A team of researchers has made significant progress in lung cancer treatment by developing an innovative method to repurpose small molecules released by cells. These molecules serve as platforms to deliver drugs containing anti-RNA molecules, specifically targeting lung cancer cells and slowing disease progression.
Interdisciplinary Research Efforts
The study was conducted in collaboration with the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), the National Cancer Centre Singapore, and the Duke-NUS Medical School. The research team, led by Dr. Min Lee from the Institute for Digital Medicine, worked closely with the Department of Pharmacology at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS.
Lung Cancer and the Innovative Approach
Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally and the second most diagnosed cancer type. A significant challenge in treating lung cancer is the rapid development of drug resistance due to cancer mutations, underscoring the need for innovative and effective therapies.
In a study published in eBioMedicine on September 19, researchers utilized anti-RNA molecules to address drug resistance and advance precision medicine. These molecules can bind to specific RNA segments and inhibit abnormal cellular activity.
Precision Medicine: Tailored Treatments for Patients
Precision medicine aims to design treatments tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer, contrasting with the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional therapies. NSCLC, known for its adaptability in developing drug resistance, is a prime candidate for personalized treatments using anti-RNA molecules. These molecules offer a flexible and customizable tool for targeting unique cancer mutations.
Innovative Drug Delivery Techniques
Despite their potential, anti-RNA molecules face the challenge of rapid degradation in the bloodstream, reducing their effectiveness at the tumor site. To overcome this, researchers employed extracellular vesicles derived from human red blood cells as natural carriers to deliver therapeutic molecules directly to the tumor site.
Promising Results
The study demonstrated that extracellular vesicles loaded with anti-RNA molecules exhibited strong anti-cancer effects in various lung cancer models, including patient-derived cancer cells.
Researchers’ Insights
Associate Professor Tam Wai Leong, Deputy Executive Director of the Genome Institute of Singapore and a co-author of the study, stated:
“The innovative use of extracellular vesicles as carriers for nuclear therapies offers a powerful therapeutic potential for treating tumors.”
He added:
“The ability to precisely target cancerous cells while preserving healthy tissue enables the delivery of personalized treatments, representing a pivotal step in overcoming drug resistance and advancing personalized cancer care.”
This groundbreaking discovery marks an important step toward more accurate and effective cancer treatments, paving the way for a new era in oncology.
