Edrecolomab
Encyclopedia
Edrecolomab is a mouse-derived monoclonal antibody targeting the cell-surface glycoprotein
EpCAM (17-1A), which is expressed on epithelial tissues
and on various carcinoma
s.
Preliminary studies had shown promise of a possible use in patients with stage III colorectal carcinoma (with metastasis
to the lymph nodes). However, when put to a phase III study (2,761 patients) it did not provide any benefit when compared to conventional chemotherapeutic
agents. No effect has been demonstrated for stage II (locally advanced cancer without spread to the lymph nodes) colon cancer.
Edrecolomab was well tolerated in these studies and as such research has now concentrated on whether it can be of any use in other forms of cancer.
Glycoprotein
Glycoproteins are proteins that contain oligosaccharide chains covalently attached to polypeptide side-chains. The carbohydrate is attached to the protein in a cotranslational or posttranslational modification. This process is known as glycosylation. In proteins that have segments extending...
EpCAM (17-1A), which is expressed on epithelial tissues
Epithelium
Epithelium is one of the four basic types of animal tissue, along with connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue. Epithelial tissues line the cavities and surfaces of structures throughout the body, and also form many glands. Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, selective...
and on various carcinoma
Carcinoma
Carcinoma is the medical term for the most common type of cancer occurring in humans. Put simply, a carcinoma is a cancer that begins in a tissue that lines the inner or outer surfaces of the body, and that generally arises from cells originating in the endodermal or ectodermal germ layer during...
s.
Preliminary studies had shown promise of a possible use in patients with stage III colorectal carcinoma (with metastasis
Metastasis
Metastasis, or metastatic disease , is the spread of a disease from one organ or part to another non-adjacent organ or part. It was previously thought that only malignant tumor cells and infections have the capacity to metastasize; however, this is being reconsidered due to new research...
to the lymph nodes). However, when put to a phase III study (2,761 patients) it did not provide any benefit when compared to conventional chemotherapeutic
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with an antineoplastic drug or with a combination of such drugs into a standardized treatment regimen....
agents. No effect has been demonstrated for stage II (locally advanced cancer without spread to the lymph nodes) colon cancer.
Edrecolomab was well tolerated in these studies and as such research has now concentrated on whether it can be of any use in other forms of cancer.