Kyoto University and BostonGene partner on AI-supported cancer trial

Study focuses on advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Kyoto University has partnered with BostonGene on a multicentre Phase II clinical trial evaluating a combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for advanced gastrointestinal cancers.

The investigator-initiated trial is being led by Dr. Manabu Muto of Kyoto University and is financially supported by Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd.

Under the partnership, BostonGene will use its AI-driven multimodal analytics platform to integrate genomic, transcriptomic, immune and clinical data generated during the study.

The analysis aims to identify molecular signatures and immune-response patterns associated with treatment response and resistance, establishing a framework for future patient stratification and combination therapy development.

Muto said the study aims to enhance anti-tumour responses in patients with limited treatment options by combining PDT with ICIs. “Applying BostonGene’s AI-driven molecular and immune system profiling capabilities allows us to better characterise the tumor microenvironment and identify the biological features associated with durable clinical benefit.”

Yukimasa Shiotsu, president of BostonGene Japan, said integrating AI-driven multiomics analysis into clinical development is important for advancing next-generation oncology therapeutics. “This partnership allows us to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying response to ICI and PDT combination therapy and identify the patient populations most likely to benefit from these approaches.”

The findings are expected to support future clinical trial design, biomarker-driven patient selection and the development of combination immunotherapy approaches.