Targeting MDA-9 restrains head and neck tumor growth and eliminates therapy resistance
Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of treatment for head and neck cancers, the seventh-most-common type of cancer worldwide. However, the disease is often diagnosed at a late stage, once it has already spread to other organs, and the majority of patients receiving active treatment will develop resistance to chemotherapy within months, underscoring the need for more effective care strategies.
Targeting the MDA-9/Syntenin protein offers a promising approach to treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a common cancer type with high resistance to chemotherapy. Researchers at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered that a small molecule inhibitor, IVMT-Rx-4, selectively blocks the function of MDA-9/Syntenin, limiting tumor growth and spread without causing toxicity.
This drug also targets cancer stem cells, which are responsible for cancer recurrence and therapy resistance. By suppressing the expression of the BMI1 transcription factor, IVMT-Rx-4 can reverse the properties of chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells. The findings suggest that IVMT-Rx-4 could be an effective, targeted therapy for advanced and resistant HNSCC cases, paving the way for further development and potential clinical use.
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