Compositions and methods for targeting and killing alpha-v beta-3 -positive cancer stem cells (cscs) and treating drug resistant and metastatic cancers

Abstract

In alternative embodiments, provided are compositions and methods for treating or ameliorating an advanced cancer such as a drug resistant or metastatic cancer which express αvβ3 polypeptides on their cell surfaces, or for killing Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) which express αvβ3 polypeptides on their cell surfaces, by using human or humanized antibodies capable of specifically binding cell surface-expressed αvβ3 (avb3) polypeptides whose Fc region has a selective affinity to human FcγRl (CD64), but not to other FcγRs, on effector cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. By administering these antibodies to an individual in need thereof, these human or humanized antibodies are capable of treating, ameliorating or slowing the development of the advanced cancer or drug resistant cancer, or a cancer caused or initiated by or sustained by an advanced cancer or drug resistant cancer cell, or a Cancer Stem Cell (CSC). In alternative embodiments, the administered human or humanized antibodies induce an antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) reaction against the advanced cancer or drug resistant cancer cell, or CSC.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.