MUC1 Antibody-Based Therapeutics: The Promise of Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract

Antibody-based targeted therapies have been able to target cancers with enhanced specificity and high efficacy. In this regard, identifying cancer markers (antigens) that are only present (tumor-specific antigens) or have an increased expression (tumor-associated antigen) on the surface of cancer cells is a crucial step for targeted cancer treatment. Various cancer antigens have already been used for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. MUC1 is one of the most important tumor markers with high levels of expression in various solid tumors which makes it as a potential target for antibody-based therapies. This review discusses preclinical and clinical results from various platforms based on monoclonal antibodies, nanobodies as well as bispecific antibodies against MUC1. We also highlight unmet challenges that must be overcome to generate more effective cancer immunotherapy strategies.

Keywords::

• antibody
• bispecific antibody
• cancer
• immunotherapy
• monoclonal antibodies
• MUC1
• mucin
• targeted therapy

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.