Scientists Develop Antibody That May Block the Spread of Prostate Cancer

Researchers have developed a new anticancer antibody that can simultaneously suppress tumor growth and prevent the spread of aggressive prostate cancer, according to a study by scientists at Umeå University and international collaborators. The findings were published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men. In most cases, the disease progresses slowly and does not pose an immediate threat to life.

However, in a subset of patients, the cancer becomes highly aggressive, spreading to other parts of the body—most commonly the lymph nodes and bones.

The researchers developed a fully human monoclonal antibody, meaning the therapeutic molecule is composed entirely of human proteins. This design makes it potentially more suitable for clinical use by reducing the likelihood of unwanted immune reactions.

In preclinical studies using models of aggressive prostate cancer, the antibody successfully inhibited both primary tumor growth and the formation of metastases.

The new treatment is based on a previously unknown mechanism of action. According to the researchers, the way the antibody works could potentially result in fewer side effects than some currently available therapies.

The team reported that the experimental treatment performed exactly as intended in preclinical testing, representing an important milestone toward the development of a new therapeutic option for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Nevertheless, several steps remain before the treatment can be tested in or approved for humans. Additional safety studies are required, followed by evaluation by regulatory authorities in Europe or the United States before clinical use can begin.

The primary goal of the project was to improve both the prognosis and quality of life of men with advanced prostate cancer. The research, conducted over several years, involved collaboration among numerous scientists and institutions.

A key contribution came from experts at the SciLifeLab Drug Discovery and Development Platform, who played a central role in developing the antibody that forms the basis of the new therapy.

The researchers are now planning to investigate whether the same therapeutic strategy could also be effective against other solid tumors. They hope their work will ultimately lead to a new anticancer treatment capable of benefiting a broader range of patients.

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