Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies
CXCR4 is an experimental monoclonal antibody therapy that targets the functional chemokine receptor, CXCR4.
Technology
The use of monoclonal antibodies to treat cancer is well established. Monoclonal antibodies specifically target proteins expressed on cancer cells, and this interaction can lead to the killing of cancer cells, or to blocking their ability to spread and set up metastatic sites. Sometimes the antibody is coupled to a toxin or radioactive compound to further enhance killing of the targeted cells.
Target: CXCR4
CXCR4 is a receptor protein for small molecules known as chemokines. CXCR4 is highly expressed on many cancer cell types, to the extent that more than 70% of all solid tumors, and most hematopoetic tumors are thought to be positive for CXCR4 expression. CXCR4 is involved in three functional aspects of cancer cells including cell division, migration to distant sites, and in setting up metastatic sites and thus the spread of cancer. These functional aspects make CXCR4 a particularly attractive target for cancer therapeutics.
Clinical Indications
Some of the indications in which CXCR4 can be used are breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, metastatic melanoma, and several forms of lymphoma and leukemia. All of these cancers show high levels of CXCR4 expression on 100% of tumors tested.
Development Stage
CXCR4 antibodies are in late stage preclinical development. Data suggesting the potential efficacy of CXCR4 were gathered in animal models by NWBT and others. Subsequent development may include humanization of selected antibodies and toxicity studies in preparation for Phase I clinical trials.
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