by A team of scientists, led by Saïd Sebti, Ph.D, at the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, recently made a significant breakthrough in the fight against some of the deadliest forms of cancer. Through their collaborative research efforts, they successfully developed a targeted therapy that specifically targets the KRAS protein, which drives pancreatic, lung, and colon tumors. The results of their study were published in Cancer Research Communications.
The researchers focused on targeting the KRAS G12D subset of the KRAS gene, known for its role in promoting the growth of cancer cells. By screening a library of compounds, the team identified a novel inhibitor drug called KRAS Binder-456 (KRB-456) that effectively binds to KRAS and prevents it from causing cancer. In the study, they found that KRB-456 significantly inhibited the growth of mutant KRAS-addicted tumors derived from pancreatic cancer patients who did not respond to traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Saïd Sebti, the associate director for basic research and the Lacy Family Chair in Cancer Research at Massey, emphasized the importance of this discovery in the fight against aggressive forms of cancer. He stated that this collaborative effort represents a significant advancement in the development of targeted therapies for KRAS-driven cancers like pancreatic cancer.
The next step for the researchers is to further investigate KRB-456 by testing it in combination with standard-of-care therapeutic options. This will help determine its potential as a supplemental treatment for cancer or inform the development of a more potent or selective drug against KRAS G12D-driven tumors.
Sebti highlighted the excitement among researchers in the field of oncology, who aspire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of cancer patients. He emphasized that their work could directly impact those battling this devastating disease. He also mentioned that the discovery challenges the notion that KRAS was an “undruggable target” and paves the way for the development of effective drugs for KRAS G12D-driven cancers.
Mutations in the KRAS gene are prevalent in various types of cancer, with more than 90% of pancreatic cancers, about 35% of colon tumors, and approximately one-quarter of lung tumors having a mutant KRAS gene. Sebti believes that targeting the mutation rather than the specific disease will provide a therapeutic option that could also be effective for lung and colon tumors with the KRAS G12D mutation.
This breakthrough builds on nearly a decade’s worth of research led by Sebti at different cancer centers, focusing on understanding the role of the KRAS gene in cancer development.
Sebti’s laboratory at the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is dedicated to researching cancer biology and developing innovative therapeutic interventions. Through cutting-edge technology and collaborative efforts, the lab aims to unravel the complexities of cancer and develop novel strategies for its effective treatment.
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Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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