Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin have engineered a novel pharmaceutical that enhances the immune system’s capabilities to combat cancer. The medication specifically targets a frequent DNA segment removal prevalent in various cancers. This deletion prompts the release of a toxic molecule that impairs immune function. Preliminary tests in animals indicate that the drug mitigates this adverse effect, thereby augmenting the impact of immunotherapies. Should this innovative research prove effective in human clinical trials, it could constitute a major breakthrough in oncological treatment.
A group from The University of Texas at Austin has formulated a medication that amplifies the immune system’s ability to battle cancers possessing this typical DNA segment deletion. The pharmaceutical has demonstrated potential in animal studies by amplifying the success rates of immunotherapies.
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Biologically-Inspired Medication Augments Immune Counteraction to Cancer
Researchers led by a team from The University of Texas at Austin have discovered a bio-engineered drug that revives the immune system’s efficacy against cancer. In animal models for melanoma, bladder cancer, leukemia, and colon cancer, the medication inhibited tumor growth, increased life expectancy, and improved the performance of immunotherapies. Published in the scientific journal Cancer Cell, this groundbreaking research could revolutionize treatment for a broad spectrum of cancer patients.
Deciphering the Role of DNA Deletion
Many cancers involve the removal of a DNA segment known as 9p21. This deletion is the most common among all cancer types, manifesting in 25%-50% of specific cancers such as melanoma, bladder cancer, mesothelioma, and certain brain cancers. Medical scientists have long understood that this genetic alteration is associated with poorer patient outcomes and a reduced efficacy of immunotherapies.
The deletion enables cancer cells to evade detection and destruction by the immune system. This is partially achieved by the cancer cells secreting a toxic molecule named MTA, which disrupts the standard functionality of immune cells and also undermines the efficiency of immunotherapies.
Prospects of the Innovative Medication
Everett Stone, a research associate professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences and associate professor of oncology at Dell Medical School, who spearheaded the research, stated, “In animal models, our drug normalizes the levels of MTA, reactivating the immune system. We observe a marked increase of T cells surrounding the tumor, and they are in an aggressive state, poised for attack.”
Stone anticipates that the drug will be utilized in conjunction with immunotherapies to further enhance their effectiveness.
Understanding the Genetic Consequences of Deletion
The removal of the 9p21 segment causes the disappearance of vital genes within cancer cells, including genes that produce proteins which regulate cell cycles. This enables cells to proliferate unchecked, a key characteristic of cancer. Moreover, a gene responsible for neutralizing the toxin MTA is also lost. According to Stone, this gives cancer cells the added ability to disable the immune system.
The medication was created by starting with an existing enzyme that naturally breaks down MTA, to which polymers were added for stability. “It already was a potent enzyme; however, we needed to extend its longevity in the bloodstream,” said Stone. Further tests are planned for the pharmaceutical, termed PEG-MTAP, and funding is being sought for its transition into human clinical trials.
Additional Information
The study’s co-authors and other significant contributors have been meticulously credited. The research was funded by multiple institutions including the National Cancer Institute and the Doris Duke Foundation, among others. All researchers have complied with financial disclosure requirements. Patents related to this work are owned by The University of Texas at Austin and were invented by Stone and Gjuka.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cancer Research
What is the main focus of the research conducted by The University of Texas at Austin?
The primary focus of the research is the development of a new drug designed to enhance the immune system’s ability to combat various types of cancer. The medication specifically aims to counteract a common DNA deletion found in cancer cells.
Who led the research team?
The research was led by Everett Stone, a research associate professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences and an associate professor of oncology at Dell Medical School.
What is the significance of the DNA deletion known as 9p21?
The 9p21 DNA deletion is the most common genetic alteration found across all types of cancer and is associated with poorer patient outcomes. It also reduces the efficacy of immunotherapies by enabling cancer cells to release a toxic molecule named MTA that disrupts normal immune cell function.
How did the new drug perform in animal tests?
In animal models, the drug successfully normalized the levels of the toxic molecule MTA, allowing the immune system to become more effective in combating the cancer. This also led to increased presence and activity of T cells around the tumor.
What are the anticipated applications of this new drug?
The drug is expected to be used in combination with existing immunotherapies to boost their effectiveness in treating various types of cancer.
What is the next step in the development of this drug?
The next steps involve further safety tests on the drug, termed PEG-MTAP. The research team is also seeking funding to advance the drug into human clinical trials.
Who funded this research?
The research was supported by a range of institutions including the National Cancer Institute, the Doris Duke Foundation, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and several others.
Are there any patents related to this work?
Yes, patents related to this work are owned by The University of Texas at Austin. Everett Stone and Donjeta Gjuka are listed as the inventors.
More about Cancer Research
- Original Research Publication in Cancer Cell
- The University of Texas at Austin’s Official Press Release
- National Cancer Institute Funding Programs
- Doris Duke Foundation Research Grants
- Profile of Everett Stone at Dell Medical School
- Information on DNA Deletion 9p21
- Overview of Immunotherapies in Cancer Treatment
- PEG-MTAP: An Emerging Drug Candidate
- Financial Disclosure Requirements in Academic Research
9 comments
So they’ve found a way to counteract a DNA deletion that’s common in cancers? That’s insanely cool.
Wow, this is big! If it works in human trials, cancer treatment could take a huge leap forward.
I lost my dad to cancer and this gives me hope for others. But let’s not jump the gun, it’s only been successful in animal models for now.
If this is as good as it sounds, Big Pharma better not make it unaffordable for regular folks.
Sounds promising but we’ve heard similar stories before that didn’t pan out. Lets see how it does in human trials.
can’t wait to see how it does in human tests. If it works, this is gonna be massive!
The part about restoring the immune system is what excites me the most. A functional immune system is key to fighting off not just cancer but many diseases.
Finally some good news in 2023! But it’s a long way from mice to men, so lets keep our fingers crossed for the human trials.
Kudos to the team from UT Austin. This could be a game changer, especially in boosting existing immunotherapies.