Immunotherapy for the prevention and treatment of osseous metastasis

Invention A gene encoding a novel cell adhesion protein whose expression is associated with bone metastases has been identified. The gene is termed SEL-OB and codes for a selectin type protein. SEL-OB is expressed in human breast cancer cell lines and invasive pleomorphic lobular carcinoma. The SEL-OB protein is involved in cell adhesion, hence therapies to interfere with SEL-OB are expected to prevent cell adhesion and the establishment of bone metastases. SEL-OB may also serve as a diagnostic marker for bone metastases and disease progression.
The Need Bone metastases are recognized as a common complication in cancer patients that cause intractable pain and other clinical problems such as fracture after trivial injury, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia. Once tumor cells become housed in the skeleton, cure is no longer possible and only palliative therapy is available. There is a clear need for a therapeutic to prevent the establishment of secondary bone metastases in cancer.
Potential Applications o Therapeutic target for prevention of bone metastases from breast cancer

o Diagnostic marker for bone metastases

o Research tool for understanding cancer development and metastasis
Advantages o Novel therapeutic target

o Potential for prophylactic treatment in high risk patients

o Additional potential indications
Stage The SEL-OB protein is expressed by breast cancer cells and anti-SEL-OB antibodies inhibit cell adhesion, in vitro and in vivo.
Patent Pending Tech Transfer Officer Ms. Irit Ben-Chlouch Office: +972-3-6406601 Fax: +972-3-6406675 Mail: [email protected]

Inventor(s): Dafna Benayahu

Type of Offer: Licensing



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