Innovative IgE Antibody Therapy Shows Promise Against Resistant Cancers
North America, Friday, 14 March 2025.
A groundbreaking IgE-based antibody could revolutionize treatment for HER2-positive breast and ovarian cancers, targeting cases unresponsive to existing therapies.
Breakthrough in Cancer Immunotherapy
Researchers at King’s College London have developed a revolutionary approach using IgE antibodies that effectively reprogram the immune system to combat treatment-resistant cancers [1]. This groundbreaking therapy has demonstrated significant success in targeting HER2-positive tumors, which affect approximately 20% of breast and ovarian cancer patients [2]. The treatment works by transforming the tumor’s immune environment from an immunosuppressive state to an immunostimulatory one, showing particular promise in cases where conventional treatments have failed [1][2].
Mechanism of Action
The innovative IgE antibody therapy operates through a unique dual-action mechanism. According to Dr. Heather Bax, a postdoctoral research fellow at King’s College London, the treatment stimulates monocytes to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, which are crucial for destroying cancer cells [1]. This approach has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in laboratory studies, particularly in trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive tumor models using mice with humanized immune systems [1][3].
Clinical Development Timeline
The research community has expressed optimism about the therapy’s potential for human application. Scientists predict that with appropriate investment and development, IgE therapies could be available for clinical use within the next 3-5 years [2]. Professor Sophia Karagiannis, leading the research, has emphasized that consistent results across different tumor types show the human immune system’s robust response to IgE in restricting cancer growth [2][4].
Future Implications
As of March 2025, this breakthrough represents a significant advancement in cancer immunotherapy. The treatment’s ability to enhance immune cell infiltration while reducing immunosuppressive cells [1] positions it as a promising option for patients who have exhausted other treatment alternatives. Dr. Kotryna Temcinaite from Breast Cancer Now highlights this research as a crucial development for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who don’t respond to existing therapies [1][2].