Bispecific Cancer Therapy at RMCC

Bispecific antibodies, also called BiTEs or T-cell engagers, help the immune system find and attack cancer cells by acting as a bridge between a T-cell and a cancer cell. T-cells are a type of white blood cell in your immune system, called a lymphocyte. When the two cells are connected by the bispecific antibody, the T-cell turns on and destroys the cancer cell it’s attached to.

This is a highly targeted type of immunotherapy compared to other immunotherapies that broadly stimulate the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells.

At Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC), we are committed to offering innovative therapies like bispecific antibodies as part of a personalized approach to cancer treatment. Our care team will determine whether this option is right for your diagnosis.

How Bispecific Antibody Therapy Works

Each bispecific antibody has two “arms”:

One arm attaches to a specific marker (antigen) found on the surface of cancer cells
The other arm binds to a T cell, a type of white blood cell responsible for fighting disease

By linking these together, bispecific antibodies activate the T cell and direct it to attack the cancer cell. This targeted connection helps your immune system respond more quickly and effectively.

What Sets Bispecific Antibodies Apart From Other Cancer Treatments

Bispecific antibody therapy offers several important advantages compared to other cancer treatments:

Targeted approach

Bispecific therapies are designed to specifically recognize markers on cancer cells, helping minimize damage to healthy cells. This is different from chemotherapy, which can harm both cancerous and healthy cells.

Enhanced immune response

Unlike some immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, which only "release the brakes" on the immune system, bispecific antibodies actively recruit the right type of T cells to cancer cells.

No cell modification required

Bispecific antibodies do not need the removal and modification of a patient's cells in a lab, setting them apart from certain other immunotherapies and making treatment more accessible.

Ready-to-use treatment

These therapies are developed in advance and do not require customization for each patient, unlike other forms of immunotherapy.

What Types of Cancer Can Bispecific Antibodies Treat?

Bispecific antibody therapies are currently approved by the FDA for several types of cancer, including:

Multiple myeloma
Certain lymphomas
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Some lung cancers (both non-small cell and small cell)
Cervical cancer
Ocular melanoma

Ongoing research continues to explore how these therapies may help treat other cancers, including breast, prostate, gastrointestinal, and kidney cancers. Clinical trials, including those at RMCC, are studying additional ways bispecific antibodies can be used for other types of cancer and in combination with other approved treatments to improve outcomes.

Your RMCC care team will evaluate all options and help determine whether bispecific antibody therapy fits into your treatment plan.

How Bispecific Antibody Therapy Is Given

Bispecific antibody therapy is typically administered in one of two ways:

Intravenous (IV) infusion
Injection under the skin

Treatment often begins with smaller doses to help reduce the risk of side effects. Additional medicines, such as steroids and fluids, may also be used to support your body during this time.

Most of RMCC’s patients who receive bispecific therapy can complete treatment at one of our cancer centers. Some patients may require short-term monitoring in the hospital after treatment. Follow-up doses are usually scheduled every one to three weeks, depending on your type of cancer and treatment plan.

Advancing Care Through Clinical Research at RMCC

At Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, we are dedicated to bringing the latest advances in cancer treatment to patients across Colorado. Through our partnership with Sarah Cannon Research Institute and participation in clinical trials, our physicians help bring new and emerging treatments, including bispecific antibody therapies, to patients while advancing cancer research.

Clinical trials play an essential role in improving outcomes and identifying which treatments work best for each patient. When appropriate, your care team may discuss clinical trial opportunities as part of your overall treatment plan.

Personalized Cancer Care in Colorado

Each patient’s cancer journey is unique. At RMCC, we create your treatment plan based on your specific diagnosis, health history, and personal goals. Our team is dedicated to explaining your options and answering any questions you may have. If bispecific therapy could be beneficial for you, we will guide you every step of the way throughout your care.