Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed an investigational antibody therapy named 77A, which enhances the immune response against various blood cancers and solid tumors. Presented on December 6, 2025, during the 67th Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), this innovative therapy aims to overcome resistance to existing cancer treatments.
Led by Jun Wei, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma, and Robert Z. Orlowski, M.D., Ph.D., a professor in the same department, the study demonstrated that 77A effectively targets a critical protein known as HSP70. This heat shock protein often plays a role in tumor survival by helping cancer cells evade immune detection. By converting HSP70 into a trigger for the immune system, 77A activates T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, reshaping the tumor environment and promoting long-lasting immune responses.
In laboratory models, 77A showed significant antitumor effects, enhancing the efficacy of traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, as well as immunotherapies. The findings suggest that this antibody has the potential to complement existing therapies, providing a new avenue for treatment in patients with myeloma, lymphoma, and other cancers.
Wei remarked on the therapy’s potential, stating, “There is tremendous promise in the way 77A is capable of rewiring the immune system, enabling it to respond effectively against multiple cancers.” This reconfiguration of the immune system could represent a significant advancement in immunotherapy options available to patients.
Mechanism and Future Directions
The core mechanism behind 77A involves its ability to inhibit the effects of HSP70, which is often overproduced in certain cancers, leading to a suppressive tumor environment. By enhancing the activity of both innate and adaptive immune cells, 77A improves their ability to detect and destroy cancer cells. Its synergistic effects were evident when combined with other treatment modalities, including immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive T cell therapy, where lab-grown immune cells are used to target cancer.
Early experiments with human immune cells demonstrated that 77A could bolster immune responses in healthy donors, paving the way for future clinical trials. The researchers believe that these promising results indicate a versatile therapeutic option for patients.
As for the next steps, Orlowski expressed optimism about advancing the development of a humanized version of the antibody into clinical trials. “These results give us confidence that 77A could become a versatile immunotherapy,” he noted. The humanized antibody is currently under development and is expected to enter trials shortly.
The study received support from Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, highlighting the collaborative effort to advance cancer treatment. A complete list of collaborating authors and their disclosures is available with the abstract of the study.
As research continues, the potential impact of 77A on cancer treatment could represent a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against these challenging diseases.
