Antibody-drug conjugate targeting ALK could treat neuroblastoma

INDICATION: Neuroendocrine tumors

Cell and mouse studies identified an ALK-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that could help treat neuroblastoma. The ADC consists of an anti-ALK mAb linked to the generic chemotherapy drug thienoindole. In four human-derived neuroblastoma cell lines, the ADC decreased cell counts compared with thienoindole conjugated to a control IgG1. In xenograft mouse models of neuroblastoma expressing wild-type or mutant ALK, the ADC decreased tumor volume and increased survival compared with the anti-ALK mAb alone or no treatment. Next steps by Celldex Therapeutics Inc. could include testing the ADC in additional models of neuroblastoma...