Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
Tracking Bispecific Antibody-Induced T Cell Trafficking Using Luciferase-Transduced Human T Cells
Published on: May 12, 2023
Bispecific antibodies for the treatment of breast cancer
Patrick M Dillon1, Jogender Tushir-Singh2, Lawrence G Lum1
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA, USA.
Introduction:
There are more than two dozen bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) in development with a variety of designs which are relevant to breast cancer. The field of BsAbs for breast cancer includes agents that co-direct immune recognition of the cancer cell, target unique cancer antigens, and target the microenvironment. BsAbs are being developed for use as antibody-drug conjugates and as homing signals for engineered T-cells.
Areas Covered:
This review covers potential targets for bispecific antibodies, agents in pre-clinical development, agents in clinical trials, combinatorial therapies, and future directions.
Expert Opinion:
There is no BsAb approval expected for breast cancer in the near term, but late-stage trials are underway. Future BsAb roles in breast cancer are possible given unmet needs in estrogen receptor+ disease, residual disease, and de-escalating chemotherapy use. The HER2+ space shows hints of success for BsAbs, but is already crowded. Areas of unmet need still exist.
Insights
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) show promise for breast cancer treatment by targeting cancer cells and the microenvironment. While no BsAb is approved yet, ongoing trials explore their potential in various breast cancer subtypes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Antibody Engineering
Background:
- Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) represent a novel therapeutic strategy in oncology.
- Over two dozen BsAbs are in development for breast cancer, employing diverse designs.
- These agents aim to co-direct immune recognition, target unique cancer antigens, or modulate the tumor microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the landscape of bispecific antibodies for breast cancer.
- To cover potential targets, preclinical and clinical agents, combinatorial therapies, and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of bispecific antibody development in breast cancer.
- Analysis of preclinical data and ongoing clinical trials.
- Evaluation of emerging therapeutic strategies and unmet needs.
Main Results:
- BsAbs are being developed as antibody-drug conjugates and for engineered T-cell therapies.
- While no BsAb approval is imminent, late-stage trials are progressing.
- The HER2+ breast cancer space shows potential but is competitive; unmet needs persist in other subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Bispecific antibodies hold future promise for breast cancer, particularly in estrogen receptor-positive disease and residual disease settings.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to realize the full potential of BsAbs in de-escalating chemotherapy and addressing current treatment gaps.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...