Monoclonal antibodies against cancer stem cells

In September of this year, researchers at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) began conducting a phase I clinical trial of an innovative approach to the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the most common malignant disease of the blood system in adults. The experimental method consists in using a preparation of monoclonal antibodies specific to the antigen expressed by cancer stem cells.

The drug developed by the group of Dr. Thomas Kipps (Thomas Kipps), called cirmtuzumab, selectively interacts with the ROR1 molecule (type I receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor, a rare tyrosine kinase-like receptor type 1), which under normal conditions is expressed only by embryonic stem cells in the early stages of the body's development. However, some malignant cells also express this receptor on their surface, which contributes to their growth, division and spread throughout the body (metastasis). The researchers hope that with the help of a new drug they will be able to suppress the progression of the disease by destroying the underlying cancer stem cells.

The study will involve patients with recurrent or treatment-resistant forms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia who will receive intravenous injections of cirmtuzumab every 14 days. Evaluation of the effectiveness of therapy, as well as the identification and elimination of possible undesirable side effects will be carried out as part of monitoring the condition of patients and their regular visits to the clinic. The estimated duration of the first phase of treatment will be 2 months.

Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on UCSD Health Sciences: Promise Put to the Test.

22.10.2014