RADIOIMMUNOCONJUGATES TARGETING CALRETICULIN FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER

Smart overview of the Invention

Methods for treating cancers and precancerous conditions involve administering radiolabeled agents that specifically target calreticulin on cell surfaces. These agents deliver radiation to tumor cells, effectively depleting them and neighboring malignant cells. The radiation not only attacks the targeted cells but also increases the expression of calreticulin on their surfaces, creating a feedback loop that enhances the accumulation of the targeting agent at tumor sites.

Calreticulin and Its Role in Cancer

Calreticulin is a chaperone protein that typically resides in the endoplasmic reticulum but can be found on the cell surface under stress conditions. Its presence on cancer cells serves as a signal for phagocytic immune cells to eliminate these damaged cells. However, many cancers develop mechanisms to evade this immune response, highlighting the need for innovative treatment strategies that exploit calreticulin's unique properties.

Types of Radiolabeled Agents

The patent outlines various radiolabeled agents that can be used for therapeutic purposes, including radiolabeled antibodies, small proteins, peptides, and other molecules that bind to calreticulin. These agents can be labeled with different radionuclides such as 131I, 90Y, and 177Lu, allowing them to deliver targeted radiation doses to cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Dosing and Administration Methods

Effective treatment involves administering these radiolabeled agents at specific doses tailored to the individual patient’s characteristics. Dosing schedules may vary from single infusions to multiple doses over a treatment period. The total protein and radiation doses are adjusted based on factors such as body weight and the severity of the cancer, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Combination Therapies

The methods described may also include combining radiolabeled calreticulin targeting agents with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapeutics or immune checkpoint inhibitors. This synergistic approach aims to enhance overall treatment efficacy by leveraging multiple mechanisms to combat cancer progression while potentially improving patient outcomes.