Xenetic Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: XBIO) presented preclinical data at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting showing that DNase I enhances CAR-T cell function in hematologic cancer models.

The poster presentation, titled "Targeting cfDNA and NETs with DNase I Augments CAR T-Cell Function and Antitumor Efficacy," was presented on June 1, 2026, by Alexey V. Stepanov, PhD.

According to the company's findings, DNase I degraded extracellular DNA and preserved CAR-T cell function in laboratory studies. The treatment improved CD8-positive T cell ratios and reduced expression of exhaustion markers including PD-1, LAG-3 and TIM-3 across multiple rounds of tumor rechallenge in laboratory tests.

In animal studies using NALM-6 B cell leukemia and Raji Burkitt lymphoma models, DNase I enhanced CAR-T cell expansion and persistence following infusion. The combination therapy resulted in improved tumor control, delayed relapse upon rechallenge and prolonged survival compared to CAR-T cell therapy alone.

The presentation included observations from a pediatric patient with refractory Burkitt lymphoma, where DNase I co-administration was associated with CAR-T cell expansion and reduction in tumor burden following prior CAR-T cell failure.

"These findings continue to strengthen the growing body of evidence implicating extracellular DNA and NETs as important contributors to immune suppression and therapeutic resistance in cancer," said James Parslow, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Xenetic Biosciences.

Xenetic Biosciences is developing DNase technology designed to improve outcomes of existing treatments by targeting neutrophil extracellular traps involved in cancer progression. The company is advancing its systemic DNase program as an adjunctive therapy for pancreatic carcinoma and locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors.