The researchers of the Best University of Navarra have made significant progress in the fight against lung cancerdeveloping a combined strategy that achieved the objectives complete cure for lung cancer inside 100% mouse models. This discovery has been confirmed in different phases of the disease, including metastasiswhich opens new possibilities for treating this aggressive type of cancer in humans.
The doctor Karmele Valenciaprincipal investigator of Lung Cancer Therapeutic Innovation Group of the High and director of the work, explained that this discovery follows a line of research that began with the relationship between the DSTYK protein with the development of a tumor. In previous studies, researchers showed that inhibition of this protein was the “Achilles heel“lung cancer, and now they have reached”decapitate the hydra of the disease » attacking the tumor of different fronts.
The treatment developed involves a cellular stress which sensitizes tumor cells to external stimuli. In 2022, the team discovered that blocking DSTYK improved response to immunotherapyand in this new study they confirmed that it also sensitizes the taxane-based chemotherapy (as paclitaxel either docetaxel), medications commonly used in lung cancer patients.
The results of the work, which are part of the Clinic of the Cancer Center of the University of Navarrawere published in the scientific journal Journal of Thoracic Oncology. In addition, Mirari Écheparéfirst author of the study, presented the results at the recent congress of the Spanish Cancer Research Association (ASEICA)detained in Zaragoza between November 13 and 15.
Dr. Valencia explained that once the mechanism of action of DSTYKthe combined team chemotherapy And immunotherapy with the inhibition of this protein, reaching the complete healing of lung cancer in mice at different stages of the disease, including metastatic. In addition to positive results in lung cancer, preliminary data in breast cancer ovary and of mother They also showed favorable responses.
One of the main challenges of lung cancer treatment is endurance that tumor cells grow over time, even at chemotherapy. According to Dr. Valencia, identifying patients with high levels of DSTYK will predict those who may be more resistant to treatments, which will allow the development most effective therapeutic combinations.
