Cancer Drug May Kill Every Type of Tumor

Cancer Drug May Kill Every Type of Tumor

A new drug discovered by scientists at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif, shrunk or killed every form of cancer tumor implanted into mice, prompting significant excitement in the scientific community. The antibody drug works by limiting cancer cells’ access to a key protein, CD47, that otherwise prohibits the body’s immune system from attacking tumors. The researchers believe that by blocking production of CD47, the body’s natural defense mechanisms are free to destroy cancer cells.

Prior research conducted by biologist Irving L. Weissman, MD, head of the Irving Weissman Laboratory at Stanford School of Medicine, served as the springboard for this discovery. Led by Weissman, the team’s investigations showed that blocking CD47 with an antibody cured or slowed the growth of some cases of leukemia or lymphoma.

Through in vivo testing, the research—published in March in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences—reveals that the drug has successfully eliminated various human cancer cells that had been transplanted into mice—including breast, ovarian, colon, bladder, brain, liver, and prostate cancers. The findings have prompted the Stanford School of Medicine to announce that human clinical trials may begin as early as 2014.