The late University of Virginia School of Medicine scientist, John Herr, had been collaborating with Craig L. Slingluff Jr., MD, from UVA Cancer Center to investigate the potential of the SAS1B protein to treat cancer before his sudden death in 2016. Over eight years of research, Herr’s work on the SAS1B protein has shown promise in developing new treatments for solid cancer tumors, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. Slingluff reports that the research could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, particularly for cancers that are challenging to treat.
Herr’s lab initially focused on reproductive health, specifically developing the first home fertility test for men, SpermCheck. However, his discoveries about the SAS1B protein found in developing eggs in women have opened up new possibilities for cancer immunotherapies. The protein is found on the surface of many solid cancer cells but not on normal cells, suggesting that antibody-based immunotherapy could target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This approach has the potential to significantly impact the treatment and reduce mortality rates for multiple malignancies.
Slingluff and his colleagues emphasize that while further research is needed, the new findings are promising and could represent a significant advancement in cancer care. Solid-organ cancers are often difficult to treat, with limited treatment options available for patients. The potential of selectively targeting SAS1B with immunotherapy opens up new possibilities for patients with cancers that have been resistant to traditional treatments, offering new hope in their fight against the disease.
Improving cancer care and advancing the field of immunotherapy are central missions of UVA Cancer Center, which is one of only 56 cancer centers in the country to receive comprehensive designation from the National Cancer Institute. This recognition signifies the center’s exceptional cancer care and research programs, highlighting its commitment to finding innovative ways to treat and cure various forms of cancer. The center’s efforts to develop new treatments and cures are crucial in transforming healthcare delivery in Virginia and beyond.
The forthcoming Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology at UVA, currently under construction at Fontaine Research Park, is a key initiative aimed at advancing the field of immunotherapy and developing new treatments for a wide range of diseases. The institute is poised to accelerate the discovery of new therapies and improve how healthcare is delivered, ultimately benefiting patients in Virginia and beyond. By focusing on cutting-edge research and innovation, UVA is leading the way in developing life-saving treatments for cancer and other diseases, bringing hope to patients facing difficult medical challenges.
