Oncology

Backgrounds

Oncology is the branch of medicine that studies, treats, diagnoses, and prevents cancer. Cancer and neoplasia occur through complex molecular processes that are often associated with at least two signaling pathways. Therefore, the most effective therapeutic option is to block the trajectory of cancer cells by simultaneously targeting these signaling pathways.

Bispecific Antibodies (BsAbs) for Cancer Therapy

The primary applications of BsAbs are T-cell redirection, dual targeting of disease mediators, half-life prolongation, and transmembrane delivery. Tumor T-cell redirection is the most prominent application of BsAbs, accounting for approximately half of clinical staging BsAbs. BsAbs have become a major drug class in cancer treatment and are receiving increasing attention. By targeting two tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that are not necessarily tumor-specific in an individual, BsAb could theoretically improve tumor selectivity and minimize side effects on normal tissues. Most BsAbs are bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) designed to redirect and/or activate CD3-expressing cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) against specific tumor targets on malignant cells. In oncology, two dual antibodies have been approved for clinical use. The design of BsAbs in the field of oncology mainly focuses on two therapeutic approaches:

1. Aiming to utilize and awaken immune effector cells in the tumor microenvironment;

2. Targeting both receptors or ligands simultaneously, co-inhibits redundant signaling pathways.

Fig.1 Immune effector cells targeted by BsAbs.¹

Creative Biolabs provides a comprehensive range of BsAbs products and services for your oncology research project.

Reference

1. Del Bano, Joanie, et al. "Taking up cancer immunotherapy challenges: bispecific antibodies, the path forward?" Antibodies 5.1 (2016): 1.