As we know, ovarian and pancreatic cancer are very difficult to treat because by the time they are diagnosed, they are often late stage.
Houston Methodist and MD Anderson have filed a joint patent for a new monoclonal antibody. (Monoclonal antibodies are cloned from a single parent cell and can mimic a variety of immune functions in cancer treatment.)
MFAP5, a protein secreted in high levels in both these cancers, is a marker of poorer survival rates. Researchers have developed a monoclonal antibody that blocks MFAP5 found in the areas surrounding the tumor cells that feed and support the tumor. Blocking MFAP5 effectively starves the tumor since MFAP5 is associated with sustaining the tumor with nutrients. Without this, these cells are more sensitive to chemo. Phase 1 clinical trials will hopefully start in 2020.
You can read more about this by following this link.
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