Combining epitope-distinct antibodies to HER2: cooperative inhibitory effects on invasive growth.

ABSTRACT: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to HER2 are currently used to treat breast cancer, but low clinical efficacy, along with primary and acquired resistance to therapy, commonly limit clinical applications. We previously reported that combinations of antibodies directed at non-overlapping epitopes of HER2 are endowed with enhanced antitumor effects, probably due to accelerated receptor degradation. Here, we extend these observations to three-dimensional mammary cell models, and compare the effects of single mAbs with the effects of antibody combinations. Collectively, our in vitro assays and computational image analyses indicate that combining mAbs against different epitopes of HER2 better inhibits invasive growth. Importantly, while growth factors are able to reduce intraluminal apoptosis and in

SUBMITTER: Emde A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3632784 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature