The Rise of Bispecific Antibodies and Solid Tumor Penetration
While early success was found in blood cancers, 2026 marks the breakthrough of CD47 therapy in Solid Tumors, such as gastric, head and neck, and lung cancers. The challenge with solid tumors is the "cold" tumor microenvironment, which is often devoid of active immune cells.
To address this, the industry has pivoted toward Bispecific Antibodies. These "dual-targeting" molecules bind to CD47 and a tumor-specific antigen (such as HER2, CD20, or DLL3) simultaneously.
Enhanced Selectivity: By requiring two "anchors" to bind firmly, these bispecifics (like PT217) only activate the immune response in the immediate vicinity of the tumor, sparing healthy systemic tissues.
Localized Activation: This approach effectively "drags" macrophages directly into the tumor mass. Once there, the CD47 blockade allows them to begin the destruction of the solid tumor from the inside out. In 2026, these agents are showing particular promise in treating Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC) and gastroesophageal junction cancers.