Bio-Techne, Nucleai present data from SECOMBIT clinical trial

Bio-Techne (TECH) and Nucleai announced the presentation of pivotal data from the SECOMBIT clinical trial at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer 2025 Annual Meeting. The study, conducted in collaboration with Professor Paolo Ascierto, Full Professor of Oncology at the University of Napoli Federico II and Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, showcases the significance of spatial biology in translational research by combining, for the first time, an immuno-oncology multiplex immunofluorescence panel with advanced AI-driven multimodal biomarker analysis. Using the COMET platform and a 28-plex mIF panel, researchers profiled 42 pre-treatment biopsies from patients with metastatic melanoma. Nucleai’s multimodal spatial operating system integrated high-plex imaging, histopathology, and clinical outcome data to identify distinct immune cell interactions that correlate with progression-free survival, overall survival, and clinical benefit across three treatment arms incorporating Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Arm A: Immune activation markers such as PD-L1+ CD8 T-cells and ICOS+ CD4 T-cells are linked to better outcomes. Arm B: PD-1+ CD8 T-cells in the tumor invasive margin and their interactions with PD-L1+ CD4 T-cells correlated with improved survival. Arm C: APC-T-cell interactions in tumor margins associated with better outcomes; macrophage interactions in outer tumor microenvironment indicated poorer prognosis. The study shows that where immune cells are located and how they interact within the tumor matters significantly for treatment success. By using AI and spatial biology to map these immune niches, researchers can better predict which patients will benefit from specific therapies moving toward more personalized and effective cancer treatment.