A groundbreaking discovery in cancer research has emerged from the late University of Virginia School of Medicine scientist, John Herr. His investigations into the SAS1B protein found in cancer cells have paved the way for potentially life-saving treatments for solid cancer tumors such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma.
Prior to his untimely passing in 2016, Herr collaborated with Dr. Craig L. Slingluff Jr. from UVA Cancer Center to explore a breakthrough made in Herr’s lab that could revolutionize cancer treatment. After eight years of dedicated research, Herr’s work on the SAS1B protein holds the promise of introducing innovative treatments for a variety of challenging cancers.
According to a recent scientific publication in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, Slingluff highlights the significant impact of Herr’s investigations. The paper, where Herr is acknowledged as a senior author, underscores the potential for groundbreaking advancements in cancer therapy.
While Herr’s primary focus was not initially on cancer research but on reproductive health, his discoveries regarding the SAS1B protein found in women’s developing eggs have uncovered new possibilities in cancer immunotherapy. Although originally present in female reproductive cells, SAS1B has been identified on the surface of numerous solid cancer cells, as confirmed by Slingluff’s latest research. Notably, this protein was absent on the surface of normal cells tested in Slingluff’s lab, indicating the potential for targeted immunotherapy to combat cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue.
The selective targeting of SAS1B presents a promising avenue for a significant and far-reaching impact on cancer treatment. The implications of Herr’s work, combined with ongoing research efforts, offer hope for the development of novel and effective therapies for a range of challenging cancers.
