Single antibody found to treat 7 different types of cancer

Published October 27, 2015

A single antibody was found to either shrink or eradicate 7 types of human tumors that were transplanted into laboratory mice, according to a study out of the Stanford University School of Medicine.

The cancers tested included breast, ovarian, colon, bladder, brain, liver and prostate cancer.

According to the study, this is the first antibody therapy that has been successful in treating such a diverse group of human tumors. The treatment works by inhibiting a specific cancer protein flag responsible for protecting cancer cells from the immune system.

The investigators of the research said that they are anxious to begin human clinical trials within the next two years.

“This shows conclusively that this protein, CD47, is a legitimate and promising target for human cancer therapy,” said Dr. Irving Weissman, the director of Stanford’s Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, in a press release.

Click here to learn more about this study from the Stanford University School of Medicine.