Most cancer-related deaths can be traced back to lung cancer and account for a third of all tumor-based fatalities. NSCLC (Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer) adenocarcinoma takes up 40 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses. However, available treatments for the condition are few.
Using a novel agent to treat lung cancer
A group of researchers studied PTC596, a novel agent which can reduce tumor growth in mouse models. The models have mutant K-RAS lung cancer. The study was published in the Communications Biology Journal.
The findings, which include a detailed observation of the tumor’s components, will be beneficial to research treatments for novel diseases. It will also help find new ways to suppress tumor growth in patients with NSCLC.
The researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to sample the entire transcriptome of tumor cells from the mouse model and clinical pulmonary specimens.
They also pinpointed that aside from the high number id similarities between the species, there were specific sets of tumor cells in mice and humans that only appear in tumors positive for KRAS. These tumors don’t appear in pink lungs. The scientists also used the mice models to observe a novel treatment currently in phase 1b of clinical trials.
Findings included that the PTC596 drug could kill cancer cells by hindering the BM! oncogene’s activity.
Team leader Dr. Elena Levatini observed that studying these molecular networks is a step in the right direction towards the advanced treatment of lung cancer. Dr. Levanti adds that most patients currently receive generalized chemotherapy treatments. The problem with this type of treatment is that it doesn’t target the affected tumors and damage healthy cells. However, until we fully understand tumor subcomponents, we cannot use targeted therapeutic options for lung cancer patients.
Future applications
The scientists had previously acknowledged the vital role played by BM1 in the growth of tumors. The study made it possible for future applications of the new tumor-targeted option for lung cancer patients who are K- RAS mutated.
