A groundbreaking therapy developed by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has shown promise in overcoming treatment resistance in both blood cancers and solid tumors. This investigational antibody, named 77A, was presented at the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting held in Orlando on December 6, 2025. The therapy is designed to activate the immune system by targeting a protein known as HSP70, which is often overproduced in numerous cancers.
The study, led by Jun Wei, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor of Lymphoma & Myeloma, alongside principal investigator Robert Z. Orlowski, M.D., Ph.D., demonstrates that 77A not only enhances immune responses but also boosts the effectiveness of existing treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. “There is tremendous promise in the way 77A is capable of rewiring the immune system, enabling it to respond effectively against multiple cancers,” Wei stated.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism behind 77A involves its ability to convert HSP70, a heat shock protein that typically helps tumors evade immune detection, into a trigger for immune response. In many blood cancers and solid tumors, HSP70 contributes to a suppressive tumor environment, thwarting the body’s immune defenses and aiding cancer cell survival. By specifically targeting this protein, 77A enhances the activity of both innate and adaptive immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells and T cells.
Laboratory models demonstrated that 77A significantly improved the capacity of these immune cells to detect and eliminate cancer cells. The therapy also showed potential when combined with other treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade. Notably, it may be compatible with innovative approaches like adoptive T cell therapy, where patients receive lab-cultured immune cells designed to target malignancies.
Future Steps and Implications
The findings from this preclinical study are promising, paving the way for potential clinical trials. Early tests involving human immune cells indicated that 77A could enhance immune responses even in healthy donors. This suggests a versatile therapeutic potential that warrants further investigation.
As Orlowski noted, “These results give us confidence that 77A could become a versatile immunotherapy. Our next step is to advance a humanized version of this antibody into clinical trials to evaluate its potential in patients across multiple cancer types.”
The development of the humanized version of 77A is underway, with plans for clinical trials on the horizon. This research is supported by Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Full details of the study, including collaborating authors and their disclosures, are available with the abstract presented at the ASH meeting.
As the landscape of cancer treatment continues to evolve, the introduction of therapies like 77A could signify a notable shift in how patients are treated for various forms of cancer, offering new hope in the fight against these diseases.
