Summary:

This invention provides a low cost, less toxic, anti-cancer immunotherapy that enhances the ability of the host’s immune system to destroy or contain cancers, and also provides a diagnostic test for cancer. Oncofetal protein (OFP) is a protein that is produced by certain types of cancer that can be used as a tumor-specific marker. Specifically, this work provides a method for producing and utilizing monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind OFP for purposes of diagnosis and treatment. Previous research has shown that OFP can suppress the immune system; therefore, by removing OFP circulating in the blood stream via the monoclonal antibodies, a host’s immune system is able to attack the tumor more actively. The monoclonal antibodies provided by the present invention are useful for the diagnosis treatment and study of cancers, particularly human breast tumors. Tumors treated with a single dose of the monoclonal antibodies against OFP are markedly reduced in size, and leukemic populations of cells treated with a single does of monoclonal antibodies against OFP are significantly decreased in number. Since the monoclonal antibodies of the present invention do not bind to tumor cells, the monoclonal antibody treatment overcomes the disadvantages associated with tumor cell targeting. Monoclonal antibodies to OFP offer a simple and inexpensive agent for use as a primary or adjuvant therapy against a wide variety of cancers and tumors in humans and other animals. The monoclonal antibodies against OFP are also employed to detect cancer in animals, including human patients.

Potential Applications:

Provides a low-cost, less toxic method for destruction of cancer cells, along with a better diagnostic tool to test for certain types of tumors