Combination Antibody-Based Therapy Destroys Tumors in Mice - Monoclonal Antibodies

Combination Antibody-Based Therapy Destroys Tumors in Mice
2006
Nat Med
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) May 11 - Researchers have shown that combination therapy with monoclonal antibodies that trigger different antitumor activities can be an effective strategy, at least in mice.
The approach, developed by Dr. Kazuyoshi Takeda, from Juntendo University in Tokyo, and colleagues, involves the use of monoclonal antibodies that induce apoptosis through agonistic stimulation of the DR5 receptor, and two other monoclonal antibodies that activate two costimulatory molecules on CD8+ T cells.
In their study reported in the May 7th advance online issue of Nature Medicine, the researchers show how this combined antibody approach led to the rapid induction of tumor-specific CD8 cells that destroyed tumors in mice.
Combined antibody therapy was effective against primary fibrosarcomas, multiorgan metastases, and a tumor harboring cells resistant to DR5 antibodies alone. Moreover, the therapy appeared to be non-toxic and did not incite an autoimmune response.
Further analysis suggested that expression of interferon-gamma by the effector CD8+ T cells played a key role in antitumor effect.
Although the results are encouraging, "further studies must be undertaken to clarify tumor escape mechanisms, assess potential toxicities and autoimmunity and, ultimately, improve the efficacy of this combination antibody-based therapy," the researchers conclude.