American scientists from the University of Texas at Austin have developed a biological product called PEG-MTAP that restores the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Cancer cell.
Many cancers remove a section of DNA called 9p21. This occurs in melanoma, mesothelioma, some types of brain cancer, and bladder cancer.
Removing (deleting) 9p21 often reduces patients’ chances of recovery and makes the disease resistant to immunotherapy because cancer cells produce a toxic compound called MTA that interferes with the functioning of immune cells.
Deletion of 9p21 eliminates key genes responsible for the healthy development of healthy cells and the production of enzymes that break down MTA toxin. This property allows the cancer to disable the patient’s immunity and also trigger uncontrolled cell division.
Experts synthesized an enzyme that would break down MTA and added flexible polymers to it so that the composition would not be eliminated from the body for several hours.
Scientists tested the drug on laboratory mice and found that it reduced MTA levels to normal levels, allowing the immune system to recover. Observations showed that after administration of the drug, immune T cells began to actively attack tumors.
Researchers plan to conduct additional safety tests for their drugs and are seeking funding for human clinical trials.
Previous scientists developed drug that prevents skin cancer.
Source: Gazeta
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