Drug that targets an inflammatory enzyme could help prevent lung cancer

Every year, lung cancer claims over 100,000 lives in the United States, with smoking being the primary risk factor. However, environmental factors can also contribute to the disease. Researchers at MIT have discovered that blocking an enzyme involved in lung inflammation may reduce the risk of developing tumors. This enzyme, caspase-1, is active in developing tumors in mice.

When mice were treated with a drug that inhibits caspase-1, they were less likely to develop lung tumors. The drug, which has already been tested in clinical trials for other diseases, is now being considered for testing in high-risk individuals for lung cancer. Sangeeta Bhatia, a professor at MIT and the senior author of the study, explains that this approach, known as cancer interception, could potentially help millions of people.