Farletuzumab

Farletuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody designed for the treatment of certain types of cancer. It specifically targets the folate receptor alpha, which is frequently overexpressed in epithelial cancers, including ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. Farletuzumab works by binding to this receptor and inhibiting the tumor's ability to grow and proliferate.

Mechanism of Action

Farletuzumab binds to the folate receptor alpha, a glycoprotein that is overexpressed in many epithelial cancers but has limited expression in normal tissues. This selective expression makes it an ideal target for therapeutic intervention. By binding to this receptor, farletuzumab can inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) directly, or it can recruit the immune system to attack the cancer cells through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).

Clinical Trials

Farletuzumab has been evaluated in several clinical trials, primarily focusing on its effectiveness and safety in treating ovarian cancer. Early phase trials suggested that it might improve outcomes when used in combination with standard chemotherapy regimens. However, subsequent larger phase III trials have provided mixed results regarding its efficacy.

Development and Commercialization

The development of farletuzumab was conducted by Morphotek, Inc., a subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd. Despite the initial promise, the development has faced challenges due to the mixed results from clinical trials. The future of farletuzumab depends on the outcomes of ongoing research and potential further clinical trials designed to better define its role in cancer therapy.

Safety and Side Effects

As with many monoclonal antibodies, the use of farletuzumab can be associated with side effects, including but not limited to, infusion reactions, fatigue, nausea, and potential immunogenicity, where the body's immune system develops antibodies against the drug itself.

See Also

• Monoclonal antibodies
• Targeted therapy
• Cancer treatment