ASCI: a potential treatment for a wide range of cancers
Different types of cancer can display the same antigen. For example, the same MAGE-A3 antigen is found in several types of cancer including lung cancer, melanoma and bladder cancer. A single ASCI that targets this antigen therefore has the potential to treat many types of cancer.
However, one specific antigen may not be found in all cases of the particular type of cancer. For instance, the MAGE-A3 antigen is typically found in 30 to 40% of patients with NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer). However, another antigen may also be found in a subset of patients also with NSCLC. An ASCI that targets this second antigen could also be developed and together these ASCI could provide a treatment for more NSCLC patients.
Because there is a broad range of cancer antigens, development of these for incorporation in other ASCI treatments could potentially allow for the treatment of more patients and more different types of cancer.
Several antigens to be included in ASCIs are in research and development, some in collaboration with leading cancer research centers such as the Ludwig Institute.
This could lead to the expansion of ASCI in the future to include even more types of cancer and even more patients affected by each particular type of cancer.
