Experimental Drug Eliminates Aggressive Pancreatic Tumors in Mice, Enhances Immune Memory
Preclinical findings from an international research study, co-authored by Dr. John J. Letterio of University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, reveal an experimental drug's significant impact on aggressive pancreatic tumors. The drug, FEBP-sTβRII, eliminated 75% of aggressive pancreatic tumors in mouse models and enhanced immune system memory to combat other cancers. Many solid tumors, including pancreatic, breast, colon, and lung cancers, create a dense, scar-like tissue barrier that prevents immune system T cells from attacking. This barrier is largely due to a signaling molecule called TGF-β, which promotes fibrous tissue growth and suppresses immune cells. Previous attempts to block TGF-β systemically have been unsuccessful due to toxicity at effective doses. This new drug is engineered with a tag that specifically targets a form of fibronectin abundant in tumors but rare in healthy tissue, allowing it to concentrate in the tumor and break down this protective barrier from within. Once th...
