Novel approach could lead to treatment of devastating brain tumors


Date:
May 9, 2022
Source:
University of Surrey
Summary:
Findings from a seven-year research project suggests that there
could be a new approach to treating one of the most common and
devasting forms of brain cancer in adults -- Glioblastoma Multiforme
(GBM).



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Findings from a seven-year research project suggests that there could
be a new approach to treating one of the most common and devasting forms
of brain cancer in adults -- Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).


==========================================================================
In a peer-reviewed study published by BMC Cancer,scientists from the
University of Surrey show that a short chain of amino acids (the HTL-001 peptide) is effective at targeting and inhibiting the function of a
family of genes responsible for the growth of GBM -- Hox genes. The
study was conducted in cell and animal models.

The HTL-001 peptide used in the study has undergone safety testing and
is suitable for patient trials. These trials are now being considered
in GBM and other cancers.

Hardev Pandha, project lead and Professor of Medical Oncology at
the University of Surrey, said: "People who suffer from Glioblastoma
Multiforme have a five per cent survival rate over a five-year period --
a figure that has not improved in decades.

While we are still early in the process, our seven-year project offers
a glimmer of hope for finding a solution to Hox gene dysregulation,
which is associated with the growth of GBM and other cancers, and which
has proven to be elusive as a target for so many years." Ironically,
Hox genes are responsible for the healthy growth of brain tissue but
are ordinarily silenced at birth after vigorous activity in the growing
embryo. However, if they are inappropriately 'switched on' again, their activity can lead to the progression of cancer. Hox gene dysregulation
has long been recognised in GBM.

The project was carried out in collaboration with the universities of
Surrey, Leeds and Texas, and HOX Therapeutics, a University of Surrey
start-up company based on the University's Surrey Research Park.

Professor Susan Short, co-author of the study from the University
of Leeds, said: "We desperately need new treatment avenues for these
aggressive brain tumours.

Targeting developmental genes like the HOX genes that are abnormally
switched on in the tumour cells could be a novel and effective
way to stop glioblastomas growing and becoming life-threatening."
James Culverwell, CEO of HOX Therapeutics, said: "HOX Therapeutics
is excited to be associated with this project and we hope that with
our continuing support, this research will eventually lead to novel and effective treatments for both brain and other cancers where HOX gene over- expression is a clear therapeutic target."

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Surrey. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Einthavy Arunachalam, William Rogers, Guy R. Simpson, Carla Mo"ller-
Levet, Gemma Bolton, Mohammed Ismael, Christopher Smith, Karl
Keegen, Izhar Bagwan, Tim Brend, Susan C. Short, Bangxing Hong,
Yoshihiro Otani, Balveen Kaur, Nicola Annels, Richard Morgan,
Hardev Pandha. HOX and PBX gene dysregulation as a therapeutic
target in glioblastoma multiforme.

BMC Cancer, 2022; 22 (1) DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09466-8 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220509100942.htm

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