MABp1 for the treatment of colorectal cancer

Inflammation is an established process in colorectal cancer development and a hallmark of progression, and pro-inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the morbidity and functional compromise associated with malignancy. MABp1, described as a first-in-class true human antibody against interleukin-1α, has undergone clinical trial evaluation in a number of indications, recently completing late phase clinical trial testing under Fast Track designation for cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome in colorectal cancer patients. To date, MABp1 has been evaluated as a novel therapeutic strategy to ameliorate phenotypic factors associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients. Areas covered: In this review, the authors discuss the clinical trial data available to date for this antibody in colorectal cancer, including novel clinical trial endpoints utilized to evaluate sarcopenia and inflammation, as well as the proposed role of interleukin-1α antagonism in leading to improved patient outcomes. Expert opinion: There is a multitude of antibodies in therapeutic development in oncology, and MABp1 is a novel class of antibody which has been safely tolerated to date. Clinical studies of this agent suggest a significant improvement in lean body mass, though additional results evaluating the impact of targeting inflammation as a strategy to delay disease progression in this population are awaited.