Researchers led by Umeå University pathologist Maréne Landström report that a fully human antibody aimed at an oncogenic form of TGF‑β receptor I (TβRI) signaling suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in preclinical models of advanced prostate cancer. The study was published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.
Researchers at Umeå University and collaborating institutions say they have developed a fully human antibody that, in preclinical experiments, reduced tumor growth and metastatic spread in models of advanced, androgen-independent (castration-resistant) prostate cancer.
The approach targets an oncogenic mechanism involving transforming growth factor beta receptor I (TβRI), focusing on receptor fragments linked to cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis, the researchers report.
Maréne Landström, a professor of pathology at Umeå University who led the work, said the aim is to stop prostate cancer from spreading beyond the prostate—most commonly to sites such as lymph nodes and bone.
The findings are limited to laboratory and animal studies. Further safety testing and regulatory clearances would be needed before any human trials and, eventually, patient use.
According to the study’s disclosures and accompanying materials, the project received support from SciLifeLab’s Drug Discovery and Development (DDD) platform and Umeå Biotech Incubator, and it involved MetaCurUm Biotech AB, a company developing TβRI-based cancer therapies and biomarkers. Funding was also reported from several research foundations, including the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
