A team of experts from Sechenov University, along with colleagues from other universities, is working on the creation of aptamers (single-stranded short DNA molecules that work like small antibodies) that can be used intricately to fight the aggressive disease glioblastoma. and rapidly growing brain cancer. This was reported to socialbites.ca at the First Moscow State Medical University named after IM Sechenov.
Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive form of brain tumor, accounting for 52% of primary brain tumors and 20% of all intracranial tumors. This form of brain tumor is considered the most aggressive, with an average patient survival of about 15 months.
“The problem is that gliomas are not cured at all, glioblastoma is practically a death sentence. And if we can find some kind of therapy that will allow us to at least extend the life of the patient, then this will already be a triumph, ”says Russian professor Galina Pavlova, head of the Department of Medical Genetics at Sechenov University The Academy of Sciences told socialbites.ca.
Aptamers that can recognize and bind to specific molecules can be used in four ways. The first is to create a new therapeutic molecule that can destroy the tumor. Second, to develop an aptamer that will improve the clarity of tumor visualization, helping the neurosurgeon see and completely remove its limitations. Third, with the help of aptamers to increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy. Usually, resistant tumor cells remain after it, which then causes a relapse. The new aptamers will have to destroy them without affecting the healthy ones. And fourth, using aptamers as tumor drug delivery vehicles.
Sechenov University scientists work in these areas.
The molecules are being tested on cell cultures grown from tumor tissue of glioma patients. By the end of 2024, scientists plan to have a molecule for preclinical studies.