I’m fighting cancer. Credit: Third Man, Pexels.
A major advance by the Francis Crick Institute and Vividion Therapeutics could change the future of cancer treatment.
Researchers have identified a compound that stops tumors from growing by blocking the signals that cause cancer cells to divide. Best of all, this treatment does not damage normal tissue like regular chemotherapy.
Published in science This month’s study showed that the new compound prevents the RAS gene, which is mutated in about one in five cancers, from binding to a key enzyme called PI3K, which helps control cell growth. When RAS is mutated, it becomes permanently active, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation.
Safely targeting cancer’s “on switch”
Previous drugs have had difficulty targeting RAS because blocking it completely disrupts normal cell function and causes serious side effects such as hyperglycemia. However, the Crick team discovered a way to selectively block the connection between RAS and PI3K, while leaving other important functions of PI3K intact, such as insulin regulation.
Studies in mice with RAS-mutant lung tumors showed that the treatment halted tumor growth without causing an increase in blood sugar levels. When combined with other targeted anticancer drugs, this therapy achieved even more potent and long-lasting effects.
Julian Downward, principal group leader in Crick University’s Institute of Cancer Gene Biology, said: “Our collaborative efforts have overcome this challenge by specifically targeting the interaction between PI3K and RAS, leaving PI3K free to bind other targets. It is exciting to see these clinical trials begin and highlights the power of understanding chemistry and basic biology to arrive at something that has the potential to help cancer patients.”
This therapy was also shown to be effective against HER2-mutated breast tumors, suggesting it may be able to treat a broader range of cancers beyond RAS-derived cancers.
Human clinical trials are currently underway
This new compound is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials, testing its safety and side effects in people with RAS and HER2 mutations. The trial will also investigate how the compound works when combined with other RAS-targeted therapies.
“We have discovered a way to selectively block key cancer growth signals by engineering molecules that block the binding of RAS and PI3K, while allowing healthy cellular processes to continue. It’s incredibly rewarding to see this science now progressing in the clinic, with the potential to make a real difference for patients,” said Dr. Matt Patricelli, Vividion’s chief scientific officer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The discovery comes at a critical time for research and hope in the fight against breast cancer, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Sadly, the number of breast cancer cases continues to rise, but breakthroughs like this bring renewed optimism to patients and their families.
As this global collaboration moves from the lab to the clinic, it represents common progress towards safer and more targeted cancer treatments for everyone.
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