Scientists Develop ‘Exciting’ New Road Map for Cancer Cell Weakness to One Day Replace Chemo

by Guest Fri Apr 12, 2019 2:32 pm

In one of the largest studies of its kind, researchers are using “powerful” new gene-editing technology to pinpoint the weaknesses in cancer cells. If surgery or localized therapy is not an option, then patients are generally forced to undergo chemotherapy and radiation as a means of attacking cancer cells.

Unfortunately, that also means that patients have to endure all of the debilitating side effects and potential health risks that come with it.

Thankfully, scientists from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Open Targets have developed a groundbreaking new road map that identifies and pinpoints the weakest genetic points of different cancer cells.

In a study that was published in Nature this week, the team used CRISPR technology to disrupt every gene in over 300 cancer models from 30 cancer types and discover thousands of key genes essential for cancer’s survival. The team then developed a new system to prioritize and rank 600 drug targets that show the most promise for development into treatments.

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/scientists-develop-exciting-new-road-map-for-cancer-cell-weakness-to-replace-chemo/

Also

A brand new type of cancer drug that acts as a “Trojan horse” to get inside tumor cells has shown promise in patients with advanced, drug-resistant cancers. Patients with six different cancer types, including those with cervical, bladder, ovarian and lung tumors, have responded positively to the new treatment. Since these patients had already exhausted their other treatment options, the drug could be ready to extend their lifespans within the next five years.

The innovative new drug, called tisotumab vedotin (or TV for short), releases a toxic substance to kill cancer cells from within. The results have been so positive, the drug has now moved forward to phase II trials in cervical cancer and will be tested in a range of additional solid tumor cancers.

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/trojan-horse-drug-treats-patients-with-6-kinds-of-cancer/