Lucas Ferrari De Andrade, PhD

The immune system plays a pivotal role in the elimination of tumor cells and it can be harnessed for the development of immunotherapies. However, many patients with lung cancer are either resistant or develop acquired resistance to the current immunotherapies available. We are developing an alternative approach that has unique mechanism of action: it retains a key receptor on the surface of white blood cells for subsequent recognition and destruction of tumor cells. Our molecule is an antibody that works in conjunction with a standard antibody that is used for marking malignant cells. We propose to test these antibodies in combination in lung cancer models. In the short term, our studies will generate new information about how they harness the immune system to inhibit lung cancer. In the long term, our studies will help provide a new treatment for patients and could prolong their lives or even cure this disease.

Update:

Our laboratory has developed an antibody that boosts the immune response carried out by natural killer (NK) cells against lung cancer. In year 1, we found that the antibody inhibits lung cancer development, and such protection is durable. We also found that NK cells are essential for this protection. In year 2 we will primarily focus on studying tumor-infiltrating NK cells. These studies will help provide initial evidence for a new immunotherapy that harnesses the body’s natural defenses against cancer.

Pierre Massion Lung Cancer Discovery Award