New Antibody Therapy 77A Shows Promise Against Blood and Solid Cancers
Researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed an innovative antibody therapy, known as 77A, which has shown promising results in overcoming treatment resistance in various cancers, including blood cancers such as myeloma and lymphoma, as well as solid tumors. This breakthrough was presented on December 6, 2025, at the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting by Jun Wei, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor of Lymphoma & Myeloma, alongside principal investigator Robert Z. Orlowski, M.D., Ph.D..
The 77A antibody targets HSP70, a heat shock protein that cancer cells exploit to evade the immune system. Elevated levels of HSP70 are often found in certain blood cancers and solid tumors, creating a suppressive environment that hinders immune responses while promoting cancer cell survival. Laboratory models demonstrated that 77A effectively activates T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, enhancing their ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells.
Mechanism and Efficacy of 77A
In preclinical studies, 77A not only showed strong antitumor effects but also improved the efficacy of existing treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immune checkpoint blockade. This antibody has potential applications in combination with adoptive T cell therapy, which involves administering lab-grown immune cells to target cancer cells.
Wei emphasized the transformative potential of 77A, stating, “There is tremendous promise in the way 77A is capable of rewiring the immune system, enabling it to respond effectively against multiple cancers. Our findings offer a new pathway to immunotherapy and patient treatment.”
Early tests involving human immune cells indicated that 77A could enhance immune responses in healthy donors, paving the way for clinical trials. The research highlights a significant advancement in the search for effective cancer therapies that can address the challenge of treatment resistance.
Future Directions for Clinical Trials
The next phase for the 77A research involves advancing a humanized version of the antibody into clinical trials. Orlowski expressed confidence in the antibody’s potential, stating, “These results give us confidence that 77A could become a versatile immunotherapy.” The anticipated clinical trials aim to evaluate the efficacy of 77A across various cancer types.
This study received support from Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, underscoring the collaborative efforts in addressing critical challenges in cancer treatment.
As researchers work towards bringing 77A to clinical settings, the implications for patients with challenging-to-treat cancers could be significant, potentially offering a new, effective line of defense in cancer therapy.
