Researchers from Umeå University and partner institutions have developed an experimental anti-cancer drug that may be able to slow tumor growth and prevent the spread of aggressive prostate cancer. Their findings were published in the scientific journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.
“This new drug was developed to prevent metastasis, and we are very happy and proud to have identified the mechanisms that promote cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastatic spread,” said Marlene Lundström, professor of pathology at Umeå University’s Faculty of Medical and Biosciences, who led the study.
Targeting advanced prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men. Most prostate tumors grow slowly and are not life-threatening. However, in some patients, the disease progresses and spreads beyond the prostate, most often to the lymph nodes and bones.
To combat this dangerous form of the disease, a research team led by Lundstrom created a fully human antibody. This antibody is made entirely from human proteins and has properties that make it suitable for development as a therapeutic agent.
In preclinical studies, this antibody blocked both tumor growth and metastatic spread in aggressive prostate cancer. Because it works through a newly identified mechanism, researchers suggest that the risk of side effects may also be low.
A step towards new treatment
The results show that the antibody worked as the researchers intended. This is an important milestone in the long process of turning experimental treatments into medicines that can ultimately be used by patients.
“While this is a promising step forward, there are several important steps remaining before this therapy can benefit patients. We still need to conduct additional safety studies and the therapy needs to be approved by regulatory authorities in Europe or the United States,” said Marlene Lundström.
The broad goal of this project is to improve survival prospects and quality of life for men with advanced prostate cancer. This research has been ongoing for several years, and Lundstrom says the progress reflects the collaborative efforts of many researchers, organizations, and funding partners.
The collaboration behind antibodies
Drug discovery experts from the SciLifeLab drug discovery and development platform played a key role in the project. Their expertise contributed to the creation of antibodies used in the study.
The Umeå Biotechnology Incubator at Umeå University also supported the research. Funding from the Umeå-based biotechnology company MetaCurUm Biotech AB was essential for the development and testing of the treatment.
Testing drugs on other tumors
The researchers now plan to examine whether the same treatment strategy is effective for other solid tumors.
“The next step is to investigate whether this treatment can also be used for other types of solid tumors. We hope that our research will ultimately contribute to the development of new anti-cancer drugs that will benefit patients,” says Marlene Lundström.
This study was supported by funding from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW), the Erling Persson Foundation, the Kempe Foundation, the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Cancer Society, the ALF Foundation, the Swedish Prostate Cancer Federation, the Northern Swedish Cancer Research Foundation, and the Faculty of Medicine of Umeå University.
