Cancer

Mouse studies suggest combinations of bispecific small molecules targeting fluorescein and CAIX, PSMA or FOLR1 plus anti-fluorescein CAR T cells could help treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The bispecific adapter molecules consist of low molecular weight, small molecule ligands of CAIX, PSMA or FOLR1 linked to fluorescein. In mouse models of TNBC expressing CAIX, PSMA or FOLR1, bispecific adapter molecules based on the respective ligands plus anti-fluorescein CAR T cells decreased tumor growth compared with any agent alone. In a mouse model of TNBC expressing CAIX and PSMA, the CAR T cells plus a combination of anti-CAIX and anti-PSMA adapter molecules decreased tumor growth compared with the CAR T cells plus either of the adapter molecules. Next steps could include testing bispecific adapter molecules targeting other tumor antigens in animal models of TNBC.

ABX GmbH, Endocyte Inc. and RadioMedix Inc. have 177Lu-PSMA-617, a PSMA-directed radioligand therapy, in Phase III testing for prostate cancer...