ImmunityBio (NASDAQ:IBRX) reported updated Phase 2 clinical results for its novel immunotherapy combination in patients with recurrent glioblastoma, suggesting the treatment may overcome the "immune collapse" that typically follows standard cancer therapies.
The Culver City-based company announced on Friday that in its QUILT-3.078 study, 19 out of 23 enrolled patients with recurrent or progressive glioblastoma (GBM) remain alive as of January 22, 2026.
Crucially, the median overall survival (mOS) has not yet been reached—a significant early indicator in a disease where the historical benchmark for recurrence is just six to nine months.
The study evaluates a chemotherapy-free "backbone" consisting of ANKTIVA (an IL-15 agonist), PD-L1-targeted CAR-NK cells, and bevacizumab.
The data highlights a potential "paradigm change" in treating GBM by addressing lymphopenia, a condition where standard radiation and chemotherapy deplete a patient's white blood cells, effectively crippling their immune system.
Patients entering the study had a mean absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) of approximately 900 cells per µL, signaling severe immune compromise.
However, after starting the ImmunityBio regimen, researchers observed a statistically significant recovery of these vital immune cells without the use of further chemotherapy.
"Observing ongoing treatment durability and survival beyond historical expectations in some patients represents a fundamental advance," said Dr. Simon Khagi, Medical Director of Neuro-Oncology at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute.
Meanwhile, the safety profile of the experimental therapy remains "manageable," according to the company.
While three serious adverse events were suspected to be related to the treatment, there were no reported cases of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurotoxicity (ICANS)—side effects that have historically plagued other cellular therapies.
The results come as ImmunityBio moves to expand the utility of its recently approved ANKTIVA platform beyond bladder cancer.
The company’s focus on "restoring immune competence" is part of a broader strategy led by founder Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to position immunotherapy as a viable alternative to toxic chemotherapy regimens in aggressive solid tumors.
Dr. Khagi is scheduled to present the full findings, including a deep dive into the "Bioshield" regimen, at the Stand Up to Cancer Glioblastoma Innovation Scientific Summit in Pasadena on January 31, 2026.