Abituzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets integrin αV (ITGAV or CD51), which plays a key role in cell adhesion, migration, and signaling in various pathological processes, especially cancer. It has been primarily investigated in oncology for its ability to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis by blocking αV-containing integrins involved in extracellular matrix interactions.

One of the main applications of abituzumab is in the treatment of solid tumors, including metastatic colorectal cancer and castration-resistant prostate cancer. By interfering with integrin-mediated signaling pathways such as FAK and SRC, abituzumab disrupts tumor cell survival and reduces the formation of new blood vessels that support tumor progression.

It has also been studied in combination with other targeted therapies and chemotherapeutic agents to enhance antitumor efficacy. For example, clinical trials have evaluated abituzumab alongside cetuximab or bevacizumab to improve outcomes in patients with advanced cancers.

Beyond oncology, abituzumab has shown potential in conditions involving fibrosis and abnormal tissue remodeling, due to the role of αV integrins in activating TGF-β, a major driver of fibrotic processes. This makes it a candidate for investigation in diseases such as liver fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis.

Overall, abituzumab serves as a targeted therapeutic agent with applications focused on disrupting integrin-dependent pathways in cancer and fibrotic diseases.