Immunotherapy for the treatment of colorectal tumors: focus on approved and in-clinical-trial monoclonal antibodies

• Grant number: 16/19321-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Scientific article
• Start date: November 01, 2016
• End date: April 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Applied Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Patricia Ucelli Simioni
• Grantee: Patricia Ucelli Simioni
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is considered a disease of the elderly population. Since the number of geriatric patients continues to rise, monoclonal antibody therapy is the most promising in recent research. Presently, the monoclonal antibodies most frequently used in the treatment of colorectal tumors are bevacizumab, cetuximab, panitumumab and ramucirumab. Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that acts on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Cetuximab and panitumumab act on endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR). Ramucirumab binds directly to the ligand-binding pocket of VEGF receptor 2 to block the binding of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D. These monoclonal antibodies, alone or associated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, are presenting good results and are increasing patient survival, despite the side effects. Due to the limited number of molecules available, several studies are trying to develop new monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of colorectal tumors. Among those being studied, some recent molecules are in phase I and/or II trials and are yielding advantageous results, such as anti-DR5, anti-Fn14, anti-IGF-R1, anti-EGFR, anti-NRP1 and anti-A33 antibodies. This has been successful in reducing side effects and to treat non-responsive patients. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

FRANCOSO, ALEX; SIMIONI, PATRICIA UCELLI. Immunotherapy for the treatment of colorectal tumors: focus on approved and in-clinical-trial monoclonal antibodies. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY, v. 11, p. 177-184, 2017. (13/20258-2, 16/19321-0)