Biochemists discover new strategy to combat pediatric bone cancer
Researchers at the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center are zeroing in on less toxic and more targeted strategies to combat Ewing sarcoma, an aggressive and rare pediatric cancer that develops in the bones and soft tissues.
Scientists at the University of North Carolina (UNC) are making strides in the fight against Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive pediatric bone cancer. The team has identified LINGO-1, a protein found on the surface of Ewing sarcoma cells, as a potential target for more effective and less toxic treatments. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation details how LINGO-1 can serve as an ideal "tumor-targeting drug-delivery antenna" for suppressing tumor growth.
This discovery could lead to the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which combine a monoclonal antibody with an anticancer drug, providing a more precise approach to cancer treatment. The researchers discovered that opicinumab-MMAE, an ADC targeting LINGO-1, demonstrated minimal toxicity and effectively inhibited tumor growth in preclinical models.
Further research is planned to evaluate the clinical potential of these LINGO-1-specific ADCs, as well as to explore immunotherapies like CAR-T cells designed to recognize and attack the LINGO-1 protein.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
