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An immunotherapeutic intervention against tumor progression: Targeting a driver of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal

Claudia Palena1, Romaine I Fernando1, Duane H Hamilton1

  • 1Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology; Center for Cancer Research; National Cancer Institute; National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD USA.

Oncoimmunology
|February 28, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Targeting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with immunotherapy shows promise against cancer progression and treatment resistance. A new approach targets the brachyury protein, a key EMT driver, and is now in a Phase I clinical trial.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) drives tumor progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance in carcinomas.
  • Brachyury (T-box transcription factor T) is a major regulator of EMT.
  • Targeting EMT is a promising strategy for novel cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate an immunotherapeutic approach targeting brachyury.
  • To assess the potential of targeting brachyury as an intervention against advanced carcinomas.

Main Methods:

  • Development of an immunotherapeutic strategy targeting the brachyury transcription factor.
  • Clinical evaluation in a Phase I trial for patients with advanced carcinomas.

Main Results:

  • An immunotherapeutic approach targeting brachyury has been successfully developed.
  • The therapeutic paradigm is currently under investigation in a Phase I clinical trial.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting brachyury represents a novel immunotherapeutic strategy for combating cancer.
  • This approach holds potential for treating advanced carcinomas and overcoming treatment resistance.
Keywords:
EMTanticancer vaccinesbrachyurymetastasistherapeutic resistance

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