reflects a small group selected after their disease was already controlled by initial treatment. Clinical benefit requires further validation.

Follow-up and safety

Measured from the start of first-line therapy, median follow-up was 9.5 months and median progression-free survival had not been reached. Progression-free survival rates were 85.4% at nine months and 70.4% at 12 months.

Most adverse events related to LK101 were grade 1 or 2, and investigators considered the safety profile manageable. Exploratory immune analyses showed increased neoantigen-specific T-cell responses after treatment.

How the treatment is being studied

LK101, supplied by Likang Life Sciences, uses a patient’s own dendritic cells with mRNA encoding up to 30 patient-specific tumor neoantigens. The study combined it with tislelizumab as first-line maintenance therapy; eligible patients with non-squamous disease could also receive pemetrexed maintenance.

A multicenter randomized controlled Phase 2 study has been initiated to evaluate the combination’s efficacy and safety in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Read More News

More FinanceVelix news

Disclaimer

This FinanceVelix article provides general information, not personalized financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Market prices, interest rates and economic conditions can change; investments carry a risk of loss. Facts reflect the material available when published and may change. Check important information independently and consult a qualified professional when needed. Mentioning an asset, company, or service is not an endorsement.