title: Targeting T cells to tumor cells using bispecific antibodies.
abstract: The immune system, and in particular T cells, can be harnessed to treat cancer. Several bispecific T cell engaging antibodies of the BiTE® format are in early or late-stage clinical development. These small recombinant antibody constructs effectively trigger killing of cancer cells by temporarily attached, polyclonal T cells. Blinatumomab, a CD19/CD3-bispecific BiTE® antibody, has demonstrated high clinical activity in B cell leukemia and lymphoma patients. Three additional BiTE antibodies directed against surface target antigen expressed on solid tumors are being evaluated in phase I clinical trials. Alternative approaches to direct polyclonal T cells to kill cancer cells are under intense investigation.
authors.affiliation: Amgen Rockville, 9201 Corporate Blvd, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850, United States. stanley.frankel@amgen.com
authors.forename: Stanley R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Frankel
authors.forename: Patrick A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Baeuerle
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018033:Antibodies, Bispecific / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D018033:Antibodies, Bispecific