ASCI*: a new approach that targets cancer antigens

ASCI* (Antigen-Specific Cancer Immunotherapeutics) is a new type of immunotherapy in development that targets cancer antigens and potentially destroys the cancer cells that bear these antigens. Cancer antigens are substances found on the surface of cancer cells, and are recognized as “foreign” by the body’s immune system.

ASCI* uses our own immune system to attack cancer. It does this by educating our immune system to identify and attack antigens displayed on cancer cells.

The immune system reacts towards the antigen in ASCI* – a reaction called immune response – and then attacks the cancer cells where this antigen is found.

Why ASCI*?

The first antigen investigated by GSK for use in ASCI* is called MAGE-A3; it is a cancer-specific antigen found in several types of cancer including lung cancer, melanoma and bladder cancer. ASCI* could also be used with other cancer antigens, giving it the potential to treat a range of other cancers in the future. It could potentially treat several different stages of cancer. But all these possibilities must be tested in clinical trials to find out how well they work.

When ASCI* targets a tumor-specific antigen, it is envisioned that it should not affect normal, healthy cells. This may mean that it produces fewer side effects than conventional cancer treatments.

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