The antibody–drug conjugate targeting ROR1, NBE-002, is active in high-grade serous ovarian cancer preclinical models
New pre-clinical research from Sydney Australia has shown a possible new therapy for ovarian cancer. The research identifies the effectiveness of inhibition of a cell membrane receptor named the receptor tyrosine kinase orphan receptor 1 (ROR1). This receptor becomes more active with ovarian cancer. Usually, ROR1 has an important part in early embryonic development and is suppressed later. In the presence of cancer increased ROR1 activity promotes cancer growth and spread.
An antibody/drug combination labelled NBE 002 has been shown to block the receptor with restriction of cell metabolism causing cell death. This early study showed about half the cell types used which had been previously grown from human ovarian cancer had increased ROR1 activity.
If the therapeutic effect can be reproduced in human clinical trials, this drug combination may be yet another example of the possible benefits of targeted cancer treatment.