New Antibody Therapy 77A Enhances Immune Response Against Cancers

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed a promising new antibody therapy, known as 77A, which shows potential in enhancing immune responses against various forms of cancer, including blood cancers like myeloma and lymphoma, as well as solid tumors. The findings were presented by Jun Wei, M.D., Ph.D., during the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting on December 6, 2025.

The investigational therapy 77A works by targeting HSP70, a heat shock protein that aids tumor cells in evading the immune system. This protein is often overproduced in certain cancers, creating a hostile environment for immune responses and promoting cancer cell survival. By converting HSP70 into an immune system trigger, 77A activates T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for combating tumors.

In laboratory studies, 77A significantly enhanced the effectiveness of existing treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapies. The therapy demonstrated strong antitumor effects across multiple tumor types, indicating its potential as a versatile addition to cancer treatment protocols.

Robert Z. Orlowski, M.D., Ph.D., who served as the principal investigator, expressed optimism about the implications of the research, stating, “These results give us confidence that 77A could become a versatile immunotherapy.” The next step involves advancing a humanized version of the antibody into clinical trials to evaluate its effectiveness in patients suffering from various cancers.

The initial results with human immune cells have been promising, suggesting that 77A could enhance immune responses in healthy donors. These developments set the stage for further clinical investigations, as researchers aim to explore the full potential of this treatment modality.

The study was supported by Blood Cancer United (formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing cancer research. A complete list of collaborating authors and their disclosures can be found alongside the abstract presented at ASH.

As researchers continue to refine the 77A therapy, the medical community remains hopeful that it could represent a significant advancement in immunotherapy, offering new hope to patients battling resistant forms of cancer.