Cancer cells differ from one another based on what genes have mutations. Precision cancer medicine utilizes molecular diagnostic testing, including DNA sequencing, to identify cancer growth driving abnormalities in a cancer’s genome that can be targeted with drugs and immunotherapies engineered to directly attack cancer cells with a specific genetic abnormality with the goal of leaving normal cells largely unharmed.
Bifunctional antibodies are one type of precision cancer medicine increasingly being developed. Bifunctional antibodies work by targeting two targets on the surface of a cancer cell. Both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF) are present in squamous cell cancers of the head and neck.
BCA101 is a first-in-class bifunctional EGFR antibody fused to a TGFβ immune modulating payload which is well tolerated and has clinical activity when administered as a single agent and in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in advanced solid tumors.
An early phase clinical trial has reported an overall response rate of 48% in patients treated with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) immunotherapy combined with BCA101 as a first line therapy. Response rates were highest in patients with HPV-negative disease; 65% compared to 18% for HPV positive patients.
Connect With Others for Support and information
Cancer Connect was the first social network created for people with head and neck cancer. Founded by oncologists to support cancer patients and their caregivers, over 40 million individuals have accessed Cancer Connect programs since 1997. Cancer Connect is used by leading cancer centers like Dana Farber, Roswell Park and The James at Ohio State to support their patients. Join the conversation, ask questions, share your experience, and learn how the best cancer centers are treating cancer from others. Share your experience, ask a question, or start a conversation by posting on Cancer Connect.
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