NUS and Harvard Scientists Develop Novel Drug to Treat Liver Cancer Effectively
Scientists at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of liver cancer by developing a novel peptide drug called FFW.
This peptide drug, FFW, has the potential to halt the progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) or primary liver cancer, offering a more effective treatment option with fewer side effects.
The research findings indicate that FFW can effectively reduce tumor growth and slow down the spread of cancer cells, providing hope for patients with HCC.
HCC is a rapidly advancing form of liver cancer, and patients typically have a life expectancy of just 11 months after diagnosis. The current first-line treatment, Sorafenib, only extends survival by three months and is associated with adverse side effects.
The protein SALL4, known for its role in tumor growth, has been extensively studied as a prognostic marker and drug target for HCC, as well as other cancers like lung cancer and leukemia. Although SALL4 is typically inactive in adult tissues, it has been classified as an "undruggable target."
However, the research team discovered that the SALL4 protein forms a crucial partnership with another protein called NuRD in the development of cancers such as HCC. This protein interaction provides a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Interestingly, the team found that FFW could bind to the SALL4-NuRD complex, inhibiting its activity and potentially disrupting tumor growth.
Furthermore, when FFW was used in combination with Sorafenib, it demonstrated the ability to reduce the growth of Sorafenib-resistant HCC, offering a potential solution for patients who do not respond well to standard treatment.
Peptide drugs like FFW have certain advantages over traditional small-molecule drugs. They exhibit higher selectivity, specifically targeting large binding surfaces, and generally have a safer toxicity profile.
The development of FFW as a peptide drug opens up new possibilities for targeted therapies and paves the way for more effective and safer treatments for liver cancer patients.
