Suditi Kedambadi

A Novel Antibody-Drug Conjugate to Inhibit Glioblastoma Multiforme Progression

Started June 19, 2024

Abstract or project description

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an incurable brain tumor characterized by its aggressive progression and frequent relapses. The average survival rate of GBM is 12-18 months, with only five percent of patients surviving longer than five years. Although multiple chemotherapies and immunotherapies are available to prolong the life of a patient, none have succeeded in completely eradicating the tumor. The two biggest challenges of treating glioblastoma are the dormant, cancerous glial cells left behind after surgery and the highly selective blood-brain barrier.

The constantly evolving field of nanomedicine has shown great promise on this front. Antibody-drug conjugates, or ADCs, consist of a combination of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) linked to a cytotoxic payload molecule. When used to inhibit cancer progression, the antibody specifically binds to over-expressed antigens recognized in tumor regions, effectively destroying cancerous cells and preserving healthy tissue. While ADCs have been successful in treating other cancers such as breast cancer, there is minimal research on how they can be used to combat GBM. Before clinical testing can occur, a powerful antibody-antigen combination and method of delivery specific to glioblastoma needs to be identified.