Breakthroughs in Bispecific Antibodies & T-Cell Engagers: A New Era in Cancer Treatment
Immunotherapy has proven its potential as an effective cancer treatment option, and we know it works. Now there is a surge in newer bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) and bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs), a specialized subtype of BsAbs, which may signal a new era in cancer treatment.
Bispecific antibodies have the unique ability to bind to two antigens simultaneously. This allows them to bridge different cell types, such as bringing immune cells into proximity with cancer cells, triggering the immune response against tumors to kill the cancer cells. Similarly, BiTEs are antibody-based structures engineered to engage T-cells and direct them to kill cancer cells.
These recent breakthroughs in bispecific antibody research and clinical applications have given our cancer experts more tools to fight cancer and offer renewed hope to patients.
Bispecific Antibodies and T-cell Engagers
Bispecific Antibodies can have diverse mechanisms depending on their targets. They may block multiple signaling pathways, recruit immune cells, or deliver cytotoxic agents directly to cancer cells. For example, one form of BsAbs attaches itself to a cancer cell and a T-cell, acting as the mediator to activate the T-cell’s response, killing the cancer cell. Another form can attack two different antigens on the same cancer cell. BsAbs can enhance immune cell recruitment, inhibit cancer cell signaling, and improve targeted delivery of therapies.
Bispecific T-cell Engagers connect T-cells to cancer cells to form an immunological synapse, leading to direct T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. This makes them highly effective in redirecting the body’s immune system to attack tumors. The efficacy of BiTEs in hematologic cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), highlights their potential in treating other cancers with similar mechanisms.
BsAbs and BiTEs have many clinical applications in oncology and beyond. The promising results in cancer treatment have led to further exploration of their use in solid tumors, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases.
Recent Breakthroughs
BsAbs and BiTEs are approved by the FDA and have expanded the treatment options for cancer patients. These landmark treatments allowed Moffitt to move the field forward from the standpoints of both clinical research and standard of care.
In May 2024, Moffitt became the first cancer center in the United States to treat a patient with small cell lung cancer using IMDELLTRA™ after serving as a participating site in phase 2 of the trial that accelerated approval. IMDELLTRA™ targets DLL3 on tumor cells and CD3 on T-cells, activating T-cells to attack DLL3-expressing cancer cells, which are prevalent in SCLC. Upon this activation, a cytolytic synapse occurs, destroying the cancer cell. The pivotal DeLLphi-301 study showed an impressive 40% objective response rate (ORR) and median overall survival (OS) of 14.3 months for patients treated with IMDELLTRA™.
Epcoritamab is a BiTE for patients with refractory or relapsed innovative BsAb binds to two different antigens simultaneously, allowing it to engage CD3 proteins on T-cells and CD20 on B-cells. By latching on this way, Epcoritamab brings T-cells into direct contact with cancer cells, allowing the immune system to destroy lymphoma cells with enhanced precision.
The Future of Bispecific Antibodies and T-Cell Engagers
The success of these therapies underscores the potential of bispecific antibodies and T-cell engagers in transforming cancer treatment. This therapy empowers the immune system’s natural defenses and may be more effective and produce longer-lasting patient benefits than other treatment options.
Moffitt is one of the leaders not just in using these innovative therapies, but we are also offering some of the most novel clinical trials and/or leading the development of some of these breakthrough therapies.
As research continues, these therapies are expected to be refined and expanded to treat a broader range of cancers and other diseases. While a handful of bispecific antibodies and T-cell engagers have already been FDA-approved, ongoing clinical trials are exploring their use in combination with other treatments, such as checkpoint inhibitors and traditional chemotherapy, to enhance their efficacy and overcome resistance.
If you’d like to refer a patient to Moffitt for treatment, complete our online form or contact a physician liaison for assistance. As part of our efforts to shorten referral times as much as possible, online referrals are typically responded to within 24 - 48 hours.
