Bispecific antibody platforms for cancer immunotherapy

Over the past decades advances in bioengineering and expanded insight in tumor immunology have resulted in the emergence of novel bispecific antibody (bsAb) constructs that are capable of redirecting immune effector cells to the tumor microenvironment. (Pre-) clinical studies of various bsAb constructs have shown impressive results in terms of immune effector cell retargeting, target dependent activation and the induction of anti-tumor responses. This review summarizes recent advances in the field of bsAb-therapy and limitations that were encountered. Furthermore, we will discuss potential future developments that can be expected to take the bsAb approach successfully forward.

A novel perspective for an orphan problem: old and new drugs for the medical management of malignant ascites

Malignant ascites is defined as a condition in which fluid containing cancer cells accumulates in the abdomen. The cancers most commonly associated to ascites are ovarian (37%), pancreato-biliary (21%), gastric (18%), oesophageal (4%), colorectal (4%), and breast (3%). Treatment of malignant ascites remains a challenge. In the majority of patients systemic chemotherapy is ineffective and diuretics and paracentesis are still the only approaches, but new promising option are appearing, as cytoreductive debulking surgery and intraperitoneal (IP) or intravenous biological (target) therapies. More promising, after the recognition of potential epithelial targets as Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM), are the trifunctional antibodies able to bind these cell adhesion molecules and, at the same, time the immune system cells. These agents have been developed for malignant ascites with the aim also to prolong the need for subsequent paracentesis. So patients with malignant ascites may look at the future with hope and growing optimism.