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Anti-CD47 Immunotherapy Mechanism for Non-Hodgkinâs Lymphoma
According to a multi-center clinical trial led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine, a new type of immunotherapy seems to be safe for patients with blood cancer called .
The therapy combines experimental antibodies developed by researchers at Stanford University and commercially available anti-cancer antibodies to rituximab. It referred Hu5F9-G4 experimental protein antibody blockade of CD47 , of CD47 suppressed immune attack against cancer cells. The combination of two antibodies is used to treat people with two types of non-Hodgkinâs lymphoma: diffuse large B- cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.
In 2010 , researchers led by Irving Weissman , MD, director of the Stanford Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Institute, showed that almost all cells are covered with a protein called CD47 , which can play a â do nât eat me â Signal to macrophages.
Weissman and colleagues later developed an antibody called Hu5F9-G4 that blocks the CD47 protein and encourages macrophages to engulf cancer cells. Rituximab is an antibody that has been shown to amplify the positive â eat me â signal. The combination of rituximab and Hu5F-G4 has previously been shown to be effective against human cancer in animal models, but this is the first published result of of the therapy in humans.
Clinical Trial Efficacy and Safety Results
Of the 22 patients participating in the trial , 11 patients had significantly reduced clinical cancer, and 8 patients had eliminated all signs of cancer. The other three patients in the trial did not respond to treatment and died due to disease progression. The researchers observed that the participants had only minor side effects.
Dr. Saul A. Rosenberg , a lymphoma professor , said that such a potential new is very exciting. This is the first time that an antibody that can activate macrophages to fight cancer is used, and it seems to be safe for use in humans.
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About Alysha Mendossa
â Reviewed for medical accuracy by the CancerFax review panel.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified oncology specialist. Every patient's case is different. Treatment decisions should always be made after a review of complete medical records by the treating medical team.
Treatment availability, eligibility, timelines, and access can change. Any clinical trial participation depends on detailed review and approval by the trial hospital or investigator.