Barry Edwards, an associate professor of biochemistry at the School of Medicine, has engineered a novel, miniature antibody that targets EphA2, a protein commonly found in cancerous tumors. This innovative antibody is linked to a radioactive marker, enabling its visibility during positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
Illuminating Cancer Detection
In trials conducted with mice, Edwards demonstrated that this cancer-detecting "flashlight" effectively highlighted tumors expressing EphA2. These findings indicate that this antibody tagging technique could assist medical professionals in identifying cancers harboring this protein, allowing for tailored therapies aimed at EphA2-positive tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues.
"By assessing the levels of EphA2 in patients, we can identify those most likely to benefit from targeted cancer treatments," explained Edwards, who is also affiliated with the College of Arts and Science. "This approach eliminates unnecessary treatments, optimizing both time and resources while propelling the field of precision medicine forward."
Streamlined and Less Invasive Approach
Currently, physicians rely on biopsies and MRI scans for tumor evaluation in cancer patients. These traditional methods can be invasive, time-consuming, and often yield limited information regarding the specific proteins present in cancer cells. Edwards, utilizing cutting-edge imaging technology at Mizzou's Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center, aims to transition this technique from preclinical studies to human clinical trials in the next seven years.
"Our targeted method is noninvasive, providing imaging results within hours rather than days, which is particularly beneficial for patients traveling long distances for care," stated Edwards. "By simplifying and accelerating the process for both patients and healthcare providers, we are demonstrating the advantages of precision medicine."
The research, titled "Preclinical evaluation of anti-EphA2 minibody-based immunoPET agent as a diagnostic tool for cancer," was published in Molecular Imaging and Biology.