Clinical Trials
Masked Antibody Therapeutics in Genitourinary Malignancies: Expanding the Therapeutic Window Through Tumor-Selective Activation
The development of immunotherapies for genitourinary (GU) malignancies has historically been hindered by the lack of truly tumor-exclusive targets. While antigens such as PSMA, HER2, EGFR, and EpCAM are highly expressed on malignant cells, they are also present in vital healthy tissues, leading to "on-target, off-tumor" toxicities.1 This challenge has driven the development of masked antibody technologies designed to restrict biologic activity to the tumor microenvironment. These agents utilize biochemical "locks" that prevent systemic activation, ensuring that target binding, T-cell recruitment, or payload delivery occurs preferentially within tumors. Masked antibodies, therefore, represent a rational evolution of targeted therapy, shifting from systemic target engagement toward spatially controlled activation. By separating systemic exposure from biologic activation, these platforms aim to preserve efficacy while minimizing toxicity, a balance that has historically limited the development of highly potent immune-engaging therapies in genitourinary malignancies.
Evan Y. Yu, MD
Evan Yu, a medical oncologist, treats prostate, bladder, and testicular cancer and is passionate about providing a personalized medical approach to a selection of novel therapies as well as understanding biological mechanisms of drug sensitivity and resistance.
Clinical Expertise
Medical Oncology, Translational Research, Novel molecular targeted agents, Biomarkers, Imaging (PET scans, MRI), Bone health.
- Section Head, Cancer Medicine, Clinical Research Division Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Medical Director, Clinical Research Support Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Consortium
- Professor of Medicine Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle, WA
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