Astellas Pharma Inc. presented the first preclinical data on ASP-1002, a bispecific antibody targeting claudin-4 (CLDN4) and CD137, for the treatment of patients with metastatic or locally advanced solid tumors.

Six main cell types form glioblastomas (GBM), the most aggressive brain cancer due to its high rate of recurrence. Of these six, quiescent cancer stem cells are responsible for resistance to therapy and the reappearance of the tumor, according to a study that identified the six groups and highlighted the importance of these stem cells for the design of more effective therapies.

Researchers from Zymeworks Inc. recently reported preclinical data for ZW-220, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) consisting of humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting sodium-dependent phosphate transport protein 2B (SLC34A2, NaPi2b) conjugated to a topoisomerase I inhibitor, being developed for the treatment of cancer.

KAT6 is a histone lysine acetyl transferase involved in the epigenetic regulation of oncogenes and it is often dysregulated in cancer, including breast cancer. Inhibiting KAT6 blocks the transcription of genes such as ESR1 and CCND1 and the use of KAT6 inhibitors together with endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy may enhance the effectiveness in cancer.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) combine monoclonal antibody-targeting capabilities with the cytotoxic effect of conjugated drug payloads. However, there is a need for enhanced strategies to overcome restricted therapeutic window or unacceptable off-target effects.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has launched its Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation, which seeks to build upon MD Anderson clinical and research expertise to advance impactful cell therapies.