Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center have developed a humanized antibody that neutralizes a key protein driving tumor growth and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer.
CHARLESTON, S.C. - In a significant development for oncology researchers and patients, scientists at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Hollings Cancer Center have identified a novel antibody capable of halting the growth and spread of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in preclinical models. The study, released this week, targets a specific protein known as secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2), which researchers have identified as a "cancer enabler" that fuels tumor survival and suppresses the immune system.
Triple-negative breast cancer remains one of the most challenging forms of the disease to treat due to its lack of specific receptors. This new discovery marks a potential pivot toward highly targeted biological therapies for a patient population that has historically relied heavily on chemotherapy. The findings set the stage for further investigation into whether this humanized monoclonal antibody can translate its preclinical success into human treatments.
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The research team, led by surgical resident Lillian Hsu, M.D., and former resident Julie Siegel, M.D., focused on the mechanics of the SFRP2 protein. According to reports from the study, this protein plays a multi-faceted role in tumor progression. It supports the formation of new blood vessels-a process known as angiogenesis-which feeds the tumor, while simultaneously blocking cell death and weakening immune cells that would otherwise attack the cancer.
To counteract this, the team developed a humanized monoclonal antibody (hSFRP2 mAb) designed to attach to SFRP2 and inhibit its function. In tests involving mice and human triple-negative breast tumors, the antibody successfully suppressed primary tumor growth and prevented metastasis.
"This preclinical study focused on a protein called secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2), which acts as a cancer enabler - fueling tumor growth by supporting new blood vessels, blocking cell death and weakening immune cells that should attack the cancer," stated the report from MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.
Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for approximately 15% to 20% of all breast cancer cases. It is defined by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Because it lacks these targets, drugs like tamoxifen or Herceptin are ineffective, leaving chemotherapy as the standard, albeit blunt, weapon of choice.
However, the landscape is shifting. The emergence of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) like sacituzumab govitecan, which targets the Trop-2 antigen, has begun to change treatment algorithms. Experts say the identification of SFRP2 as a viable target adds another potential layer to this evolving arsenal, offering a mechanism that not only attacks the tumor directly but may also remodel the immune microenvironment to favor the patient.
The MUSC discovery occurs amidst a broader surge in biotech innovation aimed at TNBC. Recent data from BioNTech and Bristol Myers Squibb highlighted promising results for a bispecific antibody targeting PD-L1 and VEGF-A, showing encouraging efficacy in advanced cases. Similarly, other research initiatives are exploring targets like Annexin-A1 and CD98hc.
The differentiation of the hSFRP2 mAb lies in its triple-threat approach: interfering with angiogenesis, apoptosis resistance, and immune suppression simultaneously. If validated in humans, this could offer a distinct advantage over therapies that target only one pathway.
For the medical community, the validation of SFRP2 as a therapeutic target suggests that TNBC treatment is moving decisively toward precision medicine. The ability to manipulate the tumor microenvironment to "unmask" cancer cells to the immune system addresses a long-standing hurdle in immunotherapy response rates for breast cancer.
From an industry perspective, this development underscores the intense value placed on novel targets. With major pharmaceutical players heavily investing in ADCs and bispecifics, a novel monoclonal antibody with a unique mechanism of action represents high-value intellectual property. If the antibody progresses to clinical trials, it could attract significant partnership interest from larger biotech firms looking to diversify their oncology pipelines beyond standard checkpoint inhibitors.
While the preclinical results are robust, the path forward requires rigorous safety and efficacy testing in humans. The researchers at MUSC have indicated that the findings set the stage for further investigation. The next critical steps will involve toxicology studies and the design of Phase 1 clinical trials to determine dosage and safety profiles.
As the global oncology community continues to decode the complex biology of triple-negative breast cancer, the discovery of the SFRP2 target offers a glimpse of a future where "undruggable" cancers yield to precise, molecularly engineering solutions.
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