Breakthrough Cancer Therapy Shows Tumour Shrinkage in Lung Cancer Trials

A new cancer treatment combining M-ceNK cells with ANKTIVA has shown promising results in reducing tumour growth. Tests on small-cell lung cancer models revealed significant shrinkage after the therapy. Meanwhile, ANKTIVA's global reach has expanded, with approvals now spanning 33 countries across four major jurisdictions.

The drug's revenue surged in 2025, reflecting its growing use in oncology. Recent trials also confirmed the safety of this approach in patients with hard-to-treat cancers.

ImmunityBio's latest research highlights the effectiveness of M-ceNK cells when paired with ANKTIVA. In two xenograft models of small-cell lung cancer, the combination led to statistically significant reductions in tumour volume. This progress comes as ANKTIVA gains broader approval, including a conditional green light from China's SFDA for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

The therapy's potential extends to neuroendocrine tumours, 62 percent of which lack MHC class I expression. This deficiency makes them resistant to traditional T cell-based immunotherapies but susceptible to NK cell attacks. Notably, NK cells taken from cancer patients proved just as effective as those from healthy donors, even against treatment-resistant tumour lines. Safety data from the Phase I QUILT-3.076 trial further supports the approach. Ten patients with recurrent or refractory tumours received 23 doses of processed M-ceNK cells without serious side effects. The company's production platform also achieved a breakthrough, generating up to five billion NK cells from a single leukapheresis procedure—enough for eight to ten doses in about twelve days. ANKTIVA's financial performance has mirrored its clinical success. Net product revenue hit $113 million in 2025, marking a roughly 700 percent increase from the prior year. Regulatory momentum continues as well, with ImmunityBio submitting a supplemental Biologics License Application to the FDA for ANKTIVA combined with BCG in bladder cancer cases unresponsive to BCG alone. Approvals now cover key markets, including the US, UK, EU, and Saudi Arabia. The EU's approval includes all 27 member states plus Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, solidifying ANKTIVA's position as a widely accessible treatment option.

The combination of M-ceNK cells and ANKTIVA has demonstrated both clinical and commercial progress. With expanded approvals, strong revenue growth, and validated production methods, the therapy offers a new option for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. Further regulatory reviews and ongoing trials will determine its long-term role in oncology.