Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed a new investigational antibody therapy called **77A**, which enhances the immune response against blood cancers, including myeloma and lymphoma, as well as solid tumors. This breakthrough was presented on **December 6, 2025**, during the **67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting** by Dr. **Jun Wei**, an assistant professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma, alongside principal investigator Dr. **Robert Z. Orlowski**, a professor in the same department.
The 77A antibody targets a protein known as **HSP70**, which helps tumors evade immune detection. Typically overproduced in various blood cancers and solid tumors, HSP70 fosters a challenging tumor environment by suppressing immune responses and supporting cancer cell survival. By activating T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, 77A aims to reshape this environment, promoting a more effective immune response.
Dr. Wei highlighted the significance of the findings: “There is tremendous promise in the way 77A is capable of rewiring the immune system, enabling it to respond effectively against multiple cancers. Our findings offer a new pathway to immunotherapy and patient treatment.”
In laboratory models, 77A demonstrated substantial antitumor effects. It improved the ability of immune cells to detect and eliminate cancer cells while also enhancing the efficacy of existing treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immune checkpoint blockade. Moreover, the antibody showed potential when paired with **adoptive T cell therapy**, an innovative approach that involves using lab-grown immune cells to target cancer.
The ongoing research indicates that 77A is not only effective across multiple cancer types but also enhances immune responses in human immune cells obtained from healthy donors. These promising results set the stage for upcoming clinical trials, which could confirm 77A as a versatile therapeutic option for cancer treatment.
“Our next step is to advance a humanized version of this antibody into clinical trials to evaluate its potential in patients across multiple cancer types,” Dr. Orlowski stated, expressing optimism for the future of this therapy.
The study received support from **Blood Cancer United**, previously known as the **Leukemia & Lymphoma Society**. For those interested, a comprehensive list of collaborating authors and their disclosures can be found alongside the abstract presented at ASH.
As researchers continue to explore the full capabilities of 77A, this development signifies a promising advance in cancer immunotherapy, potentially offering new hope for patients battling these challenging diseases.
