Scientists have developed a way to fight untreatable tumors

The new molecule can stop the growth of tumors that previously had no effect on drugs. This is stated in the article by Medicalexpress, which was reviewed by Izvestia on August 6.

Researchers from the USA have developed a special molecule that can simultaneously suppress two dangerous genes — KRAS and MYC. These genes are involved in the development of the most complex forms of cancer — lung, pancreas, intestines and others.

"Shutting down these two genes at the same time is like hitting a tumor's weak spots. This approach has a huge potential," said Chad Pekot, one of the authors of the work, Professor of medicine.

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We are talking about a technology that uses a process called "RNA interference". This is a way to selectively "turn off" certain genes inside cells. The new molecule not only does this with two key genes at once, but also delivers the drug directly to the tumor.

In laboratory tests, the effect was 40 times stronger than using conventional methods of suppressing a single gene.

KRAS gene mutations occur in almost a quarter of all cancers, and the MYC gene is disrupted in about half of the tumors. The problem is that doctors have not been able to treat them with drugs until now.

"MYC is just as important as KRAS, but there are still no working drugs for it," the scientist explained.

The new molecule can be used to treat different types of cancer and will be suitable for many patients. And in the future, as scientists suggest, it can be modified so that it blocks three genes at once.

"This is a big step forward in the development of RNA drugs. We hope that thanks to this technology, patients with the most complex forms of cancer will have a real chance of treatment," concluded Pekot.

Evgeny Libson, Deputy Director of the Institute of Oncology at the European Medical Center (EMC), spoke on August 1 about the importance of early detection of lung cancer. The doctor also stressed that smoking is the main cause of cancer.

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