Discovery of Weak Point in Glioblastoma Cancer Boosts Treatment Hopes
International scientists have identified a biological target that breaks the treatment resistance of fatal brain tumors, rendering cancer cells vulnerable.
In an international study, a significant discovery was made regarding the defense shield of glioblastoma, a fatal brain tumor that exhibits high resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, determining that blocking the SET protein renders cancer cells vulnerable.
Background of the Research
Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a biological target that weakens cancer cells by examining the mechanisms that enable the tumor to survive.
In experiments conducted in laboratory and animal models, the SET protein, which suppresses the PP2A enzyme controlling cancer cell growth and recovery after treatment, was examined.
The Effect of the SET Protein
Researchers determined that blocking the SET protein prevents tumor formation and leaves the remaining cancer cells extremely vulnerable to radiation therapy.
Expert Opinions
Study author and radiation oncology expert Dr. Arnab Chakravarti stated that glioblastoma is one of the most difficult cancer types to treat due to its ability to adapt and survive.
Dr. Chakravarti expressed that reactivating the PP2A enzyme breaks the resistance mechanism of cancer cells and could make existing treatments more effective.
Next Steps
Experts reported that the method in question is still in the preclinical stage and that safety and efficacy tests on humans will be conducted.
The research team noted that survival times for glioblastoma patients could be extended through the development of new targeted drug combinations.