Monoclonal Antibody Kills Prostate Cancer Cells

In laboratory studies, a human monoclonal antibody that targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) killed PSMA-expressing cells, while sparing normal cells. The results were presented at the Ninth Annual CaPCURE Scientific Retreat in Washington, DC (USA).

In these and prior studies, the antibody has exhibited good therapeutic properties. It reacts specifically with the three-dimensional structure of PSMA as it appears on the exterior of prostate cancer cells. The antibody also retains the ability to bind to PSMA with high affinity when linked to toxins or radioisotopes. This antibody was developed by Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Tarrytown, NY, USA) and Cytogen Corp. (Princeton, NJ, USA).

Fully human high-affinity monoclonal antibodies were originally developed in a collaboration with Abgenix, using the company's XenoMouse technology. To increase their killing capacity, Progenics and Cytogen linked the antibody to a toxin molecule or a radioactive isotope. In both cases, the modified antibodies not only retained the ability to efficiently bind to the cell surface of PSMA-expressing cells but were also internalized, thereby directing their lethal payloads within individual malignant cells.

"Our next steps include selecting the optimal toxin and radioactive payloads in parallel with producing clinical-grade antibody,” said William C. Olson, Ph.D., vice president, research and development, at Progenics. Progenics and Cytogen have formed a joint venture called the PSMA Development Company to commercialize the antibodies.




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