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For patients battling relapsed or treatment-resistant cancers, treatment options can feel limited, and the search for effective care can be overwhelming. At Epic Care, a new therapy is changing the landscape. Bispecific antibody therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that harnesses the body’s own immune system to combat cancer, is now available in a community setting, offering patients renewed hope when conventional therapies have failed.
Dr. Srikanth Reddy, board-certified medical oncologist, hematologist, and Director of Medical Oncology at Epic Care, explains, “Cancer exists in nature, in part, because our own bodies are not able to recognize or attack cancers. This is because the cancer cell has our own DNA, a matching ‘fingerprint’ that bypasses security. This phenomenon is called immune escape and is a key challenge in fight cancer.”
Bispecific antibodies are engineered proteins designed to bind to two different targets simultaneously, typically one on a cancer cell and another on an immune cell, such as a T-cell. This connection acts like a molecular bridge, helping the immune system recognize and attack tumors more effectively.
Dr. Rajesh Behl, board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at Epic Care, with expertise in hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, and cellular therapies, including CAR-T, says, “This therapy allows us to engage the patient’s own immune system in a highly targeted way, providing options where previously there were very few.”
The process begins with a thorough evaluation to determine whether the patient’s cancer is eligible for therapy. If it is, the treatment is administered in an outpatient clinic, typically through an injection or infusion. The therapy directs immune cells specifically to the cancer cells, effectively targeting the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Patients are monitored closely throughout their treatment to manage any side effects and ensure their ongoing safety and well-being.
“What’s exciting about bispecific therapies is not just their effectiveness, but their accessibility,” says Dr. Behl. “Patients can receive these “off the shelf” treatments in the community oncology setting often without the need for any hospitalization, making advanced care more approachable. We’re only beginning to explore the potential of this therapy, and the future looks promising with new combinations and innovations on the horizon.”
Clinical results have been promising. In patients with relapsed multiple myeloma who had failed several prior therapies, response rates have exceeded 70%, with nearly half achieving complete remission. Unlike CAR T-cell therapy, another novel treatment which also seeks to overcome immune escape and allow the body to engage cancer cells, bispecific antibodies can be delivered in outpatient clinics, making advanced care more accessible. The FDA has approved several treatments for cancers, including multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and lung cancer, such as Teclistamab (Tecvayli®), Mosunetuzumab (Lunsumio®), and Talquetamab (Talvey®). Emerging treatments, such as Petosemtamab, are showing promise in head and neck cancers, and ongoing research is exploring combinations with other immunotherapies and trispecific antibodies to improve outcomes further.
“Bispecific antibody therapy is a game-changer for patients who have exhausted standard treatments,” says Dr. Behl. “The responses we’re seeing in our patients are truly remarkable and give us renewed optimism in treating challenging cancers.”
These therapies are now included as preferred treatments in the latest NCCN guidelines. Antibody-drug conjugates are also in development to target multiple antigens, increasing effectiveness while reducing side effects, particularly in aggressive cancers such as HER2-positive breast cancer.
Patients describe the treatment as life changing. “After multiple rounds of treatments that didn’t work, I didn’t know what to expect,” says one patient. “The bispecific antibody therapy at Epic Care was effective and has given me real hope. The team here has been compassionate, supportive, and incredibly knowledgeable every step of the way.”
For over 40 years, Epic Care has been a trusted, independent, physician-led, multi-specialty practice dedicated to providing high-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered care. In addition to bispecific antibody therapy, Epic Care offers comprehensive healthcare services, including medical oncology, breast health, primary care, surgery, diagnostic imaging, and genetic counseling. With 12 convenient locations across the East Bay, patients can access exceptional healthcare close to home.
With more than 100 bispecific antibodies currently in development, the field is rapidly evolving. Epic Care is ready to offer these innovative therapies as they become available, providing patients facing complex cancer diagnoses with a real sense of hope and a pathway to treatment that was previously unimaginable.
To learn more about Epic Care or to schedule a consultation, visit epic-care.com or call (925) 255-1066.