Breakthrough in translational cancer research: Scientists from the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen and the DKTK have made a decisive contribution to the development of an innovative therapy that can for the first time specifically overcome the protective layer of aggressive tumors. The central starting point is the protein LRRC15, which is highly pronounced in tumor tissue and has so far been considered a barrier to immune defense and therapies.

The research team developed the tailor-made antibody DUNP19, which selectively recognizes and binds LRRC15. In combination with radioactive isotopes, DUNP19 enables not only the highly specific localization of tumor cells in the body, but also their targeted irradiation. Study results show that this radio-theranostic procedure can sustainably slow down the growth of LRRC15-positive tumors. In addition, when combined with established immunotherapies, the effect against previously resistant tumors could be significantly improved. The irradiation led to the elimination of tumor-promoting mechanisms in the microenvironment and opened the way for an activated immune response.

The new therapeutic approach proved to be well tolerated in preclinical models. The expert group sees this as an opportunity to offer patients with cancers that were previously difficult to treat new treatment options. The dual approach is particularly noteworthy: diagnosis and therapy can be carried out in a single step, which reduces time and stress for those affected. The publication in the journal “Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy” explicitly emphasizes the potential for image-guided diagnosis, targeted destruction and molecular reprogramming of resistant tumors.

Original Paper

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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