Methods for targeting the vasculature of solid tumors
AssigneeBoard of Regents, The University of Texas System
InventorsPhilip E. Thorpe, Francis J. Burrows
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting the vasculature of solid tumors using immunological- and growth factor-based reagents. In particular aspects, antibodies carrying diagnostic or therapeutic agents are targeted to the vasculature of solid tumor masses through recognition of tumor vasculature-associated antigens, such as, for example, through endoglin binding, or through the specific induction of endothelial cell surface antigens on vascular endothelial cells in solid tumors.
Claims23
A method for treating an animal having a vascularized tumor, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) introducing into the bloodstream of the animal a first bispecific antibody, said bispecific antibody binding to both an activating antigen on the cell surface of a leukocyte and a tumor antigen on the surface of tumor cells of the tumor mass, the bispecific antibody being effective to induce the expression of a cytokine by leukocytes in the tumor;
- and
- (b) introducing into the animal's bloodstream a biologically effective amount of a second antibody operatively linked to a selected therapeutic agent, the second antibody binding to an antigen that is induced on the surface of intratumoral blood vessels of the vascularized tumor by said cytokine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.