Researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark have developed ten new antibodies that can be used in the battle against cancer. These antibodies work by inhibiting the body's blood vessel formation close to the tumour which is, thereby, cut off from oxygen and nutrient supply. In lab tests over mice, the team have succeeded in using these antibodies to stop the development of malignant tumours.
The antibodies neutralise the effects of signal substances released by carcinoma cells to get blood vessels to replicate, thus cutting off the blood supply to the tumour. A cancer tumour deprived of oxygen and nutrients becomes dormant and is, thereby, made harmless. The researchers will now work on gaining a more in-depth understanding of the 10 antibodies.