Introduction

The antigen-binding fragment (scFv) of a monoclonal antibody that recognizes prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on the surface of tumor cells has been patented. The complete antibody and its scFv fragment can be used alone or conjugated with radioactive, cytotoxic or fluorescent substances for the diagnosis, staging and treatment of prostate tumors that express the PSMA antigen.

Technical features

In vivo experiments have shown its extreme binding specificity which makes it a true theranostic, to be used both for diagnostic and staging purposes of prostate cancer, if conjugated to markers for imaging, both for therapeutic purposes, whether conjugated to toxins or to radioactive isotopes. A more accurate diagnosis allows to identify patients with prostate cancer eligible for active surveillance and to postpone the radiation or surgical treatment at the right time, avoiding toxicity and unnecessary complications. The scFV bound to a toxin, a chemotherapeutic or a radioactive source allows a precise treatment and a toxicity limited only to the tumor cells and to the micrometastases. But scFv can also be inserted into the CAR-T recognition molecule to redirect the immune response on the tumor and its metastases.

Possible Applications

• Development of specific radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer;
• Development of cytotoxic immunotoxins for prostate cancer therapy;
• Development of CAR-T for immunotherapy treatment.

Advantages

• Technology that can be easily used by hospital professionals;
• Better clinical outcome for patients due to reduced exposure to radioactive reagent during imaging;
• Greater tissue penetration, maximum recognition specificity, fast unbound clearance and reduced toxicity in therapy.