A groundbreaking antibody has been developed to combat treatment-resistant breast cancers, providing new hope for patients facing aggressive forms of the disease, according to scientists. Researchers at King’s College London have created a unique antibody that not only directly targets tumor cells but also leverages the body’s immune defenses.
This innovative “triple-engineered antibody” designed by the Breast Cancer Now Research Unit at King’s College London attaches to cancer cells while attracting immune cells. Through experiments and animal models detailed in the journal Cancer Research, it was found that this modified antibody enhances the binding of immune cells compared to current treatments, prompting the immune system to attack and restrain tumor growth in triple-negative and treatment-resistant breast cancers.
Dr. Alicia Chenoweth, the lead author of the study, highlighted that the modified antibody activates the immune system more effectively than traditional antibodies used in breast cancer treatment. By shifting immune cells to an activated state, the antibody demonstrates potential in treating cancers that are resistant to standard therapies, such as triple-negative breast cancer.
Professor Sophia Karagiannis, the study leader, emphasized that the antibody’s innovative design could revolutionize cancer treatment by stimulating the immune system directly, especially in addressing the challenges posed by treatment-resistant cancers like triple-negative breast cancer. This subtype of breast cancer, accounting for 15% of cases, presents unique treatment difficulties due to the absence of specific hormone receptors and proteins targeted by conventional therapies.
The research findings offer promise for the over 8,000 women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer annually in the UK. Dr. Simon Vincent, Chief Scientific Officer at Breast Cancer Now, acknowledged the urgent need for new treatment options for this aggressive form of breast cancer, particularly affecting younger and Black women. The ongoing research at King’s College aims to advance immune-active antibodies for clinical trials, with a focus on optimizing therapy efficacy and expanding its applicability to other cancers like ovarian and endometrial cancers.