Researchers from King’s and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust conducted the first clinical trial of a new class of cancer immunotherapy using IgE antibodies. Published in Nature Communications and funded by Cancer Research UK, the study aimed to assess the potential of IgE antibodies in treating human cancer. Unlike existing IgG antibodies, IgE antibodies target parasites but have not been tested in humans before.
The trial showed promising results, with the drug MOv18 IgE shrinking a patient’s ovarian cancer tumor who had not responded to conventional therapy. Additionally, the treatment was well tolerated in almost all patients. Lead author Professor James Spicer highlighted the potential of IgE therapy for chemotherapy-resistant cancers, emphasizing its novelty and promise. Co-author Professor Sophia Karagiannis discussed the future steps of evaluating IgE in larger patient groups. Dr. Nigel Blackburn from Cancer Research UK expressed pride in pioneering IgE antibody trials, hoping for its success in targeting cancer cells. The MOv18 IgE antibody, developed at King’s, was clinically tested at Guy’s Hospital and is owned by Epsilogen Ltd. The study represents a significant advancement in cancer immunotherapy, offering a new treatment option for patients.