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Published on: March 6, 2018
Antibody therapeutics for treating prostate cancer: where are we now and what comes next?
Panagiotis J Vlachostergios1, Giuseppe Galletti1,2, Jessica Palmer1
1a Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Weill Cornell Medicine , New York , NY , USA.
Introduction:
Progress in the understanding of molecular events of carcinogenesis and cancer evolution as well as the identification of tumor antigens has led to the development of different targeted therapeutic approaches, including the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Prostate cancer (PC) is highly amenable to mAb targeting given the existence of prostate-specific targets and the natural history and localization of metastatic disease. Areas covered: Several aspects of the PC phenotype, including growth factors, angiogenesis mediators, bone microenvironment signals, and immune evasion pathways, have become areas of ongoing investigation in terms of mAb targeting. These are reviewed. The greatest success so far has been the development of mAbs against prostate-specific tumor antigen (PSMA), which opened an opportunity to improve diagnostic accuracy and simultaneously target metastatic disease. Expert opinion: As mAb use in PC continues to evolve, more accurate imaging of the extent of disease and more effective mAb therapies (naked or conjugated with drugs, toxins or radioactive molecules) are emerging. In addition, the combination of mAbs with other treatment modalities is expected to further improve responses and overall survival. Identification of validated biomarkers is necessary for better recognition of patient subgroups who will derive the greatest benefit from mAb therapy.
Insights
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) show promise for prostate cancer (PC) treatment by targeting tumor antigens like prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Further research aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy through advanced mAb therapies and biomarker identification.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Advancements in understanding cancer molecular events and tumor antigens have spurred targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
- Prostate cancer (PC) presents unique opportunities for mAb targeting due to specific antigens and disease characteristics.
- Investigated PC targets include growth factors, angiogenesis mediators, bone microenvironment signals, and immune evasion pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting strategies for prostate cancer (PC).
- To highlight the significance of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in PC diagnostics and therapeutics.
- To discuss future directions in mAb therapy for PC, including combinations and personalized approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on mAb development and application in prostate cancer.
- Analysis of current research on PC-specific targets and their therapeutic potential.
- Synthesis of expert opinion on the evolution of mAb therapies in PC.
Main Results:
- Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting prostate-specific tumor antigen (PSMA) have shown success in improving diagnostic accuracy and targeting metastatic disease.
- Several PC phenotypes, including growth factors and immune evasion pathways, are under investigation for mAb targeting.
- Emerging mAb therapies include advanced imaging, naked or conjugated antibodies, and combination treatments.
Conclusions:
- Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy is a rapidly evolving field in prostate cancer (PC) treatment.
- Future advancements include more accurate disease imaging and enhanced mAb efficacy through conjugation and combination therapies.
- Identification of predictive biomarkers is crucial for optimizing patient selection and treatment outcomes in PC mAb therapy.
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