New Delhi, July 28: A groundbreaking treatment strategy combining two drugs has demonstrated significant potential in suppressing tumors through an unconventional method. Detailed in the journal Cancer Discovery, the approach involves the use of LB-100, currently in clinical trials for lung tumors, and WEE1 inhibitors, which prevent tumor DNA repair. This drug combination works by hyper-activating cancer cells, inducing stress, and making them more susceptible to targeted attacks.
The study highlights that the treatment's effectiveness stems from hyperactivating tumor cell signaling, stressing the cells rather than directly inhibiting them. This stress makes the cancer cells more vulnerable to specific drugs targeting cells in this heightened state, explained Matheus Henrique Dias, a senior postdoctoral fellow at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI).
The dual approach proved successful in animal models with colorectal cancer and showed promise for other aggressive cancers, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. The therapy is set to be tested in colorectal cancer patients in the Netherlands later this year and is expected to become a viable option for cancer treatment in the coming years, said Dias.
"This is a growing research field," Dias noted, adding that many large corporations are investing in signaling activators and startups are being founded to develop these types of drugs.
The researchers also plan to extend this strategy to target parasites causing neglected tropical diseases, aiming to eliminate them without harming host cells.
