Peri-lymphatic cytokines (IRX-2) as immunologic induction preceding neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer.

Publication Title

NPJ Breast Cancer

Authors

• Alan Su, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Erin C Hong, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Nicole Moxon, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Staci L Mellinger, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Tracy Kelly, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Alison K Conlin, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Zheng Zhu Topp, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Philippa H Newell, Integrated Therapies Laboratory, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon.Follow
• Nicole E. Fredich, Providence Portland medical CenterFollow
• Kristen P Massimino, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Yaping Wu, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Maritza Martel, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• William L Redmond, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Shaghayegh Aliabadi-Wahle, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Zhaoyu Sun, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• James Imatani, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Sasha Stanton, ProvidenceFollow
• Douglas A Hanes, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Michael Simanonok, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Wesley Rosales, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USAFollow
• Tyler J Nielsen
• David B Page

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-17-2026

Keywords

oregon; chiles; portland

Abstract

We previously showed the feasibility and immunologic effects of multivalent peri-lymphatic cytokine injection (IRX-2) in early-stage breast cancer. We now report outcomes of a pilot evaluation of IRX-2 + pembrolizumab induction preceding neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Single-cycle induction was associated with radiographic tumor regression, tumor necrosis, immune infiltration, and high pathologic complete response rate following platinum-sparing chemo-immunotherapy. Further investigation of peri-lymphatic cytokines in TNBC is warranted.

Area of Special Interest

Cancer

Area of Special Interest

Women & Children

Specialty/Research Institute

Earle A. Chiles Research Institute

Specialty/Research Institute

Oncology

DOI

10.1038/s41523-026-00925-0